A Note from Dr. Whipple
January 22, 2024
Midterm Schedule & Information - 2024
Just a reminder that Monday is a normal school day for everyone. From Tuesday-Friday, though, the high school will be administering midterms and Regents exams. Students will only report on the days and times for their exams. Classes will not be in session. Review the schedule to see when your midterms take place.
- The regular bus pickup times will continue each morning. Students that have an AM exam can ride their normal bus to school on those days. Students do not need to sign up for the regular morning bus run.
- Transportation to school for a PM exam will be between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. Students must sign up for this bus in the Main Office prior to the exam date to get an 11:00–11:30 a.m. pick up time.
- For students that attend Wayne Technical and Career Center classes in the PM, the bus will leave from the High School at 11:40 a.m. If you need a bus to bring you to the HS, sign up in the Main Office for an 11:00-11:30 a.m. bus run.
- Bus departures for home will be at 10:30 a.m., 2:25 p.m., and 3:05 p.m. during exam days.
Food Service:
- No breakfast will be served from Tuesday-Friday.
- Students will need to sign up in the Main Office to receive lunch during exams. The cafeteria will serve lunches only to those who have exams all day and have made reservations.
Secure Exam Site:
- During Regents testing the school building will be considered a secure exam site per guidance from NYS. Only students scheduled to take an exam or attend a review course will be permitted to enter the building. Backpacks, cell phones, and all other electronic equipment cannot be beyond the front foyer of the building. A staff member will have students label and store their property in the foyer.
- Beverages in plastic containers must not have labels in exam rooms.
- Students should arrive ten minutes before their exam time and have all of their supplies with them – they will not be permitted to go to their lockers. Students are encouraged to use the restroom before taking their exam. Only students with an emergency can leave the exam room to use the restroom. A proctor must escort students to and from the bathroom in case of an emergency.
Students must stay in the exam room for a minimum of two hours.
Once students finish their exam and meet the two-hour requirement, they must leave the building. Students who have an exam later in the day and wish to remain in the building must report to the cafeteria and remain there until the start of that exam.
NEW REQUIREMENT: Student ID Scanning on Buses - IMPORTANT
Students need to have their ID card with them to scan when boarding the school bus. This is for safety reasons by helping to ensure people are on the correct bus and so that in case of an emergency we have an accurate account of who is present. Beginning February 1, 2024, students will not be able to board the school bus if they do not have their id.
If your student needs a new id card they can request it in the Main Office at the HS.
In addition to their ID card, students may obtain a barcode on their phone to use for scanning. Instructions on how to obtain the code are posted on each bus or can be found here.
Gananda BOE Vacancy
At the November 29, 2023 meeting, the Gananda Board of Education accepted the resignation of Ms. Patti Walker as a Board Member. The remainder of Ms. Walker’s term runs through June 30, 2025. At the May 21, 2024 board election, residents will select a candidate to serve the remainder of Ms. Walker's term for the period of May 22, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
Prior to the May 2024 election, the Gananda Board of Education would like to consider appointing a board member to serve in the position from March 1 until the May 21 election. Consequently, the Gananda Board of Education is asking that individuals interested in serving in the temporary appointment for March 1, 2024 through May 21, 2024 submit a resumé and brief statement to Leslie Ferrante, District Clerk at lferrante@gananda.org by January 31, 2024. The Board anticipates that it will interview potential candidates with the hope of appointing at the February 14 Board meeting.
Read the full statement at the district website here.
#GanandaPROUD
Students practicing how to draw blood in Mrs. Peterson's Principles of Biomedical Sciences course.
Mr. Seither's class teaching the elementary school kids how to line dance from their Dance Unit in PE.
Congrats to Varsity Cheer for defending their title at the Midlakes Eagle Showdown for the second year in a row!
Congrats to Boys Varsity Swim for another big win on Senior Night. A great way to celebrate this outstanding group!
