

K-5th Grade School Counseling News
February 2025
Welcome to the K-5 Counseling Corner
Dear Students,
Happy February! This month, we’re focusing on the character word UNIQUENESS, and that means celebrating what makes YOU special! Each of us has different talents, interests, and ways of seeing the world, and that’s what makes our school such an amazing place. As we celebrate Black History Month, let's take time to learn about inspiring leaders who have made a difference in the world.
Remember, you are important, you are capable, and you matter! Being unique is a superpower! Be proud of who you are, and always be kind and accepting of other’s differences. Let’s make February a month of celebrating ourselves and each other!
If you ever need someone to talk to, your school counselors are always here to help.
Keep shining bright!
Warmly,
PGB-EGB School Counselors
How to reach the K-5 School Counselors
You can reach your counselor by calling the main number 404-334-4790 and then dialing the extension beside their name or contacting them via email. Both have been provided for you below.
Mrs. Edgecombe (K-5 Counseling Lead)
Mrs. Lowe (3rd Grade Counselor)
Mrs. Newman (4th Grade Counselor)
Mrs. Hawkins (5th Grade Counselor)
How to reach the K-5 School Social Worker
Primary and Elementary School Worker
Ms. Cassandra Doss
Email: cdoss@georgiacyber.org
Phone ext. 12846
I am super excited about the 24-25 school year and working to support you! My virtual office is always open. Please don't hesitate to reach out.
State and National Initiatives, Celebrations, and Events
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
International Boost Self-Esteem Month
The International Boost Self-Esteem Month is annually observed in February. It is a period set aside in the year to help us believe in and appreciate ourselves more, despite whatever we may be facing.
Career and Technical Education Month
Career and Technical Education Month, or CTE Month, is a public awareness campaign that takes place each February to celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country.
For Parents
K-5 Counseling Parent Book Club
K-5 Counselors are having an exciting Parent Book Club!!!! We're studying....The Danish Way of Parenting. What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids.
Discover and discuss the parenting secrets of the happiest people in the world!
BONUS: Learn quick tips on how to support your child in Math with Carson Oliver & How to help your child be on their best GCA behavior with TaMesha Shelton
***Attend all sessions and *enter into a drawing to WIN prizes!
Date: Feb. 18th- March 18th
Time: 5:00PM- 6:00PM
Registion link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPwfGIdqdJ7wOU2-9XI1kdoiT_bAVm-7bhKp5QXdKi_BoDdw/viewform
A link to the session will be sent separately.
For Students
We’re excited to invite you and your student to an upcoming Girl Scouts Info Session to learn more about the amazing opportunities available for elementary and primary school students! Whether your child is curious about adventure, leadership, or making new friends, Girl Scouts offers a fun and enriching experience. Many of our families are asking for opportunities to get their students engaged and involved in their communities and with other students, and this is a wonderful opportunity to do so!
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (EST)
Where: Zoom Webinar (link here)
We hope you can join us for this informative event! If you have any questions in advance, feel free to reach out. If you are unable to join, this session will be recorded and shared with you all after the event.
In celebration of CTAE month, we are hosting a field trip for all of our students, K-12 with our new partner, Georgia Safari Conservation Park in Madison, GA. They have developed a special behind the scenes look specifically for GCA students to get a behind the scenes look at all of the jobs at the park (Animal Care, Hospitality, Marketing, Logistics).
Students in Elementary and Primary school must bring a chaperone. Cost is $25/person and tickets are first come first serve. The deadline to register is Feb 14th at 4:00 PM. The event is Feb 28th from 9:00 AM-12:30 PM.
See flyer for registration link and detailed instructions
Counseling Lessons
We are going to have a great time this year as we explore careers, build character, and learn skills to help you become the best students you can be and ACE the school year!
** Please understand if your student does not get called on or recognized individually in class, emails are always welcome if your child wants to share something with their school counselor**
Character Word of the Month: UNIQUENESS
SAY IT: Uniqueness: Learning more about others so you can know more about yourself
KNOW IT:
ASK A GROWN-UP: • What are some things you remember about your childhood that made you feel unique? • Do you remember a time when your uniqueness helped you understand others?
ASK A FRIEND (KID): • What are some ways you feel unique? • Has anyone ever complimented you on something that made you feel unique?
SEE IT:
Take a few minutes to watch this video and be reminded that the reflection in your own mirror can stop and have a conversation with you, taking notice of all the things that make you unique and wonderful. https://youtu.be/D9OOXCu5XMg?si=Vq8YyHFxNbD8pale
BE IT:
Make a list of things you find wonderful and unique about yourself, your friends, and your family members. Take time to remind yourself and your friends and family of the things you love and appreciate about our uniqueness.
