West Genesee District e-Newsletter
July 28, 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
You may remember that last month my message referenced starting and finish lines. That analogy doesn’t match perfectly to schools when referencing the months of July and August. This time is quite different from the rest of the year, but it is nonetheless integral to our long-term mission.
School buildings have a very different level of activity right now. The commitment to students occurs in summer programming that includes camp experiences, extended school year learning, and supplements for credit and preparation for assessments. For the latter, we are appreciative of our OCM BOCES partners and efforts for Regional Summer School that is hosted at Camillus Middle School. Of course, the presence of our Camillus Parks and Recreation Programs in our schools continues strong in the summer months, as well. Quality experiences continue outside of the regular school year.
Other important work includes recruiting and hiring new staff, professional development, facilities upgrades and maintenance, fine tuning schedules, and managing important changes in assignments and responsibilities. Please remember that if a building is undergoing construction, there will be information to access services that may include temporary relocations and alternate methods to serve the needs of our community.
Allow me to point out August 3 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. when we will hold an in-person Job Fair. Set at Stonehedge Elementary School, the evening will be an opportunity to visit with District representatives to discover opportunities for employment in our District. We are proud of our outstanding staff and continue to welcome others to join this team that services our students and community at the highest levels. Please come and join us or pass the information along to someone you know that may be interested.
Despite the nature of the summer, this newsletter continues to be filled with acknowledgments and praise for our students’ successes. Please enjoy well-deserved kudos for our students and important information for families. It is filled with many examples of what makes us all proud to be Wildcats!
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
Students Receive Perfect Scores of 100
Congratulations to the West Genesee students who received perfect scores on their Regents examinations in June!
Click here for the list of students which also includes students with perfect results for World Languages Examinations.
Students Earn 5’s on Advanced Placement Examinations
Twenty-nine WGHS students had a total of thirty-four perfect scores on their Advanced Placement examinations in May. Congratulations!
Advanced Placement Scholars are Announced!
Thirty-two students and recent graduates of West Genesee High School have been named Advanced Placement Scholars by The College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations.
Several levels of achievement are recognized based on the number of year-long courses and examinations (or their equivalent semester-long courses and examinations). Congratulations!
WGHS Student is Honored at Boys State
WGHS senior Brady Barrett was selected to attend the American Legion Boys States this past June at Morrisville College.
American Legion Boys’ State is a week-long program that immerses high school youth (currently completing their junior year) in citizenship and leadership training. They learn the practical aspects of government as it exists in New York State, and come to recognize that the individual is integral to the character and success of government. They also participate in physical fitness, team work and other activities under the guidance of American Legion counselors and U.S. Marines.
During the conference he was selected as the Samsung American Legion National Finalist out of New York. Congratulations!
WGHS Artist Recognized for Innovation
On June 21, 2023 West Genesee graduate Christian Allen was honored by CITI BOCES (Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation) Arts-in-Education department at a Gala for the Arts that they hosted at the Everson Museum in Syracuse. This event recognized the invaluable contributions of educators and students in the fine arts community.
He was recognized for how he infuses his passion for skateboarding into a variety of artistic mediums. He also launched his own clothing line this past year and attended courses in NYC to further explore his passion for design.
He was recognized for innovation along with fourteen other students from area school districts. The Gala for the Arts not only celebrated achievements but also emphasized the need for continued investment in arts programs in schools.
New Assistant Principal at West Genesee Intermediate School is Announced
On July 11, 2023 Victoria (Torie) Lee was appointed by the Board of Education as the Assistant Principal at West Genesee Intermediate School with an official start date of August 2, 2023.
Lee comes to us most recently having served the students of Eagle Hill Middle School (Grades 5-6) in the Fayetteville-Manlius CSD as a Special Education Teacher and an Administrative Intern. Her previous work includes Enders Road Elementary School (FM) as well as John T. Roberts (PK-8) and Bellevue Elementary School in the Syracuse City School District.
WGCSD Job Fair to be Held in August!
Come Join Us!!! West Genesee CSD is hosting an in-person Job Fair on August 3, 2023 from 3:00-7:00 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
- Bus Mechanics
- Food Service Workers
- Teacher Aides
- Account Clerks
- Non-Instructional Substitutes
Please be prepared to complete an application and be ready for on-the-spot interviewing. Questions, please call 315-487-4555.
Fall Sports Registration Information
Information to register for fall sports is now available. Here is what you need to know:
The Athletics Department offers the convenience of online registration for athletic sports sign up and clearance through Family ID.
- V/JV Fall Sports – Registration Opens- 7/21/23; Practices start- 8/21/23 (V/JV Football begins 8/19)
- Modified 7/8/9 Fall Sports – Registration Opens- 7/28/23 Practices start- 8/28/23
A parent/guardian can register by clicking on this link: https://www.familyid.com/organizations/west-genesee-central-school-district.
Sign-ups on familyid.com are 30 days prior to the start date.
Summer Food Support Information
Many students enjoy breakfast and lunch at school on a regular basis. It is understandable when families find it challenging to provide those meals during school vacations. Please note the following free lunch and food pantry information.
Food pantries partner with the Food Bank of CNY to provide low cost, nutritious food to those in need. The following is a list of food pantries and services available in our community to assist families. To find your appropriate food pantry location and to sign up, contact the Interreligious Food Consortium (IRC) weekdays at 315-474-8855 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Their website is: http://www.ifccny.org/.
Summer Reading Lists for Grades 5-12 are on the Website!
WGIS Summer Reading Lists for students going into Grades 5-6
WGHS Summer Reading lists for students going into Grades 9-12
These lists are also available from the School Links section from each school's homepage and from the school library homepages.
School Supply Lists for 2023-2024 are Available from the Website!
Did You Know? School Supply Lists for 2023-2024 are available on the website by clicking here.
They are also available from each School's homepage in School Links.
WGCSD PTA/PTO District Council Preparing to Distribute Donated School Supplies
For 14 years, West Genesee PTA/PTO District Council has been collecting and providing school supplies to West Genesee students in need. School supply donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at St. Joseph's Church office until August 1, 2023. If you have a student in need of assistance please click here to fill out the google request form by August 16, 2023.
School supply distribution is scheduled for August 20, 2023 from 10am to 12pm. Registered families will be contacted with more details. Volunteers are needed to assist with packing the donated supplies into backpacks for families in need.
If you have questions about our program, or would like to volunteer to help with distribution contact the District Council at wgschoolsupplies@gmail.com
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.
Thank you for your Feedback About our Website... New Website and Mobile App Coming in September...
We are redesigning the West Genesee website and thank you for your feedback from the survey we recently distributed!
While our website has won awards for design and content over the years, we are always looking to improve, and we will take into account the information shared in the survey results.
More information about the new website and new mobile app will be shared with you later this summer.
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.
WGCSD is Looking to Hire Transportation Staff
West Genesee CSD is looking to hire regular bus drivers, substitute bus drivers, and substitute bus attendants.
Inquiries about these positions can be sent to Debbie Price at dprice@westgenesee.org.
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.
Upcoming Events
- August 2, 2023 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m.
- August 16, 2023 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m.
- August 30, 2023 BOE Public Hearing-District Safety Plan-6:00 p.m.
- August 30, 2023 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m. (Immediately Following the Public Hearing)