08/21/2024 – 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/2024/08/24-25-Calendar-1.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 (Resources dropdown menu):
Elementary
https://geneseechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Aug-Sept-Elementary-Menu.pdf
Middle and High School
https://geneseechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Aug_Sept-24-MsHs-Menu.pdf
Supply List Link
https://geneseechristianschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-2025-supply-list-1.pdf
Student Handbook
Found under Resources in Family Portal
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.
Lunch Accounts- on Family Portal
Please check your Family Portal Finance tab to make sure that your child’s lunch account has a positive balance. Lunch accounts are prepaid. All students ordering school lunch should have a positive balance of at least $5.00 in their lunch account before ordering lunch.
MTA NEWS-UPDATED
Parents Please Email the Office if Your Student is Riding the Bus this Year
***If you have already signed up for bus service please keep an eye out for an upcoming email with NEW MTA information about the route plan***
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 2024 through May 2025. 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 29th 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 (AND which stop they will use)
- 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 3rd.
Raise Right (SCRIP) Gift Card Program
Raise Right is a great way to help reduce the amount of tuition your family pays AND also helps to support GCS. Orders will be placed the first Tuesday morning of each month 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, September 3rd. 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
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 3rd. We are offering $10 off the registration fee if you enroll before August 29. Please stop by 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 email Mrs. Kubczak at kkubczak@geneseechristianschool.com or Mrs. Britton at cbritton@geneseechristianschool.com to sign up.
Latchkey News
We wil
Elementary
Car drop off line
We will start the car drop off line this Thursday from 7:50 – 8:10 a.m.
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!
Slush for Sale $1
On Fridays we sell slushes for $1. Students can buy a slush ticket for $10.
Available For Purchase
Bibles: $6.00
School Planners: $6.00
GCS gym shorts for 3rd – 5th graders: $11.00
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. Girls may also wear jeans/dress pants.
- Boys will need to continue to wear collared shirts or approved spirit wear, jeans or dress pants.
- 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 (pp. 30-31) which is located under “Resources” in the Family Portal.
K5 Physical and Dental Forms Needed!
New K-5 parents, please remember to have your child’s physical on file with us by the first day of school. 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. ALL K5 parents: In addition to the physical, a dental assessment is also required this year. You may have your family dentist do the assessment, or contact the Genesee County Health Department for a free screening. Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment forms are available in the school office.
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 Tuesday, September 3rd.
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: $6.00
School Planners: $6.00
Gym Shorts: $11.00
Gym Shirts: $7.00
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 29, 2024.
Dress Code Reminders – MS/HS
- With the last few weeks of warmer weather, we want to remind you that shorts, capris, tank tops, and sleeveless shirts are NOT a part of our dress code.
- Both boys and girls may wear dress pants/khaki type pants.
- Skirts and dresses are considered dress code, but skirt/dress hemlines must be at least to the top of the knee.
- Boys will need to continue to wear collared shirts or approved spirit wear, and hair length should not touch the eyebrows, ears, or collar, and faces must be clean shaven.
- Students may not wear flip-flops or beach sandals to school.
- Dress code can be found in the student handbook which is located under “Resources” in the Family Portal.
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. Armbrust’s room.
Impact Camp – 11th & 12th Grade – September 4-6
The Juniors and Seniors will be attending the school “Impact Camp” from Sept. 4th –6th at Camp CoBeAc. The cost will be $120 per student to be paid in the office by Thursday, August 29th. Permission forms will be handed out with schedules on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, 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 4-6
All remaining balances must be paid in full by Friday, August 23. 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.
Washington DC Trip – 9th-10th Grade – March 24-28
Reminder – the next payment for the DC trip is due Friday, August 23. Each participant will owe $200.00 at that time. 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 use the order form provided (available in the Student Services Office) to record your purchases and turn it in to Miss Eskew with payment by Wednesday, August 28. Payment may be made by cash or check. Make checks payable to Genesee Christian School. GCS Mum Fundraiser Order Form
* Mums will be delivered to the school and ready to go home on Saturday, September 21. 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 with questions.
Senior Pictures Taken Here – Wednesday, September 11th
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 11th 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.
Homecoming – September 27th
The Student Council is working hard to plan dress days, 8th hour activities and more. Stay tuned for details!
