West Genesee School District
March 28, 2024
Administration Updates
Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
Recently, I was reminiscing about past years and the good fortune to travel with large groups. Experience through my career that included longer trips and extended stays were similar to those I remember as a student. Locations providing fond memories include trips to Cedar Point, Ohio; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Plymouth, Massachusetts; Piscataway, New Jersey, and more.
What I saw on those trips as an adult was similar to my memories as a youth; bonds that formed and cohesion that resulted within a group. As an example, two individuals walking through Quincy Market in downtown Boston, who otherwise may not notice each other in the hallways at school, would acknowledge one another. This may have been because they were wearing similar spirit wear, the increased recognition from traveling for hours, or they valued a familiar reference when in an unfamiliar setting. What was heightened was a sense of “team”.
“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it. “ H.E. Luccock
“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Vince Lombardi
Similar to the above quotes regarding an orchestral ensemble and from a famous football coach, two unrelated and recent events took place in Glens Falls and our own WGHS gym. The first being our Boys’ Basketball Sectional and Regional Champions at the NYSPHSAA Finals and the other, our award winning Varsity and JV Winterguards and Drumline during the Winter Showcase. Both arenas were filled with energy, excitement, and an overwhelming sense of “team.” Kudos to these student teams who have formed and worked together for such success, but also thank you for bringing that out in our community. These are examples of much larger groups that came together to define a greater sense of team on their behalf.
We can learn from our students and the opportunities they provide our community to come together, to form a team. As we sit in the stands and root for them, the focus is on the common positive and hope for their success. I submit that we don’t (or shouldn’t) focus on a negative of their opponents, rather our hope for their experience of a well-executed performance from hours of hard work in preparation.
As seasons change, so too are the groups our students join. They quickly form strong alliances and common purpose, with the skillful hand of the coaches and directors that guide them.
Let us learn from that which we promote for and see from our kids; forming bonds, recognizing common goals, exercising flexibility to those with whom we interact, and focusing on positive results from our efforts. As a team, we can continue to grow in a range of areas with the result being more than the sum of our parts. Let’s go, Wildcats!
Thank you,
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
Please notice the Social Media Tips below that I shared in the last e-Newsletter. Let's keep the conversation going with our youth in order to keep everyone safe!
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 Child Mind Institute that can help guide that sometimes difficult conversation: How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings | Child Mind Institute.
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.
Message from Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
As we start to see the end of winter, that also signifies a seasonal change in schools. The end of the school year is within distance, and the energy is palpable in our buildings. As I visit buildings and see students heading out to recess, I am reminded of my own childhood and the excitement that comes with the sunshine and green grass of spring (and, of course, the mud).
That is not the only thing that is reminiscent of spring. It is also the beginning of the testing season for so many of our students. While that is only a small portion of what happens here at West Genesee, we would be remiss not to acknowledge that our students will spend some of their time engaged in varied assessments, both at the elementary and secondary levels. For some, this brings an opportunity to see how they have grown and progressed across the year, whether they have learned the necessary material and acquired the essential skills in a particular area, and a chance to showcase how much they know and can do. For others, this is a time that brings stress and lots of worry, for myriad reasons.
What we want to emphasize is that assessment is a part of the learning process but these tests are only a mark in time. We ask students to demonstrate in many ways what they are learning and how they can apply it. Nevertheless, we always want students to try their very best on any task. When it comes to higher-stakes assessments, we kick off these tests in early April with the Grades 3-8 ELA state test, and continues through May with the Grades 3-8 Math state test, the Grades 5 & 8 Science test, the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT), and Advanced Placement exams for college credit and into June with Regents exams.
In order to ensure that our students have an opportunity to do their very best, we know that setting conditions for them to be successful is important at both school and at home. Having a healthy breakfast, getting a good night’s sleep, and ensuring they know that this is an opportunity for them to show what they know and not stress about getting things right or wrong are all important factors. But, equally important is how we handle things directly after a student takes an assessment. Whether your child is at the beginning of their experiences in educational assessment, or nearing the end of the road, we encourage you to take some time to help your child decompress after taking a test like the ones mentioned above. A walk, a sit-down meal, a mutually enjoyable television show or movie, getting silly with dancing or a game - any of these and other activities can be a chance for your child to release some of the pent-up stress energy that is associated with test-taking.
We wish all of our students the best as the year continues and these assessments begin. Your partnership in helping to manage the emotions also associated with these experiences is incredibly appreciated. We look forward to seeing their knowledge and skills shine, as they always do.
Student Recognitions
Camillus Optimist Essay Contest
This year's essay topic was "Optimism: How it Connects Us."
Poster Contest Winners at CMS
National World Language Week has come to an end and the poster contest winners have been announced at Camillus Middle School.
The first place winner is Gabrielle Mac followed by Leanne Mere and Hannah Nguyen with second place and Hannah Smith's poster placed third. Congratulations to all.
Their posters will move on to our Regional World Language Organization Poster Contest (LECNY- Language Educators of CNY) for consideration of a top prize. Thank you to all that participated in World Language Week!
District Recognition
District Receives Seventeenth Safety Award
West Genesee Central School District is one of 160 school districts and Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State to receive the Utica National Insurance Group’s “School Safety Excellence Award” for 2024 at the Titanium with Honors level.
The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts’ safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff and visitors safe. West Genesee Central School District received its award at Utica National’s 42nd annual school safety seminar, one of seven such seminars the company hosts in the state. For 50 years Utica National has kept kids and school staff safe and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone.
