Frequently Asked Questions Home > Frequently Asked Questions Who to Contact How do I contact my child's teachers? Teachers use Seesaw to communicate with parents and can also be contacted via email. Please reference the Staff Directories for the RMSC Campus and/or the Flour City Campus. Who do I contact if I have a change in address or contact information? Please report changes in address or contact information to the main office staff at your child’s respective GCCS campus: Maureen Milke, Director of Operations at GCCS – RMSC Campus Phone: 585-697-1960 Email: mmilke@gccschool.org Melissa Fanizzi, Administrative Specialist at GCCS – Flour City Campus Phone: 585-417-7020 Email: mfanizzi@gccschool.org Who do I contact about school meals or food service? For questions regarding school meals or food service, please contact Michelle Henry, Food Service Coordinator, at mhenry@gccschool.org. You may also visit our Food Service page for more information. Who do I contact about special education? For questions regarding special education, please contact the School Director at your child’s respective GCCS campus: Kemouy Bhalai, School Director at GCCS – RMSC Campus Phone: 585-697-1960 Email: kbhalai@gccschool.org Emily Volpe, School Director at GCCS – Flour City Campus Phone: 585-417-7020 Email: evolpe@gccschool.org Who do I contact if I have a concern? We recommend that you first contact your child’s teachers to resolve any issues that your child may be experiencing in the classroom. Your concern will be escalated to the School Director if necessary. Enrollment How do I enroll my child at GCCS? Our online application platform is managed by GoodSchoolsRoc. You may submit an application here. Please see our Admissions page for more information. How do I check the status of my child's application? To check the status of your child’s application, please contact: Maureen Milke, Director of Operations at GCCS – RMSC Campus Phone: 585-697-1960 Email: mmilke@gccschool.org Melissa Fanizzi, Administrative Specialist at GCCS – Flour City Campus Phone: 585-417-7020 Email: mfanizzi@gccschool.org Is there anything I can do to advance my child's position on the waitlist? No. Open seats at GCCS are offered to students based on their current waitlist position. Can a GCCS student transfer from one campus to the other? No. Once a student is enrolled at a particular GCCS campus, there is no option to directly transfer to the other. How do I schedule a school tour? To schedule a tour of one or both GCCS campuses, please contact: Maureen Milke, Director of Operations at GCCS – RMSC Campus Phone: 585-697-1960 Email: mmilke@gccschool.org Melissa Fanizzi, Administrative Specialist at GCCS – Flour City Campus Phone: 585-417-7020 Email: mfanizzi@gccschool.org Once my child is enrolled at GCCS, do I need to re-apply every year? No. Once your child is enrolled at GCCS, you do not need to re-apply every year. You must, however, complete any re-enrollment forms as provided by the administration team on a yearly basis in order to preserve your child’s spot at GCCS. Transportation How do I set up bus transportation for my child? Bus transportation is provided by your child’s district of residence. Please see our Transportation page for more information. My child left a personal belonging on the bus. What do I do? We recommend checking with your child’s bus driver to retrieve any lost items. How do I change my child's bus route? Please contact your district of residence to request a change to your child’s bus route. See our Transportation page for more information. School Culture Does GCCS require uniforms? No, GCCS does not require uniforms. Keep in mind that each class participates in a daily outdoor recess period, including the winter season. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately. Your child may keep winter gear (snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, etc.) at school. Are students permitted to use cell phones in school? No, students are not permitted to use cell phones in school. Cell phones must be turned off and stored in your child’s backpack during school hours. GCCS is not responsible for stolen, lost, or damaged personal electronic devices that are brought to school. Please see our Distraction-Free Schools Policy for more information. What is a typical school day like? The school day begins at 7:45am with Morning Choice. During this time, students eat breakfast and engage in planned activities or play. Morning Meeting begins by 8:30am; all students circle up on the carpet, greet each other, and go over the schedule for the day. Academic lessons in math, ELA, and Expedition bring students to a quick snack period, followed by 20-30 minutes of outdoor recess and a 30-minute lunch period at mid-day. Students finish out the day with additional academic lessons or specials classes (visual art, music, or creative movement). Students are dismissed at 2:45pm (12:45pm on Wednesdays). Why is there early dismissal (12:45pm) every Wednesday? Students are dismissed every Wednesday at 12:45pm to allow time for staff meetings and professional development in the afternoon. Do the students have recess? Yes, all students are given a 20-30 minute recess period every day. Recess is held outdoors, so please make sure your child has appropriate attire. Recess periods are staggered and may shift on a daily basis to avoid overcrowding the play areas. Can parents volunteer at GCCS? Yes, parents are welcome to volunteer at GCCS. Please contact your child’s teachers to inquire about volunteering. Does GCCS provide afterschool care? GCCS is partnered with Rochester Ecology Partners to provide an outdoor afterschool program on Wednesdays only. Transportation is not provided when the program ends at 2:45pm; all participants must be picked up. The program is available to students in grades 1-6 and maxes out at 20 students. Does GCCS assign homework? No, GCCS does not assign homework, but you may request extra practice work from your child’s teachers. What is Community Circle? Community Circle is a 45-minute period on Wednesdays where all students come together to celebrate their learning. Students often share activities or performances that they recently participated in. Family members are invited to attend. Community Circle ends shortly before 12:45pm dismissal on Wednesdays. What are Family Conferences? Twice per year, Family Conferences allow time for parents to meet with their child’s teachers in person, via phone, or via Zoom. Family Conferences are scheduled upon request only. What are Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)? Once per year, all students participate in Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) to present their learning to their teachers and family members. What is your bathroom policy? Teachers implement bathroom policies within their classrooms. Generally, students are permitted to use the bathroom during non-instructional times. What security measures are taken in each building? Both school buildings are locked at all times and all visitors must be buzzed-in by a GCCS staff member. Each building is equipped with video surveillance technology. Please see the District Safety Plans for the RMSC Campus and/or the Flour City Campus for more information on school safety.