Parsons Christian Academy
COVID – 19 Update
March 29th, 2020
COVID – 19 Update
March 29th, 2020
Parsons Family,
Congratulations on making it through the first week of remote learning!
I am so extremely proud to be part of the PCA Lion Family. Our staff, our parents, and our students have shown tremendous strength this week. This was such a new and exhausting venture for everyone involved but I saw so many examples of everyone giving it their all. I saw teachers working together, teachers working with parents, and teachers working with their students to make this transition as easy as possible.
We are fully aware that most of you had no intention of homeschooling your child(ren) this year. We are also aware that many of you did not have the technology to bring the classroom into your living room. Many families are still faced with the challenge of children learning remotely while the parents are working. We, as a staff, are re-thinking many of the plans we made for the fourth nine weeks in terms of a plan B or plan C even.
More than anything, though, I have seen our Lord glorified this week. Situations like this tend to bring out the best in humanity or the worst. I am so thankful that, for PCA, it has definitely brought out the best and reminded us all of the family that we are.
As many of you know we “Facebook Live” all of our Middle/high chapels. This Friday we will be hosting a chapel service at 10:00 am. We invite you all to join us as we praise Jesus for our PCA family and for the provision He continues to provide.
Tomorrow, we will conquer week two. Last weeks obstacles will be in the rearview mirror and new ones will take their place as it does in any school year. We will continue to be your support in any way that we can.
In His Love,
Ms. Grace
Congratulations on making it through the first week of remote learning!
I am so extremely proud to be part of the PCA Lion Family. Our staff, our parents, and our students have shown tremendous strength this week. This was such a new and exhausting venture for everyone involved but I saw so many examples of everyone giving it their all. I saw teachers working together, teachers working with parents, and teachers working with their students to make this transition as easy as possible.
We are fully aware that most of you had no intention of homeschooling your child(ren) this year. We are also aware that many of you did not have the technology to bring the classroom into your living room. Many families are still faced with the challenge of children learning remotely while the parents are working. We, as a staff, are re-thinking many of the plans we made for the fourth nine weeks in terms of a plan B or plan C even.
More than anything, though, I have seen our Lord glorified this week. Situations like this tend to bring out the best in humanity or the worst. I am so thankful that, for PCA, it has definitely brought out the best and reminded us all of the family that we are.
As many of you know we “Facebook Live” all of our Middle/high chapels. This Friday we will be hosting a chapel service at 10:00 am. We invite you all to join us as we praise Jesus for our PCA family and for the provision He continues to provide.
Tomorrow, we will conquer week two. Last weeks obstacles will be in the rearview mirror and new ones will take their place as it does in any school year. We will continue to be your support in any way that we can.
In His Love,
Ms. Grace
Parsons Christian Academy
COVID – 19 Update
March 23rd, 2020
COVID – 19 Update
March 23rd, 2020
Parsons Family,
Last Friday and Saturday, our elementary parents picked up packets for the first two weeks of their child(ren)’s work. Today, our middle/high parents picked up their child(ren)’s books and lessons.
Then came the executive order that I’ve hoped would not come.
“As of tomorrow at 8am… there is an executive order from Mayor Curry that anyone who can work from home is now mandated to do so. Effective 8am Tuesday. If they do not follow the order, they could face fines and citations from the fire marshal.” (COJ Twitter)
While many of our teachers prefer to work on campus, the reality is that our jobs can be done from home. Therefore, after tomorrow, both campuses will be shut down until the order is lifted. As conditions seemed to worsen over the weekend, we anticipated something like this would happen. The middle/high teachers sent home everything their students would need for the duration of the executive order. The elementary teachers, however, did not. It was thought parents would be able to come back in two weeks to pick up the next packet.
