Summer Courier 2023
General News
GCS Families,
God is faithful and enduring. We look forward to this new year of possibilities and growth. This year we say goodbye to a few staff and teachers; Alicia Adkins, Kim Anthony, Grant Paddock, and Jenny Rose. We continue to pray for them as they seek God’s will in their lives and follow new paths. We are thankful for our returning staff as they guide and lead us into the future.
In the elementary building we are continuing to build relationships with new families throughout the summer, and praying for the Lord’s guidance to fill emerging staffing needs.
At the high school we welcome a familiar face from the elementary school as Kat Hartwig will be transitioning to the Admi nistration Office. Hanni Wiser will be joining the GCS family in the Student Services office.
This summer has been busy with several projects, many of which are still in progress as we approach the new school year. The daycare continued with more renovations this summer as they added another classroom for their Little Followers program. Outside at the elementary you will notice improvements with the addition of a new barn for storage and the Soldiers Snack Shack. The high school received some much needed interior painting. Both buildings updated their security camera systems over the summer break as well with the addition of interior and exterior cameras at entrances and the parking lots.
We are looking forward to the upcoming school year and to seeing many smiling faces as we return. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer. We will see you on Monday, August 21, for our school orientation/open house and our first day of school on Wednesday, August 23.
In Christ,
Rob Buchalski
GCS Administrator
_______________________________________________________________________________
GCS Start and End Times
Elementary: 8:15 a.m. & 3:00
Middle/High School: 8:10 a.m. & 3:05
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 Link
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.
NEW: Tuition information will now be viewed directly through the Family Portal. An email with more information was sent earlier this week.
The district code is GEN-MI
https://logins2.renweb.com/logins/parentsweb-login.aspx
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 rates will be increasing this year but we have not yet received this year’s rates. Bus routes run from September 2023 through May 2024. 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.
- Bus charges must be paid in full to GCS by August 28th or with your previously scheduled monthly tuition payment through FACTS.
- Please email gcs@geneseechristianschool.com with the following information:
- student(s) who will be riding the bus, and which route (see below)
- 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
- Final price information will be emailed to interested bus families when it is received from MTA.
**MTA bus service will begin Friday, September 1st.
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 http://www.geneseechristianschool.com/scrip.html.
If you would like to get registered and start earning rebates please email scrip@geneseechristianschool.com.
Office Depot and 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 5th. We are offering $10 off the registration fee if you enroll before August 31. The preschool rooms will be open during the elementary orientation on August 21. 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. There will be a sign up sheet during elementary orientation in the preschool room. You may also email Mrs. Kubczak at kkubczak@geneseechristianschool.com or Mrs. Britton at cbritton@geneseechristianschool.com to sign up.
Elementary
Orientation/Open House – Monday August 21
Your child’s teacher will be using Family Portal to post a short welcome video and give a brief overview of the coming year. To view welcome video: Go to Family Portal >>School>>Classes>>select Homeroom>>Resources (located at the top) https://logins2.renweb.com/logins/parentsweb-login.aspx
We invite you to come and drop off school supplies and meet your teacher during these times:
Elementary Orientation Schedule – August 21st
Building open: 2:00-3:00 Announcements in gym at 2:30
6:00-7:00 Announcements in gym at 6:30
Available For Purchase
K4 crayons and pencils: $5.00 pack
Bibles: $5.00
School Planners: $5.00
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 continue 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 (pp. 30-31) which is located under “Resources” in the Family Portal.
Physical Needed!
K-4 and 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.
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
Available for Purchase at Student Services
Bibles: $5.00
School Planners: $5.00
Gym Shorts: $10.00
Gym Shirts: $6.00
6th Grade Jump Start for Parents & Students
Mark your calendars on Thursday, August 17th, at 6:30 p.m. for the Sixth Grade Jump Start Meeting. The sixth grade teachers and school administration will discuss general information to ease the transition into middle school. Students will spend time with teachers and will be issued their lockers and locks. We ask that all 6th graders attend with their parents for this “kick-off” event.
