A Note from Dr. Whipple
March 10, 2024
School Improvement Survey due 3/15
Per Dr. Van Scoy's message this past week, last year we celebrated our removal from the state designation list. Unfortunately, we have once again been designated as a Targeted District, with our middle school specifically designated as a Targeted Support and Improvement School under the ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) standards. This news underscores the ongoing need for collaborative efforts to drive improvement and ensure the success of all our students.
As the district works to create improvement plans, your input is invaluable. You can expect to receive an email from a company called Panorama Education in the coming days. This email will contain surveys that we kindly ask you to complete by March 15, 2024. Please be aware that if you have multiple students within the district, the survey will include questions specific to each school building your child attends.
Additionally, our students in grades 4-12 will be receiving surveys directly from Panorama Education at the end of this week. These surveys are designed to gather insights directly from our students, further enriching our understanding of their experiences and needs. For the HS, students will be completing the surveys on March 13-14 in their Social Studies classes.
For those who do not receive an email from the district, please utilize the following anonymous survey link and codes (see below) to ensure your voice is heard: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/ganandacentralny.
Your participation in these surveys is greatly appreciated. Together, we can work toward our mission to educate all students for success.
HS Code: 5595602918
MS Code: 9442350505
ES Code: 6979140541
DCIP Committee - PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
As part of the state's designation, we need 2 parents of HS students to participate in the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan (DCIP). Please see below for the meeting dates and an outline of the work to be done.
March 21, 5pm - 7:00pm: In person, dinner provided - Envision: Vision, Values, & Aspirations
March 26, 7pm - 8pm: Zoom - Analyzing Internal & External Data
April 18, 5pm - 7:00pm: In person, dinner provided - Analyzing Survey Data
March 23, 7pm - 8pm: Zoom - Analyze: Tenet 1 Systems and Structures
May 13, 5pm - 7:00pm: In person, dinner provided - SCEP Plan Development
May 21, 5pm - 7:00pm: In person, dinner provided - SCEP Plan Development
May 29, 5pm - 7:00pm: In person, dinner provided - DCIP Plan Development
June 25, 5pm - 7:00pm: In person, dinner provided - DCIP Plan Development
Please let us know if you are interested!
Rochester National College Fair - 3/18
Juniors will be attending the National College Fair on March 18. Permission slips for them are due back to the Counseling Center by Wednesday, 3/13.
Gananda Dollars for Scholars Applications due 3/19
SENIORS FINAL REMINDER: GDFS applications are due by 3/19/2024. Please upload your volunteer logs on the portal or hand in to the counseling office. If you still need more hours there is no more time to do so for Dollars for Scholars. If you are attempting the cover art project, you will receive 2 GDFS hours even if your cover art is not selected. Reach out to them with questions or if you need further information. gdfscholars@gananda.org
Advocacy on Behalf of Gananda Students
Governor Hochul's 2024-2025 Executive Budget proposal includes Foundation Aid cuts for more than 40% of school districts across the state, leaving Gananda CSD with a shortfall of more than $1 million. That’s why we’re asking you to take 1 minute within the next two days to help by sending a letter (link below), to Governor Hochul and our local representatives!
The NYS School Board Association has provided a template letter that can be customized and sent from this link.
After entering your name and address information, the letter automatically routes to the Governor's office, Senator Pam Helming's office, and Assemblyman Brian Manktelow's office. The Governor’s office counts EVERY letter, so let your voice be heard for our students.
Thank you in advance for your efforts.
- Gananda Board of Education
#GanandaPROUD
Check out some photos from Xanadu! Outstanding performances!
Gananda Rotary Citizen of the Month Nomination
Gananda Rotary is interested in continuing to participate in our student of the month program by honoring a student who has demonstrated service in school or the community. If you would like to nominate a student, you may do so by completing this form.
Panther Paw Submission Form for our Seniors!
Seniors! As we progress into the academic year, don't forget to please complete a Panther Paw Submission Form when you have been accepted into a college/trade school/military branch/apprenticeship program. We will hang a Panther Paw on the #GanandaGoals wall as you enter the building to celebrate your accomplishment! PANTHER PAW Submission Form
Once you've made your decision, then fill out this new little form on the Counseling website so we know about what you've committed to. We want to celebrate you!!!
Tutoring Services by National Honor Society
National Honor Society students are now offering tutoring help for any high school students looking for help in science and/or writing. We will be offering tutoring both during advisement and after school on certain days.