West Genesee Central School District officials accepted a certificate to commemorate the district’s safety efforts and a $500 award for use in furthering those efforts from Utica National representatives.
Utica National’s School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels -titanium, platinum, and gold-in which schools can earn a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. Through the program, schools with their own transportation, schools with contract transportation, and BOCES are evaluated. Categories covered include bullying prevention programs, playground safety and other areas, and are measured using specific, quantifiable
surveys.
It Happened at School...
Onondaga Road Hosts the Battle of the Books
Last week Onondaga Road held a Battle of the Books. Thank you to their Librarian Sarah Manley and congratulations to all who competed and on a job well done! 📚
Stonehedge STEAM Showcase is a Great Experience
Stonehedge hosted an amazing "I Wonder" STEAM Showcase this past week with over 150 STEAM projects, 3rd Grade Choral "Informances" and art work from everyone. Thank you to all of the families who joined us.
The students had well designed projects and were very excited to share their learning. It was a wonderful experience for our school community.
Thank to the teachers and the Stonehedge PTA volunteers who made it all come together.
CNY Youth Unity Event is a Success
The first CNY Youth Summit was held at West Genesee High School on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
The purpose of the event is to bring together students and clubs from all across Onondaga County to learn, support, and network with each other. Students will have the opportunity to hear from our keynote speaker and engage in breakout sessions to build a community of future leaders.
Special thank you to author Tiffany Jewel, alumnus Eden Strachan and Score Onondaga for presenting at the event and to the WG Social Justice and WG UMOJA for creating and coordinating the event (and to their advisors Melanie Deemer and Gigina Long).
For more information check out the dedicated website from the link below.
Clue at WGHS/2024-2025 Calendar Info
Clue cast members pictured above kneeling in the front row, from left to right, are Sydney Cantor-Feller, Esme Hougaboom, Elizabeth Dunham, Ryan Popp, Natalia Fiacchi, Olivia Tarolli, and John Panek, In the back row, from left to right, are Jillian Kyle, John Diem, Samantha Bullock, Angelo Procopio, Joseph Panek, Danyella Roper, Jacob Scerbo, Sophia Knowlton, Audra Vine, and Lila Hennessy.
WGHS Drama Club Presents the Comedy Clue
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects.
Led by Wadsworth (John Diem) – the butler, Miss Scarlett (Danyella Roper), Professor Plum (Joseph Panek), Mrs. White (Sophia Knowlton), Mr. Green (Jacob Scerbo), Mrs. Peacock (Samantha Bullock) and Colonel Mustard (Angelo Procopio) race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
This drama club production is student run under the guidance of Kristyn Sperduti and Anthony Alvaro. Director Cynthia Schlenker leads the team with Ty Harte as the Technical Director, John Panek as Costumer, and Lila Hennessy as prop mistress.
Performances are Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the West Genesee High School Auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10.
Calendar for 2024-2025 is Approved by BOE
The District Calendar for the 2024-2025 school year was approved by the Board of Education at their meeting on March 6, 2024.
The calendar is now available on the website or directly by clicking on the link below..
Upcoming Registrations: Music/Spring Sports/UPK/Kindergarten
Summer Music Camp Registration is NOW Open:
The registration form for the 2024 Summer Music Camps can be found by scanning the QR code on the flier or by clicking here. Below is a list of the different programs being offered.
- Choral Camp
- Junior Musical Theater Camp
- Senior Musical Theater Camp
- Concert Band Camp
- Jazz Band Camp
- String Camp
- Jump Start Strings
More info on website by clicking on the link below.
Spring Sports Registration has Started
The Athletics Department offers the convenience of online registration for athletic sports sign up and clearance through Family ID.
- Modified 7/8/9 Spring Sports-Starts 4/9/24; Registration Opens 3/8/24
- Unified Basketball starts 4/15/24; Registration starts 3/15/24
For directions on how to sign up, please go to the Athletics webpage and click on Sports Registration. Everything will be completed online. Click on the link below for more information.
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Registration Opened 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/o/wgcsd/page/central-registration or from the link below. 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
Kindergarten Registration EXTENDED to May 1, 2024
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year opened on December 5, 2023 and will continue until MAY 1, 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.
West Genesee is Hiring
Come Join our Fine Arts Team
Come join our Fine Arts team!!
- 1.0 WGHS Strings
- 1.0 7/8 CMS Strings
- 0.6 7/8 CMS General Music
WGCSD Seeks a Maintenance Worker
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.
Upcoming Events
Superintendent Conference Day on Monday, April 8, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024 will be a half-day for all students for a Superintendent Conference Day for staff. Dismissal times for students will be as follows per building:
- High School: 9:55 a.m.
- CMS: 10:15 a.m.
- WGIS: 10:10 a.m.
- All Elementary Buildings: 11:15 a.m. (Please check information from individual schools for specific bus/pick-up/walker times.)
*Please note: The Board of Education approved a change to the calendar at their meeting on October 18, 2023 to adjust the calendar to the half-day for students. This change is to accommodate a total Eclipse due to occur on April 8 during student dismissal time at some of our schools.
Upcoming Events
- March 20, 2024 BOE Meeting at West Genesee High School Library-6:00-7:00 p.m.
- March 29, 2024 Good Friday
April 3, 2024 BOE Meeting at WGIS Intermediate School 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
April 8, 2024 Half-Day of School for Students-Superintendent's Conference Day