West Genesee School District
April 12, 2024
Administration Updates
Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
Kindness that is received in an unexpected or seemingly random way can be very uplifting. When someone makes a gesture of kindness, the effort and intent is significant. That is not to suggest otherwise low expectations or a cynical attitude, but rather the pace of our daily interactions that can make such an act a surprise. Further reflection adds an appreciation of the purposefulness of the act, the resulting feeling of worth, and the change in demeanor experienced by the recipient.
If receiving kindness feels so good, why not consider it infectious? How many opportunities do we have in the course of even one day to pass that along to someone else? Do we look for those chances before us; opening a door, picking up a dropped item, helping to work through a struggle, just saying hello in passing?
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” - Princess Diana.
“It takes courage to be kind.” – Maya Angelou
In recent days, I was witness to and the recipient of many such acts during routine interactions of my own days. In unfamiliar settings and unknown to those around me, there was a veritable “default” of kind acts, small gestures, and pleasant interactions. I promised myself I would pass it along. The quotes above provide inspiration and reminders for us all. This message to you is part of that thanks for the hundreds and hundreds of interactions we all experience in our schools and community every day.
Please enjoy this e-Newsletter filled with accomplishments of students, signs of growth, and important upcoming events. Let’s go Wildcats!
Sincerely,
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.
District Recognition
West Genesee Music Education Program Receives National Recognition–Again
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has announced the results of its 25th annual “Best Communities for Music Education” (BCME) survey, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment and support of music education in schools.
This is the sixteenth consecutive year, nineteenth time overall, that West Genesee has been recognized for this honor.
Now in its 25th year, the BCME program evaluates schools and districts based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction. The NAMM Foundation evaluates participants on these factors. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and greater access to music education.
Thank you to the following music teachers responsible for this impressive program: Anthony Alvaro, Christine Astafan, Gregory Borsz, Leah Causer, Tracy Cheney, Marcia DeMartini, Kevin Dimmel, Anna Edele, Tracy Emerson, Gina Giufré, Christy Knowlton, Hope Lawton, Ian Lisi, Stephanie Mata Mercado, Erin McConnell, Margret Mercer, William Mercer, Colin Reardon, Nicholas Rizzo, Andrea Scerbo, Donald Schuessler, and Michael Stachnik.
Student Recognitions
Drumline Places in the NYSPC Championships for the Second Year in a Row
Congratulations to our winter Drumline on their 1st place WIN in the PSA-SS class at the NYSPC Championships!!!
It is their second year out, and they earned first place at the championship! So proud of these kids and the Drumline team.
Winterguard Teams Place at Mid-York Championship
Congratulations to the West Genesee High School Varsity Winterguard team for placing 2nd at the Mid-York Color Guard Circuit Championships (MYCGC) SA2 Championship on Saturday, April 5.
Also, congratulations also to the Junior Varsity Winterguard team for placing 3rd at their first Mid-York Color Guard Circuit Championships (MYCGC) SA2 Championship on Saturday, April 5.
There is a long standing tradition of excellence in the marching arts here at West Genesee, and the Wildcat Winterguard is proud to be a part of that legacy. Since the Winterguard's resurrection in 2019, the team has jumped three competitive classes, even while powering through the shut down and pandemic. The staff is extremely proud of the group's commitment to excellence, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for the program as it continues to grow.
Sports Wrap-up for Winter 2024 Recognizes Athletes
The Sports Wrap-up is a section from the Communicator that is published at the end of each athletic season. This section lists all of the teams, comments from coaches, and awards received by the athletes.
Click on the link below to read the Winter 2024 Sports Wrap-up.
CMS Battle of the Books
The Camillus Middle School Battle of the Books Final Four competition was held on Thursday, April 4.
Students in grades 7 and 8 read eight books over the course of several months. Twelve initial teams competed in two rounds of competition with four teams advancing to the final round. The final four teams were the Five Forts, Oogala Boogalas, Sommer School Scholars and Mockingjays.
After an intense battle, the Mockingjays emerged as the Champions! They have now advanced to the O2CM BOCES Regional Battle where they will compete against 17 other middle school teams in the four county region. Congratulations to all of this year's participants on a great year.
Team members are as follows:
- Mockingjays (1st place winners): Callie Smith, Azdha Mundath, Addison Davis, Lillian Madden (pictured above with their Coach Jen Vinci, CMS grade 7 math teacher)
- Sommer School Scholars (Runners up): Peyton Sabene, Sofia Pizzaro, Caliope O'Rourke, Safa Islam
- Oogala Boogalas (3rd place): Alexander Hann, Ryan Noce, Kieran Hayden, Joseph Hennessy
- Five Forts (4th place): Nolan Shanahan, Tyler Light, Jenavieve Mushynsky, Keene Goff
WGIS Battle of the Books
The WGIS 2024 Battle of the Books Final Four Competition was held on April 2, 2024.
Congratulations to the winning team, The MAAQ Squad. They will move onto the regional competition on April 12. Great job to all of the participants!
- MAAQ Squad: Quinn Peckham, Amelia Reed, Maya Dufford, Avery Joly
- Book Buddies: Julia Michaels, Rose Welch, Rachel Gardner, Abigail Ames
- Page Turners: Emma Cook, Hannah Nabewanic, Amelia Cleaver, Madeline Best
- Chess Kids: Richard Jack (RJ) Schubmehl, Jaxson Briggs, Cayden Ho
It Happened at School...
East Hill Students Perform a Science Investigation
East Hill fourth grade students performed a science investigation at the end of March called Light it Up. The students had to build closed circuits and make light bulbs light while problem solving and answering questions.
We had the support from our District Math and Science Coach, Mrs. Jessica Fisher, and our retired assistant superintendent, Mr. Brian Kesel!
High School French Students Teach Elementary Students
West Genesee High School students visited third-grade classes at Stonehedge and East Hill on March 27, 2024 to give them a lesson on the French language.
This is always a great opportunity for our older students to connect with our younger students to expose them to a different language.
Swing-In/Kaleidoscope/2024-2025 Calendar/Budget Info
West Genesee Welcomes Camille Thurman to 54th Annual Swing-In
West Genesee welcomes Camille Thurman to our 54th Annual Swing-In concert. The WGHS Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band will be featured with Thurman. The concert is on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the West Genesee High School Auditorium.
Kaleidoscope 2024
The annual Kaleidoscope concert is the end of year showcase featuring all performing ensembles offered at WGHS. Interspersed with the ensemble performances are select solo and small ensemble performances by WGHS performing arts students. The concert, held at the Civic Center, is a spectacle of talent, hard work, and collaboration.
Kaleidoscope tickets are available at wgfinearts.ludus.com or through the Fine Arts Office located at WGHS (315-487-4612).
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..
Budget Hearing for 2024-2025 Budget Scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Superintendent David C. Bills, along with Assistant Superintendent for Management Services Christine DeMass, will be giving a visual presentation to explain the proposed 2023-2024 school budget on May 8, 2024 during the Budget Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m. in the West Genesee High School Library and via Livestream. The public is invited to attend this presentation.
The Budget Vote will take place on May 21, 2024. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the West Genesee High School Auditorium Lobby; so please mark your calendars!
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.
- Unified Basketball starts 4/15/24; Registration started 3/15/24
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
Upcoming Events
- April 15-18, 2024 NYS ELA Assessments Grade 3-8
- April 17, 2024 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m
- April 17, 2024 WGHS Swing-In Concert-7:00 p.m.
- April 22-26, 2024 No School-Spring Recess