West Genesee District e-Newsletter
February 28, 2022
Message from the Superintendent
Greetings!
The West Genesee District e-Newsletter is one of my favorite publications. The main focus is a snapshot highlighting our students’ accomplishments with important information and noteworthy dates. As with this edition, the celebration of academics, fine arts, athletics, and culture serve as important reminders of our growth and collaborative commitment to excellence. Be sure to take time to enjoy each article.
I will be connecting through this format in future editions. Sometimes, and certainly across the past many months, there have been formal communications of policy, mandates, and updates of legal parameters. My hope with a regular article in the e-Newsletter, will be to stay in touch just a bit more in order to share thoughts and good news.
In returning to Central New York, I am reminded of my earliest driving memories which include regular travel on Route 81 in the Syracuse area; the traffic circle exit in Mattydale, an unfortunately timed rush hour stall of a ’72 Pinto near the Harrison and Adams exit, and my buddy Ken who taught me the courtesy of changing lanes for entering traffic.
Recently, a routine location drew my attention; the onramp from Hiawatha Boulevard to Route 81 North. You may know this often congested area with two lanes of left-turn-only that merge to one across a relatively short distance. I am always impressed with a random selection of complete strangers, who share direction and timing, that manage to cooperate and quickly transition to highway travel.
No big deal? Consider there are no specific directions, additional traffic control, or specially detailed communication. There is a common cooperation that entails some patience and perhaps a bit of grace. Those involved share the goal of a safe trip and are dependent on one another to do so in the smoothest way possible.
It occurs to me that this is similar to our experiences together as a community; common goals, communication in various forms, a mutual trust, an effort for patience, and just a bit of grace. Let’s not take for granted our seemingly simple “onramp”, but take the time to appreciate our hard work together for our Youth, Families, and West Genesee Community…. Stronger Together!
Be well,
David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools
Special Note: I am saddened and outraged by the Russian invasion and actions of war in Ukraine. Thoughts and prayers go to all family members connected to that region of the world and those serving the United States Armed Forces and in protection of surrounding countries. West Genesee stands ready to support our students and our employees who are impacted by the conflict. Please click here to read my full statement that was sent out yesterday.
WGHS Top Ten for Class of 2022 is Announced
The top ten students of the West Genesee High School Class of 2022 were announced on February 14, 2022.
The Valedictorian is Abigail Fassinger and the Salutatorian is Kathleen Glass.
The remaining top ten students listed in alphabetical order are: Julia Biggs, Margaret Clancy, Brenna Dickey, Graye Mehl, Kerrigan Nish, Zoe Orr, Joshua Varkey, and Heidi Walsh.
WGHS Junior Places in Music Competition
On February 12, West Genesee High School junior Sean Alvaro won third place in the 16th Annual James and Katherine Andrews Young Artist Competition. The competition was sponsored by the Orchestra of Northern New York and the top three performers also received cash prizes.
Participants were required to perform, from memory, a piece of music from the approved Repertoire List. He played two movements of the Grondahl Concerto for Trombone and was accompanied by West Genesee alumnus Josh Corcoran. Congratulations!
Ten New Members Inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)
Congratulations to the students from West Genesee High School who were eligible for membership and were inducted this winter: Kendyll Brown, Delaney Capucilli, Emily Conklin, Emma Evanchak, Kelsey Frary, Grace Lamanna, Sophia LeFevre, Zaida Lindsay, Natalie Lychowid, and Camdyn McNeill.
Camillus Optimist Speech Winners Share Speeches on “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times”
On February 15, six students from West Genesee High School gave speeches around the theme, “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times” to members of the Camillus Optimist Club.
The Optimists chose Elena Pacheco to represent them at the next District competition of the 2022 Oratorical Contest that will be held on April 30 in New Hartford.
Other participants from the high school included: Sienna Baron, Janaya Jones, James Manard, Lia Rice, and Alyssa Winters. English teacher Suzanne Ostrander coordinated the competition for the students from the high school which was conducted via zoom.
Celebrating Black History Month: Spotlight on CMS
The Camillus Middle School library is proud to celebrate the many contributions African Americans have made throughout history. The collection features a diverse and unique selection of stories including biographical memoirs, historical adaptations, and narrative non-fiction that reflects the various ways Black Americans strengthened our nation.
Students are inspired to read about the accomplishments, history, and culture of Black Americans to grow their awareness and appreciation for the many accomplishments they have made to our community.
Sharon Bush, CMS Librarian, is always searching for ways to enrich the collection by including materials that have won the Walter Dean Myers and Coretta Scott King Awards.