We need convertibles for the Homecoming Court for our halftime presentation. Please contact marmbrust@geneseechristianschool.com if you are able to help with this need.
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
Junior High Girls Volleyball: August – October
JV Girls Volleyball: August – October
Varsity Girls Volleyball: August – October
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): January – March
JV Boys Basketball: November – March
Varsity Girls Basketball: November – March
Varsity Boys Basketball: November – March
Baseball
Junior High Boys Baseball (7th-8th) : April – June
Varsity Boys Baseball: March – June
Fall Spirit Wear Sale🎉
We are offering Spirit Wear apparel via an online store again this year. All orders must be completed through the online store with the option of free shipment to school for pick up, or shipped to a residence with an additional charge.
- Orders will be available for pick up at school the week of Homecoming. (unless shipping option was chosen at check-out)
- Sale Runs NOW-8/29. The store will close on Thursday, August 29, 2024 (11:59 PM EDT)
- Credit card payment is the only method option
Here is a breakdown of what is for sale:
- Sport Specific (Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, and Baseball) Design on royal available in t-shirts and hoodies (cotton or sport tek options)
- See Christ Design on black available in t-shirts and hoodies (cotton or sport tek options)
- See Christ Design on black available in t-shirts and hoodies (cotton or sport tek options)
Get your GCS Spirit Wear by clicking this link: GCSFall24SpiritWearSale
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, 2024. 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: MHSAA24-25PhysicalForm or pick up at HS office.
Join Athletic Text Alerts: Be alerted of schedule changes – join the text alert group today!
- HS Boys Soccer & HS Volleyball text @gcsfsv24 to 81010
- MS Boys Soccer & MS Girls Volleyball text @gcsms24 to 81010
- 7th-12th Cross Country text @GCSCross to 81010
Sports Fee
Each student athlete must pay the following sports fee per athlete / 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.
➽➽Varsity – $150.00 ➽➽JV – $125.00 ➽➽ Junior High – $100.00 ➽➽ Jet League – $50.00
Athletic Fall Schedule use this easy link to access athletic schedules: GCSFALLAthleticSchedule
9th-12th Grade Boys Soccer Players⚽️
Varsity Boys Soccer Tournament:
Saturday, August 24, 2024
OAKLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
3075 Shimmons Road, Auburn Hills
9:00 a.m. Genesee vs Oakland
10:45 a.m. Shrine vs Valley
12:15 p.m. Shrine vs Oakland
1:45 p.m. Valley vs Genesee
3:15 p.m. Shrine vs Genesee
4:45 p.m. Oakland vs Valley
Please bring both home and away colors. The team listed first is to wear Dark.
Each game will consist of two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute intermission. All games will be played on the varsity field at Oakland Christian School.
Admissions:Day pass for admission will be $8.00 per spectator.
Concession Stand: Concessions will be available.
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
9th-12th Grade Girls Volleyball Players🏐
Varsity Volleyball Tournament:
Saturday, August 24, 2024
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.
Please check the school website for practice and game information. GCSFALLAthleticSchedule
If you have any questions feel free to contact Coach Sandy Forsyth for Varsity (sforsyth@geneseechristianschool.com) and Coach Aimee Stevens for JV
7th-12th Grade Cross Country
Birch Run Early Invitational -Thursday, August 22nd
Schedule 4:30 p.m. – Boys Race. 5:15 p.m. – Girls Race
Webberville Happy Acres Race Saturday, August 24th
Schedule: 7:15 a.m. course opens
9:00 a.m. – Boys Race. 9:45 a.m. – Girls Race
Practice schedule varies for MS & HS runners. Please check the schedule closely.
Use this easy access link for more practice and meet schedulesGCSFALLAthleticSchedule.
Junior High Boys (7th & 8th Grade) Soccer Players⚽️
Coach Zeke Rierson will be coaching our JH boys this season… First practice is scheduled to begin tomorrow- Thursday, August 22nd 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 Reirson at practice (see detailed physical info ℹ️ above)
Junior High Girls (7th & 8th Grade) Volleyball Player🏐
First practice is scheduled to begin tomorrow, August 22nd. 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 Katie Smith at practice (see detailed physical info above)