West Genesee School District
November 15, 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
At this time of year there is excitement with holidays and perhaps a chance to spend more time with family. There is also a pace at school that includes events and opportunities for many. I would like to share with you reflections from my perspective and a few examples of West Genesee Pride.
Community Meetings
Thank you to those attending the “Coffee and Conversation” sessions relative to the proposed land acquisition that will be put to a public vote on December 11, 2023. It has been enjoyable to meet community members that I had not previously met and to engage in discussion on an important topic. The goal of each session is to provide information. At the end of each meeting, my thoughts continue to be that of healthy discourse, discussion, and even some disagreement that is done respectfully and appropriately. Aside from all else, that is how it is supposed to be!
Awed by our Students!
I continue to be impressed with our students in many different and important ways. In classrooms, at sports venues, at concerts, in supporting important causes, in caring about world events; our students are a source of pride for our community. It is important to not take that for granted. While some areas have acknowledgements such as Induction Ceremonies, All-League, All-State, Sectional Winners, and more, we must continue to celebrate the commitment and energy that our students bring to all areas.
School/Community Partnerships
The 15th Annual Camillus/West Genesee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Camillus Elks Lodge. Over 200 persons attended this wonderful recognition of individuals, teams, and groups that have impacted the sports history of our towns and schools. The stories of the past and the recognition of those honored was well-deserved and part of a legacy.
This is a special place. If you have witnessed places other than West Genesee, you should know that the partnership between school and community here is unique. Thank you to the Camillus/West Genesee Sports Hall of Fame Committee and congratulations to the recent inductees and their families who represent them. Honored were Danny Ryan, Jack Gibbons, Michael Mallore, the 2010 WG Ice Hockey Team, and the Camillus Winter Sports Association.
Lifelong Learning
Also an example of school and community is that of the Camillus Community Band. This concert band has been in existence since March 2017 and held a concert earlier this week entitled “Autumn Notes”. This group is comprised of adult musicians, including many former Wildcats. It is impressive to see these well-trained musicians who continue to keep this in their lives well after their school careers. It is the very definition of “lifelong learning” and is something we seek for all areas; investments in the future and helping to support well-rounded citizens.
For me, it’s also just a chance to play!
Enjoy this edition of the E-Newsletter that is filled with so many examples of accomplishments of our students and staff. This is a special place!
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
Pictured above from the WGIS cast of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Jr. are kneeling/seated, from left to right, Tate Fabbri, Parley Millar, Anthony Gucciardi, and Brayden Bielby. In the middle row, from left to right, are Remy Jansson, Isaiah Scheussler, Levi Pontello, Ceci Groth, Laurel Michalski, Flynn Morschauser, and Marian Bronson. In the back row standing on stage, from left to right, are Elliot Stewart, Maddy Perkins, Luca Belfield, Mia Todeschini, and Lukas Borsz.
West Genesee Intermediate School Presents the Musical - Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Jr.
Mark your calendars for this exciting upcoming musical starting tomorrow at WGIS; Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Jr. on November 16-17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. and November 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are SOLD OUT!
The holiday classic soars off the screen in this Broadway Junior musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Silver and Gold", Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr.™ features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. "It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special." - https://www.mtishows.com/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-jr.
The show is directed and choreographed by Christy Knowlton, assisted by fellow WGIS teacher Hope Lawton and Student Directors Sophia Knowlton and Angelo Procopio.
Click here to read the full article with the cast information.
Fourteen Students are Inducted into the National Honor Society
On November 6, 2023 West Genesee High School inducted 14 students into the National Honor Society: Maya Abedrabbah, Autumn Ambrusko, Mia Barnello, Abigail Field, Cam Hubbard, Jackson Humphrey, Tyler Jacopelle, Anthony Mangano, Dublin Mehl, Vivian Raposo, Zoey Slater, Sofia Stornini, Julian Waterstripe, and Anna Yevdokymova.
Congratulations!
Fall 2023 Sectionals Update
The Girls Varsity Volleyball team has been having a successful season winning the Section III Championship. They went on to win the regionals last weekend and will now go on to play in the State Championships in Glens Falls this weekend!
The Girls Diving team had two divers compete in the Section Championship and the NYS qualifiers. Lily Mauro came in 1st for both and winning the Championship, and she will compete this weekend in the NYS Championships!
The Girls Swimming team had swimmers compete at the Section III Championships including a 1st place finish for Maddie Owczarzak in the 100 Free and 200 Free. She will compete this weekend in the NYS Championships!
The Girls Varsity Cheerleaders had another successful season by winning the Section III Championship! They placed fifth at the State Championship.
The Boys Varsity Football Team had a great season! They played in the Section III Semi-Final game against ESM.
The Boys Cross-Country runners finished 10th in their 65-team Section III merge. Nice last race.
