From the Superintendent
West Irondequoit CSD update from Aaron Johnson
November 5, 2021
Dear Families,
Our classrooms and schools continue to march forward in service of our students and you. The past week filled our hearts with joy watching the return of milestone activities like the Halloween parades, cider making, and more. Fun times like these keep us grounded and help us through the tough ones. Last week's news was alarming. I'm thankful for the swift action of our administrators, staff, and you to mobilize supports and resources for our children. Most importantly, the time everyone spent (and continues to spend) listening and talking.
Recently, we mailed a summary of our Strategic Plan to all residents. For easier access, it's also available online. Click this LINK to access the summary. On Tuesday, November 16 at 6 pm, we'll hold a Community Connections town hall for those interested in discussing the elements of our plan more deeply. More information and a Zoom link will be sent closer to the date.
More has developed around COVID-19 and supporting schools in remaining healthy and safe. On October 27, 2021, the NYSDOH issued updated COVID-19 information for schools, some of which local health departments must decide whether to approve. If approved, this guidance will allow students to "test to stay" in school if they've had close contact. This information also will enable symptomatic people who are vaccinated or symptomatic people who've tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days to return to school with a negative antigen test (rapid test). These options are intended to support students and staff in remaining engaged and are expected to be approved by Monroe County today. Once approved, we'll make plans with specific details and logistics next week. In the meantime, you can review this guidance at this LINK.
Here's to a beautiful weekend and a productive week to come. A reminder that students and staff are not in session next Thursday as we pause to pay tribute to our Veterans. Special thanks to our active and retired servicemen and women for your service and the military families. We do not take your contributions and sacrifice for granted.
Appreciatively,
Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D
Superintendent of Schools
DIGITAL EQUITY SURVEY
Please take a few minutes to complete the nine question survey before Monday, Nov. 8 at 8 a.m. Thank you for participating.
K-12 COUNSELING - ERIN'S LAW
NEW DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION SUB-COMMITTEE
The West Irondequoit DEI Coalition is forming a NEW sub-committee. A key component of our DEI work as a district is to raise awareness of and appreciation for the local Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca) people and the larger Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s impact on the local Irondequoit community. This sub-committee will be specifically dedicated to providing a forum to raise the voices of community members who are Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca) or who are a member of another Haudenosaunee nation, as well as local community members passionate about this work. The insights and feedback from this sub-committee will assist our district in taking important and meaningful steps forward in elevating Indigenous voice, history, and heritage, as we seek to become a more inclusive school community. The first topic we will be addressing is the planning of a district Haudenosaunee Flag raising ceremony, scheduled for Spring, 2022. Our meetings will be held on separate days from the larger DEI Coalition, so you are welcome to serve even if you are already on another sub-committee.
If you are interested in serving on this sub-committee, please complete this form or reach out to Kim Cristal, K-12 Director of Humanities, with any questions at kimberly_cristal@westiron.monroe.edu.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: public_info@westiron.monroe.edu
Website: westirondequoit.org
Location: 321 List Avenue, Irondequoit, NY, USA
Phone: 585-342-5500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestIrondequoitCSD
Twitter: @WestIrondequoit