Unfortunately, this means that we need the elementary parents to come back to the school tomorrow between the hours of 12PM & 5PM to get all of the books, tests, and quizzes needed, rather than just the packet sent home originally. We apologize for the short notice and will work on a case by case basis with any parent who cannot make it between the hours of 12PM and 5PM tomorrow to pick up their child’s things.
The teachers have already started reaching out, and will continue to reach out, to work out ways to collect your child’s work for grading, etc. I am continually impressed with how hard our teachers are working to make sure their students are successful.
If you indicated a need to rent a tablet or laptop, they will be available at the Middle/high campus (6009 Arlington Road) from 8:30AM – 2:30PM tomorrow. You will need to sign your contract as well as pay the corresponding rental fee before you can take home your device.
As always, we are praying for your families during this difficult time and will do anything we can to make sure your children feel successful in spite of the obstacles.
In His Love,
Ms. Grace
Last Friday and Saturday, our elementary parents picked up packets for the first two weeks of their child(ren)’s work. Today, our middle/high parents picked up their child(ren)’s books and lessons.
Then came the executive order that I’ve hoped would not come.
“As of tomorrow at 8am… there is an executive order from Mayor Curry that anyone who can work from home is now mandated to do so. Effective 8am Tuesday. If they do not follow the order, they could face fines and citations from the fire marshal.” (COJ Twitter)
While many of our teachers prefer to work on campus, the reality is that our jobs can be done from home. Therefore, after tomorrow, both campuses will be shut down until the order is lifted. As conditions seemed to worsen over the weekend, we anticipated something like this would happen. The middle/high teachers sent home everything their students would need for the duration of the executive order. The elementary teachers, however, did not. It was thought parents would be able to come back in two weeks to pick up the next packet.
Unfortunately, this means that we need the elementary parents to come back to the school tomorrow between the hours of 12PM & 5PM to get all of the books, tests, and quizzes needed, rather than just the packet sent home originally. We apologize for the short notice and will work on a case by case basis with any parent who cannot make it between the hours of 12PM and 5PM tomorrow to pick up their child’s things.
The teachers have already started reaching out, and will continue to reach out, to work out ways to collect your child’s work for grading, etc. I am continually impressed with how hard our teachers are working to make sure their students are successful.
If you indicated a need to rent a tablet or laptop, they will be available at the Middle/high campus (6009 Arlington Road) from 8:30AM – 2:30PM tomorrow. You will need to sign your contract as well as pay the corresponding rental fee before you can take home your device.
As always, we are praying for your families during this difficult time and will do anything we can to make sure your children feel successful in spite of the obstacles.
In His Love,
Ms. Grace
Parsons Christian Academy
COVID – 19 Update
March 19th, 2020
COVID – 19 Update
March 19th, 2020
Parsons Family,
As I walked the halls of both of our campuses today, I could hardly contain my excitement. I watched as our teachers worked harder than ever to ensure that your child(ren) will be provided with the best educational experience possible during this difficult time.
To make the transition as easy as possible, we will be using our existing curriculum and textbooks. We want to keep your child(ren) working on content that is familiar to them. This, we believe, will increase their chances of success.
At the Elementary level, the teachers will be starting with Abeka Online. Each child will receive a username and password in the packets picked up tomorrow. With Abeka Online, the students will be able to watch the same lessons that they would be taught if they were in class. While, initially, the videos will feature teachers from Abeka, some of our teachers may begin to make videos of their own to better suit their class’ needs. The videos can be accessed on a cell phone, tablet, or computer. All of their work will still be in a paper/pencil format in addition to supplemental activities that they can do through different websites such as Scootpad and ABCMouse.
At the Middle/High Level, instruction will be different. A few of the teachers will start with Abeka Online but the majority of our teachers have opted to teach the class themselves. Some will be using a group meeting platform such as Zoom or Skype and some will be video-taping lessons and sending students a link to watch. With either option, the students will be required to follow along and work in their textbooks. This is NOT set up like FLVS. Students will be able to access online materials from a cell phone, tablet, or computer.