The Girls Cross-Country team finished 3rd in Class A and, so far, 3rd in the total meet merge. They could qualify for a NY Federation Championship spot!
The Girls Varsity Soccer team won the Section III Championship for the first time since 2006. They then participated in the NYS Regionals but faced a very good Columbia HS team.
The Boys Varsity Soccer team made it to the Quarter Finals of the Section III Championships.
The Girls Tennis team competed in the Section III Championships.
The Boys Golf Gold Golf team won the 2023 Section III Team Championship. Additionally, congratulations to Ben Glass for shooting the lowest score of 78 and being the individual Section III champion, and final congrats to Ben Glass, Jason Clifton, Jake Elinich, Jon Shoults, Frankie Barbuto, and Andrew Banish for advancing to the State Qualifying Championship meet next spring!
(Check out the October 13, 2023 E-Newsletter by clicking here to view the group Section III Championship photo.)
Congratulations to all! #GoWildcats #WildcatPride
Numerous West Genesee Athletes have been awarded League and Section honors. When those lists are made public we will make updates.
Wildcat Marching Band Competes at the Dome!
Congratulations to the West Genesee Wildcat Marching Band on their 5th place finish at the NYS Field Band Competition held on Sunday, October 29, 2023!
We are so proud of you!! #WildcatPride
WG Wildcats March in the Veterans Day Parade
Our Wildcat Marching Band had the honor of marching in the Veterans Parade at the NYS Fairgrounds last weekend! Thank you, Veterans!
Athletes Sign Letter of Intent
On November 8, 2023 the West Genesee School District Athletic Department held a National Letter of Intent Signing Day Ceremony at West Genesee High School.
At this event ten students were recognized for signing their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the Division I or II collegiate levels.
Congratulations to:
- Sarah Adams-Lacrosse-Le Moyne College
- Nolan Bellotti-Loyola University-Lacrosse
- Trinity Brumfield-Cheer-Davenport University
- Mia Gialto-Lacrosse-University of New Hampshire
- Allison Hanlon-Lacrosse-Lacrosse-Syracuse University
- Claire Petty-Lacrosse-Slippery Rock University
- Lauren Petty-Lacrosse-Slippery Rock University
- Charles Sorbello-Lacrosse-Mercy College
Hannah Sparks-Lacrosse-Robert Wesleyan College
Cameron Zajac-Volleyball-Le Moyne College
WG Band Director to Perform During Macy's Day Parade
Erin McConnell, a Band Director in West Genesee CSD, has been selected to join a marching band of 400 band directors from across the country in the historic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on November 23, 2023.
The Saluting America’s Band Directors parade entry will again convey its theme, “America’s Band Directors: We teach music. We teach life.” to recognize the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators everywhere. Throughout their careers, the music educators in this band have collectively mentored and taught hundreds of thousands of students. These professionals not only teach and direct music, they teach about life itself.
The band will be directed by nationally known music educator and innovative band director Jon Waters.
The sponsoring organization behind the Saluting America’s Band Directors project is the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for almost 40 years.
Message from the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Previously, I shared with you some of the focused work we do with our PLC (Professional Learning Communities) at Work process. That work is heavily entrenched in collaboration, something we value heavily here at West Genesee. We lean on collaborative processes for much of the programming and support we have for students. With the emphasis on collaboration, we are also very fortunate to have community partners to provide additional resources to our students.
Some of those resources revolve around the provision of health-based supports, including partnerships with Helio Health, which provides counseling services to some students, and Access NY, which provides a plethora of health-based programming support to students and their families. Additional partnerships exist with OCM BOCES, R-BERN (Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network), and Syracuse University.
OCM BOCES is a critical partner, providing special education programming K-12 and CTE programming for our junior and senior students. They also offer supportive programs like GED, regional summer school, and, for staff - professional development opportunities around many different initiatives, including curriculum and instruction, behavioral strategies, and leadership development.
The R-BERN is our central source for all aspects related to English language learners. We receive professional development from the R-BERN staff, technical support with regard to regulations for programming, and support with curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as well as transitional support for our students learning the English language.
With Syracuse University, we participate in their Study Council with our administrative team, a group dedicated to networking with other area school districts and problem-solving around many different topics, the last two years having been dedicated to work on DEI initiatives. There is also a partnership with SU for our single-site teaching center in operation, one of the few single-site centers in New York State. The West Genesee/SU Teaching Center provides continuous opportunities for professional development for our staff as well as the chance to bring pre-service teachers from SU into the West Genesee community.
Other partnerships have been established for the foundational work with our students around academics and career pathways. In mid-October, we were fortunate enough to have Micron’s educational representative and Onondaga Community College (OCC) visit our high school students to discuss career opportunities and coursework leading to certificates and associate degrees that support entry-level careers upward mobility in a career pathway like the microchip industry.
