Geneva Family Gnome News
December 2021
A note from the principal...
Hello Grown Gnomes!
It is hard to believe it is already December and that 2022 is just around the corner! Although December is a shorter month of school due to Winter Break, we have a lot of important learning to do and fun to be had!
You may have heard there are some predictions of snow in the forecast. This is an opportunity to remind you to update your communication preferences to ensure you are aware of any school closures, delays or transportation adjustments. Information about how to update your preferences is included below.
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. Our Lost and Found is full of missing items. If you are missing some outerwear, gloves, hats or lunchboxes, remind you child to check the Lost and Found.
If you have ever considered attending a PTA meeting to see how to support your child and the children of our community, I extend to you a personal invitation. Meetings are held via Zoom with the link sent the day of the meeting through your child's Seesaw account. Our PTA oversees the funds you and your child raise to support Geneva. Your ideas matter, we hope to have parents join the conversation. I hope to see you January 18th on Zoom.
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
Dec. 2 - Early Release
Dec. 9 - Early Release
Dec. 16 - Early Release
Dec. 18 - Jan. 2 - NO SCHOOL Winter Break
Upcoming...
Jan. 3 - School Resumes
Jan. 3/4 - Promise K Conferences
Jan. 5 - 1st Day for Promise K Students
Jan. 6 - Early Release
Jan. 13 - Early Release
Jan. 17 - NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr. Day
Jan.18 - PTA Zoom Meeting 6:30-7:30
Jan. 20 - Early Release
Jan. 27 - Early Release
Jan. 31 - NO SCHOOL - Semester Break Day
Emergency and Weather Procedures
It’s that time of year to think about snow and our procedures and impact of weather-related school cancellations.
Depending on conditions (which could include snow, flooding, power outages, etc.), school could:
- close for the day (in the case of widespread power outages),
- open two hours late with regular bus routes or snow bus routes,
- open on time with snow bus routes.
How can I get weather/emergency information?
Changes to the school schedule are usually announced by 6 a.m., and we use a variety of methods to keep families informed:
- Sign up for alerts: To receive email, phone, and/or text alerts, set your communication preferences on the Skylert tab within Skyward Family Access. (Need help? go here for step-by-step directions or contact 360-676-6520.)
- Tune to local media: 790 AM, 96.5 FM, 104.1 FM or Seattle media.
- Check bellinghamschools.org
- Check @BhamSD on Twitter, @bellinghamschools on Facebook and @bellinghamschools on Instagram
- Call 360-676-6400 for a recorded message.
- Call 360-647-6815 for a message translated in Español, русский, tính từ and Punjabi.
Please familiarize yourself with our weather procedures at bellinghamschools.org/weather.
How to find your snow bus route: www.bellinghamschools.org/snow-routes
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.
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!