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BETTER TOGETHER WITH GCS FAMILY ACADEMY
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Welcome Back, GCS Families & Partners!
As summer comes to a close, we are excited to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year! A new school year brings fresh beginnings, new opportunities, and the chance to build meaningful connections that support student success.
At GCS Family Academy, we believe that education is strongest when families, schools, and community partners work together. Whether you're preparing a child for their very first day of school or celebrating another year of growth, know that your engagement, encouragement, and partnership make a lasting difference.
As students return to classrooms on Monday, August 24, we encourage you to embrace this season with optimism, curiosity, and confidence. Small moments such as asking about your student's day, reading together, celebrating accomplishments, or simply listening helps build the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Thank you for being an essential part of the GCS community. We look forward to partnering with you throughout the school year by providing resources, learning opportunities, and meaningful experiences that strengthen families and support every student's journey.
Here's to a wonderful school year filled with learning, growth, and connection!
LaSheka White
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One Promise. Infinite Possibilities.
What dreams will your child discover this year?
Preparing students for the future doesn't begin in high school. It begins in kindergarten. Through the Guilford Guarantee, GCS students have opportunities to discover their strengths, explore careers, build durable skills, and prepare for college, careers, military service, and life.
As students grow, they can connect classroom learning to the world around them through career exploration, college credit, industry credentials, and meaningful workplace experiences.
Families are an important part of the journey. Your encouragement, conversations, and engagement can help your student build confidence and curiosity to Excite. Explore. Experience.
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5 Things Every Family Can Do
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Know Your Student's Strengths- Help your student recognize what they do well.
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Stay Engaged- Attend school events and pathway planning meetings.
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Encourage Exploration- Give your student opportunities to discover new interests.
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Build a Future Plan- Review goals together and make adjustments as your student grows.
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Celebrate Progress- Recognize each step toward college, career, and life readiness.
Together We Will
Turn strengths into opportunities.
Turn opportunities into experiences.
Turn experiences into success.
Turn success into a future filled with possibilities.
Start the conversation today by asking:
“What do you want to learn, explore, or become this year?”
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Resetting Routines for a Healthy School Year
Back-to-school season is a great time for families to reset daily routines. Consistent sleep, balanced meals, movement, and a little time to unwind can help students and adults feel more prepared for the busy school days ahead.
Try a Family Reset:
Choose one routine to work on together this month. It could be moving bedtime a little earlier, preparing clothes and backpacks the night before, taking an evening walk, or creating a screen-free wind-down routine.
Small changes can make morning smoother and help the whole family start the school year feeling ready.
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Investing in Growth
This summer, the GCS Family Academy team participated in professional development opportunities focused on strengthening family engagement, building partnerships, and expanding strategies to better support the success of GCS students and families. We are excited to partner with our families to bring new ideas into the 2026-2027 school year!
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FAMnopoly Takes New Orleans
This summer, the team proudly presented at the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Conference, highlighting FAMnopoly, our innovative family engagement framework. We were honored to share how GCS is creating meaningful partnerships with families while learning alongside educators and leaders from across the country.
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2026-2027 Academic Calendars!
Academic calendars for the 26-27 school year are now available. Please click the buttons below for easy access.
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Back-to-School Open Houses
Get ready to kick off the 2026-27 school year! GCS families are invited to attend your students Open House to meet teachers, visit the school and prepare for a great year ahead.
High School: Tuesday, August 18
Middle School: Wednesday, August 19
Elementary School: Thursday, August 20
Your student's school will communicate the time to you. If you are not receiving communications from your student's school, contact the school's main office.
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2026-27 School Supply Lists
View the 26-27 GCS Elementary school supply lists below to help your student start the year prepared. Please note that some supplies may vary by school, grade level or classroom needs. Families should check with their student's teacher or school for any additional materials that may be needed.
Middle and High school supplies are based on student's schedule. You will receive supplies information at open house and during the first days of school from your school and teachers.
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Healthy Connections for School Readiness
Get your student ready for a healthy start to the school year! Healthy Connections for School Readiness brings important health and school readiness services directly to families. Students in pre-k through 12th grade can receive registration support, sports physicals NC Health Assessments and school immunizations.
August 20, 2026 | 2-6 p.m.
Peck Elementary
1605 W. Florida Street, Greensboro, NC 27403
August 25, 2026 | 2-6 p.m.
Rankin Elementary
1501 Spry Street, Greensboro, NC 27405
September 8, 2026 | 2-6 p.m.
Gillespie Park Elementary
1900 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406
September 15, 2026 | 2-6 p.m.
Parkview Elementary
325 Gordon Street, High Point, NC 27260
September 22, 2026 | 2-6 p.m.
Jones Elementary
502 South Street, Greensboro, NC 27406
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GCS is Now Using ClassDojo Districtwide!
Staying connected just got easier! While many GCS elementary schools have already been using ClassDojo, the platform is now expanding districtwide to include middle and high schools.
With ClassDojo, families can stay connected in one convenient place. Families will receive district, school and classroom updates and use two-way messaging to communicate directly with school staff, right from your phone or device.
Please note: Joining the Family Academy ClassDojo does not automatically connect you to your student’s school or classes. Families should contact their student’s teachers for information on joining their individual school and class ClassDojo communities.
| | | GCS Family Academy is committed to helping families and educators strengthen home–school partnerships throughout the 2026–27 school year. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to support student learning in the classroom and at home. Each month, we’ll share quick, actionable tips for parents, caregivers, and educators to foster meaningful engagement and set students up for success. | | |
National Wellness Month
August is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on healthy habits that support our physical, mental and emotional well-being. As families prepare for a new school year, small steps like creating healthy routines, managing stress, staying active and making time to connect can support the well-being of the entire family.
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We are back! Get ready for a full year of events, 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 VOICE AND IDEAS MATTER. | | 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! | | REPOST, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & STAY CONNECTED! | | |
GCS Family Academy
2703 E. Florida St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-279-4924
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