West Genesee District e-Newsletter
May 13, 2022
Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
We are moving at a rapid pace with events and activities that accompany the close of a school year. Getting from one place to another and keeping up with schedules can be all-consuming. I was reminded this week in a conversation with two high school students of the importance to take pause with special moments and allow yourself to be present.
An athlete seeks to “have the game come to them”. A musician feels the changing pulse of a performance. A speaker attends to oratorical cadence. An artist entices, demands, and captures your attention. These are interesting models to navigate experiences.
Recently, I have found myself rushing from one place to another. Briskly walking into a school, quickly traveling down a hallway, and hurriedly visiting displays in a library. In each instance, a realization of the pace was striking. In each instance, it occurred to me to slow down.
What was the result of slowing down to be present? Being joined by a colleague also walking into the school and then sharing a laugh and discovering it was her birthday. A rerouting to the counseling office to chat with two students planning for and appreciating year-end events. An inspiring conversation about instruction and pedagogy at a “Collegial Café”. Three moments experienced, but almost missed.
Perhaps the lesson is learned. I encourage you, as I learned from the conversation with the pair of high school students, to appreciate what is around you and to be present in the moment. It is good to be driven, have a strong work ethic, and be committed to goals. Remind yourself to also enjoy moments along the way. The coming weeks and the end of this school year will offer many opportunities. Be sure to enjoy them!
This e-Newsletter is once again filled with information and stories of students’ successes. There are examples of the hard work that pays off with determination. Slow down and take the time to appreciate the success. Take the time to be West Genesee Stronger Together!
Sincerely,
David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools
2022-23 UPK Letter of Intent Due May 19!
West Genesee is offering a free Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for four-year-old children residing in the West Genesee Central School District.
To be eligible for the program, a child must
- be four years old on or before December 1, 2022;
- be a West Genesee school district resident;
- and have all required immunizations.
If you are interested in having your child participate in the UPK program for the 2022-23 school year, please complete the survey below NO LATER THAN 4:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022. The form is available at https://forms.gle/NV9Njk68ZkYT4c5X6
Children will be randomly selected for UPK through a computerized lottery system. All applicants will receive a phone call in the order of selection following the lottery to let families know their child’s status. Parents/guardians/caregivers whose children are selected for the program will be directed to our online registration link beginning on May 23.
NYS Champion in Collision Repair Technology
In addition to working on Technology Club kayaks, sensory hallways, or his trolling motor he is also winning this Skills USA competitions in Automotive Refinishing.
Camillus Optimist Oratorical Winner to go to World Competition!
On April 30, 2022 West Genesee High School sophomore Elena Pacheco placed first at the New Hartford District contest for the Optimist International Oratorical contest. Congratulations!!
She will compete at the Optimist International World competition that is being held at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri on July 21-22, 2022. The topic this year is "Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times".
The Annual District Budget Vote and BOE Election is on May 17, 2022
The Annual School District Board of Education Election and Budget Vote will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 in the West Genesee High School Auditorium Lobby.
You are eligible to vote on May 17, 2022 if you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older, and have been a District resident for at least 30 days prior to the vote. No pre-registration is required although personal identification may be requested at the polls. Questions? Call the District Clerk at 315-487-4563.
Residents who will not be in the area on May 17, 2022 may apply for an absentee ballot at the District Office. If the absentee ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the application must have been submitted at least seven days prior to the vote. If the absentee ballot is to be picked up by the voter in person, applications will be accepted until May 16, 2022. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 17, 2022.
The Communicator Budget Edition is available from the website my clicking here.
Click here to access the budget presentation and supporting documents.
2022 Summer Music Forms Now Available...
The music camp opportunities that West Genesee will be offering this summer has been announced!
Additional Day Off Because of Snow (or rather lack of....)
Superintendent David C. Bills announced at the last Board of Education meeting that if we have no additional emergency closing days, our "give back" day will be Tuesday, May 31.
If we have an emergency closing between now and May 25, May 31 will be reinstated as a regular school day.
Kindergarten Registration - Extended to Tomorrow: May 14!
Kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year opened virtually on December 1, 2021 and the original deadline was March 31, 2022. Registration has now been extended until May 14, 2022. This will allow our families to register their children from the comfort of their home or office. Please click here to start the Virtual Registration process. This will schedule a telemeeting with you.
When registering, parents should be prepared to upload the following:
- proof of residency (ie. mortgage or property statement or signed lease agreement)
- proof of immunizations
- proof of age
A physical examination is also required 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, 2022.
To access the most updated health requirements click here.
For additional information about registering your student, go to the Registration Section of the website, email the Central Registrar at centralregistrar@westgenesee.org, or call them at (315) 487-4683.
Wildcat Unity Day is on May 20!
The West Genesee PTA/PTO District Council is sponsoring a District-wide celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion. On May 20, students are encouraged to show Wildcat Unity by:
- Performing a Random Act of Kindness
- Inviting someone new to eat lunch or spend recess with
- Talk with someone you have never spoke to before
The PTA/PTO District Council is collecting submissions of art, writing, and other expressions of what Wildcat Unity looks like from students and creating a video collage to share on Unity Day. All submissions will be entered for a random drawing for 10 different prizes. Email a picture or video of your submission, along with your name, grade, and school to: westgennydistrictcouncil@gmail.com by May 14, 2022.
Students, staff, and families also had the opportunity to purchase a t-shirt to be worn as a community on Wildcat Unity Day on May 20, 2022. If you don't have a this t-shirt, just wear your gold and blue to celebrate!
DYK: There are Mental Health Resources on the District Website?
Are you or someone you know struggling?
West Genesee Mental Health Resources: https://sites.google.com/westgenesee.org/mentalhealthresources/home provide information for help, hope, and healing.
Connect with a mental health professional at West Genesee High School or your school and within your community.
Mark your Calendars for the Talk with the Superintendent
Please mark your calendars for the “Talk with the Superintendent” on Wednesday, May 25, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the large group instruction room at the high school. Come meet with the Superintendent, David C. Bills. It’s a great opportunity to get to know him and ask questions.
The event is sponsored by the West Genesee PTA/PTO District Council.
WGCSD is Looking to Hire a Maintenance Worker
To apply go to https://www.westgenesee.org/staff-resources/job-opportunities/current-job-openings/ to fill out the application (https://www.westgenesee.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/StaffResourcesSupportStaffApp.pdf) and bring it to the District Office (300 Sanderson Drive-behind Stonehedge Elementary).
Please call 315-487-4630 with any questions.
WGCSD is Hiring a Nurse for Summer School Program
West Genesee is hiring a nurse to work a Summer School position to support one of our students. The position will last for 6 weeks, from July 5-August 12. This nurse can be an RN or an LPN, and the compensation will differ depending on the certification. Full-time or part-time hours available. Inquiries can be made to Deb Balcourt at 315-487-4658.
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 James Dark at jdark@westgenesee.org.
Upcoming Events
- May 17, 2022 Budget Vote-6 a.m.-9 p.m.
- May 18, 2022 BOE Policies and Bylaws Committee Meeting-5:15 p.m.
- May 18, 2022 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m.
- May 20, 2022 Wildcat Unity Day
- May 27-31, 2022 No School