Geneseo MS/HS Newsletter
October 2nd, 2020
A Message from our Principal: Mr. Salatel
Dear GCS School Community:
It’s hard to imagine the first month of school has come to a close. I would like to thank our parents, students, and staff for making the month of September a success in this new structure of education. We will continue to modify and adjust our school practices and systems to meet the ever-changing needs of our students. Our school will continue to focus on supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if further assistance and support are needed for your student. In this newsletter you will find some school highlights, special recognitions, and important events happening in our school.
Sincerely,
Mike Salatel
MS/HS Principal
A Message from Our Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: Mr. Veley
I hope this email finds you and your family excited for the reopening of extracurricular athletics this fall. With the reopening comes a shared responsibility to ensure the safety of not only our athletes, but also our spectators, officials, and all parties attending competitions. Per the NYSDOH and NYSPHSAA guidelines, we will be permitting two (2) spectators per athlete to attend competitions. Again, to ensure the safety of everyone involved, we will also be required to screen all visitors, enforce social distancing guidelines, and require face masks for all in attendance. All safety measures will be enforced to ensure consistency among all area schools and, as previously mentioned, will be in accordance with the NYSDOH and NYSPHSAA guidelines.
It should also be noted that there may be area schools that follow more restrictive guidelines such as only allowing fifty total spectators or not allowing any spectators at all. These situations will be communicated to parents before any events are held at these more restrictive locations. You can find most of these additional requirements on our Geneseo School District athletic schedules at this address: https://www.sectionvny.org/public/genie/783/school/4779/.
We are also able to stream the games that are played on the Field of Dreams utilizing our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Official-Geneseo-Central-218425314837262
While the prospect of only having two spectators per athlete may not be ideal, it is important to keep in perspective the fact that our priority is the safety and well-being of our students. Providing students an opportunity to play, despite the hurdles that go with this pandemic, is, and will remain, our number one priority. We appreciate your consideration and support as we move toward competitions.
Student Spotlights:
Adeline Capel and Amabella Sykes: Congratulations to Addy and Belle on being selected to NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) All-State Performing Ensemble(s). The students will be performing in the 2020 Virtual All-State Concert in December. We’re very proud of Addy’s and Belle’s accomplishment and talents.
(Pictured: Belle, Ms. Howard, and Addy)
Dynamic Duo:
Jacob French and Nick Lamb: Jacob and Nick earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America Troop 4070 of Geneseo. The Rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank available to youth in the Boy Scouts of America. Jacob and Nick join over 2.25 million Scouts who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout since 1912. GCS is honored and proud of the service Nick and Jacob have provided in our school community.
Staff Spotlight: Our Clerical Staff
Community Spotlight:
Athletics and Extracurricular Events:
We are excited that our students have the opportunity to showcase their many talents. The tradition of success that our GCS programs have displayed throughout the years is a special part of our school culture. Please visit our school website for more information.
Financial Literacy Program Addition!
In Person Attendance:
Important News and Notes:
- School Calendar Change: On the printed district calendar it indicates that students have no school due to a Superintendent's Conference Day on October 9, 2020. This has been cancelled. It is a regular school day and will be a B Day for the middle and high school. It is also the end of the 5-week marking period. Please visit your student's SchoolTool account to monitor their academic performance. This error also caused the cycle day rotation (ABCD) to be incorrect on the printed calendar from that point forward. An updated calendar can be located on the GCS website.
Remote Students' Supplies Pickup: The next scheduled day for students in the remote learning model to pick up supplies is Monday, October 5, 2020, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Please go to the main entrance of our MS/HS to pick up your supplies.
Outside Lunchtime: The tents we are currently using for student lunch periods have been beneficial for social distancing and getting some fresh air. As the weather changes, we have developed a plan to move all lunches indoors. The approximate date for this transition is currently scheduled for the end of October. We have allocated space in the building for students who prefer to eat inside over the next few weeks.
Substitute Teachers: Please note that for security and privacy reasons, Zoom classes will be canceled on days that a substitute teacher is in the building for that particular class. Students will be provided asynchronized learning opportunities and instructional materials on those days. Students will be informed of the teacher's absence through Google Classroom.
Requests for Support: Our school is committed to providing students and families support throughout the school year. Below is a link to the form that allows parents and teachers to express concern and to get support for students via an electronic mode:
Sad News
On Friday, September 25, longtime teacher and coach, Mr. Masters, experienced a tragedy in his family. Chris’ 17 year old daughter suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. The entire GCS Community's thoughts and prayers are with the Masters family during this sad time. Many members of our school community have reached out to Mr. Masters during this time, and his family greatly appreciates the warmth and concern our community has shown him and his family.