From the Superintendent
West Irondequoit CSD update from Aaron Johnson
December 22, 2021
Dear Families,
At dismissal Thursday, holiday break is upon us and we made it thanks to a combined effort. Our staff has been tremendous at adapting to what each day brings and the complexities of providing adequate teaching and supervision. Due to illness, we are experiencing increased absences during a significantly more competitive job market where people are a short commodity. In short, it is the perfect storm. Because of this, we made the proactive decision last Friday to close rather than stretch an already paper-thin staff even further and risk a collapse. My apologies for the curveball. We are grateful for such a flexible and supportive community that continues to put our students' and staff's physical, mental and emotional needs first.
For the past two years, COVID has dominated the conversation. Yes, we've completed the monumental task of defining a five-year Strategic Plan in the past six months, and we've also made significant progress instructionally, thanks to a team effort. And now, we're advancing our safety and security measures. Recent events remind us of the gravity of the ongoing need to ensure the safety and security of our buildings and grounds. In the spring of 2020, we had a comprehensive 3rd party safety and security analysis planned, then COVID hit. Last week, we delivered a safety and security plan to include the postponed analysis and other vital items available HERE (slides 4-9).
I recently came across a quote about the happiness of the holidays being the joy we see in people, about discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values in life. As we prepare for a much-needed break, may you find great joy in people, and especially those you hold most dear. Thank you for the engagement, passion, and patience in making it through 2021 together.
Here's to the new year!
Happy Holidays,
Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D
Superintendent of Schools
TEST KIT DRIVE-THRU TODAY/THURSDAY
From 2-5 p.m. today and Thursday, Dec. 23 we will distribute free iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kits to West Irondequoit CSD families (one kit per each child in your household). Kits include two tests and have been provided to schools by the Monroe County Dept. of Public Health to encourage families over break to test their children immediately before gathering with people who do not live in your home. This will help limit the spread of COVID-19.
This will be a drive-thru pickup today & Thursday (see map below) at 154 Pinegrove Ave. Please bring identification and follow the schedule below based on your children's school:
- TODAY: Colebrook, Listwood, Seneca, Iroquois, Dake
- THURSDAY, Dec. 23: Briarwood, Brookview, Southlawn, Rogers, IHS
Please note: Kits are only available for students who attend our schools or are special education out-of-district placement. Those families may drive thru either day. If you don’t have transportation and want a kit, please email chuck_miller@westiron.monroe.edu ASAP. Questions? Contact Mr. Chuck Miller via his email or call (585) 336-6757.
Two helpful resources for you:
TOWN DISTRIBUTION OF KITS TONIGHT
Another resource available to you: The Town of Irondequoit is having a distribution for residents. Pickup is at the Irondequoit DPW building, 2629 E. Ridge Road, from 5-8 p.m. Proof of residency is required, and they are giving one kit per vehicle.
DEVICES HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
TEMPERATURE SCAN DISCONTINUATION
JOB OPENINGS; PLEASE SHARE
- LINK TO JOBS PAGE: bit.ly/Jobs_WI
- QUESTIONS? Please email humanresources@westiron.monroe.edu
THANK YOU!
DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS/MAINTENANCE
CELEBRATIONS AND HIGHLIGHTS
'Tis the Season!
IHS DECA rules!
Athletic honors!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: public_info@westiron.monroe.edu
Website: westirondequoit.org
Location: 321 List Avenue, Irondequoit, NY, USA
Phone: 585-342-5500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestIrondequoitCSD
Twitter: @WestIrondequoit