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAYS
The K-5th grade School Counselors will lead our Motivational Mondays initiative. This is where your child receives a message of encouragement from their Counselor on Mondays. If you haven't received a message yet...be on the look out... Motivational Monday messages are coming to an "inbox" near you!
Free Your Feels! Georgia crisis line for Georgia youth that need support
Free Your Feels is a mental health awareness campaign encouraging Georgia's young people to explore their real feelings and share them without being afraid.
Interested in raising awareness about youth mental health? This toolkit will help you get started. With social media posts, infographics, and helpful tips, you'll be equipped to start the conversation. Click on the Free Your Feel image to the right to access the toolkit!
GCA Community Events
WANT TO ATTEND FIELD TRIPS OR ATTEND COMMUNITY EVENTS?
CLICK THE LINK BELOW!!
GCA's Patch Program
The Community Events & Partnerships Team is excited to offer another year of their recognition program known as the Patch Program. The Patch Program is an optional opportunity for students to earn patches and be awarded for regularly attending GCA hosted events and outings.
The K-5th grade Counselors are sending a big shout out to ALL students celebrating birthday's in February. We are wishing you a very happy day, and a splendid year.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AND MANY MORE!!!!!!
GCA Virtual Community Center
We are excited to announce that our GCA Virtual Community Center (VCC) is now live in the GCA Champions Portal. You can access the portal at https://www.georgiacyber.org/champion-portal and you're able to login with your GCA email and password.
In the portal, you'll see the VCC button on the bottom left corner of your homepage. There, you'll find two groups of resources-One for students and one for families.
The categories there can be expanded to show a variety of resources, which will grow and be updated regularly. If you need help with a particular resource that is not listed, please let us know. If you have any questions about the VCC or need an additional or different type of resource, please contact Mayya Bryan (maybryan@georgiacyber.org)."
24-25 Attendance Pep Rally Winners
Thank you all for attending the Minion Reasons to Be a H.E.R.O. Attendance Pep Rally! We are thrilled to announce that EGB is our grand prize winner for achieving the highest attendance.
Additionally, congratulations to Leah P. from EGB for winning the Six Flags tickets!!
We would also like to recognize our other grade band winners:
PGB: Bailey M.
Congratulations to all our winners! We hope you enjoy your prizes!
Every School Day Counts!
IN THE KNOW WITH GCA!!!
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GCA.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE GCA EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES!
Keeping up with GCA Counseling!
Georgia Cyber Academy: www.georgiacyber.org
Parent Calendar: https://www.georgiacyber.org/calendars/parent-calendar
Elementary Counseling Website: https://www.georgiacyber.org/school-life/counseling/k5-counseling
School Counseling Website:
💡 Reminders
Who Should I Contact
- Scheduling Concerns- Melissa Filiatreau ext: 2050 mfiliatreau@georgiacyber.org
- Advanced Placement/ Gifted - Stacy Clendenen ext: 2089 sclendenen@georgiacyber.org
- Software Issues(Canvas, Class) – FEL
- Attendance- Attendance Specialist
- Password Resets- FEL
- Technology Issues-Curriculum or instructional platform issues (student courses, G-suite, or Clever, Canvas, Class, Infinite Campus): technology@georgiacyber.org
Mission Statement
The mission of the Georgia Cyber Academy’s (GCA) Counseling & Student Support Services Department is to provide a comprehensive program that is accessible to all students and assists students with acquiring the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become effective students, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners. The student services program is an integral part of the school’s total program with a commitment to individual uniqueness and the maximum development of human potential. We use a variety of differentiated interventions to ensure each student receives equitable services. The program addresses the personal/social, educational, and career needs and desires of each GCA student . The department’s ultimate goal is for students to graduate with the competencies necessary to be able to make self-directed, realistic, and responsible decisions and to be successful contributors to society.
Vision Statement
Through a holistic approach, the Georgia Cyber Academy Counseling Department will empower all students to reach their highest potential by using a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes academic, career and personal/social development. Our program will foster the growth of each student as a civic minded contributor with their local communities and beyond. Upon graduation, students will be college and/or career ready and will have the competencies necessary to be able to make self-directed, realistic, and responsible decisions to be successful contributors to society.
Belief Statement
The GCA Counseling & Student Support Services believe:
- Students’ ability to learn is dependent upon having their basic needs met.
- All students are unique, and when given a safe, nurturing environment, will succeed to their fullest potential
- All students should have access to a high quality education
- All students have the right to be heard and treated with respect
- Members of our department are advocates for every student
- The services and interventions we provide should be data driven and developmentally appropriate
- Staying abreast of ethical standards and developments within our profession is necessary to effectively serve our students
- Applying the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors empowers school counselors to make decisions based on the highest moral principles to promote the maximum development of every student