Click here to read the full article which includes some of these outstanding books.
WGCSD March Calendar Adjusted: Superintendent Days
At the regular BOE meeting held on February 2, the Board of Education acted on the Superintendent's recommendation to amend the 2021-2022 school calendar for purposes of professional development for our staff. In year’s past this has been built into the calendar.
The changes involved are dates during the month of March. The addition will be that of Superintendent’s Conference Days for each of the K-8 buildings.
Unlike traditional Superintendent’s Days when no students report to school, each K-8 building has a date specific to only that school.
The conference dates for each K-8 building are:
- March 9: West Genesee Middle School
- March 21: Camillus Middle School
- March 22: East Hill Elementary School
- March 23: Onondaga Road Elementary School
- March 24: Split Rock Elementary School
- March 25: Stonehedge Elementary School
For example, on March 9, WGMS students do not attend school as the staff has professional development. All students in Grades K-4 and 7-12 have a regular school day.
Notable is that West Genesee High School is not included in this particular plan as there are different opportunities for the HS staff.
Click here to read the entire letter from Superintendent David C. Bills.
Mark your Calendar for the West Genesee 13th Annual Culture Fair
The 13th Annual Culture Fair will be held at West Genesee High School on Saturday, March 5 from 12:00-3:00 p.m in the upper gymnasium.
As we prepare for the event, we are looking for community members/families interested in having a table to share aspects of their culture through performances, artifacts, food, art, and/or language! Please call the WGHS Main Office at 315-487-4601 if you are interested in participating!
Join us as we celebrate our community’s diversity at this fun event featuring dance performances, live music, cultural demonstrations, food samples, artwork, T-shirts, kids crafts, and more!
Spring Sports Registration Starts Soon!
The Athletics Department offers the convenience of online registration for athletic sports sign up and clearance through Family ID.
JV/Varsity Spring Sports-Starts 3/21/22; Registration Opened 2/21/22
Modified 7/8/9 Spring Sports-Starts 4/4/22; Registration Opens 3/4/22
Unified Basketball starts 4/12/22; Registration starts 3/12/22
For directions on how to sign up, please go to the Athletics webpage and click on Athletics Registration. Everything will be completed online. Click here for more information.
Tax Exemptions for Residents-Deadline by March 1
Residents who are age 65 and/or who are disabled may be eligible for a partial exemption on their school property taxes if they meet certain qualifications.
At the regular meeting on January 19, 2022, the Board of Education reviewed the maximum income eligibility ranges for exemptions that have been approved by New York State. Exemptions ranging from 5% to 50% of qualified applicant assessments are available on income levels of $37,400 or less.
Also available to District residents is a tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, approved by the Board of Education on January 19, 2022. To qualify for this exemption, applicants must reside in the District served by the fire department or ambulance service, the property must be the primary residence of the member, and only the residential portion of the property may receive the exemption. The exemption is equal to 10% of the property’s assessed value, not to exceed a $3,000 assessment reduction.
Finally, on January 19, 2022 the Board of Education approved the continuation of the tax exemption for Veterans.
Click here to read the entire article for more specific information about this topic.
Kindergarten Registration has Begun!
Kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year opened virtually on December 1, 2021 and will go until March 31, 2022. This will allow our families to register their children from the comfort of their home or office. Please click here to start the Virtual Registration process. This will schedule a telemeeting with you.
When registering, parents should be prepared to upload the following:
- proof of residency (ie. mortgage or property statement or signed lease agreement)
- proof of immunizations
- proof of age
A physical examination is also required 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, 2022.
To access the most updated health requirements click here.
For additional information about registering your student, go to the Registration Section of the website, email the Central Registrar at centralregistrar@westgenesee.org, or call them at (315) 487-4683.
WGCSD is Looking to Hire Transportation Staff
West Genesee CSD is hiring regular bus drivers, substitute bus drivers, and substitute bus attendants.
Inquiries about these positions can be sent to James Dark at jdark@westgenesee.org.
WG Food Service Menu & Nutrislice App Update
School menus are posted on the District website and the Nutrislice App. Meals do not have to be pre-ordered this year via the Nutrislice App. Elementary students are ordering lunch in the classroom daily, and breakfast will be available to all students upon arrival at school. Breakfast and Lunch are FREE for all students.
Upcoming Events
- March 2, 2022 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m.
- March 5, 2022 13th Annual Culture Fair-12:00-3:00 p.m.
- March 16, 2022 BOE Policies and Bylaws Committee Meeting-5:15 p.m.
- March 16, 2022 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m.