08/26/2026 – First Week of School
General News
Upcoming Important Dates
No School- Sept 4 & 7: Labor Day Weekend
Mackinaw Trip- Sept 9-11: 7th & 8th grades
Impact Camp- Sept 9-11: 11th &12th grades
Picture Day- September 18
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.
School Calendar – Please Go to the GCS website to get the latest calendar.
Please note: Computers sometimes bring up “cookies” of older versions – please check the website for the latest version.
Lunch Calendars can be found on our website:
Elementary
Middle and High School
Family Portal – View Student Information
You may view your student’s schedule, grades, homework, lunch account balance, and tuition information in the Family Portal. This is the same site that was used for enrollment.
The district code is GEN-MI
https://sis.factsmgt.com/family-portal/en-us
Student Handbook
Found under Resources in Family Portal.
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.
Stay Connected!
GCS Families & Friends, make sure to stay connected and get all the latest news on our socials. Visit our new and improved Facebook page: Genesee Christian School Ministries and check us out on Instagram: @geneseechristianschool
Grandparent Survey: We Need Your Help
Parents, if you have not already filled out the Grandparent survey, please do so by September 1. Here’s the link: https://forms.gle/eDFfd8GvApat3A2r8
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 has not had a price increase in the past several years, and the current price will remain unchanged.
- 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 2026 through May 2027. 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 31st 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
- Indicate preferred STOP (see below)
- Method of payment: full payment to GCS or added to your current monthly payment through FACTS Management (must be making monthly tuition payments)
- The names and phone numbers of emergency contacts
**MTA bus service will begin on Tuesday, September 1st. The following bus stops and times are subject to change based upon location and level of bus rider interest.
GCS Bus Stops: AM: PM:
Trinity Baptist- Flushing 6:50 a.m. 3:30 p.m.
Cornerstone Baptist- Swartz Creek 7:00 a.m. 3:40 p.m.
Dunham’s- Fenton 7:20 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Raise Right (SCRIP) Gift Card Program
This program, designed to help families with tuition costs while making everyday purchases, also helps support the school’s general fund. 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 the school year is Tuesday, September 1st.
- To learn more about how it works, visit https://geneseechristianschool.com/reduce-costs/ and click on the RaiseRight tab.
- For more information about RaiseRight and the gift cards offered, visit https://www.raiseright.com/
- If you are not taking advantage of these great savings and would like to join the program, email gcs@geneseechristianschool.com.
Little Leaders Preschool/Daycare and Latchkey
Daycare/Preschool
Our preschool program started today! Please stop by if you would like to learn more about our program!
Latchkey
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. You may also email Mrs. Kubczak at kkubczak@geneseechristianschool.com to sign up. For all billing questions, please contact Mrs. Britton at cbritton@geneseechristianschool.com.
Daycare Hours and Labor Day Closure
Daycare will be closed on Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7 for Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8 at 6:30 am.
Elementary
Latex Safe Policy
For the safety of our students, we provide a latex-safe environment. This means that our buildings are free of latex powder. For this reason, latex balloons are not allowed on school property. Mylar balloons are permitted as a safe option.
Car drop off line
Please help us with drop off in the morning by using the Car Drop Off Line from 7:50 – 8:10 a.m. If you need to come into the building, please park in the south parking lot. You will be assisted at the lobby window.
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.
This Friday will be: Root Beer and Lemonade. We will also offer Cherry (dye-free)
*Please email vtebeest@geneseechristianschool.com if your child can only have dye-free slushes. Look here weekly for flavors.
Available For Purchase
Bibles: $6.00
School Planners: $7.00
GCS gym shorts for 3rd – 5th graders: $12.00
Dress Code Reminder – Elementary
With the last few weeks of warmer weather, please note that shorts and tank tops are NOT a part of our dress code. Dress code can be found in the student handbook (pp. 30-31) which is located under “Resource Documents” in the Family Portal.