Gananda Rotary Citizen of the Month Nomination
Gananda Rotary is interested in continuing to participate in our student of the month program by honoring a student who has demonstrated service in school or the community. If you would like to nominate a student, you may do so by completing this form.
Concessions Volunteers Needed!
Sports Boosters is looking for students to help with concessions during home JV and varsity sporting events. It is a great way to earn the volunteer hours you need. If you are interested in signing up to help, please email sportsbooster@gananda.org.
Panther Paw Submission Form for our Seniors!
Seniors! As we progress into the academic year, don't forget to please complete a Panther Paw Submission Form when you have been accepted into a college/trade school/military branch/apprenticeship program. We will hang a Panther Paw on the #GanandaGoals wall as you enter the building to celebrate your accomplishment!
Tutoring Services by National Honor Society
National Honor Society students are now offering tutoring help for any high school students looking for help in science and/or writing. We will be offering tutoring both during advisement and after school on certain days.
All tutoring will be held in room 131. Students can use this Google form to sign up. It is not necessary to sign up, but it will help to ensure we have the right students and enough students available to help.
Career Exploration Opportunities
Exploring Program
EXPLORING provides exciting activities and one-on-one mentorship for high school aged students to discover their future by having them “try a career on for size!”
Young people ages 14-20 can explore their career interests in a hands-on real-world environment with professionals in that field. There are Explorer Posts for areas in
- advanced manufacturing
- aviation
- cosmetology
- culinary
- engineering
- firematics/EMS
- health care
- law enforcement/legal
- military
- skilled trades
- sports management
- veterinary, and many more!
Mrs. Marang is our EXPLORERS contact and can help you research options and complete an application! Find out about upcoming Open Houses and events this Fall HERE.
Scholarship & Financial Aid Opportunities
UFCW One Scholarship due 3/1/24
For any students that work at Tops, you might be eligible for the UFCW One Scholarship! Currently, members actively working for a Local One participating employer (Tops is one!), their dependents and their grandchildren are eligible. Visit this website to see the application and instructions. https://ufcwone.org/college-scholarships/
Let the Counseling Office know if you need assistance! :)
Young Women of Distinction Award
Brought to Rochester in 2000 by the Women's Council, the Young Women of Distinction Award is presented to high school senior women who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to community service while letting their creativity shine through their individual submissions. The award embodies the Women’s Council’s belief that young women with promise today will become tomorrow’s leaders.
We are pleased to accept submissions from any young woman who is a high school senior. Successful applicants will have a strong academic record, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a strong desire to improve their community.
Each of the recipients receives a scholarship along with recognition in local and social media. The remaining finalists, all from schools in Monroe or surrounding counties, are each granted a lesser scholarship amount.
Applications Open January 8, 2024
through March 10, 2024
Finley Scholarship due 3/4/24
The Finley Scholarship is now part of the Consolidated Application within the New Scholarship Portal at Rochester Area Community Foundation.
Applicants will qualify for the Finley Scholarship once confirming they are:
- A high school senior
- Plan to attend an accredited two-year, four-year, or technical school
- Live in the town of Walworth (there is a link to a map on the scholarship page)
The link to the RACF scholarship portal is listed above as well as in the ‘Application Process’ section of the Finley Scholarship page on the RACF website.
Applicants can click the link to the new portal and start by creating an account. Look for the Consolidated Application to apply for the Finley Scholarship and over 40 other scholarship opportunities! The deadline for submission is March 4, 2024.
All technical questions can be directed to scholarships@racf.org.
Neighborhood Acting Company Scholarship due 3/15/24
Have you participated in NAC in Ontario County? If so, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship for students graduating from Wayne County High Schools. Any involvement - cast, crew, pit, etc. are all eligible to apply!
Application may be found HERE. Deadline: March 15th, 2024.
