08/23/2023 – First Week of School
General News
GCS Start and End Times
Elementary: 8:15 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Middle/High School: 8:10 a.m. & 3:05 p.m.
Safety – NO Latex Please
For the safety of our students we provide a latex-safe environment. This means our buildings are free of latex powder. For this reason, latex balloons and other latex items are not allowed on school property. Mylar balloons are permitted as a safe option.
School Calendar – Please Go to the GCS website to get the latest calendar.
https://geneseechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/23-24-CALENDAR.pdf
Please note: Computers sometimes bring up “cookies” of older versions – please use this link for the most up to date version.
Lunch Calendars can be found on our website:
Elementary
seechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Aug_Sept-23-Elem-Menu.docx.pdf
Middle and High School
https://geneseechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Aug_Sept-23-HS-Menu.pdf
Supply List Link
https://geneseechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-2024-supply-list-1.pdf
Student Handbook
https://geneseechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GCS-student-handbook-609.pdf
Family Portal – View Student Information
You may view your student’s schedule, grades, homework and Lunch Account balance in the Family Portal. This is the same site that was used for enrollment. The district code is GEN-MI
https://logins2.renweb.com/logins/parentsweb-login.aspx
RENWEB APP – Don’t Purchase Please
The RENWEB App is not compatible with our system.
MTA NEWS – Parents Please Email the Office if Your Student is Riding the Bus this Year
We are pleased to announce that MTA has agreed to provide services for our GCS families again this year. We are very thankful for this service and the convenience it provides to so many of our families.
- MTA will be charging $55 per student each month. If a student wants to ride the bus during the school year they need to pay $55 per month for September 2023 through May 2024. This is a total cost of $495 per student per year for riding the bus. If a student rides the bus at all during the school year (even if they choose not to ride due to athletics) they must pay for the full nine months ($495).
- Bus charges must be paid in full to GCS ($495/per student) by August 28th or with your previously scheduled monthly tuition payment through FACTS Management.
- Please email gcs@geneseechristianschool.com with the following information:
- student(s) who will be riding the bus: include the route/stop
- method of payment: full payment to GCS or added to your current monthly payment through FACTS Management
- the names and phone numbers of emergency contacts
**MTA bus service will begin Tuesday, September 5th.
MTA Bus Schedule:
FLUSHING/SW CREEK A.M. P.M.
Trinity Baptist Church 7:10 3:40
Cornerstone Baptist Church 7:20 3:25
GCS High School 7:45 3:05
GCS Elementary 8:00 3:00
FENTON A.M. P.M.
Dunhams, Silver Lake Rd 7:15 3:40
Meijer, Hill Road 7:30 3:25
GCS High School 7:45 3:05
GCS Elementary 8:00 3:00
SCRIP Gift Card Program
Scrip is a great way to help reduce the amount of tuition your family pays AND also helps to support GCS. Orders will be placed every Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. and will be ready for pick up on Friday. The first order for this school year will be placed on Tuesday August 29th. For more information please visit https://geneseechristianschool.com/resources/#resources
If you would like to get registered and start earning rebates please email scrip@geneseechristianschool.com.
Office Depot for School Supplies
If you make any purchases at Office Depot you may ask at the checkout that our school be given credit for the 5% program. The cashier can look up our number or you can refer to the numbers on your Supply List. MS/HS – 70048995 or Elementary – 70049000
50th Anniversary Stickers for SALE
Stop by the elementary or high school Student Services Office to get your celebratory 50th anniversary stickers. On sale now for just $0.50 each.
Little Leaders Preschool/Daycare and Latchkey
Daycare/Preschool/Latchkey
We are now enrolling students for our preschool and daycare program. Our start date for preschool is Tuesday, September 5th. We are offering $10 off the registration fee if you enroll before August 31. We have a limited number of spots left for preschool. Please call (810)-743-3110 option #2 if you would like to learn more about our program!
We are asking all families that will be using Latchkey on a regular basis to let us know ahead of time. This will help us with staffing and planning for the school year. Please contact Mrs. Kubczak at kkubczak@geneseechristianschool.com or Mrs. Britton at cbritton@geneseechristianschool.com if your child will be using Latchkey.
