Geneva Family Gnome News
February 2020
Message From the Prinicipal
I don't know about you, but hearing there may be some sunbreaks in the clouds this weekend has added some pep to my step!
Last month I shared that throughout January and February we are engaged in assessing the academic growth students are making this year, and preparing to share this information with you through report cards. We are eager to share with you the learning and growth of your child(ren).
In addition to preparing for report cards, we are also planning something we believe will become a special and unique annual Geneva tradition. On the evening of March 12th from 5:30 to 6:30 we will host our first annual Place Based Showcase Event. This event coincidentally will mark the 130th anniversary of the Geneva school!
Geneva Elementary School is special place in many ways. The long standing history of the school in addition to the astounding beauty of our campus and surrounding environment feel important to acknowledge and provide access to for our students and community.
Geneva teachers recognize this and have been exploring and engaging in developing Place Based units of study for several years. They have become experts on our local environments, and have deeply studied Common Core grade level standards looking for opportunities to infuse place into intentionally designed multidisciplinary units. Last fall, we took this work a step further when we partnered with over 60 community members and local agencies to build partnerships to support this ambitious goal.
Where we traditionally hosted the Science Fair in March, we transitioned last year to showcasing student learning at Geneva during a STEAM themed night. While reflecting on the STEAM night last spring, Geneva staff recognized this annual evening event is the perfect opportunity to showcase the unique Place Based learning opportunities students at Geneva are engaged in Kindergarten through fifth grades at Geneva. Below you will see a few info graphics that describe Place Based Learning pedagogy, and show that as children grow, they are developmentally ready to think more broadly about the world. On March 12th, as you visit classrooms, you will see this developmental progression demonstrated in student learning.
In addition to the Place Based Showcase, our PTA will host the Spring Book Fair in the cafeteria. The location for the Book Fair will shift to the cafeteria to allow better flow into classroom and learning spaces as we showcase student learning.
Please save the date. We are so excited to share with you the result of student and teacher learning using our unique place and to celebrate 130 years of learning at Geneva School!
Warmly,
Sharece Steinkamp
Upcoming Events
Early Release Days this month: Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27
Feb. 17 NO SCHOOL - President's Day
Feb. 24 PTA Meeting
Feb. 27 Report Cards go home in backpacks for grades 1-5
Upcoming...
Mar. 3 Kindergarten Report Cards go home in backpacks
Mar. 3 Promise K Family Night
Mar. 6 NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workday
Mar. 9-13 Book Fair
Mar. 12 Place Based Family Night 5:30-6:30
Mar. 13 1st Grade Field Trip to MBT
Mar. 13 Lorson Howell & Kesinger 2nd Grade Class Field Trip to MBT
Mar. 17 Mobile Dental Visit
Mar. 23 PTA Meeting
Mar. 25 Young Author's Conference
Mar. 30- Apr. 1 Neyman & Thompson Class Field Trip to Mt. School
Inclement Weather Information and Snow Bus Routes
Dear Families,
With the change of seasons, it’s time to plan ahead for winter weather and how it may affect our schools.
This message will help you:
- update your contact information
- find information on weather communications, and
- find your snow bus route if your child rides the bus.
Depending on conditions (which could include snow, flooding, power outages, etc.), school could:
- close for the day
- 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?
Any changes to the school schedule are usually announced by 6 a.m., and we use a variety of methods to keep families informed:
- 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.) Please note: You may select a phone call “early a.m.” option, but we do not plan to use the call feature for this school year to increase the speed of our communications.
- Tune to local media: 790 AM, 96.5 FM, 104.1 FM or Seattle media.
- Check bellinghamschools.org
- Check @BhamSD on Twitter or @bellinghamschools on Facebook
- Call 360-676-6400 for a recorded message.
- Call 360-647-6815 for a message translated in Español, русский, tính từ and Punjabi.
What is a snow route and how can I find it?
If your child rides the bus to school, please check bellinghamschools.org/snow-routes to find out your family’s snow bus route.
A snow bus route (or snow route) is a modified bus route that generally runs on main roads rather than side streets or through neighborhoods. If snow routes are in effect, students must catch their bus at alternate stops. We have found that bus ridership is low on snow route days, so our snow bus routes run on main, well-traveled roads to increase the likelihood that we can keep school open (and reduce the need for snow make-up days).
During a weather event, please review Bellingham Public Schools weather communications carefully to determine if snow bus routes are in effect for the morning only or for the morning and afternoon routes. It is the responsibility of families to know their snow route bus stop and help your children know where to go.
If your child is in grades K-5, your Return Home Plan you set in place at the start of the school year also applies for a snow route. Please make arrangements to ensure the safety of your child at snow route stops.
Lastly, we encourage you to be prepared at home. Sites such as takewinterbystorm.org and The Red Cross provide valuable preparedness tips.
Wishing you a safe winter.