We know that different families have different access to technology and that not all of our students will adapt well to a sudden change in teaching style. Please know that we are working hard night and day to create a learning environment that your child feels connected and comfortable in. Parsons Christian Academy is a family and we will not let the relationships we have built with our students strain over an online platform.
For those in need of technology we are offering laptops and tablets for rent. The cost is $60 for a tablet and for those who wish to rent a laptop the cost will be $100. Unfortunately, we are limiting one device per family unless we are able to secure additional more. When all returns to normal (hopefully), if the device is returned in good condition, we will refund all but $10 of the rental fee. This fee will cover the cost of any cleaning and maintenance needed. The laptops and tablets will be ready for pick-up Tuesday, March 24th.
**Parents will pick-up works for students as follows:
-Elementary: Friday, March 20th from 1-4PM & Saturday, March 21st from 9AM-12PM
-Middle/High: Monday, March 23rd from 1-6PM
In exactly two weeks (April 3rd/4th and April 6th) parents will make a trip to the school following the same schedule listed above. During this trip parents will drop off all completed work and pick up work for the next two- week period. We will continue the two- week schedule until we are allowed to resume meeting in person.
In His Love, disinfecting e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g,
Ms. Grace
As I walked the halls of both of our campuses today, I could hardly contain my excitement. I watched as our teachers worked harder than ever to ensure that your child(ren) will be provided with the best educational experience possible during this difficult time.
To make the transition as easy as possible, we will be using our existing curriculum and textbooks. We want to keep your child(ren) working on content that is familiar to them. This, we believe, will increase their chances of success.
At the Elementary level, the teachers will be starting with Abeka Online. Each child will receive a username and password in the packets picked up tomorrow. With Abeka Online, the students will be able to watch the same lessons that they would be taught if they were in class. While, initially, the videos will feature teachers from Abeka, some of our teachers may begin to make videos of their own to better suit their class’ needs. The videos can be accessed on a cell phone, tablet, or computer. All of their work will still be in a paper/pencil format in addition to supplemental activities that they can do through different websites such as Scootpad and ABCMouse.
At the Middle/High Level, instruction will be different. A few of the teachers will start with Abeka Online but the majority of our teachers have opted to teach the class themselves. Some will be using a group meeting platform such as Zoom or Skype and some will be video-taping lessons and sending students a link to watch. With either option, the students will be required to follow along and work in their textbooks. This is NOT set up like FLVS. Students will be able to access online materials from a cell phone, tablet, or computer.
We know that different families have different access to technology and that not all of our students will adapt well to a sudden change in teaching style. Please know that we are working hard night and day to create a learning environment that your child feels connected and comfortable in. Parsons Christian Academy is a family and we will not let the relationships we have built with our students strain over an online platform.
For those in need of technology we are offering laptops and tablets for rent. The cost is $60 for a tablet and for those who wish to rent a laptop the cost will be $100. Unfortunately, we are limiting one device per family unless we are able to secure additional more. When all returns to normal (hopefully), if the device is returned in good condition, we will refund all but $10 of the rental fee. This fee will cover the cost of any cleaning and maintenance needed. The laptops and tablets will be ready for pick-up Tuesday, March 24th.
**Parents will pick-up works for students as follows:
-Elementary: Friday, March 20th from 1-4PM & Saturday, March 21st from 9AM-12PM
-Middle/High: Monday, March 23rd from 1-6PM
In exactly two weeks (April 3rd/4th and April 6th) parents will make a trip to the school following the same schedule listed above. During this trip parents will drop off all completed work and pick up work for the next two- week period. We will continue the two- week schedule until we are allowed to resume meeting in person.
In His Love, disinfecting e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g,
Ms. Grace
Parsons Christian Academy
COVID – 19 Update
March 18th, 2020
COVID – 19 Update
March 18th, 2020
Parsons Family,
A lot has happened in the last 24 hours. We have so much to share with you. The mandates from the state are coming through at an alarming rate and things seem to change from second to second. Luckily, our God does not change and we can hold fast to that truth during the coming days.
