Geneva Family Gnome News
October 2020
A note from the principal...
Hello Geneva Families!
There is nothing like a couple of windstorms, power outages and WiFi interruptions to remind all of us that Autumn has arrived. The changing leaves are a lovely reminder that nothing is permanent, even COVID-19! I hope you are able to get out and enjoy these fleeting sunny weekend days.
Speaking of windstorms... I have never been so attuned to weather, and interruptions to power outages as a principal, and you know all about Sudden Valley during snow events! We are all learning how to manage spotty internet, lost power and the tech issues that arise with remote learning. You will see below that we are taking attendance, and counting daily participation with daily calls for absences starting next week. If you are in a situation without power, internet issues or some other unforeseen complication preventing your child from accessing the learning, call us. Grace and flexibility are the name of the game this year. We want to work together.
Technology is also a place where we are all exercising patience, grace and flexibility. When I think about what we have all learned in the past month about devices, connectivity, time management, software platforms and educational technology; I believe it is something we will look back on, hopefully sooner rather than later, shake our heads, and remember with pride. We are modeling for our children that together we can do hard things.
Our dean of students, Dustin Heaton is going to offer some real time, hands on technology information nights. Do you know the difference between the Seesaw Parent App and the Seesaw Classroom App? Do you know how to support your child with Zoom? Join us to ask questions, to hear from other parents, or to learn how to make the day go as smoothly as possible. We can show you how to add shortcuts, pin programs to your child's taskbar and bookmark websites so your child can more independently access their learning.
If you run into any urgent questions or needs during the learning day, please call the office at 360-676-6416, and a member of our team will call you right away to help problem solve. We are here to help.
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
Oct. 7 - 4:00-5:30 Meal Distribution
Oct. 14 - 4:00-5:30 Meal Distribution
Oct. 21 - 4:00-5:30 Meal Distribution
Oct. 28 - 4:00-5:30 Meal Distribution
October 29th and 30th Virtual PTA pumpkin carving night
Supporting Technology At Home
Dustin Heaton, our Dean of Students, is going to begin hosting information sessions to support you with our district technology in your home. The first information session will be Tuesday, October 6th from 6:30 – 7:00. During this first session, Mr. Heaton will be sharing the ways we at Geneva are using the various programs and apps that you are hearing about. We will discuss some of the basics around using ZOOM, Seesaw, EPIC, Lexia, and others. We will also have a chance for you to ask questions that we may answer during the live session or if needed we may build those questions into more live sessions where we answer your topics in more detail.
Hope to see you all Tuesday evening for our first family tech session.
https://bellinghamschools.zoom.us/j/82226897540?pwd=Smd0N0gwQ0thZGc4dzVoMEtUcEVGUT09
Safer Traffic Flow for Distribution Nights
We can't wait to see you Wednesday night!
A Reminder About Digital Citizenship from Ms. Hudson
We are all digital citizens in this time of COVID – whether we like it or not. Students need to learn how to become productive citizens in the digital world and the first step is taking care of the technology they have been entrusted with. Students should keep food and drink away from their devices and carry devices with two hands. The power that is technology also comes with responsibility. It is the responsibility of students to use their assigned computer for school only. Although it is fun to search for all kinds of things on the internet, that activity is best done on a family device with parental supervision. It is important to understand that because this is a public-school computer, anything that is searched for or visited on the internet is recorded.
Check out the funny reminder video with your child by clicking the video link below.
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
PTA Updates and Community Activities- All Are Welcome!
How do we track attendance in a virtual setting?
Attendance is taken every day by teachers
We know this is an unprecedented time in remote instruction, and student learning is our primary focus. Being present in class is the first critical piece to the school day.
Please be an ally for your children by encouraging their daily attendance and helping them engage in learning. Helpful parent/guardian tips are found on the Attendance Works website.
To excuse your child from an absence, please call 360-676-6416 ext. 6150, or email Teresa.Babcock@bellinghamschools.org
Geneva staff are to help if you need family support around attendance. Reach out to your teachers, principal or counselor with any questions or concerns. Please call us or email us, we are here to help!
If you think your family might qualify, please apply.
Census closes soon
It’s important for all residents in Washington state to be counted. Go to 2020census.gov today!
Register to vote or update your registration today
Registered to vote in the state of Washington or update your voter registration now in time for the November 2020 election. With a Washington state driver’s license or state identification card, it is quick and simple at VoteWA.gov. VoteWA allows you to register to vote, update your voter registration, view voters’ guides, check the status of your voter registration and get election results. If you do not have a driver’s license or state ID, please register using your Social Security number and a paper registration form.
If you prefer to register by mail, pick up a Washington State Voter Registration Form at the county auditor’s office or download one here https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/print-voter-registration-forms.aspx and mail it to the county elections office at: Whatcom County Elections, P.O. Box 398, Bellingham, WA 98227-0398. You may also drop off your registration form at the Elections Division of the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office located in the Whatcom County Building located at 311 Grand Avenue in Bellingham.
For eligibility to be a voter, visit the Secretary of State website at https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/.
If you need additional voter registration information or assistance in Whatcom County, contact the county auditor at 360-778-5102 or visit http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/auditor/index.jsp.