All tutoring will be held in room 131. Students can use this Google form to sign up. It is not necessary to sign up, but it will help to ensure we have the right students and enough students available to help.
Defensive Driving Classes
College & Career Exploration Opportunities
ATTENTION SENIORS & JUNIORS: First Generation College Student Survey
Please fill out this First Generation College Student Google form. In order to best help and guide you and your family through the college search and application process, you may let us know if you will be a first generation college student. This information will be used only by the Counseling Office, and self-disclosure is optional!
Info About Careers in Law
Interested in the field of law? This may be the perfect opportunity for you! See the attached poster and set up an appointment with Mrs. Marang if interested.
Wayne Technical and Career Center Open House - 3/14
If you are interested in the trades, please make sure to check out the Open House at WTCC on March 14 from 6:00-8:00pm. They have a wide variety of programs that students can earn a professional certification/credential in and lead to career opportunities right out of high school. For more info, check out their website here.
NYSIR Scholarships due 3/17
- The Cristin Ann Bambino scholarship will be awarded on a regional basis with one statewide award. Seven regional winners will receive a $3,000 award, one second prize winner will receive a $4,000 award and one statewide winner will receive a $5,000 award. The regional scholarships will be awarded locally and the $5,000 scholarship will be given at our annual meeting in May.
- The Paul Jensen scholarship will be awarded to two individuals on a statewide basis. The overall winner will receive a $5,000 award and the runner up will receive a $3,000 award. The $3,000 scholarship will be awarded locally and the $5,000 scholarship will be given at our annual meeting in May.
- The Joseph Goncalves Student Humanitarian scholarship will be awarded to two individuals on a statewide basis. The overall winner will receive a $5,000 award and the runner up will receive a $3,000 award. The $3,000 scholarship will be awarded locally and the $5,000 scholarship will be given at our annual meeting in May.
Hadden Scholarship - Due 3/22
Established in 1968, the Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship is awarded to exceptionally worthy high school seniors with demonstrated financial need, for up to four years of college undergraduate study. Hadden Scholars must be U.S. citizens matriculating at a four-year accredited college or university established in the United States.
In awarding Hadden Scholarships, Youth Foundation considers scholastic achievement, character, leadership, volunteerism, and financial need*. There is a minimum unweighted grade point average requirement, 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, to apply for a Hadden Scholarship. There is no minimum test score requirement, but past winners have had competitive scores.
Virtual College Fair Opportunity - 3/24 & 4/21
Registration is open for the Spring NACAC Virtual College Fairs. You and your student are invited to attend. The virtual fair is a great opportunity to connect with hundreds of colleges and universities - all from the comfort of your own home.
The fairs feature College MatchMaking®. At the time of registration, students will select the attributes that are most important to them in a college. They will receive an email that best matches them to specific colleges and universities based on the criteria they provided. Virtual fairs will be on Sunday, March 24 and Sunday, April 21 from 1:00pm - 6:00pm ET.
These virtual fairs are complimentary to attend. You may register here.
If you have any questions, please contact collegefairs@nacacnet.org.
2024 Public Spirit Scholarship - Due 3/31
We want to hear from students interested in public welfare and improving their community for this scholarship. We ask applicants to discuss their involvement in their community, any organizations they are involved in, and the academic value they have learned and/or gained from giving back to others. Some examples of civic involvement include but are not limited to voting, volunteering at a local or nonprofit organization, coaching for a community sports league, tutoring, or fundraising for a charity. Click here for the application.
More Scholarship Opportunities
Health Careers Opportunity Program - due 5/6
Attention Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors!
Western NY Rural-AHEC (WNY R-AHEC), in collaboration with D’Youville University will be hosting a brand-new Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP Camp) this summer. If you have students (rising 10th, 11th, & 12th graders) that are interested in the healthcare field, we invite them to apply to the summer program by clicking here. The camp will take place 3 days a week during the weeks of July 9th to August 15th.
This is a PAID opportunity for students who are accepted into the program. Applications are due no later than Monday, May 6th, 2024.
Exploring Program
EXPLORING provides exciting activities and one-on-one mentorship for high school aged students to discover their future by having them “try a career on for size!”
Young people ages 14-20 can explore their career interests in a hands-on real-world environment with professionals in that field. There are Explorer Posts for areas in
- advanced manufacturing
- aviation
- cosmetology
- culinary
- engineering
- firematics/EMS
- health care
- law enforcement/legal
- military
- skilled trades
- sports management
- veterinary, and many more!