Through OCC, we currently offer 10 credits that lead toward the pathway of a certificate in Electromechanical Technology and other associate degrees in this field. With expansion plans, we plan to offer up to 18 credits toward these programs, which would allow students to leave West Genesee with enough credits to have only one semester remaining of an associate degree; those interested in higher levels of education beyond the associate degree would be able to use many of these credits toward engineering programs and other related fields as well.
We also offer an array of courses from Tompkins-Cortland Community College (TCCC or TC3), Syracuse University, SUNY ESF, and SUNY Oswego. All of these are courses offered to expand what pathways our students have access to and the rigor they are exposed to prior to leaving their K-12 experience at West Genesee. Of course, the added benefit is a potential cost savings in taking courses like this that could result in college credits for a student.
Our hope is to continue building and growing partnerships with existing community partners and new agencies and organizations to offer an array of services, supports, and opportunities to our students. We are always working to seek out ways that we can encourage our students’ interests, passions, and areas of talent. We know that with the focus on economic development in this region that our students have so many open doors available to them. We want to avail them of all kinds of classes that give them skills, knowledge to be successful in whatever path they choose as well as exposure to the types of innovative career pathways that exist for them.
Have a great week,
Stacey Eger-Converse
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Change to 2023-2024 District Calendar
Please note that the Board of Education voted at their meeting on October 18, 2023 to adjust the West Genesee CSD Calendar to move the Half-Day of School for Students-Superintendent's Conference Half-Day from April 10, 2024 to April 8, 2024.
This change is to accommodate a total Eclipse due to occur on April 8 during student dismissal time at some of our schools.
Click here to view/print the updated calendar as posted to the website under the Calendar area.
Sign-Up For Coffee and Conversation About Pending Purchase of Property
At the Board of Education Meeting held on September 20, 2023 information about a pending purchase of property (Westvale Golf Course) by West Genesee Central School District was shared.
Note: The purchase is contingent on approval via a public vote.
Coffee and Conversation Sessions
Please join us for a Coffee and Conversation session to discuss the upcoming land purchase. (If you would like to submit a question, please email it to publications@westgenesee.org at least one day prior to your chosen session.)
- Tuesday, September 26-3:00pm-HS Library-COMPLETED
- Tuesday, October 10-8:00am-CMS LGI--COMPLETED
- Tuesday, October 24-6:00pm-HS Library-COMPLETED
- Wednesday, November 8-6:00pm-HS LGI-COMPLETED Click here to view a PDF of the presentation presented at that session.
- Friday, November 17-1:00pm-HS Auditorium
- Tuesday, November 28-7:00pm-*HS Auditorium- *Community Forum –Land Purchase and Capital Project
Please click here to register for a Coffee and Conversation session.
For meetings occurring during school hours, please plan to check in at the school main entrance (where there will be a list of people registered).
Note: Parking at the high school during school hours may be challenging, so please either try to carpool and/or you may need to park near the shopping center.
Meet our School Nurses: This Week...Natalie Delaney
We would like to introduce you to Natalie Delaney who is the new nurse at Split Rock Elementary School. She is a West Genny graduate; who also attended Split Rock Elementary School!
Delaney is a St. Joseph’s College of Nursing graduate, where she received her Associates of Science degree in Nursing/ RN in 2004. She is also a graduate of Lesia Ukrainka School of Ukrainian Studies in Syracuse NY.
She started her career as a RN at St. Joseph's Hospital in 2004 where she was an OR RN specializing in vascular, open heart and Davinci robotic surgery. She was the nurse manager for Vascular Surgeons of CNY at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 15 years and most recently worked at Trinity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital Cardiac Surgery office.
She grew up in Westvale, a suburb of Syracuse, NY, and currently lives with her husband Josh, daughters Savynna and Milana in Camillus, NY.
In her spare time, she loves to spend time camping, traveling, and enjoying time with family and friends. She also volunteers as the co-leader and member of the Ukrainian American Youth Association Branch #26 of Syracuse, NY. She volunteers weeks in the summer working as a camp nurse at the Cholodny Yar Ukrainian American Youth Camp in Fillmore, NY. Natalie is a board member of the Ukrainian National Home where she helps continue traditions of her Ukrainian heritage and values of the Ukrainian community here in Syracuse, NY.
Natalie is excited to get to know all the students and staff at Split Rock Elementary School!
Mark Your Calendars! WINTER 2023 – 2024 Sports Start Dates
Sign-ups/Registrations on the website at Sports Registration are available 30 days prior to the start date.