Elementary
Car drop off line
We will start the car drop off line next week from 7:50 – 8:10 a.m.
K4 students need to wait until 8:00 to be dropped off or go into Latchkey due to age/supervision requirements.
Summer Math and Reading
Did your child participate in our summer math and reading program? Whether they did a vacation station or kept track of their participation another way, please submit the certificate from the end of the book or the signed log to the office as soon as possible. We will go on a picnic in the Spring!
Available For Purchase
K4 crayons and pencils: $5.00 pack
Bibles: $5.00
School Planners: $6.00
GCS gym shorts for 3rd – 5th graders: $10.00
Dress Code Reminder – Elementary
With the last few weeks of warmer weather, we want to remind you that shorts and tank tops are NOT a part of our dress code. Skirts and dresses are considered dress code, but skirt/dress hemlines must be to the top of the knee. Boys will need to wear collared shirts or approved spirit wear, hair length should not touch the eyebrows, ear, or collar. Additionally, students may NOT wear flip-flops or beach sandals to school. Dress code can be found in the student handbook on the GCS website (pages 30-31).
https://geneseechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/student-handbook-2021.pdf
Physical Needed!
K-4 and new K-5 parents, please remember to have your child’s physical on file with us ASAP. If you have an appointment for a physical after school begins, please call and let us know that date so we can stay within the state regulations.
Box Tops, Office Depot, Kroger and Others
Please download and use the Box Tops for Education App. Several stores are offering bonus Box Tops during the back to school season. Thank you so much for participating!
Office Depot and Target purchases also help when you mention the school name during check out (see above). We also collect used ink cartridges that we can turn in for store credit. These help purchase many items from Staples and Office Depot. Also, Kroger has a wonderful rewards program and is a great way to earn funds for the school. Sign up is fast and easy on their website.
Middle/High School
Safety – NO Latex Please
For the safety of our students, we provide a latex-safe environment. This means our buildings are free of latex powder. For this reason, latex balloons and other latex items are not allowed on school property. Mylar balloons are permitted as a safe option.
Student Drivers – GCS Permit Tag Required
Each student driver must complete a permit form located in the Student Services Office and pay a $5 fee for a numbered mirror tag. All student drivers must have their vehicle registered and a tag hanging in their car by Wednesday, August 30th.
Lunch Time – Visitor Policy
In an effort to support safety and wellness, our middle and high school building is a closed campus with no lunch visitors allowed in the school building. Parents are welcome to pick up their children and take them out to lunch. If a grandparent or other relative wants to take a student out to lunch, the parent/guardian must communicate with the Student Services Office in advance via email or written permission. StudentServices@geneseechristianschool.com
Available for Purchase at Student Services
Bibles: $5.00
School Planners: $6.00
Gym Shorts: $10.00
Gym Shirts: $6.00
Drop and Add Classes
If students would like to drop or add a class, they will need to stop by the Student Services Office and complete the Drop/Add Form. Requests will be considered but may not be granted due to schedules and class requirements. The forms are due in Mrs. Mein’s office no later than 8:10 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
Dress Code Reminder – MS/HS
With the last few weeks of warmer weather, we want to remind you that shorts, capris and tank tops are NOT a part of our dress code. Skirts and dresses are considered dress code, but skirt/dress hemlines must be at the top of the knee or longer. Boys will need to wear collared shirts or approved spirit wear; hair length should not touch the eyebrows, ears, or collar, and faces must be clean shaven. Additionally, students may NOT wear flip-flops or beach sandals to school. Dress code can be found in the student handbook on the GCS website (pages 30-31).
https://geneseechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/student-handbook-2021.pdf
Pick up and Drop off – different in the morning and afternoon
Students may be dropped off at the Cafeteria entrance as early as 7:30 am. (students must remain in the Cafeteria until 7:45). Students may be dropped off at the center doors in the morning starting at 7:45 am. Students should be picked up by 3:30 pm at the Cafeteria end (north lot) of the building. The center doors are reserved for MTA bus riders at the end of the day.
Covers for Books – MS/HS
Start to collect those paper sacks from your favorite grocery store!. All books, except for consumable workbooks, must be covered by students with a paper bag covering (no book socks). This should be done within the first week of school. Some paper bags are available in Mrs. Heath’s room.