Mrs. Marang is our EXPLORERS contact and can help you research options and complete an application! Find out about upcoming Open Houses and events this Fall HERE.
Scholarship & Financial Aid Opportunities
Eastman School of Music Lowry Award
Applicants must be music students who are high school seniors who will be enrolling in college as matriculated students in an accredited music program. One winner will be selected, and will receive a $2,000 award. They will also have the opportunity to perform at an Induction Ceremony in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater! (May 5, 2024)
The deadline for submission is March 15, 2024.
Any questions may be directed to Bill Baldwin at wbaldwin60@gmail.com. The application can also be found online at: http://rochestermusic.org/douglas-lowry-award.
Neighborhood Acting Company Scholarship due 3/15/24
Have you participated in NAC in Ontario County? If so, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship for students graduating from Wayne County High Schools. Any involvement - cast, crew, pit, etc. are all eligible to apply!
Application may be found HERE. Deadline: March 15th, 2024.
Wayne Technical & Career Center due 4/1/24
Students interested in attending the Wayne Technical Center next year will need to complete the attached Application by April 1st. If you would like a paper copy please stop by the Counseling Office to pick one up. The Tech Center presentation is also attached below for your review. If you have any questions regarding the Tech Center, please make an appointment with your counselor.
Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing Applications due 6/1/24
The 10-month Licensed Practical Nurse program at Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing (mswspn.com) and the two-year Associates Degree in Registered Nursing program at Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing & Health Sciences (flhcon.edu) have both EXTENDED THEIR APPLICATION DEADLINE!
They will now consider applications submitted until JUNE 1st! Applications are being accepted until June 1, 2024 for the 2024-2025 academic calendar. Potential students are encouraged to call (315) 787-4005 or email admissions@flhcon.edu for each program! (Students interested in the paid Certified Nursing Assistant Training program should call 315-787-4039.)
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application
The New York State TAP Application will open on November 1, 2023, for the 2024-25 academic year. Students do not need to wait for the FAFSA release in December to apply for TAP. Students who will be attending college in the Fall of 2024 can jumpstart the NYS financial aid process by visiting www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap.html for more information or on November 1 to complete the application.
Mid Year Transcript Requests
If you have received notifications from Colleges/Universities that you have applied to requiring an updated transcript, please note the Counseling Office will automatically upload updated documents to Common App after midterms and grades are finalized in Infinite Campus. If you have applied to Institutions that are not on Common App, please let us know as we will send your updated information directly to that College.
Ms. Bertram (L-Z) and Mrs. Kelleher (A-K)
Reporting Absences & Extended Student Absences Work Request
Absences need to be reported to the school health office by the parent/guardian of the student. This may be done so online by completing this form.
If your student will miss an extended period of time during the school year, please make sure they complete this Extended Student Absences Work Request form. This form should be completed a minimum of 2 weeks in advance if it is a planned absence. Students who have an excused absence will have one day for each day absent to make up work. Students who have an unexcused absence will have no additional time to complete work. Please note that family vacations are considered unexcused absences.
Senior Trip Info
See below for Senior Trip info. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Zebulske or Mrs. Chevier.
HELP WANTED!
Math LTS - We are looking for a long-term substitute to teach math from now until the end of the school year. If you know someone who might be interested, they may apply here.
Substitute Teachers - We are always looking for people to help cover teachers when they are out. This can be a great opportunity for someone trying to break into the field of education. If you or someone you know might be interested please apply here.
Dollars for Scholars is looking for volunteers to help support this great scholarship program available to our students. If you are interested in helping them out, please contact them at gdfscholars@gananda.org.
Parking Lot Traffic Pattern
Also, student parking is the last two rows of the front lot. Students, please be sure to stick to these spots to help with the flow of traffic and to reserve the front rows for our travelling staff.
Appreciate everyone's help on this!
Winter Weather Reminder: School Closing Policy
Please read the attached letter from Dr. Van Scoy to understand the decision process for potential snow days and weather-related delays for Gananda Central School District.
Important Upcoming Dates
3/11 - Spring Sports Begin
3/15 - Superintendent's Conference Day (No school for students)
- School Improvement Family Survey due
3/15-3/16 - 7-12 Instrumental All-County Festival
3/29-4/8 - Spring Recess
Respectfully,
Dr. Christopher J. Whipple
Principal
(315) 986-3521 ext. 3154
Ms. Mairi Greibus
Assistant Principal
(315) 986-3521 ext. 3154