West Genesee School District
February 9, 2024
Administration Updates
Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
Schools have changed across the years. Even in recent years, there has been an evolution of many components of instructional delivery, common assessments used formatively, data that helps to individualize what is best for each student, advanced programs, technology as a tool for learning, and much more. With some history maintained, it is my hope that we look for growth and change as part of a culture of continuous improvement.
Some differences, as compared to our past, create challenges. Our kids face additional conditions than that of past generations: information is more immediate, time boundaries have opened, and connections are more far-reaching. There is quick exposure at any time of the day to any part of our world. While technology opens opportunity, there is related access that can be consuming and overwhelming for our youth.
Social media has a two-sided impact. It can be a way to maintain connections and share updates, but it also has potential to increase pressure, cause hurt, and can result in disruption. Many of our students have lived their lives knowing and using various platforms routinely. As a result, they may be more vulnerable to accepting what they see as truth or to impulsively respond, share, or post.
It is important that we, as adults, protect our youth from the potential missteps that they frequently face. For now, I encourage you to discuss their vulnerabilities of either being impacted by something false or by responding or sharing in a way that could induce hurt, negativity, and potentially dangerous information. We all want our students to have a “see something, say something” approach of trust with the adults around them. Our continued conversations will help them to question the validity of social media and choose a more productive path of sharing concerns and more directly addressing important issues.
Below, please find “Ways to support our youth with social media” that will be updated and available through this E-Newsletter and our website. I will be addressing this in the future through further avenues of discussion and action. We need everyone’s help. We have 4,503 young individuals, many of whom are active online, working their way through formative years, and attempting to navigate their world. It is our relationships and communication with them and for them that will help keep our children safe.
As always, thank you for your part of our West Genesee “Stronger Together” that will be imperative to meet ongoing challenges. It is our partnership that can make a difference.
Thank you,
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
Social Media Tips
Ways to support our youth with social media:
1) Speak to your children about reporting any concerning posts or suspicious activities on social media to a trusted adult. It is important that children understand they will not be punished for reporting a post and that we will protect their anonymity as we investigate the concern. It is also important for students to refrain from sharing or otherwise passing along inappropriate posts, as it contributes to a violation of the WGCSD Code of Conduct.
2) Explain how TIP411 works to your children. Tip411 is an anonymous communication tool that allows students to report serious concerns to schools. Tip411 will provide an option for those students who may not have a trusted adult to relay their concerns. (Note: At times, there may be follow-up questions. Because of the anonymity, it is important to check back to the original TIP411 report.)
3) Encourage your children to seek the truth regarding information online and reporting questionable posts to trusted adults rather than sharing misinformation that causes more confusion than clarity.
4) Speak with your children about school shootings and other tragic events and the fear we all feel as we navigate this unfortunate reality of online threats. Having an open dialogue about school safety is important, especially when threats occur. Here is a link from Common Sense Media that can help guide that sometimes difficult conversation: How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings.
5) Please relay any social media threats to school administrators so we can begin our investigation and involve the police, if necessary. We take each threat seriously and have a protocol to address each incident. As information becomes available, the District will provide updates to parents.
New Assistant Principal at the High School is Announced
On January 31, 2024 Jasmine Mathis was appointed by the Board of Education to the position of Assistant Principal at West Genesee High School. She will fill the position left vacant by Michelle Collier who became the Onondaga Road Elementary School Principal in December 2023. We are in the process of determining a start date that supports a transition in her current position.
Mathis currently serves as Dean of School of the Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester. She has been with Science Academies of New York Charter Schools (SANY) for eight years and previously served as a teacher in the Knox County School District. She also worked as a youth and community advocate for more than ten years. She received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master of Education in Special Education, a Master of Education in Educational Administration, and she is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. She won an Exceptional Educator Award in 2015 at Knox County Schools.
Superintendent Bills shared, “Committees of faculty, staff, parents, administrators, and students were consistently impressed with her experience and success in schools. Comments of her strengths were seen throughout interviews, presentations, and connected tasks and corroborated by outstanding references. Join me in congratulating Jasmine Mathis as we look forward to welcoming her to West Genesee!”
On a personal note Mathis shares that she is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her family.
Student Recognitions
CMS and WGHS Students Receive Scholastic Art Recognition
Twenty-nine West Genesee students received a total of forty-eight awards in the 2024 Scholastic Art Awards competition. Artwork is evaluated on originality, technical skill, and personal vision.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were launched in 1923 to encourage and recognize student achievement in the creative arts. Now celebrating their 100th Anniversary, The Scholastic Awards attract over 350,000 entries in 28 categories of writing and the visual arts.
The West Genesee artists are students, in grades 8-12, of John Capria, Michael LaFay, Gigina Long, Kyle Mort, Lindsay Spaziani, and Rachael Sturgess. The students, along with their award, grade level, art category, and titles are listed at right.
