Geneva Family Gnome News
November 2021
A note from the principal...
Hello Grown Gnomes!
With the time change and a few windy days, it certainly feels like Autumn has arrived. Teachers report gratitude and appreciation for having the opportunity to meet with each of you last week during conferences. They enjoy the time to celebrate the growth your child is making as well as charting next steps for the upcoming months. Remember that you are welcome to request a meeting with your child's teacher outside of conferences if you have specific questions. You are your child's first teacher, and we value your insights, ideas and partnership.
You have undoubtedly heard that both the CDC and FDA have authorized emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children 5-11. I have had a handful of families reach out with questions. Here are a few updates based on what we know today.
- Local providers are currently giving shots, but scheduling appointments may be a challenge until they have doses in hand. Remember local providers are facing a lot of challenges (including labor shortages).
- At this time, there are not plans to hold in-school vaccination clinics, but we will share info if anything changes.
- Information will be shared with families on how to access vaccines for kids as soon as it’s available.
- District staff are working out logistics to hold vaccine clinic in conjunction with our Family Resource Center to serve families affected by homelessness and those who need additional support.
Thank you for continuing to send your child prepared for whatever weather conditions the day brings. Remember that if there are names in outer weather gear, we can help return it to your child from the lost and found.
We are getting closer to a more typical school day where we can return to life as we knew it before the pandemic. That being said, we aren't there yet. If there is anything we can do for your child or your family, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Warmly,
Sharece Steinkamp
Upcoming Events
Nov. 11 - NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day
Nov. 15- PTA Zoom Meeting at 6:30
Nov. 18 - Early Release
Nov. 24 - Early Release (Wed. before Thanksgiving)
Nov. 25/26 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Upcoming...
Dec. 2 - Early Release
Dec. 9 - Early Release
Dec. 16 - Early Release
Dec. 12/18 - Jan. 2 - NO SCHOOL Winter Break
After-school dinner program free for all children 18 and under
Bellingham Public Schools serves hot dinner at no cost to all children 18 and under. These meals are offered from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday through June 16, 2022. Dinner is served in the Shuksan Middle School cafeteria, located at 2717 Alderwood Avenue (at the corner of Northwest and Alderwood). It does not matter what school you attend in the district.
Accompanying adults are charged $4.75 per meal — please bring cash or check. Please plan to eat onsite in the Shuksan cafeteria.
The daily Monday through Thursday dinner menu is listed on the school menu webpage by day after the lunch listing.
Please note: Dinner will not be served on school holidays or on the following all school early dismissal days: Nov. 4, Nov. 24, Dec. 9, Feb. 10, March 10 and April 28.
Join us next Monday Night on Zoom
Monday night will be the second PTA meeting of the year. Meetings are held via Zoom, and you can attend in your sweats or pajamas- perhaps one of the more useful unintended consequences of the pandemic.
Our PTA provides materials, experiences and support to our entire Geneva community. Everyone is welcome, and attending won’t commit you to joining a committee or becoming a board member. We all want the best for our kids, join the conversation!
The Zoom link will be sent home each month the morning of the PTA meeting through Seesaw for your convenience.
Are you interested in volunteering?
In-Person Volunteer Guidelines
- All volunteers serving in-person are required to complete the volunteer application and be on the approved volunteer list. Under order of the governor of WA State, all volunteers are required to verify their COVID-19 vaccine status for the 21-22 school year.
- Upon volunteers entering the building front office staff will:
- check their volunteer approval status. If not on the approved list, direct them to the online volunteer application site. They may start their service only after approval is granted.
At this time in-person volunteers may serve in the following capacities:
- outdoor recess with a small group of students (3-4) OR
- inside the school building with a small group of students (3-4) in a large room or area such as the cafeteria or library to minimize exposure. Volunteers must maintain six feet of social distancing, and avoid being in contact students for more than 15 minutes.
- unfortunately, we cannot have volunteers work safely inside classrooms at this time.
- whether indoor or outdoor all volunteers must maintain six feet of physical distancing and wear a mask at all times.
The COVID safety training is now imbedded into the volunteer application.
If you have ideas of ways to help safely from home, we'd love to hear from you!
Do you know how to report a safety concern?
Below is an additional way to to anonymously and immediately report safety concerns through our Safety Tip Line. If you have a concern, we want to hear from you!