Director’s Note: Enjoy Summertime!

As summer settles in, many families find themselves moving at a different pace. The schedules may be less structured, the mornings a little slower, and the days filled with opportunities to connect in new ways.

While we often think about summer as a break, it can also be a season of growth. Not just academic growth, but growth in confidence, responsibility, independence, and relationships. Some of the most meaningful learning happens during everyday moments: helping prepare a meal, planning a family outing, solving a problem, caring for a younger sibling, or simply having a conversation without distractions.

This month, we encourage families to embrace the small moments that make a big impact. Give children opportunities to take on new responsibilities, make decisions, and contribute to family life. These experiences help build skills that will serve them well long after summer ends.

As you enjoy the weeks ahead, remember that meaningful family engagement does not have to be complicated. It is found in shared experiences, conversations, laughter, and time spent together.

Thank you for allowing GCS Family Academy to be a partner in your family's journey. We wish you a safe, joyful, and memorable summer.

LaSheka White

Building Independence: Small Responsibilities, Big Confidence

Summer is a great time to help children develop confidence and responsibility. In this short video, families will learn simple strategies for encouraging independence through age-appropriate responsibilities, problem-solving, and everyday opportunities to contribute at home.

Wellness Corner: Stay Active this Summer!

Summer offers families a unique opportunity to prioritize wellness through simple, enjoyable activities that encourage healthy habits and meaningful connection. 

Try This at Home:

As a family, take evening walks, bike together, swim, hike local trails or play outdoor games in the backyard or at a park. 

By embracing a slower pace and making time for both movement and relaxation, use the summer months to recharge, strengthen relationships and build lifelong wellness habits.

Summer Meals are Back!

Summer meals are BACK in Guilford County Schools! People 18 years and younger who live in Guilford County can pick up free meals this summer. 

When: Monday, June 15 - Thursday, August 13 (No Meal Service on Fridays)

No Meal Service: June 29-July 3, 2026

Time: Breakfast 8am-9am & Lunch 11am-12pm

Locations:

• Brightwood Elementary
• Hunter Elementary
• Irving Park Elementary
• Oak Hill Elementary
• Pearce Elementary
• Sedgefield Elementary
• Shadybrook Elementary
• Hairston Middle
• Dudley High
• High Point Central
• Eastern High
• Ragsdale High
• Smith High

Community Meals (Must Be Eaten Onsite)

Greensboro Housing Authority: Claremount Courts, Hampton House, Hickory Trails, Laurel Oaks, Ray Warren Homes, River Birch, and Smith Homes

Greensboro Parks: Woodmere and Hampton

Kellin Foundation - 2026 Fresh Mobile Market

July 17, 12 - 2 pm

4010 Walker Ave, Greensboro, NC

The Kellin Foundation is proud to partner with Out of the Garden Project to provide a FREE 40 lb box of fresh food items to families in need! No registration needed!

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. 

Brainfuse Can Help Prevent the "Summer Slide!"

The dreaded “summer slide,” when students lose academic skills over the summer, is one of the most significant causes of the academic achievement gap. Enter Brainfuse's Summer Skills Camp, which provides students in grades 3-12 with opportunities to stay engaged over the summer through live tutoring, mini-lessons, and activities.

Step 1: Access Brainfuse Here

Step 2: Username: FULL STUDENT ID NUMBER@stu.gcsnc.com (@stu.gcsnc.com)

Step 3: Username: FULL STUDENT ID NUMBER @stu.gcsnc.com (@stu.gcsnc.com)

Password: STUDENT BIRTHDAY (MMDDYYYY)

Additional Resources

Check out these resources from Discovery Education!

Activities are winding down for the summer, but view the full calendar to stay connected and take advantage of every opportunity throughout the summer. You can also access Engage on Demand and watch past virtual sessions here.

As your families participate in our events, feel free to email your pictures to familyacademy@gcsnc.com!

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