All Gold Key winning artwork will be sent to the national competition in New York City. National medal winners are announced in early March. The event is sponsored by M&T Bank.
Gold Key
- Lydia Boshart-8th Grade-Printmaking-Sunset
- Harrison Choueiry-8th Grade-Drawing & Illustration-Self Portrait
- Stone Kenna-8th Grade-Drawing & Illustration-Self Portrait
- Macy Dreher-10th Grade-Digital Art-Glittery Oblivion
- Ella Boyer (2)-11th Grade-Comic Art-Magical Girl Puberty;Mixed Media-Perfection Obsession
- Gwenyth DeMass-11th Grade-Digital Art-Skull
- Joseph Panek-12th Grade-Design-Killra & the Brigand of Bards
- Allison Shortslef-12th Grade-Sculpture-Lace Birds
- Zoey Slater (2)-12th Grade-Portfolio Category(Art)-Too Much and Never Enough; Photography-Ambivalent
Silver Key
- Rachel Miner-8th Grade-Printmaking-Flowered Memories
- Emily Page-9th Grade-Ceramics & Glass-Blooming Connections
- Annalin Hyatt-10th Grade-Photography-CH4+4O2-->CO2+H2O
- Keira McHugh-10th Grade-Drawing & Illustration-Lower Body
- Amelia Vezey-10th Grade-Digital Art-Twice the Fun
- Malcolm Best-11th Grade-Drawing & Illustration-Nameless Cathedral
- Gwenyth DeMass (2)-11th Grade-Digital Art-Blue; Reticent Pt.2
- Joseph Panek-12th Grade-Digital Art-Sword Hooligan
Honorable Mention
- Jace Jensen-8th Grade-Printmaking-Space Garden
- Leanne Mere (2)-8th Grade-Drawing & Illustration-Portrait; Painting-Portrait
- Madelyn Bestul-10th Grade-Ceramics & Glass-Vines of Nature
- Annalin Hyatt-10th Grade-Photography-Winter Milkweed
- Lena Kent (4)-10th Grade-Digital Art-Blue Retriever; Just Dance; Pool Days; We Don't Mix
- Keira McHugh-10th Grade-Drawing & Illustration-By the Lake
- Paxton Ollis-10th Grade-Ceramics & Glass-The Judgement
- Amelia Vezey (2)-10th Grade-Digital Art-Blues Scale; Photography-Ingredients
- Iliana Dafoe-11th Grade-Photography-Reflecting Back on Philosophy
- Gwenyth DeMass (3)-11th Grade-Digital Art-10x10; Pink Drive; Design-Replica
- Owen Flanagan-11th Grade-Design-Town of Camillus
- Zaida Talev-11th Grade-Photography-Guard
- Kaitlyn Hoy-12th Grade-Photography-Procrastinating Straggler
- Cam Hubbard-12th Grade-Photography-Neon
- Dublin Mehl-12th Grade-Digital Art-The Spider
- Austin Michalkow (3)-12th Grade-Drawing & Illustration-Purpose;The Roots of Overexploitation; Train of Thought
- Jaclyn Rivaldo-12th Grade-Photography-50 Plymouth
- Zoey Slater-12th Grade-Photography-In A Haze
- Hannah Sparks-12th Grade-Ceramics & Glass-Swirl Teapot
Onondaga Math League
On Saturday, January 24, 2024 WGHS students participated in the Onondaga County Math League All-County Competition. Great job to all!
Congratulations to Nathan Smith who will represent Team Onondaga at the NYS Math League meet this spring!
WGHS Students Selected for Syracuse Youth Wind Ensemble
This fall an opportunity became available to high school musicians for the new Syracuse Youth Wind Ensemble.
Conceived and started by Westhill Band Director, Erin Althen and our very own, Greg Borsz, this ensemble aims to provide "an inspiring musical home to the most exceptional high school woodwind, brass, and percussion student-musicians from across Central New York" (from https://syracuseyouthwindsymphony.org). Interested students auditioned last October and began weekly rehearsals in November.
There were eleven WGHS musicians selected to play in this special ensemble. They are:
- Daniel Alvaro (french horn);
- Dounia Bserani (alto saxophone);
- Harrison Card (trumpet);
- Sarai Card (clarinet);
- Audrey Diddle (percussion);
- Benjamin Korzeniewski (alto saxophone);
- Anthony Mangano (timpani);
- Angus Tarolli (trombone);
- Nathan Smith (baritone);
- Conor Swete (tuba); and
- Amelia Vezey (oboe).
The group had a fantastic debut concert on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Westhill High School. Messages of congratulations and gratitude were shared by student musicians, families and conductors alike following the performance! Well done!
