Wayland-Cohocton HS News and Notes
October 2020
Dear Families,
I do want to highlight what a wonderful job our students are doing following the new safety protocols that are in place. Mask wearing has been outstanding and almost a non-issue. I honestly believe that our students' and communities' diligence has allowed our school to move forward with minimal disruptions. Also, thank you to those that continue to complete the SNAP health screening daily. As a reminder, this should be done 5 days a week for all of our students whether remote or in-person
Also, I want to give a shout out to you at home who are staying on top of your child's education. Maybe you are checking assignments morning, noon, and night. Maybe, you are setting alarms to remind students to log on to their Google Meet. We see you and appreciate the effort. We want to partner with you so do not hesitate to ask questions and make sure you tell your child to advocate for their needs.
Reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Thank you,
Mr. Oliver
Google Guardian Email Summary
Did you know that you can see an at-a-glance overview of all of your child’s assignments on Google Classroom?
Life is a bit chaotic right now. You’re trying to keep on top of things, so you ask your son or daughter if they have all of their assignments caught up and they say yes. But then you get an email from one of their teachers saying that they’re missing assignments. Ay caramba!
With the kids home 3 days a week it can be a real challenge holding them accountable for their work.
But there is something that can help. They’re called Guardian Email Summaries.
Guardian email summaries include missing work, upcoming work, and class activity. How it works is simple. Teachers will invite you to join your child’s Google Classroom, and you simply accept the invitation. Once you do so, you will automatically be added to all of your child’s Google Classrooms. You can choose to receive these summaries either once a day or once a week, however you want to set it up.
More information and an example summary is available here.
A Message From The School Counseling Office
College Planning Information
If you need assistance with the College Application process contract your child’s school counselor or visit this website for more information: bit.ly/WCCSCollegeProcess
Remote Support
If you need assistance with navigating your child’s remote schedule or have questions regarding how to access office hours, feel free to contact your child’s counselor at 585-728-2214 or at the email address listed below.
Upcoming Virtual College Visits at WCCS:
Friday, October 23rd @ 9:00 am – SUNY New Paltz
Friday, October 30th @ 10:00 am – SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Friday, October 30th @ 12:00 pm – Niagara University
Sign up for visits through Naviance. Naviance will then send an email confirmation to you with a link for the visit.
Virtual College Fair:
November 8th, 2:00pm-10:00pm
Register at virtualcollegefairs.org/events
School Counselors:
Laura Buisch lbuisch@wccsk12.org Grade 9: A-E; Grade 10: A-E; Grade 11: A-G; Grade 12: A-F
Jen Billotte jbillotte@wccsk12.org Grade 9: F-M; Grade 10: F-O; Grade 11: H-M; Grade 12: G-M
Heather Drum hdrum@wccsk12.org Grade 9: N-Z; Grade 10: P-Z; Grade 11: N-Z; Grade 12: N-Z
Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, Nov 10, 2020, 03:30 PM
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Physical Education
Reminder!
Tips for Anxious Times
These days have been tough for many families to say the least. As parents we are trying to balance all sorts of thigs - work, childcare, and self-care, while dealing with the added stress off these COVID related times. It is important to know how to best help ourselves as well as our children in moving through the anxiety that can affect us all negatively. Here are some simple tips to try out for self and family care:
Become a relaxation expert. We all think we know how to relax. But chilling out in front of the TV or computer isn't true relaxation. (Depending on what you're watching or doing, it could even make you more tense.) The same is true for alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. They may seem to relieve anxiety or stress, but it's a false state of relaxation that's only temporary. What the body really needs is daily practice of a relaxation technique — like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga — that has a physical effect on the mind. For example, deep breathing helps to relax a major nerve that runs from the diaphragm to the brain, sending a message to the entire body to let go and loosen up.
Get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise. Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life's ups and downs? Get the right amount of sleep for your needs — not too much or too little. Eat well: Choose fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for long-term energy (instead of the short bursts that come from too much sugar or caffeine). And exercise to send oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can operate at their best.
Connect with others. Spend time with friends or family. Organized activities are great, but just hanging out works too. Doing things with those we feel close to deepens our bonds, allowing us to feel supported and secure. And the fun and sharing that go with it allow us to feel happier and less upset about things. If you feel worried or nervous about something, talking about it with someone who listens and cares can help you feel more understood and better able to cope. You'll be reminded that everyone has these feelings sometimes. You're not alone.
Connect with nature. Heading outside for a walk in a park or a hike in the woods can help anyone feel peaceful and grounded. (Choose somewhere you feel safe so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.) Walking, hiking, trail biking, or snowshoeing offer the additional benefit of exercise. Invite a friend or two — or a family member — along and enjoy feeling connected to people as well.