Listed below are a few important points to keep you as up-to-date as possible:
-Grades 6-12 - Monday, March 23rd from 1:00PM-6:00PM.
I am sure that you will receive many more emails from me in the days ahead. We would rather have way too much communication than to not have enough. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.
In His Love, distanced but not too far,
Ms. Grace
A lot has happened in the last 24 hours. We have so much to share with you. The mandates from the state are coming through at an alarming rate and things seem to change from second to second. Luckily, our God does not change and we can hold fast to that truth during the coming days.
Listed below are a few important points to keep you as up-to-date as possible:
- Parsons Christian Academy recognizes that we can do our part to help our families in this troubled time. For this reason, we will be waiving all registration fees for the 2020-2021 school year. If you have already paid your registration fees, we will issue a credit to your account which can be applied to an unpaid tuition balance, unpaid lunch account balance, or a future bill on either of those accounts. If you have not turned in your reservation form for next year, we will be calling you in the next week or so to determine your schooling intention for the upcoming school year.
- The teachers have met to coordinate our online learning environment which will begin next week. You should be hearing from each teacher individually as they get their plans ready. This is new territory for many of our teachers but I believe we have the best of the best. With that in mind, please know that there will be bumps in the road. Also know that we are doing everything in our power to ensure your child will receive a quality education.
- The online learning environment will be a blend of textbook and virtual video learning. We will have each student’s books, supplies, and work packet ready to go home on the following days:
-Grades 6-12 - Monday, March 23rd from 1:00PM-6:00PM.
- The state has allowed us to waive any physical fitness class including dance. Coach Brett and Ms. Olsen will reach out one on one to the parents of any student in danger of failing their pe or dance class and may need some one-on-one guidance before closing out their grade for the year.
- We are currently reviewing the technology surveys that each family submitted and will be reaching out individually to families to assist with technology needs. We will coordinate the renting of laptops and tablets next week. Parents and students will be responsible for signing the rental agreement (unless the student is too young) and picking the device up.
- Most of all, please be patient. Many parents and students are new at this and so are we. We will both feel like failures once or twice in the next few weeks. We must remember that we are all on the same side…your child’s. It is our goal that they come out stronger than ever from this experience.
I am sure that you will receive many more emails from me in the days ahead. We would rather have way too much communication than to not have enough. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.
In His Love, distanced but not too far,
Ms. Grace
Parsons Christian Academy
COVID – 19 Update
March 17th, 2020
COVID – 19 Update
March 17th, 2020
Parsons Family,
This afternoon, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that schools in the state of Florida will not be returning to campuses until at least April 15th.
“We don’t want large crowds of people congregating right now…We want enough isolation so that the virus has more difficulty spreading throughout the community.” – Gov. DeSantis
Please understand that this does not mean that your child will not have school. Instruction and learning must still happen in order for your child to be promoted to the next grade.
Our PCA Faculty will be meeting tomorrow to solidify a roll out plan for our ‘home based education plan’ and you will receive a detailed email tomorrow about what that will look like for your child.
To ensure all students have access to online education materials, we will be emailing a ‘technology access’ survey to all families. Please make sure to fill out this survey as soon as possible so we are able to distribute technology as needed.
If your child is enrolled in an FLVS course, we strongly urge them to continue working. There is information within their courses for teacher contact and progress updates. If you have any questions regarding your child’s FLVS course, please contact Mr. Lang. His information can be found at the bottom of this memo.
It is our hope and prayer that our PCA family stay safe during these uneasy times.
In His Love with an abundance of Lysol,
Ms. Grace
Nicholas Lang
nicklang@pclions.org
904-703-4057 (urgent texts only please)
This afternoon, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that schools in the state of Florida will not be returning to campuses until at least April 15th.