Musical at the High School
Pictured from left to right are Joseph Paoli (Jean-Michel), Joanna Ray (Gabrielle), Sophia Knowlton (Charlotte), Samantha Bullock (Madame), Danyella Roper (Ella), Daniel Alvaro (Prince Topher), John Diem (Marie), Angelo Procopio (Lord Pinkleton), Jacob Scerbo (Sebastian), Kneeling is John Panek (Lord Pinkleton).
Cinderella Premiered Last Night at West Genesee High School-Join us for One of the Remaining Shows
The curtain opens on February 8-10, 2024 for West Genesee’s enchanting performance of Cinderella. This fresh, new 2013 Broadway Version remains the heartfelt tale that we all know and love. The characters wish to take charge of their own lives and destinies. Landing a prince will have to be earned, but the magic we have come to expect is ever-present.
The production team (Andrea Scerbo, producer; Kristyn Sperduti, director; Tony Alvaro, music director; Natasha Skidmore, choreographer; Don Schuessler, technical director; Cindy Kissane, costume designer; Bill Mercer, lighting designer; Sophia Knowlton and Angelo Procopio, director’s assistants; Enya Dafoe, dance captain) is incredibly proud of the talented students that comprise the cast, crew, and orchestra of this production.
WGHS will be presenting Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella on February 8 (7:00 p.m.), February 9 (7:00 p.m.) and February 10 (1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.). This "Broadway Version" is the newest adaptation (book by Douglas Beane) of the classic musical and features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and the unforgettable score" we continue to love (quote from concordtheatricals.com).
Tickets became available for purchase starting on December 1. All seats are reserved. To purchase via credit card head to wgfinearts.ludus.com (or scan the QR code) and click "buy tickets." To reserve your tickets via check or cash, contact the WG Fine Arts Office at (315) 487-4612.
Click here for the full article with more plot and cast information.
It Happened at School...
Students Teaching Students at Stonehedge
At the end of January in the Stonehedge library, Ester, Alina, & Kostiantyn from Mrs. Bailey's class read "The Mitten" in both Ukrainian & English to their classmates. Also, Dmytro and Oleksandr read "The Turnip" in both Ukrainian & English to their classmates in Mrs. Lizzi's class.
CMS Students in the Library: Mindfulness Monday Activity/A Place to Read
Did you Know? The CMS Library offers activities along with a place to find, take out and read great books! Thank you to CMS Librarian Sharon Bush for coordinating these activities and sharing pictures of just a few of the many programs offered.
Lucinda Skinner, Molly Fisselbrand, and Madison Coonrad made friendship bracelets (made popular by Taylor Swift) for Library Mindfulness Monday.
Kathryn O'Keefe and therapy dog, Gunny, enjoy some quiet time in the library.
Author Talks to High School Students
On Monday, February 5, 2024 author Samira Ahmed visited West Genesee High School to talk with students. She is a New York Times-bestselling and award winning author of young adult novels Love, Hate & Other Filters; Internment; Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know; and Hollow Fires, as well as the Amira & Hamza middle grade fantasy series.
She is the first South Asian Muslim writer of the popular Marvel Comics superhero Ms. Marvel.
Staff Recognitions
Meet our School Nurses: This Week...Sarah Condon
We would like to introduce you to Sarah Condon who is the nurse at East Hill Elementary School.
She is a Hartwick College Nursing graduate, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Registered Nursing (RN) in 1984.
Condon started her nursing career at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester in Adult Medicine and the Pediatric Intensive Care unit then moved closer to home and worked for Aetna Insurance as a nurse.
She joined the West Genesee School District in 2008 as the nurse at East Hill Elementary School.
She grew up in Skaneateles and continues to live there with her husband. Her daughter Natalie recently moved to Boston. In her spare time, she enjoys many outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and gardening as well as knitting and reading.
She continues to be excited to get to know all the students and work with the staff at East Hill Elementary School.
Dance a Difference Week/UPK & Kindergarten Reg/Closing Information/Calendar Info
Dance a Difference Week
"Dance A Difference" Week is a week of dance-based community service spread throughout the nation. The National Dance Educators Organization (NDEO) and the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) recognizes the power of dance to make and impact for both individuals and communities. In 2017, "Dance A Difference" Week was instituted to dedicate time to dance based service in communities. Dance A Difference Week is held during the first full week in March, and is coming up this year from March 3-9, 2024.
This year, WG NHSDA is collecting items for a local cancer support group called 13Thirty Cancer Connect. 13Thirty Cancer Connect is a non-profit organization that began in 2001 after Melissa Sengbusch passed away at the age of 19 from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The mission, vision, and values of 13Thirty is to help adolescents and young adults living with cancer, with their coping skills and self-esteem by building satisfying peer connections. In preparation for Dance A Difference Week this March, WG NHSDA dancers are now accepting donations of :
- pre-packaged snacks (chips, pretzels, fruit snacks, granola bars, etc.)