Impact Camp – 11th & 12th Grade – September 6-8
The Juniors and Seniors will be attending the school “Impact Camp” from Sept. 6th – 8th at Camp CoBeAc. The cost will be $120 per student to be paid in the office by Thursday, August 31st. Permission forms were handed out today and with schedules on August 21st. These instructional days will include many team building and leadership activities along with motivational biblical challenges. If you would like to help meet some of the additional financial needs of this activity, donations can be sent to the HS Office, Attn: Lisa Oliver.
Mackinaw Trip – 7th Grade – September 6-8
All remaining balances must be paid in full by Friday, August 25th. If you have questions about your remaining balance, joining the trip, or about the trip in general, please contact Mrs. Katie Heath at kheath@geneseechristianschool.com.
Wojo’s Mum Fundraiser
Here at GCS we offer many school trips for the students to enjoy including Mackinaw, Creation Museum, Washington DC, and the Senior trip. We want to do all we can to assist families in being able to pay for these events, so we offer various fundraisers throughout the school year. After the trip deposit has been paid, the money your student earns from these fundraisers will be put into a special account to be applied to the trip the student is going on.
The first opportunity this year to begin earning money for their trip is the Wojo’s Mum Fundraiser. Last year, the students sold 1,342 mums, raising over $7,219.80 for their school trips.
* Mums are $13 in 6 quart containers (approximately 14”-20” across and 8”-12” tall).
* The color choices are Red, Yellow, White, Pink/Purple, or Bronze/ Orange.
* Please print off the order form to record your purchases and return it to Miss Eskew or Mrs. Heath with payment by Wednesday, August 30. Payment may be made by cash or check. Make checks out to Genesee Christian School. GCS Mum Fundraiser Order Form
* Mums will be delivered to the school and ready to go home on Saturday, September 23. Please make arrangements to pick up your orders from the school on that day.
* The students will earn $6.40 for every mum they sell.
Contact: Miss Eskew heskew@geneseechristianschool.com or Mrs. Heath kheath@geneseechristianschool.com with questions.
Homecoming – September 29th
This year’s theme is “Golden Reflections.” Classes will be deciding next week what their decade will be so they can begin to build their floats. Who will win the Spirit Cup this year?
The Student Council is working hard to plan dress days, 8th hour activities and more. Stay tuned for details!
We are having a Homecoming parade this year from the high school building to the elementary building. Would your family or business like to participate in the parade? Bikes, Wagons, Hay Rides, Floats, Banners – the list of ideas is endless. Contact Mrs. Heath if you are interested. kheath@geneseechristianschool.com
Senior Pictures Taken Here – Wednesday, September 13th
In the past few years it has become increasingly difficult for high school Seniors to obtain a head and shoulder picture for the yearbook. This year GCS is having Photo Factory come to the school on September 13th to take yearbook pictures for our Senior Class. The ENTIRE class will have a school picture taken (at no cost) to be used in the yearbook. Additional copies will be available for purchase through Photo Factory.
PLEASE NOTE: Girls will need to wear a nice, modest blouse for their picture and boys will need to wear a collared shirt and tie.
Drivers Training
Genesee Driving School will be offering a new Segment 1 class October 9-27 with no class on October 10. See Senora Lunney for a contract. You may also call or text the business line at (810) 564-0808.
A new Segment 2 class will be held October 16-18. See Senora Lunney for a contract. You may also call or text the business line at (810) 564-0808.
Athletics
Sport Teams and Seasons
Soccer
Junior High Girls Soccer: April – May
Junior High Boys Soccer: August – October
Varsity Boys Soccer: August – November
Varsity Girls Soccer: March – June
Volleyball
JV Girls Volleyball: August – October
Varsity Girls Volleyball: August – October
Junior High Girls Volleyball: January – March
Cross Country
Cross Country Girls/Boys (7th-12th): August – October
Basketball
6th Grade Girls Basketball: October – November
6th Grade Boys Basketball: January – February
Junior High Girls Basketball (7th-8th): August – October
Junior High Boys Basketball (7th-8th): October – December
JV Boys Basketball: November – March
Varsity Girls Basketball: November – March
Varsity Boys Basketball: November – March
Baseball
Junior High Boys Baseball: April – June
Varsity Boys Baseball: March – June
Fall Spirit Wear Sale🎉
Be watching your email for our new designs for the fall Homecoming Spirit Wear sale! Sale is scheduled to begin in just a few days 🙂
Athletic Physicals🩺
Students planning to participate in athletics MUST have a physical form on file by the first day of practice. This form must be the MHSAA form completed and signed by a physician on or after April 15, 2023. This applies to high school and middle school sports. Forms must be on file at the school athletic office before try-outs, practices, or games.
