West Genesee District e-Newsletter
April 28, 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
Admittedly, I often struggle with days that are declared as National Days. Don’t misunderstand, many are well-deserved, raise awareness, offer remembrance, or provide a bit of fun. With regard to the latter, this month alone has included National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, National Tweed Day, National Deep Dish Pizza Day, and National High Five Day. Perhaps, my trouble is being able to keep track of so many!
For the importance and timing of it occurring earlier this week, I would like to draw attention to Administrative Professionals' Day. This day recognizes those assistants who run offices throughout our District: health, counseling, transportation, buildings and grounds, physical education, fine arts, school buildings, and District.
These individuals are the backbone of our infrastructure. They coordinate offices and oversee the efficiency of tasks within those areas. They provide support for others as they maintain communication, coordinate calendars, provide reminders, and generally stay one step (or more) ahead of any function within their purview. They accept an inordinate amount of responsibility, avoid any credit, and seemingly stay in the background.
They are also the first welcome to visitors and initial contacts by phone. They are the very people that guide, listen, connect, and direct to the countless inquiries received on a plethora of topics. They should not be “unsung” and deserve our endless thanks. The next time you are welcomed in person or attended to by phone, please offer your patience, grace, and thanks. Using this forum, I am offering mine.
Enjoy this edition of the e-newsletter! Take a look at the impressive accomplishments of our students and staff! As quoted by a recent guest clinician, “This is a special place, but you already know that!”
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
West Genesee Music Education Program Receives National Recognition–Again
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has announced the results of its 24th 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 fifteenth consecutive year, eighteenth time overall, that West Genesee has been recognized for this honor.
Now in its 24th 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, Tracy Emerson, Deanna Fitzpatrick, Gina Giufré, Martha Grener, Christy Knowlton, Erin McConnell, William Mercer, Margret Mercer, Colin Reardon, Nick Rizzo, Andrea Scerbo, Donald Schuessler, and Michael Stachnik.
Students are Inducted into the National Honor Society
On April 18, 2023 one hundred thirty-two students were inducted into the West Genesee Scientia Chapter of the National Honor Society. They are true role models of scholarship, service, character, and leadership. Congratulations!
Click here for the full article and a listing of the new members.
Attorney General Awards Triple C Honor to WGHS Students
Congratulations to West Genesee High School seniors Christian Cain and Joey Santana for being honored with the New York State Attorney General's Triple C Award based on their work in UMOJA for the past two years.
The Triple C Awards program recognizes the courage, character, and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students. Whether succeeding in academic pursuits, participating in community service, displaying leadership skills, or overcoming personal obstacles, Triple C student leaders provide hope for a brighter future.
E-Sports Team Wins the New York Championship
On Wednesday, April 26, 2023 the WGHS Super Smash Brothers Ultimate e-Sports team of Caleb Williams, Matt Keiling and Willard Young competed and WON in the New York High School Super Smash Brothers Championships! They won against the team from Newburgh, NY, the Washingtonville Wizards 5-4.
There were a total of 94 teams competing this spring and the West Genesee team remained undefeated this entire season giving them the #1 seed. They has also played previously in the fall but got knocked out in the elite 8, so this is their redemption road to state champs!
Congratulations and thank you for an amazing season!
LECNY Poster Contest Winner
Camillus Middle School eighth grader Eva Pizzaro is the grand prize winner of the LECNY (Language Educators of CNY) National World Language Week poster contest.
LECNY (Language Educators of Central New York) is a professional organization made up of language teachers Pre-K-16, administrators, and post-secondary students within the seven New York counties of Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego.
She will be presented with the award at a future meeting along with her teacher and family. Congratulations!
Physical Education Teacher Receives Recognition from APHERD
Congratulations Steve Shoults from Camillus Middle School for receiving the 2022-2023 NYS Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AHPERD) Central North Zone Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year!
This award honors individuals for excellence in teaching and overall performance in the disciplines of physical education, adapted physical education, health education, and dance education.
Reading Buddies Program-UMOJA Students Read to First Graders
Over 50 West Genesee High School students went to Stonehedge on April 20 as part of the UMOJA Reading Buddies Program. Each first grade student and classroom teacher received the book, I Promise by LeBron James. The high school students and the Stonehedge students were very excited!
Click here for more information about the UMOJA Reading Buddies Program.
Kaleidescope 48 is a Few Weeks Away!
The 48th Annual Kaleidoscope concert will take place in the Mulroy Civic Center at OnCenter on Thursday, May 25. 2023 starting at 7:30 p.m. Get your tickets now by clicking here!
Kaleidoscope is a concert featuring all of the curricular music groups and dancers as well as some auditioned small groups and solos. Each group will perform only one selection on the program. The evening will conclude with a finale including all of the West Genesee student musicians/dancers. Don’t miss out-it’s a spectacular event! #ArtsEdIsEssential #WildcatPride
Public Comment for 2023-2024 Foundation Aid Plan
Each NYS school district receiving a Foundation Aid increase of more than 10% or $10,000,000 in any given school year must post a plan of how the funds will be used to address student performance and need. As part of the 2023-2024 state aid proposal, Foundation Aid has been restored per the current formula to school districts. West Genesee is expected to receive a $5,741,608 (21.8%) increase in Foundation Aid as a result of this restoration.
A copy of the plan can be found here: https://www.westgenesee.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WGCSD-DRAFT-Foundation-Aid-Plan-2023-24-For-public-comment.pdf
We invite you to provide feedback on the plan by completing the survey located here:
https://forms.gle/S8fg2eU5S8xaYEoWA The survey will be open from April 14 through the end of TODAY, April 28.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Public Hearing for 2023-2024 Budget Scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, 2023
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 3, 2023 during the Public Hearing starting 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 16, 2023. 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!
Click here to access the budget presentation and supporting documents.
2023 Summer Music Forms Now Available...
The music camp opportunities that West Genesee will be offering this summer has been announced!
Hiring Registered Nurses
WGCSD is hiring a full-time nurse to float between the buildings within the District. There are also two full-time positions available that would each be dedicated to a school.
Inquiries about this position can be sent to Deb Balcourt at dbalcourt@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.
BOE Meetings Go on the Road to Different Schools!
You may have noticed that West Genesee Board of Education Meetings are “going on the road”. Our typical meeting spot is at West Genesee High School. This year, a meeting is being held at each of the other six school buildings. The Study Session part of our agenda will be led by the school principal and includes topics such as building implementation of District Initiatives, program updates, and most importantly, building points of pride. It is a nice change of routine and chance to more formally operate in all parts of our District.
Please note: The following BOE Meetings will be held at the location listed below. All other BOE Meetings will take place in the usual location in the West Genesee High School Library.
- January 18, 2023-was held at Split Rock Elementary School
- February 15, 2023-was held at Stonehedge Elementary School Library
- March 15, 2023-was held at East Hill Elementary School Cafeteria
- March 29, 2023-was held at Onondaga Road Elementary School Library
- April 19, 2023-was held at West Genesee Middle School Library
- May 17, 2023-Camillus Middle School Library
- June 21, 2023-West Genesee High School LGI Room
Upcoming Events
- May 2-5, 2023 NYS Mathematics Assessments
- May 3, 2023 Budget Public Hearing/BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m.
- May 16, 2023 Budget Vote-6 a.m.-9 p.m.
- May 17, 2023 BOE Policies and Bylaws Committee Meeting-5:15 p.m.
- May 17, 2023 BOE Meeting-6:00 p.m.