April is a Time for Planting Seeds 🌱

April reminds us that growth is not just about what we see but about what is being nurtured every day. As we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month and School Library Month, we are grounded in two important truths: our children need to feel safe, and they need to feel inspired. When those two things exist together, real learning begins.

Across Guilford County Schools, this month is filled with opportunities for families to connect through resource fairs and shared experiences. These moments are more than events, they are spaces where families can build knowledge, ask questions, and feel supported in the journey of raising and guiding their children.

This month, we are also proud to introduce our Wellness Corner. Supporting students means caring for the whole child, and that work begins at home. Whether it is creating moments for conversation, establishing routines, or simply slowing down together, wellness is a powerful part of student success.

As you move through April, we encourage you to lean into both connection and care, take advantage of the resources around you, and continue building spaces at home where your child feels safe, seen, and supported.

Be sure to check out this month’s featured video resource for simple strategies you can use right away with your family.

Together, we are building strong families and even stronger futures.

LaSheka White

Fostering Positive Family Relationships

Check out this video from the Kids Mental Health Foundation where Dr. Ariana Hoet and Dr. Ijeoma Osigwe discuss three strategies for families to use to build strong, positive relationships with their children.

Wellness Corner: Building Strong Family Connections

Focus: Small moments, big impact

Strong family relationships are built through everyday moments. Taking time to connect even in simple ways helps children feel safe, supported, and confident.

Try this at home:

💬 Check-In Time: Ask your student one question each day, like “What was the best part of your day?”

📵 Unplug & Connect: Set aside 10–15 minutes without devices to talk, play, or read together

❤️ Positive Words Matter: Share one encouraging or kind statement with your child each day

📚 Read Together: Even a few minutes of reading can strengthen both connection and learning

26-27 ACES Registration - Now Open!

Parents and caregivers can now register for the After-School Care Enrichment Services (ACES) program for the 2026–2027 school year. Please note that space in the ACES program is limited and subject to availability. After submitting the online registration, families will be contacted by the ACES Site Coordinator to confirm enrollment.

Budget Recommendation Focused on Salaries, Technology, Safety 

Hoping to simplify the budget negotiation process, GCS and Guilford County government staff have been working together during the past few months to develop a system of budgeting that works for both the county and the district.

After considering several options, the county and the district decided to use a North Carolina county model which commits to providing increases to salaries to match actions from the General Assembly, including retirement and healthcare increases. This model also adjusts funding based on student enrollment and consumer price index (CPI) data. Lastly, it modifies charter school allotments based on student enrollment.   

The school board will hold a public hearing and consider sending a budget request to the Board of County Commissioners in April. The County then has until mid-June to approve a final budget.  

District Expanding Grade Levels at Three Schools 

Starting next year, several of the district’s specialty schools will expand to serve more students.  

The board recently approved a plan to add a ninth-grade class at the district’s virtual school, Guilford eLearning University Prep. The board also approved adding a second-grade class at Doris Henderson Newcomers and Sylvia Mendez Newcomers.

Kellin Foundation Supports Families

The Kellin Foundation’s mission is to strengthen resilience among children, families, adults and communities through trauma-informed behavioral health services focused on prevention, treatment, and healing.

They provide free services that help clients break cycles of trauma that contribute to mental health and substance use challenges. Their team of highly-trained professionals helps people process what has happened to them, to practice new skills that contribute to healing, and to gain confidence that they can chart a different course for themselves and their families.

To achieve their mission, they provide evidence-based, trauma-responsive counseling, peer support, advocacy, and case coordination services.

Community Resources Calendar

Stay connected with what is happening in Guilford County. Our Community Calendar highlights upcoming events, workshops, and resources available to families throughout the district. Visit the calendar regularly to find opportunities for support, connection, and engagement. 

April is packed with virtual and in-person Family Academy events. As your families participate in our full calendar of events, feel free to email your pictures to familyacademy@gcsnc.com!

View the full calendar to stay connected and take advantage of every opportunity. 

Prevent Child Abuse Wellness Resource Fair  

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Guilford County Health and Human Services Building, 1203 Maple St, Greensboro, NC 

Description: Join us for a community-centered wellness event focused on supporting strong, healthy families. This event will include resources, activities, and community partners dedicated to promoting resilience, connection, and family well-being. 

April Virtual Family Book Club  

Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 

Time: 6-6:30 p.m.

Description: Does your kiddo need evening reading time? Families are invited to read, connect, and engage in a shared literacy experience that encourages meaningful conversations and a love of reading at home.  

Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives: Career Connections 

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 

Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: GCS Community Education Center, 2703 E. Florida St, Greensboro, NC 

Description: Join GCS SEL & Character Education, Mental Health, Health Services, and Exceptional Children’s Departments for a collaborative event designed to support student wellness and future success. Families will engage in student panels, interactive family sessions, community vendors, and wellness activities that promote resilience and connection. Enjoy a morning of fun, food, and student entertainment while gaining valuable resources to support your child. Pre-registration is encouraged. 

Kindergarten Webinar Session 3: Ready, Set, Go- Tips for Kindergarten Success  

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026 

Time: 12-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.

Description: Discover simple, fun ways to build school readiness skills at home! From independence and routines to early learning and social-emotional growth, we’ll share everyday ideas to help your child feel confident and excited for kindergarten. 

FAMnopoly: Summer Bridge Resource Fair  

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 

Time: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Location: Oak View Elementary, 614 Oakview Road, High Point, NC 27265 

Join us at Oak View Elementary for FAMnopoly Summer Bridge where we will be bridging families together to coach the future. Families will have the opportunity to engage with community and GCS vendors. They will also have the opportunity to leave with summer resources that will build and encourage your student’s literacy toolbox.  There will be 350 free meals available while supplies last. 

FAMnopoly: Camp D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read)  

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 

Time: 5:30 p.m.– 7 p.m.

Location: Community Education Center, 2703 E. Florida St, Greensboro, NC 

Description: Get ready for a cozy, interactive literacy experience for the whole family! Camp D.E.A.R. will feature reading tools, engaging literacy activities, and take-home strategies to support reading at home. Families will enjoy a relaxed environment designed to build a love of reading together. 

K-12 Resource Fair   

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 

Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: GCS Community Education Center, 2703 E. Florida St, Greensboro 

Description: Join us for a K-12 Resource Fair sponsored by shift_ed in partnership with GCS Family Academy! Is your student starting kindergarten 6th or 9th grade, or even new to Guilford County Schools? Come connect with GCS departments and community partners, explore resources that can support your student's success. There will be games, music, food and resources available while supplies last!  

Your partnership makes our work possible. We invite you to share your ideas, experience, and feedback as we move forward together. Click here to submit your thoughts or email us at familyacademy@gcsnc.com. We value your hopes, dreams, and the challenges you face, because your voice matters. As our superintendent, Dr. Whitney Oakley (a proud GCS parent!) reminds us, We are Better Together!

GCS Family Academy

2703 E. Florida St.

Greensboro, NC 27401

336-279-4924