Physical forms are TWO pages – access using this link: MHSAA23-24PhysicalForm or pick up at HS office.
Join Athletic Text Alerts: want to be alerted of schedule changes – join the text alert group today!
- HS soccer & HS volleyball text @gcsfsv22 to 81010
- MS boys soccer & girls basketball text @gcsms22 to 81010
- 7th-12th cross country text @GCSCross to 81010
Sports Fee
Each student athlete must pay the following sports fee per sport/per season. These fees should be turned in by cash or check made payable to GCS to the Athletic Office before the first game.
JV/Varsity – $100.00
Junior High – $75.00
5th & 6th – $50.00
Athletic Fall Schedule use this easy link to access athletic schedules: GCS ATHLETIC SCHEDULES
4th/5th/6th Grade Girls Basketball Program:
The coordinator of the Jet League Basketball is hoping to have a girls 4th, 5th & 6th grade fall program this year. GCS participates in this league if we have enough players to fill a team and coaching availability. Parents / Guardians, please be sure to check your email for sign up form. Or use this easy access link to sign up SignUpForm
9th-12th Grade Boys Soccer Players⚽️
Please be sure to check the school website for practice and game information. If you have any questions feel free to contact Coach Anderson danderson@geneseechristianschool.com
Game Help Needed! The athletic department appreciates your help in making our home games a success. Our Soldiers need volunteers for the admission gate. Please sign up using our SignUpGenius link 👉🏼 BoysMS&VarsitySoccerAdmissionsSignUp
Bonus: your immediate family gets into the games for free that night!
9th-12th Grade Girls Volleyball Players🏐
Varsity Volleyball Tournament:
Saturday, August 26, 2023
OAKLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
3075 Shimmons Road, Auburn Hills
Volleyball tournament will start at 8:30am and will have “pool play” followed by “bracket play.”
Start Time: 8:30 am
Admissions:$8.00 per spectator.
Concessions: Concessions will be available in the main gym.
Please check the school website for practice and game information. GCS ATHLETIC SCHEDULES
If you have any questions feel free to contact Coach Sandy Forsyth for Varsity (sforsyth@geneseechristianschool.com) and Coach Kayla Synder for JV (kaylasnyder334@gmail.com).
7th-12th Grade Cross Country
Tomorrow -Thursday 8/24
Birch Run Early Invitational
💦 Due to the expected extreme heat on Thursday, the start time of the first race has been pushed back to 6:00 p.m. to avoid the dangerous temps for the runners.
Our schedule would look like this:
6:00 p.m. – Girls Varsity Race (all high school girls)
6:40 p.m. – Boys Varsity Race (all high school boys)
7:20 p.m. – Middle school runners (all runners 6th – 8th grade)
Practice schedule varies for MS & HS runners. Please check schedule closely
Use this easy access link for more practice and meet schedules GCS ATHLETIC SCHEDULES
Junior High Boys (7th & 8th Grade) Soccer Players
Coach Riley Buchalski will be coaching our JH boys this season… First practice is scheduled to begin tomorrow- Thursday, August 24th from 3:30-5pm at elementary fields. Current sports physicals are required to be turned in by first practice to participate. Please have your player turn form in to Mrs Walls in athletic office or Coach Buchalski at practice (see detailed physical info ℹ️ above)
Junior High Girls (7th & 8th Grade) Basketball Players🏀
First practice is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 28th. From 3:30-5pm at South Baptist Church. Current sports physicals are required to be turned in by first practice to participate. Please have your player turn form in to Mrs Walls in athletic office or Coach Mike Ritchie at practice (see detailed physical info above)