December 11th, 2023

Dear GEC Family:

It is the final push of Term 2! I know there are many moving pieces we are all navigating, and on behalf of the entire GEC community, I want to say thank you to everyone for the commitment and dedication that is being poured into finishing the term strong. It is an exciting time as we prepare to celebrate our January Class of 2024 in their upcoming graduation and celebrate the tremendous growth in our community for all of our students during Term 2. Additionally, we are on the cusp of our Winter Break, and I know this is a much-needed time for rest, recovery, and reset as we move into the New Year.

Today I am writing to share with you some updates and reminders around our return from winter break health and safety protocols and some key dates.

Important Dates:

  • Thursday, December 14th – the last day of Term 2 (all grades are due and will be available for review in PowerSchool)
  • Friday, December 15th – winter break begins for all students
  • Monday, December 18th and Tuesday, December 19th – both GEC sites are closed for students and open for staff only for end of term wrap up
  • Wednesday, December 20th – Tuesday, January 2nd – GEC is closed for Winter Break
  • Wednesday, January 3rd – GEC staff return for Term 3 preparations
  • Thursday, January 4th – schedules for Term 3 are available in PowerSchool for students
  • Friday, January 5th – coaches will communicate Term 3 schedules to students and begin to make changes
  • Monday, January 8th – Term 3 begins at both sites and students can meet with their coach to make changes and updates to their Term 3 schedule

As we move into the colder months and continue to stay vigilant of continued cases of COVID-19, the flu, and RSV, we want to remind everyone about our health and safety protocols. The health and safety of our community is a top priority.

  • If you are not feeling well, do not come to the GEC school buildings. Remaining home is the best way to monitor symptoms and decrease the spread of any illness.
    • As a reminder for GEC Students, please contact your coach to inform them if you are not feeling well. Illness is an excused absence and health is always the priority.
  • COVID-19 testing is not required to return from winter break.
  • Rapid antigen COVID-19 tests are available at both campuses in the main office.
  • Any positive test must be submitted:
    • GEC Staff Members – submit a photo of your test to your Lead
    • GEC Students – submit a photo of your test to your Coach
  • We are not collecting negative test results.

Also, as the colder weather comes in and DC prepares for the winter weather this season, we want to remind you that GEC follows DCPS when it comes to winter weather closures. If DCPS is closed or on a 2-hour delay due to winter weather, GEC is closed or on a 2-hr delay as well. In the case of any closure of delay, GEC will post updates on the website, all GEC social media, and the Teams all-school page.

We also know that the winter holidays and winter break can be a difficult time for many. We encourage you in this week before winter break to connect with your GEC support team, and especially your Coach, to identify different resources and supports GEC can provide and connect with to in the community to support you with barriers you might be facing when school is closed for the winter break.

I want to wish everyone a wonderful winter break and a happy holiday season as we approach the end of Term 2. On behalf of the entire GEC community, I thank you again – all students and staff – for your commitment to GEC and all you bring to GEC to make it such a special space where everyone can excel.

I look forward to seeing everyone when we return in 2024! We have so much ahead in 2024 – three more terms, many new GEC students with our continued enrollment, two graduations, and our alumni community will be expanded to over 600 graduates! I wish everyone an excellent start to the New Year and a fantastic end to Term 2! As always, please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Dr. Chelsea Kirk
Executive Director
email: Chelsea.Kirk@goodwillexcelcenter.og
phone: 202-309-6615