New Family Guide
The following list of frequently asked questions by new parents has been compiled after years of working with new parents.
Please be sure to also read the information on these pages:
- FAST FACTS
- NEW FAMILY MEDICAL INFORMATION
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- LANGUAGE ARTS/LATIN CAMP (4th–6th)
If you have a question that is not answered here, please email Sarah Cloke and she will assist you (and also maybe add your question to this page).
Tell me why K4 and kindergarten finish school early for the first few weeks of school? Is aftercare offered?
Aftercare is offered to students in K4–6th grade every day school is in session until 5:30 pm, except on early dismissal days. This includes the days at the beginning of the year when K4 and kindergarten finish school early.
More detailed information about aftercare can be found HERE.
Do you have early care? How early can you drop off your children?
Students should be dropped off at the following times:
- K4–6th Grade: Please drop off between 7:45 and 8:15 am
- 7th–12th Grade: Please drop off/arrive between 7:30 and 7:45 am
Can we request a teacher?
How do we get our children to their sports practices that are off campus?
When are try-outs for JV and varsity teams?
Please bear in mind that students in grades 6–12 must have up-to-date FHSAA forms on file in the athletic office prior to any participation, including try-outs and practices. All the forms can be found on the ATHLETIC FORMS page.
Do you work out carpooling for families to and from school?
What is the school’s policy regarding cell phones?
Students are not permitted to take electronic devices (other than cameras) on field trips and cell phones are only permitted in cases deemed necessary by the director of early childhood (K4–2nd grade), director of the grammar school (3rd–6th grade), or director of the upper school.
Do we have to buy text books?
How does Geneva handle school supplies?
- School supplies necessary for students in K4–6th grade are purchased and placed in classrooms ready for the first day of school. The cost of supplies is added to an activity fee divided between two payments billed to accounts in September and January. At each grade level, there are a few items that are not included in the activity fee billing.
- Students in 7th & 8th grade purchase most of the own supplies. A few are purchased by the school and the cost added to an activity fee divided between two payments billed to accounts in September and January.
- Students in 9th–12th grade purchase their own supplies.
Further information can be found on the STUDENT SUPPLIES page.
Is there a school calendar of events?
- Regular TGS events
- JV and varsity athletic games/meets/matches
- D/R daily schedule
If you want to add any or all of these google calendars to your google account, with the google calendar open in a browser, simply scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the +google calendar icon and follow the prompts.
My child has allergies, needs medication, has an EpiPen or inhaler. Who do I talk with about medical needs?
My child has need for some extra tutoring to prepare for TGS. Who can help us find a tutor?
What other co-curricular opportunities are offered and who do I contact to get my child involved?
For all things athletic, please contact the athletic department: Hollie Benjumea for K4–6th grade students and Dan Harger for 7th–12th grade students.
Information about other clubs and organizations can be found on the CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS page.
I would like to be a volunteer mom. Who is in charge of parent volunteers?
Volunteering at Geneva is a great way to partner with the school. Visit the PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT page and submit the simple form to let us know your interests and availability.
Who handles issues with students and/or teachers?
At the upper school campus (7th–12th grade), student and/or teacher issues are dealt with by Director of the Upper School Peter Vande Brake and the student services department overseen by Chaplain Mike Beates.
Who do I speak with regarding my bill, scholarship, or financial issues?
How can I get to know other parents in my child’s class?
In addition, there are many opportunities to volunteer in the classroom, on field trips, and with your child’s co-curricular activities. These times naturally lend themselves to building relationships with the other families at the school.