- Skirts and dresses are considered dress code, but skirt/dress hemlines must be to the top of the knee (shorts or leggings underneath are strongly encouraged). Girls may also wear loose fitting jeans or dress pants.
- Boys need to wear collared shirts or approved spirit wear, jeans or dress pants. Hair length should not touch the eyebrows, ears, or collar.
- Students may NOT wear flip-flops or beach sandals to school.
Kindergarten Physical and Oral Health Forms Needed
All kindergarten students must have a physical on file by the first day of school. If your child’s appointment is scheduled after school begins, please let us know the date so we can remain in compliance with state requirements.
An oral health assessment is also required. This may be completed by your family dentist or through your local health department. The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment form is available in the school office or by using this link: Oral Health Assessment Form
Middle/High School
Latex Safe Policy
For the safety of our students, we provide a latex-safe environment. This means that our buildings are free of latex powder. For this reason, latex balloons 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 1st.
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
Cell Phones
Just a reminder that students who bring a cell phone to school must leave their phones in their lockers at all times. Phones are not to be taken to classes or to lunch.
Available for Purchase at Student Services
Bibles: $6.00
School Planners: $7.00
Gym Shorts: $12.00
Gym Shirts: $8.00
Drop and Add Classes
If students would like to drop or add a class, they need to email Mrs. Mein at mmein@geneseechristianschool.com . Requests will be considered but may not be granted due to schedules and class requirements. The request must be made to Mrs. Mein no later than 8:10 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Dress Code Reminders – Middle/High School
With the last few weeks of warmer weather, please note that shorts, capris, tank tops, and sleeveless shirts are NOT a part of our dress code. Dress code can be found in the student handbook which is located under “Resource Documents” in the Family Portal.
- Both boys and girls may wear dress pants/khaki type pants. No jeans or athletic pants.
- Skirts and dresses may be worn, but skirt/dress hemlines must be at least to the top of the knee.
- Boys need to wear collared shirts or approved spirit wear, and hair length should not touch the eyebrows, ears, or collar. Faces must be clean-shaven.
- Students may NOT wear flip-flops or beach sandals to school.
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.
Impact Camp – 11th & 12th Grade – September 9-11
The Juniors and Seniors will be attending the school “Impact Camp” from Sept. 9th-11th at Camp CoBeAc. The cost will be $120 per student to be paid in the office by Monday, August 31st. Permission forms were handed out today. 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.
Mackinaw Trip – September 9-11
Contact Katie Heath with questions 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, D.C., and the Senior Trip. Our goal is to assist families in paying for these events by offering various fundraisers throughout the school year. Last year, the students sold 1,342 mums, raising over $7,219.80 for their school trips.
- Mums are $14 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 turn it in to Miss Eskew with payment by Wednesday, September 2. Payment may be made by cash or check. Make checks out to Genesee Christian School
- GCS Mum Fundraiser Order Form
- The students will earn $7.25 for every mum they sell
- Delivery date- Saturday, September 19th from 1 pm -3 pm
- Contact Miss Eskew at heskew@geneseechristianschool.com with questions.
Washington DC Trip
The next payment for the trip is due Friday, August 28.
Please send in $200 per participant to the high school office.
If you have any questions or would like to know your trip balance, contact Katie Heath at kheath@geneseechristianschool.com
Senior Pictures Taken Here – Friday, September 18, 2026
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 18th to take yearbook pictures of 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 25
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.
Drivers Training
Genesee Driving School will hold a segment 1 class October 7-23 at the high school. Classes will be from 3:30-5:30 pm weekdays; Cost is $425 for the class. See geneseedrivingschoolmi.com for more information or call/text (810)564-0808.
A segment 2 class will be held October 5-7 from 3:30-5:30 pm in Montrose, but GCS students can join remotely for the first 2 days of class; they will need to attend in person on the last day. The cost is $80 for the class.