ParentVUE Information
This message is to inform you that when you login to ParentVUE you will see the following message:
You will be able to "remind me later" for five attempts. After that you will be required to update any demographic information (phone numbers, emergency contacts, call order, digital resources survey, etc.) and will not be able to view grades, attendance and documents. If you have an official custody arrangement, please be prepared to upload the most recent custody documents you have.
If you are ready, you would just click "Begin Registration". Then click "Update Demographic Information" tile:
If you have any questions, please feel free to email centralregistrar@westgenesee.org.
WGCSD Job Fair to be Held on December 19, 2023
Come Join Us!!! West Genesee CSD is hosting an in-person Job Fair on December 19, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Stonehedge Elementary School. We are looking to fill the following open positions:
- Teaching Assistants
- Custodial Workers
- Maintenance Workers (HVAC experience required)
- Bus Drivers and Attendants
- Food Service Workers
- Teacher Aides
Please be prepared to complete an application and be ready for on-the-spot interviewing. Questions, please call (315) 487-4555.
Emergency Closing Information is Important
Announcements about school closings, delayed openings, or early dismissal will be posted on the News Headlines section of the District website home page. They will also be broadcast on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the following stations which you can access by clicking here.
SchoolMessenger communications software allows us to send emails, texts, and make phone calls. (Phone calls will be used for emergency situations only.)
Parent/Guardians and staff will NOT need to sign-up to receive information from schools that you are registered for in ParentVue. (You will have the option to opt-out if you choose not to receive emails, texts, and/or phone calls. To receive texts, you also have to opt-in per the instructions in the Tips article below. )
New Website and Mobile App
We have redesigned the West Genesee website and took into consideration the information shared in the results of the survey we distributed in June. It is now easier to find items directly related to your school from that school's homepage. It is also very mobile responsive and easy to find items from your phone. However, if you have questions about the new site, please email them to publications@westgenesee.org.
In addition to the new website, we have also launched a new mobile phone app to communicate to students, parents, and community members about West Genesee news, upcoming events, and other important information. The West Genny app is available to download free from the Apple App store or the Google Play store. For more information about the mobile app, click here to view a video about the app.
This app is different from your ParentVUE app which you will continue to use to communicate with teachers, check on schedules, and other items that relate directly to your specific child(ren).
Are you Receiving All of our Communications? Helpful Tips about the SchoolMessenger Communication System:
- To be sure that you are receiving all emails sent from the District/schools/teachers please periodically check your spam/junk/promotions folder for emails with @westgenesee.org, then mark that they are not spam/junk/promotions.
- To be sure that you are receiving text messages this year from WGCSD or your school(s) Text a "Y" or "Yes" to 67587.
If you still have questions about receiving emails and/or text from WGCSD please email them to publications@westgenesee.org.
The 48th Annual West Genesee Performing Arts Citrus Sale has Begun!
This is the only fundraiser run by the entire Performing Arts Department and benefits our students by paying for and minimizing cost for a wide variety of services above and beyond those provided by the District.
Each year we award three $500 music scholarships from our citrus profits. We pay for visiting artists like conductor Brian Doyle and jazz musician/conductor Bret Zvacek, sponsor visits by the Alvin Ailey dancers, purchase new equipment, costumes and instruments, assist with travel expenses, and help minimize student/parent costs for our upcoming WGHS musical “Cinderella - Broadway Edition”. Each of these enrichment opportunities directly benefit your children.
The fruit will be delivered to us on Friday, December 8, 2023 and will be available for pick up that afternoon and evening from 2:30–6:00 p.m. as well as the next morning, Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 9-11 a.m.
Looking to order citrus? Starting November 6, 2023 you could:
place your order with a Fine Arts student
click here to download/print an order form
click here to go to the digital order form and credit card payment option
Thank you so much for your continued outstanding support of our students and performing arts programs!! We look forward to an extremely “fruitful” Citrus Sale 2023!
We are Hiring a School Psychologist
West Genesee CSD is hiring a full-time long-term substitute School Psychologist for Camillus Middle School. Information about this position is also available on OLAS.
Inquiries can be made to Human Resources at (315) 487-4555.
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.
WGCSD is Hiring!
West Genesee CSD is looking to a hire a Local Area Network Technical Support Analyst.
Inquiries can be made to Bill Roberge at (315) 487-4677 or wroberge@westgenesee.org.
Special Education Teaching Assistants are Needed at WGCSD!
West Genesee CSD is hiring Special Education Teaching Assistants; both full-time and part-time positions are available.
Inquiries can be made to Human Resources at (315) 487-4555.
Upcoming Events
- November 15, 2023 Board of Education Meeting - 6:00 p.m. - Split Rock Elementary School
- November 17, 2023 Coffee and Conversation-High School Auditorium-1:00 p.m.
- November 20-21, 2023 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conference - Dismissal at 11:15 a.m.
- November 22-24, 2023 Thanksgiving Recess