- taco kits
- bottled water
- Gatorade
- art supplies (markers, colored pencils, crayons, paint markers, acrylic paint, pens, pencils, colored paper)
- copy paper
- air dry clay
- tye-dye materials
Items may be dropped off at the WGHS Main Office, Fine Arts Office, or sent in with students through February 29, 2024. Thank you!
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Registration Will Open On March 11, 2024
West Genesee partners with local Community-Based Organizations (CBO) for its Pre-K program.
To be eligible for UPK during the 2024-2025 school year, a child must:
Have a birthdate between December 2, 2019 and December 1, 2020
Reside in the West Genesee Central School District
In the event that more registrations are received than can be accommodated, the District will conduct an initial selection process via an open lottery in which children will be selected at random.
Those children who have completed the registration process by May 1, 2024 will be part of the initial selection process.
Families who were part of the initial selection process will be called in order of selection and informed:
whether their child has been accepted to the program, and
which site (including hours of the program) is available for their child;
OR
where their child is on the waiting list.
Families will be contacted by May 2-3, 2024.
If at any point after the initial selection process there are more students registered than seats available, students will be placed on the waiting list in the order that their registration was completed.
Transportation to and from the program is the responsibility of parents/guardians, and students must attend the program five days a week to maintain their seat.
Look for registration information on the Central Registration webpage at: https://www.westgenesee.org/district-services/registration/. If you have any questions, email the Central Registrar at centralregistrar@westgenesee.org, or call Central Registration at (315) 487-4683.
When registering, parents should be prepared to upload the following:
proof of residency (ie. mortgage or property statement or signed lease agreement)
proof of age
Change to 2023-2024 District Calendar
Please note that the Board of Education voted at their meeting on October 18, 2023 to adjust the West Genesee CSD Calendar to move the Half-Day of School for Students-Superintendent's Conference Half-Day from April 10, 2024 to April 8, 2024.
This change is to accommodate a total Eclipse due to occur on April 8 during student dismissal time at some of our schools.
Click here to view/print the updated calendar as posted to the website under the Calendar area.
Kindergarten Registration has Started!
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year opened on December 5, 2023 and will continue until March 31, 2024.
Watch for registration information on the Central Registration webpage. If you have any questions, email the Central Registrar at centralregistrar@westgenesee.org, or call Central Registration at (315) 487-4683.
When registering, parents should be prepared to upload the following:
- Two proofs of residency (i.e. mortgage or property statement or signed lease agreement, utility bill )
- proof of age
A physical examination and proof of immunizations are also required for entry into kindergarten and a dental certificate is requested for entry into kindergarten. These examinations should be done up to one year prior to the first day of school. Children who enter kindergarten this fall must be five years of age on or before December 1, 2024.
Families who have a current UPK student, you will need to register your child for kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year.
Emergency Closing Information is Important
Announcements about school closings, delayed openings, or early dismissal will be posted on the News Headlines section of the District website home page. They will also be broadcast on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the following stations which you can access by clicking here.
SchoolMessenger communications software allows us to send emails, texts, and make phone calls. (Phone calls will be used for emergency situations only.)
Parent/Guardians and staff will NOT need to sign-up to receive information from schools that you are registered for in ParentVue. (You will have the option to opt-out if you choose not to receive emails, texts, and/or phone calls. To receive texts, you also have to opt-in per the instructions in the Tips article below. )
West Genesee is Hiring
WGCSD Seeks a Maintenance Worker with HVAC Experience
We are looking for a Maintenance Worker I to undertake the responsibility to preserve the good condition and functionality of our premises.
Inquiries can be made to Buildings and Grounds at (315) 487-4630.
WGCSD is Looking to Hire Full-time and Substitute Custodians
West Genesee CSD is hiring full-time custodians on all shifts and substitute custodians for the 2nd shift.
Inquiries can be made to Buildings and Grounds at (315) 487-4630.
WGCSD Needs Substitute Teachers
West Genesee CSD is hiring substitute teachers. We are accepting applicants that are both certified and non-certified (with a Bachelor's degree).
Inquiries can be made to Human Resources at (315) 487-4555.
Substitute LPN Nurses are Needed at WGCSD
WGCSD is hiring substitute LPN nurses.
Inquiries about this position can be sent to Stephanie Skardinski at sskardinski@westgenesee.org.
Upcoming Events
February is Black History Month
Black History Month at WGHS
Black History Month at CMS
- February 14, 2024 BOE Claims Audit Sub-Committee Meeting-5:30 p.m. in the West Genesee High School Library Classroom
- February 14, 2024 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m. in the West Genesee High School Library
- February 19-23, 2024 Winter Recess-No School