Wayne Technical & Career Center due 4/1/24
Students interested in attending the Wayne Technical Center next year will need to complete the attached Application by April 1st. If you would like a paper copy please stop by the Counseling Office to pick one up. The Tech Center presentation is also attached below for your review. If you have any questions regarding the Tech Center, please make an appointment with your counselor.
Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing Applications due 6/1/24
The 10-month Licensed Practical Nurse program at Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing (mswspn.com) and the two-year Associates Degree in Registered Nursing program at Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing & Health Sciences (flhcon.edu) have both EXTENDED THEIR APPLICATION DEADLINE!
They will now consider applications submitted until JUNE 1st! Applications are being accepted until June 1, 2024 for the 2024-2025 academic calendar. Potential students are encouraged to call (315) 787-4005 or email admissions@flhcon.edu for each program! (Students interested in the paid Certified Nursing Assistant Training program should call 315-787-4039.)
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application
The New York State TAP Application will open on November 1, 2023, for the 2024-25 academic year. Students do not need to wait for the FAFSA release in December to apply for TAP. Students who will be attending college in the Fall of 2024 can jumpstart the NYS financial aid process by visiting www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap.html for more information or on November 1 to complete the application.
Mid Year Transcript Requests
If you have received notifications from Colleges/Universities that you have applied to requiring an updated transcript, please note the Counseling Office will automatically upload updated documents to Common App after midterms and grades are finalized in Infinite Campus. If you have applied to Institutions that are not on Common App, please let us know as we will send your updated information directly to that College.
Ms. Bertram (L-Z) and Mrs. Kelleher (A-K)
Yearbook Order Info
ORDER THE 2024 YEARBOOK TODAY
The yearbook staff is working hard on this year’s yearbook. Be sure to remember to order by 2/26/24 to guarantee your yearbook this year. We be ordering limited extras for selling at the end of the year. Order your 2024 yearbook at www.jostens.com or call 1-877-767-5217.
Reporting Absences & Extended Student Absences Work Request
Absences need to be reported to the school health office by the parent/guardian of the student. This may be done so online by completing this form.
If your student will miss an extended period of time during the school year, please make sure they complete this Extended Student Absences Work Request form. This form should be completed a minimum of 2 weeks in advance if it is a planned absence. Students who have an excused absence will have one day for each day absent to make up work. Students who have an unexcused absence will have no additional time to complete work. Please note that family vacations are considered unexcused absences.
Senior Trip Info
See below for Senior Trip info. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Zebulske or Mrs. Chevier.
HELP WANTED!
Substitute Teachers - We are always looking for people to help cover teachers when they are out. This can be a great opportunity for someone trying to break into the field of education. If you or someone you know might be interested please apply here.
Dollars for Scholars is looking for volunteers to help support this great scholarship program available to our students. If you are interested in helping them out, please contact them at gdfscholars@gananda.org.
Winter Weather Reminder: School Closing Policy
Please read the attached letter from Dr. Van Scoy to understand the decision process for potential snow days and weather-related delays for Gananda Central School District.
Important Upcoming Dates
1/23-1/26 - January Regents/Midterm Week
- 1/26 - End of Marking Period 2
1/26 - Jr/Sr Vocal All-County
1/29 - Beginning of Marking Period 3
2/1, 7pm - Girls Varsity Basketball Senior Night
2/2 - Report Cards Published
- 2nd Senior Trip Deposit Due
2/5-2/9 - "Soup"-er Bowl Week
2/6, 7pm - Boys Varsity Basketball and Varsity Cheer Senior Night
2/8, 7pm - NHS & Math Honor Society Induction Ceremony
2/12 - Registration for spring sports opens
2/16 - Random Acts Of Kindness (RAOK) Day (1/2 day for students)
- Students dismissed at 10:56
2/19-2/23 - February Break
Respectfully,
Dr. Christopher J. Whipple
Principal
(315) 986-3521 ext. 3154
Ms. Mairi Greibus
Assistant Principal
(315) 986-3521 ext. 3154