No one could have predicted when we began the 2019-2020 school year that by the fourth quarter of the year, we would have been shifted to a distance learning platform.  The unexpected shift due to local, state, and federal mandates to protect against the spread of COVID-19 caught most of us by surprise.

Despite the urgent need to transition our academic program to a virtual platform, the GCA community has shown remarkable resiliency, creativity, and adaptability!  After extending spring break by only two days and using the ten-day period for faculty and staff to prepare, Grace Christian Academy made school history when the distance learning format launched on Wed., March 25.

The GCA administration began asking for feedback immediately from families as we navigated this new territory together.  Teachers began to adapt and creatively structure their lessons so that regardless of the age of their students, their educational journey would continue.  Lots of staff and teachers stepped outside of their comfort zones and delved into new technology, new ideas, and new formats for conveying information.  As the days have passed, we’ve continued to monitor and tweak our program based on the needs of students and parents during this exceptional season.

What have parents said?  We’re so thrilled that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive!  We know that this unexpected season has brought about new challenges, stress, and worry for many people.  Our desire at Grace Christian Academy is to continue offering an excellent educational program while balancing the needs of families with GRACE as we all persevere through this season.

We hope that you, too, will be encouraged by the great reports we’re hearing from GCA families:

“I get just as excited as my daughter on days she zooms with her class.

I love that she gets in front of her laptop early, waiting with anticipation.” – LS parent

 

“While listening to the announcement when Mrs. Henderson prayed at the end, she said, yep this is ‘normal’.  To hear her say this is “normal” means GCA is executing this distance learning to a “T”.  And to her, it feels just like she is physically there at school.

Well done, GCA.” – LS parent

“You have been wonderful through all this uncertainty!  Thank you guys for being patient, and for all the helpful videos, and just everything!! I’m so thankful our kids can finish this year out....all thanks to you and the other wonderful GCA staff!” – EM parent

“We are blessed with the best teachers at GCA! Thank you for your additional efforts during distance learning! I’m so impressed with the creative ways you all continue not just educate but love and encourage our kids!” – US parent

“WOW!!!! Just WOW! I cannot express how immensely impressed I am with the GCA teachers, staff, and tech support. They TRULY are SUPERHEROES!!!! Special shout out to my child’s teacher for going above and beyond. I am still amazed at how detailed the lesson plans, videos, activities and additional online resources have been from day one. How in the world did all that get pulled together during spring break??? I am amazed. And all with a comforting, supportive, positive spirit that shines with Christ’s love. Huge THANK YOU to those superheroes! You each get a standing ovation from me!!!!”  - LS parent

“I have reflected about the love, work, dedication and focus GCA has put in behind the scenes, for several days.  The level of excellence, communication, and love that has been shown throughout this “season” is just another reason that continues to solidify our choice to be part of the Grace family. 

Thank you GCA, for your steadfastness, for the cause of Christ, in all you do, we are eternally grateful. 

Philippians 1:3  Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” – LS parent

“This is what it looks like but what I’m writing is what this momma sees: a kiddo’s excitement to interact with all of his classmates; the way he works through questions, assessing problems; looking in his books for lessons’ answers but looking in God’s Holy Word for answers to life’s questions. Part of question his teacher asked today: “How does God help you adapt?” His first comment: Mom, you know one of the verses about not fearing?” -LS parent

“We are so grateful for Mrs. Casebier! Our son continues to really enjoy class even from a distance! Thank you for helping our senior finish strong!” – US parent

“Our family is blessed to have had a child in not just one, but in all three of these amazing 1st grade teacher’s classes, and we are now watching a team of three 4th grade teachers come together to teach the entire 4th grade in unity. We are super grateful for these amazing ladies at GCA and for the way they continue to pour into my boys.” – LS parent

“Christ Centered Biblical teaching in school that feels like a family, how blessed we are!  Thank you GCA!” -LS parent

“Thank you to everyone (teachers, IT, staff) for working so hard to make distance learning as easy as possible! The fifth-grade teachers have been so wonderfully patient with us, as well as all of the 9th grade teachers. I’m glad we’re all in this together!” – US/EM parent

“Thank you GCA staff! We couldn’t be more proud or grateful to be a Ram. You are committed both in academics and love, despite the circumstances.” – LS parent

“I have been so impressed by the ingenuity of all the staff!! Our teachers truly are amazing! You can see the love they have for our kiddos each day.” – EM parent

“Thankful for all the teachers for their hard work as they are adjusting to this new way and for the understanding and grace shown during this unique time.” – US parent

“Thank you to my child’s teacher and all of the GCA staff. We are so grateful for you! You have gone above and beyond! Couldn’t be more thankful we are GCA rams!” – LS parent

“You guys have done a fabulous job of getting this all together!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!” – MS parent

“Thank you to all GCA staff for all that they do! Thank you for loving my child.” – US parent

“The videos and teaching format has been awesome! We are really enjoying all working together!” – MS parent

 

Thank you, GCA families, for your incredible support and partnership as we have ventured into new territory and new chapter in education for Grace Christian Academy.  We miss the daily interaction with you and your students and are excited to think about the day that we’re reunited on campus!

 

I thank my God every time I think of you!  I always pray with joy, whenever I pray for you all, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.  Philippians 1:3-5