Athletics
Fall Spirit Wear Sale🎉Is On Now! Don’t Miss Out: Get your GCS Spirit Wear by clicking this link:
Sale Runs NOW-9/3. The store will close on Thursday, September 3rd at midnight
Orders will be sent home with students the week of Homecoming. Credit card payment is the only method option.
Here is a breakdown of what is for sale:
- Americana SeeChrist Design on navy available in t-shirts, crewnecks & hoodies (cotton or sport tek options)
- GCS Four Mascots Design on royal available in t-shirts, crewnecks, and hoodies (cotton or sport tek options)
- LOVE Design on gray available in t-shirts, crewnecks, and hoodies (cotton or sport tek options)
- New Addition: Stickers in each design for $5 each
The athletic department appreciates your help in making our home games a success. At each home game, our Soldiers need volunteers. We need volunteers for the admission gate and oftentimes running the game clock.
Use this Link to Sign up To Help with Varsity & JH Soccer Games:
Use this Link to Sign up To Help with JV & Varsity Volleyball Games:
Bonus: This is something we ask of parents to volunteer at all levels. Any volunteer help allows you and your immediate family to get into the game for free that evening!
👟Cross Country 6th-12th Grade Cross Country
Byron Invitational –Thursday, August 27th @ Byron Area High School (312 W. Maple Ave., Byron)
* ALL Runners will be released early from school @ 2:15
Join Athletic Text Alerts: Be alerted of schedule changes – join the text alert group today!
- HS Boys Soccer & HS Volleyball text @gcsfsv26 to 81010
- MS Boys Soccer & MS Girls Volleyball text @gcsms26 to 81010
- 6th-12th Cross Country text @gcsfsvcc26 to 81010
⚽️Junior High Boys (7th & 8th Grade) Soccer Players and possibly 6th graders
First practice is tomorrow, Thursday, August 27th from 3:30-5pm. All practices will take place at the elementary school. Players should come prepared with cleats and shin guards. 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 Jordan Steiner (see detailed physical info ℹ️ above)
🏐Junior High Girls (7th & 8th Grade) Volleyball Players
First practice is tomorrow, Thursday, August 27th from 3:30-5pm @ South Baptist Church. Players should come prepared with indoor athletic shoes and knee pads. 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 Coaches Sam Preger & Heather Eskew at practice (see detailed physical info ℹ️ above)
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.
➽➽Varsity – $175.00 ➽➽JV – $150.00 ➽➽ Junior High – $125.00 ➽➽ Jet League – $75.00
- Athletic Fall Schedule link to access athletic page with schedule tab GCSFallSportsSchedule
Athletic Physicals🩺
For the 2026-27 school year, an MHSAA sports physical is required for all students who participate in sports. A physical examination must be completed on or after April 15, 2026 to be considered a valid physical for 2026-27. – This applies to any students participating in high school and middle school sports.
The MHSAA two-page physical form can be found using this link. MHSAA26-27SportsPhyscialForm and is available in the school offices.
Students planning to participate in athletics MUST have this physical form on file by the first day of practice. Forms must be on file at the school athletic office before try-outs, practices, or games.
Soccer
Junior High Girls Soccer (7th-8th): April – May
Junior High Boys Soccer (7th-8th): August – October
Varsity Boys Soccer: August – November
Varsity Girls Soccer: March – June
Volleyball
JV Girls Volleyball: August – October
Varsity Girls Volleyball: August – November
Junior High Girls Volleyball (7th-8th): August – September
Cross Country
Cross Country Girls/Boys (6th-12th): August – October
Basketball
6th Grade Girls Jet League Basketball: October – December
6th Grade Boys Jet League Basketball: January – March
Junior High Girls Basketball (7th-8th): October – December
Junior High Boys Basketball (7th-8th): January – February
JV Boys Basketball: November – March
Varsity Girls Basketball: November – March
Varsity Boys Basketball: November – March
Baseball
Junior High Boys Baseball (7th-8th): April – May
Varsity Boys Baseball: March – June
Golf
Varsity Boys Golf (9th-12th): April – May