Contact Mrs. Katie Heath with questions at kheath@geneseechristianschool.com
Orientation & Open House for ALL Middle/High School Students – Monday August 21
- Student class schedules will be available to view in Family Portal on August 8th at 3pm. Any requests for schedule changes must be made by email to mmein@geneseechristianschool.com
- On August 21st, each class will have a short video with an overview of the class in Family Portal. Please take the time to view the videos prior to the first day of school. These class videos are located in Family Portal under the Resource area for each class. Handouts will also be available to print under Resources in the Document area. To view the welcome videos: Go to Family Portal >>School>>Classes>>select a class>>Resources (located at the top). https://logins2.renweb.com/logins/parentsweb-login.aspx
- On August 21st from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. the MS/HS building will be open for new students and returning students that would like to pick up their schedule, meet their teachers, and find their locker prior to the first day of school.
- There will be a brief, athletic meeting following the open house at 7:30 PM. Any families that are new to the student body or to any sports teams are welcome to attend. Coaches and athletic office staff will be available for any questions or details regarding the upcoming sports’ seasons.
Final Schedules need to be picked up in the cafeteria (grades 6th-8th) and in the gym (grades 9th-12th) on the first day of school. (Students who pick up schedules on August 21st do not need to pick up a schedule the first day of school.) Locker numbers and combinations are not available through Family Portal but will be on the printed schedule. Online schedules may change so be sure to pick up the FINAL copy on the first day of school. Students will be given extra time on the first day to locate their locker and put their things away.
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. Boys will need to continue 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 which is located under “Resources” in the Family Portal.
Pick up and Drop off
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 6-8
The Juniors and Seniors will be attending the school “Impact Camp” from Sept. 6th –8th at Camp CoBeAc. The cost will be $100 per student to be paid in the office by Thursday, August 31st. Permission forms will be handed out with schedules on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, August 23rd. 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
The 7th grade students will be using three instructional days to visit Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island and Mackinaw area attractions on September 6-8. All remaining balances must be paid in full by Friday, August 25th.
Mark your calendar for the Monday, August 21 meeting at 5:15 in the high school cafeteria and watch for an email from Mrs. Heath with general information about the trip and any final forms that need to be completed. 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 turn it in 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. 2023 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. GCS Mum Fundraiser Order Form
* 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.
Senior Pictures Taken Here – Thursday, September 13, 2023
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.
Athletics
L👀KING AHEAD
Open House Athletic Meeting
- On August 21st from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. the MS/HS building will be open for new students and returning students — There will be a brief, athletic meeting following the open house at 7:30 PM. Any families that are new to the student body or to any sports teams are welcome to attend. Coaches and athletic office staff will be available for any questions or details regarding the upcoming sports’ seasons.
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 coming soon!
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
9th-12th Grade Boys Soccer Players⚽️
Monday, August 7th – August 11th will be official practice from 4:00-6:30 pm. Tryouts will be on Monday, 8/7 and Tuesday (if needed) Wednesday (8/9) practice time- 3:30-5:30pm
- August 15: Scrimmage at Lapeer in the evening
- August 17: first game at Byron
Varsity Boys Soccer Tournament
Saturday, August 19, 2023
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
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: The 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🏐
Skill evaluations/tryouts, conditioning & practice will be Monday 8/7 from 9:00-11:30 @ HS. Conditioning & practice will continue on Wednesday 8/9 & Friday 8/11 from 9:00-11:30.
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
7th-12th Grade Cross Country
Conditioning is in full swing. More conditioning is scheduled for 8/4, 8/5 and the next two weeks. Conditioning times are 4:30-5:30. Location: 5277 Irish road, Grand Blanc, Michigan @ Coach Charlie’s house.
Official practice begins August 21st from 3:30-5:30 at GCS HS
- Fri, Aug 18 HS team Evan Gardner XC Invitational
Practice schedule varies – Please check schedule closely
Use this easy access link for more practice and meet times. GCS ATHLETIC SCHEDULES
Junior High Boys (7th & 8th Grade) Soccer Players
Please be watching for information regarding practice and game times. You should be receiving updates in the next few weeks.
Junior High Girls (7th & 8th Grade) Basketball Players🏀
First practice is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 28th. Please be watching for information regarding practice and game times. You should be receiving updates in the next few weeks.