Pay attention to the good things. A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive. Appreciate the small, everyday blessings. Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the best that could happen.
THE WCCS COVE
As a reminder to WCCS High School parents! If your family or child is struggling with social/emotional issues beyond the typical stressors of our times and being a teenager, and you would like some assistance- please connect with the mental health professionals in ‘The Counseling Cove’. Mrs. DeNee, LCSW (tdenee@wccsk12.org); Mrs. Sharp School Psychologist (ssharp@wccsk12.org) and Ms. Wadsworth (lwadsworth@wccsk12.org), LMSW. Or use the high school office number 728-2236 to connect.
Senior Essay By Autumn Ladd
College application season is upon us again, so some senior classes have been working on personal essays to submit to the Common App. For the next few months, the HS Newsletter will be highlighting a few of these personal essays, to share the hopes, dreams, and maturity of Wayland-Cohocton seniors. The first installment is by Autumn Ladd, a senior who hopes to attend Ithaca College to study marketing communications with a minor in political science.
Her Essay...
It was March 8th, 2020 when I stepped onto my first plane for a flight heading to Washington, DC. I had been waiting for this trip for years, and what came from it was greater than I could have ever imagined. I left New York naive, indecisive, and quite frankly- scared for what my future held, but I returned excited, secure, and independent. Having this experience changed the entire view of my life path, and opened my eyes to so many opportunities, showing me what the world truly has to offer. In only a week, I blossomed from what once was an anxious girl, to a self-assured young adult.
I hopped out of my parents SUV, and 40 degree March wind blew past my face. We arrived at Greater Rochester International Airport. My airpods blasted music in an attempt to calm my nerves. My father grabbed my bags, and I rushed inside where my other classmates were waiting for me. Stepping into an airport is hard to describe- sounds echo, but it is so quiet, and there’s a tension in the air. The escalators lifted me to my destination and I was overcome with excitement to see my friends. Mr. Giordano diverted my attention, and handed me my boarding pass.
“Don’t lose this.” he says, with his distinct chuckle.
The time before we boarded became a blur of goodbyes to our parents, Tik Tok dances, TSA checks, and spending $7 on a drink at Dunkin. Before I knew it, we were in line, and then on the plane. I had a window seat next to Allie, who was holding my hand, while music flowed through my mind. The plane rumbled, my ears popped, and we were in the sky. The 1 hour 10-minute flight left me in awe. Like a rollercoaster, I wanted to go again. We made it to DC, our nation's capital. We grabbed our luggage, and hauled it to our first bus. We rode these buses for the entire week to our different destinations, taking naps along the way. Before the program started, we had the opportunity to explore the city with our group, and from the moment I stepped foot on the metro, I knew this opportunity would be life-changing. I felt at home.
When our program started, there was an awkward tension while playing icebreakers with students from around our country. Monday was spent at multiple memorials in the city, as was Tuesday. Wednesday was Capitol Hill day, when we had the chance to meet with congressmen and women. My school was able to meet my region's representative, Tom Reed. Having the chance to see where he works, his life, and how much he loves what he does truly inspired me to find a career like his. Seeing the offices of political giants such as Nancy Pelosi, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, and Bernie Sanders made it so surreal. And I hoped one day I would be in their shoes. Thursday was our final day of the program, it was incredibly bittersweet. We spent the day exploring what was left of the city, as well as seeing the White House. There was a banquet that night in order to celebrate our accomplishments as a group. Our group leader mentioned that one of us would have to give a speech during the event to represent our group. The 14 of us looked in fear at each other, it was up to us to decide. After a minute or two of thinking, I met my gaze with 13 other sets of eyes. It was up to me to give the speech, with 15 minutes to write it, and I did it. As the crowd roared as I stood upon the podium, I was exhilarated. Somehow, I set my nerves behind, and realized public speaking could be a potential talent of mine. The night ended with a dance, goodbyes to our new friends, and more than a few pictures. As I got out of my dress, and laid in bed, I couldn’t believe this week was over.
When I returned home I couldn’t stop thinking about the trip and city. It mesmerized me completely. I was not only more educated on our world, but myself. My perspective of my future had become so vivid, I realized how capable I am of doing anything I put my heart and mind to. After finding people and places who encouraged and inspired me, I was able to express my interests without hesitation. I grasped how necessary it is for me to make something of myself, to inspire others, and to influence change in our society. All in all helping me to decide what I’m doing in years to come. Being a teenager in a high paced world like ours can be completely terrifying, but remember that one day, an opportunity will arrive to help it to all fall into place.