West Genesee District e-Newsletter
September 30, 2022
Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
We are now in the fourth week of the 2022-2023 school year. The novelty that accompanies the early part of September is now much more routine. With the same level of enthusiasm, I ask you to look for the opportunity to build good habits that will encourage student success. We know good nutrition, exercise, and an appropriate amount of sleep are good for mental and physical health. Please check your own organizational systems that include schedules, due dates, and timelines. Continue conversations regarding upcoming events and the ongoing checks for growth. It is often the early habitual practices that will serve students to keep up on workload and lower anxiety. Always know that our staff remains ready to help in many ways.
Student engagement in the classroom is vital to learning. The experiences outside of the classroom are as much a part of school and can often be motivators to stay active and involved. It takes many people to make our extra-curricular activities a possibility. Our coaches, directors, and various officials all play an important role. Look for the opportunity to thank those that give an extraordinary amount of time for these activities to take place. The fun and excitement of competition can turn negative, if you are not careful. Remember that our officials (referees, umpires, judges, etc.) are committed to moving forward opportunities for our students. Please treat them with courtesy and respect. I’m certain a random “thank you” goes a long way!
As a reminder, Wednesday, October 5 is a half-day (a.m. only) of instruction for students. The afternoon will be dedicated to staff professional development on systems such as the Synergy Student Management and Professional Learning Communities Guiding Coalitions. We are appreciative of the chances to share in learning and refine our craft with the occasional half-day release. (Please see the article below for dismissal times for the different schools on October 5.)
Enjoy the positive stories and information within this edition of the West Genesee District e-Newsletter. We begin a series on our School Patrol Officers, reminders of some upcoming events, and celebrate outstanding student accomplishments. Please enjoy! We are West Genesee Stronger Together.
Sincerely,
David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools
National Merit Semi-Finalist is Announced
West Genesee High School senior Logan Battaglia has been named a Semi-Finalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.
She entered the Merit Program by earning high scores on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) taken in October of her junior year.
She is among 16,000 candidates nationwide who are in competition for 7, 250 scholarships that will be offered next spring. As a semi-finalist, she must have an outstanding academic record through out school and be endorsed and be recommended by an official at the high school.
Battaglia will be recognized at a Board of Education meeting in November.
Commended Student is Announced
West Genesee High School senior Joshua Pierce has been named a Commended Student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who enter the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT).
Pierce will be recognized at a Board of Education meeting in November.
Meet our School Patrol Officers: This Week...Officer Timothy MacDerment
Officer MacDerment is a SUNY Canton alumnus, where he received his Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at SUNY Brockport.
He started his career with the Town of Manlius Police Department as a Patrol Officer for five years. This was followed by 15 years of service in the Syracuse Police Department, working in several divisions ranging from Patrol to Criminal Investigation and Detective to Crime-Scene Unit.
Principal Kimpland shared, "We look forward to having Officer MacDerment as part of 'The Rock' as he brings tremendous knowledge and expertise to the building!"
Wildcat Marching Band Tournament of Bands to be held at ESM!
This weekend is the West Genesee Wildcat Marching Band Annual Tournament of Bands!
Due to our turf replacement and upgrade project, we questioned how we would be able to host our annual competition. The turf field is now the activity standard and we wanted to ensure that we could provide the great show we are known for hosting. Thankfully, East Syracuse-Minoa (ESM) has been gracious enough to share their space with us for this year's event - which really speaks to the community nature of the marching band activity. We are so thankful to the Spartans for helping us this year.
When: Saturday, October 1, 2022 at ESM High School
Where: 6400 Fremont Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057
Time: Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Competition begins at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Can be purchased at the gate Saturday evening at ESM
Folks that donated to the bottle drive that requested tickets should have received them in the mail.
New Student Management System Update
Over the past few months families have been logging into and using our new ParentVUE Student Management System. You should be able to see transportation and other academic related screens. If you are having any difficulties with the system, please email centralregistrar@westgenesee.org and they would be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
Please be looking for future communications and training videos on additional features and how to use ParentVUE to the fullest.
West Genesee District PTA/PTO is Hosting a Talk with the Superintendent
Paige's Pajamarama for Paige's Butterfly Run
Help us raise funds for Paige’s Butterfly Run and in our mission to beat Liverpool and the Warrior Alliance. GO STAR ALLIANCE!!
When: Friday, October 7, 2022
What: Students-Wear your PAJAMAS in honor of kids who have to wear theirs during treatment and bring a CASH DONATION. Donations will be taken at the doors Friday morning, and at link on flyer. Donations can also be made online-make sure to donate to the WG link (see QR code on flyer).
Paige’s Mission: “Raising funds with integrity to benefit current and future pediatric cancer patients and their families in Central New York through the sponsorship of pediatric oncology research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse.”
WGCSD Is now on Instagram!
Mark Your Calendars! WINTER 2022 – 2023 Sports Start Dates
- Modified 7/8/9 Girls Volleyball-10/31/22 (Winter 1)
- Modified 7/8/9 Boys Basketball-10/31/22 (Winter 1)
- JV & Varsity Winter Sports-11/14/22
- Modified: Boys 7/8 Swimming, Girls 7/8/9 Basketball, 7/8 Wrestling-1/9/23 (Winter 2)
Sign-ups/Registrations on familyid.com are 30 days prior to the start date.
Half-Day Dismissal Times
Wednesday, October 5 is a half-day for students who will attend in the morning.
Dismissal hours for the buildings on those days will be as follows:
High School: 9:55 a.m.
WGMS: 10:10 a.m.
CMS: 10:15 a.m.
All Elementary Buildings: 11:15 a.m.
Are you Receiving All of our Communications? Helpful Tips about the SchoolMessenger Communication System:
- To be sure that you are receiving all emails sent from the District/schools/teachers please periodically check your spam/junk/promotions folder for emails with @westgenesee.org, then mark that they are not spam/junk/promotions.
- To be sure that you are receiving text messages this year from WGCSD or your school(s) Text a "Y" or "Yes" to 67587
If you still have questions about receiving emails and/or text from WGCSD please email them to publications@westgenesee.org.
Adult Education is Back!!
Visit westgenesee.org/adulted now for complete course descriptions and to register online. Don't wait to register, class space is limited.
Check out the return of your favorites as well as a few new and exciting classes!
Adult Education Teacher Opening
We are looking for a certified Driver’s Education Teacher for our summer and after school Driver’s Education Programs. Appropriate NYS certification is required.
Please contact Lynn Magoulas (lmagoulas@westgenesee.org) in the Adult Education Office for more information.
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 Debbie Price at dprice@westgenesee.org.
Upcoming Events
- October 5, 2022 Half-Day for Students/Staff Superintendent Conference Day
- October 5, 2022 BOE Audit Committee Meeting-5:15 p.m.
- October 5, 2022 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m.
- October 10, 2022 No School-Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day
- October 11, 2022 Talk with the Superintendent-WGHS LGI Room