Welcome to Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy’s (GAAA) web site. I hope as you browse these pages, you will be impressed and inspired by the information you find here.
We provide a Christ-centered quality curriculum and environment for our youth. With the "Adventist Edge" our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for living and serving in this world and the World to come.
At GAAA, your child's sense of being will be developed in the following areas:
Spirituality: This is our number one priority to make sure our students are given the opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus. Jesus will be the Center of our Joy. Our mission statement is "Educating Students for Service to God and Man". We plan to provide the students with opportunities for service to God and man.
Academically: We need to do a better job at reaching our students and meeting their needs. The goal is to ensure that students get the content of the subject matter and then make sure that they understand application of the content that they learn. We will also do a better job at keeping RenWeb updated and current so you can monitor your child’s progress weekly.
We have listened to your concerns and this year the class schedule has been changed to year long classes so that there will be more consistency and yearly contact for learning.
School Environment: We will be more consistent on the enforcement of the school rules, dress code, attendance, bullying etc. This will be necessary so that we can have the safe learning environment needed to be effective. There is a security person this year to make sure that our campus stays secure and safe. We cannot be too careful and alert about the dangers surrounding us. Sixteen security cameras have been installed so we can constantly monitor our campus. Safety is our number one priority. New this year also we will have faculty and student parking spaces and decals so we can properly identify the vehicles in our parking lot. Every student vehicle this year will be registered this will help us to keep up with our student drivers especially at lunch time.
Dress Code: If your child does not come to school in dress code,
he or she will not be allowed to attend classes until they are dressed properly. You will be called. Under no circumstances will skinny or tight fitting clothing be allowed for female or male students. Our GAAA faculty and staff will also have a Uniform Dress Code for next year.
Attendance: The school will be taking attendance more seriously and unexcused tardies and unexcused absences will affect your child’s grades. It is imperative that your child be on time for school please help them.
Discipline: Discipline will be enforced but redemptively. What this means is we will hold the students to the rules and to the consequences, but always in love to teach them the right way. I personally counsel with every student to help them deal with the consequences and how to effectively change their behavior.
There are a seven key areas that you need to be aware of:
1. If any student leaves campus without permission this will result in a suspension, this
includes the Berean church and the Berean Outreach Ministry Center
2. Any student that curses or swears will receive a detention.
3. Any fighting or assault will result in suspension and possible expulsion.
4. There is zero tolerance for insubordinate behavior, lack of respect or cooperation to the faculty or staff members. This kind of behavior will result in suspension and possible expulsion.
5. We are outlawing the use of any type of electronic devices on this campus. This includes cellphones, iPads, iPods, laptops, notebooks, mp3 players, etc., this also includes any type of headphones. ( Before school or after school, anytime on campus) If we see them or hear them we will take them, and we will hold them until the end of the year. Parents, please do not come in to get them before the end of the year. We encourage your child to keep them at home. We tried to allow electronic devices but it got way out of hand. There are also some safety issues involved. So we need to have a moratorium on all electronic devices.
6. We had an outbreak at the end of the year of students wearing jewelry, or piercing their ears. Our dress code is very specific about jewelry on our campus before or after school or any function that represents GAAA. We need your help as parents and guardians. Jewelry is not acceptable for our school on or off the campus. Students are not allowed to wear a bandage to cover the jewelry. Students will be sent home or not allowed to participate in the school activities whether it be classes, banquets, social or sporting events. Tatoos are not acceptable either. We encourage the students not to get one. If they have gotten one it must be covered at all times or the student will be sent home or not allowed to participate in school events. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
7. PDA. Public Display of Affection. Our students are very touchy with each other. Most of the time it's appropriate, but this has gotten out of hand too. Please speak with your child about keeping their hands and lips to themselves. Thank you.
We plan to communicate more effectively with you this school year. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me at 404-333-0600 office.
Nothing is too small or insignificant.
It is our prayer that this school year 2011-2012, will be one of the best ever, this will only happen if we all work together for the success of our young people.
Thank you again for your cooperation and support. Please continue to pray for us.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pennie Lister-Smith GAAA Principal