“We don’t want large crowds of people congregating right now…We want enough isolation so that the virus has more difficulty spreading throughout the community.” – Gov. DeSantis
Please understand that this does not mean that your child will not have school. Instruction and learning must still happen in order for your child to be promoted to the next grade.
Our PCA Faculty will be meeting tomorrow to solidify a roll out plan for our ‘home based education plan’ and you will receive a detailed email tomorrow about what that will look like for your child.
To ensure all students have access to online education materials, we will be emailing a ‘technology access’ survey to all families. Please make sure to fill out this survey as soon as possible so we are able to distribute technology as needed.
If your child is enrolled in an FLVS course, we strongly urge them to continue working. There is information within their courses for teacher contact and progress updates. If you have any questions regarding your child’s FLVS course, please contact Mr. Lang. His information can be found at the bottom of this memo.
It is our hope and prayer that our PCA family stay safe during these uneasy times.
In His Love with an abundance of Lysol,
Ms. Grace
Nicholas Lang
nicklang@pclions.org
904-703-4057 (urgent texts only please)
Parsons Christian Academy
COVID – 19 Update
March 13th, 2020
COVID – 19 Update
March 13th, 2020
Parsons Family,
This afternoon, Superintendent, Dr. Diana Greene announced that Duval County Public Schools will extend Spring Break for one week; through Sunday, March 22nd.
“With the unknowns associated with student and family travel outside the continental United States and cruises over spring break, and with daily changes in guidance from health care officials regarding those who should self-isolate, it is imperative that Duval County Public Schools take time to assess our capabilities to safely open schools.
Therefore, Duval County Public Schools will extend spring break for one week, through Sunday, March 22.”(dcps.duvalschools.org/coronavirus)
As stated previously, Parsons Christian Academy will follow the lead of Duval County Public Schools in closing our doors. We will also be suspending all field-trips and after school events until further notice.
Our PCA Faculty will be meeting on Monday to discuss and plan for the immediate future should a long-term solution be needed. However, we pray that this is not the case.
If you have traveled outside of the United States or have gone on a cruise over Spring Break, DO NOT let your child(ren) attend school for at least two weeks after returning from your trip. These absences will be excused as long as proper travel documentation is provided.
If your child is enrolled in an FLVS course, we strongly urge them to continue working, if possible.
We are working closely with DCPS to stay up-to-date on the Coronavirus. We will continue to keep you updated with the latest information.
It is our hope and prayer that our PCA family stay safe during these uneasy times.
In His Love with washed hands,
Ms. Grace
This afternoon, Superintendent, Dr. Diana Greene announced that Duval County Public Schools will extend Spring Break for one week; through Sunday, March 22nd.
“With the unknowns associated with student and family travel outside the continental United States and cruises over spring break, and with daily changes in guidance from health care officials regarding those who should self-isolate, it is imperative that Duval County Public Schools take time to assess our capabilities to safely open schools.
Therefore, Duval County Public Schools will extend spring break for one week, through Sunday, March 22.”(dcps.duvalschools.org/coronavirus)
As stated previously, Parsons Christian Academy will follow the lead of Duval County Public Schools in closing our doors. We will also be suspending all field-trips and after school events until further notice.
Our PCA Faculty will be meeting on Monday to discuss and plan for the immediate future should a long-term solution be needed. However, we pray that this is not the case.
If you have traveled outside of the United States or have gone on a cruise over Spring Break, DO NOT let your child(ren) attend school for at least two weeks after returning from your trip. These absences will be excused as long as proper travel documentation is provided.
If your child is enrolled in an FLVS course, we strongly urge them to continue working, if possible.
We are working closely with DCPS to stay up-to-date on the Coronavirus. We will continue to keep you updated with the latest information.
It is our hope and prayer that our PCA family stay safe during these uneasy times.
In His Love with washed hands,
Ms. Grace