Geneva Family Gnome News
November 2020- Special Kindergarten Edition
A note from the principal...
Happy November!
The extra hour of sleep this morning was an extra welcome treat. I hope you too are enjoying an extra hour today!
We have lots to look forward at Geneva this week. Our youngest learners in Kindergarten are returning tomorrow, November 2nd. Our First Graders and students in our Developmental Preschool will then return on November 12th. The excitement among our staff is palpable, we are so excited to be able to welcome children back to school slowly and cautiously.
Our second grade students will start their adjusted schedule tomorrow. There is a table below that shows the shifts in time. Please note that all synchronous learning will be complete before noon now.
Another shift you will start to notice is that we will begin to lengthen the time between family engagement conferences. Many families have shared feedback that now that the year is underway, and their children are in a routine, they don't feel the need to speak with their classroom teacher as frequently. The feedback we are hearing is that families would prefer to have their teacher work directly with their child or groups of children in the afternoons and on Wednesdays if possible. We agree that this is an excellent use of time. Your teacher will still connect with you every few weeks, and if you need to speak with your teacher more frequently, just ask!
Many families have asked me about purchasing spirit wear. Our PTA has launched a beautiful new website, and they are offering spirit wear. I just placed an order, and it took less than four minutes. Deliveries are expected to Geneva in December.
One of our local girl scout troops is organizing a winter coat drive. If you have coats that are too small for your children, but still have a lot of wear left in them, consider donating. This troop will also be hosting a winter wear distribution soon. If you know of something specific your family needs for warm winter clothing, please contact Ms. Corso, and she will help you get what you need.
Meal boxes will continue this month. There are going to be three weeks of adjustments starting the week of Veteran's Day. More information will be coming out, but I want to be sure it is on your calendar for this month. Please feel welcome to try out this resource if you haven't already. This supports families, and many employees in Whatcom County, from farmers, to kitchen staff to bus drivers. All are welcome!
If I have missed information about one of your questions, please send me an email, or call the office. We want to hear from you!
As always, please don’t hesitate to connect with me if you have questions or ideas, or if your family has a need that our school district may be able to help with.
Courage, Brain, Heart Gnomes!
Warmly,
Sharece Steinkamp
Upcoming Events
Nov. 2 - 1st day of in-person learning for Kindergarten
Nov. 3 - Election Day
Nov. 4 - Meal Distribution
Nov. 6 - NO SCHOOL Teacher Workday
Nov. 10- Meal Box Pick Up- Note this is a Tuesday, not Wednesday
Nov. 11 - NO SCHOOL Veteran's Day
Nov. 12 - 1st Day of in person learning for First Grade
Nov. 17 - 6:30-7:30 PTA Meeting via Zoom
Nov. 17 - Meal Box Pick Up- Note this is a Tuesday, not Wednesday
Nov. 24 - Meal Box Pick Up- Note this is a Tuesday, not Wednesday
Nov. 26 & 27 - NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break
Second Grade Schedule Adjustment Starts Monday, November 2nd
Geneva’s Library is open for checkout and Curbside Pick Up!
Check out the directions on the Geneva page under the Library tab, or by clicking this link – “Curbside Book Pick-up Directions.” Books will be available for pick-up during the meal distribution at Geneva on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:30. Happy Reading! Ms. Hudson
Meal Boxes Continue- Please Note Three Dates On Tuesdays In November
Tuesday, November 10th
Tuesday, November 17th
Tuesday, November 24th
If you think your family might qualify, please apply.
PTA Updates and Community Activities- All Are Welcome!
Counselor Corner
As we enter the 8th month of a global pandemic and begin to experience the cold and rainy days of Fall, parents and caregivers may feel exhausted, stressed, and worried. Please know that this is a completely normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Now more than ever, it is important that we take care of our own mental health, ask for help when we need it, and reach out to loved ones who may be struggling. You can practice self-care strategies such as exercising regularly, staying engaged in hobbies and activities, using mindfulness strategies, and talking to loved ones and/or a mental health professional when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Remember that when adults prioritize their mental health and model self-care strategies, kids learn how to take care of themselves in the same ways.
If you need help finding mental health support, please feel free to call me at 360-746-4285 or email me at andrea.corso@bellinghamschools.org any time. Here is a link to my virtual office: https://linktr.ee/Ms.Corso
Or you can also check out some of the amazing resources available on our district website by following the link below:
https://bellinghamschools.org/about/departments/communications-community/resources-families-staff/
Welcome to Geneva!
Ms. Corso
The Geneva Tech Team is here to help!
Running into trouble with technology can be frustrating but we don’t want you to navigate these issues alone. Please call the school office and someone from the Geneva Tech Team will be dispatched to assist you. You can get the help you need quickly and be back to learning in no time!