Superintendent Update
West Irondequoit CSD update from Aaron Johnson
FEBRUARY 3, 2023
Greetings families:
As we move into February, I want to thank everyone across our district - students, staff and families - for their renewed liveliness and energy. Daily and nightly activities are in abundance and most important, you can see the joy in learning across the district. It is uplifting and a tribute to the dedication of our staff and to our families for the well-being of our children.
February is Black History Month, first organized around the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two key figures in the history of Black Americans. As one of our WICSD Heritage Months, our schools have organized activities to recognize the important contributions made by black and brown people, past and present. One example is the third episode of a new video series, "Sitdown with the Superintendent." I had the pleasure of discussing our Irondequoit High School Black Student Union with its founder, IHS junior TeJon Tejada, and staff advisors. Our discussion touched on the mission and purpose of the club, the work its members are leading to prompt important conversations and how our teens are learning to bring people together to explore black history, culture, experiences and more. To view the full conversation, CLICK HERE, and make sure to check our Facebook page and YouTube channel regularly this month for features.
Work continues on Year 2 of our district's Strategic Plan. The five-year plan's four key focus areas are- Curriculum, Instruction, Implementation Systems and Well-Being of Self and Community. CLICK HERE to watch a video of a recent update to the Board of Education about the work happening in Curriculum & Instruction in the areas of humanities, STEAM and the utilization of data to inform academic achievement and behavioral needs. The presentation begins just before the 25-minute mark.
In addition to our Strategic Plan, please read below for more updates from across the district that I think are important for you to know. Stay warm and safe over the next few days - or at least until Sunday when our district team, the Irondequoit Icy Eagles, participates with more than 1,200 others in the annual Polar Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics (read more below)! We reached our fundraising goal of $2,500! Thank you!
In partnership,
Aaron R. Johnson, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools
LOCKDOWN BUTTONS
Mr. Don Shomette, a nationally recognized school violence prevention expert, presented to our Board of Education on Jan. 5th. Click below to watch a replay of his presentation. He gave a detailed review of his comprehensive safety and security analysis conducted on-site last fall at every school and building. Our biggest asset, he said, which is no surprise to us: OUR PEOPLE!
NEW DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & SECURITY
STUDENT SERVICES RECONFIGURED
ASST. DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING, STUDENTY EQUITY & WELLNESS
Our Assistant Director of Counseling, Student Equity and Wellness recently left to accept a promotional role in a nearby school district. The Assistant Director position supports our counseling and mental health services across grades K-12 and leads our Trauma, Illness and Grief (TIG) teams, among other vital responsibilities. We expect to have a successor in place by early April. In the meantime, our Directors of Student Services and some experienced teacher leaders support the duties as a bridge. If you have questions during this time, don't hesitate to contact K-6 Director of Student Services, Mrs. Rowe and 7-12 Director, Mrs. Donk (link to their website).
CAPITAL PROJECT PROPOSAL
TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION!
ABOVE: IHS hockey held its annual Teacher/Staff Appreciation Night on Tuesday and then went out and won its first game this season!
BELOW: A list of the teachers/staff honored at the hockey game, plus a list of staff who've earned the "Principal Praise" honor started this school year to salute staff! (click images to enlarge)
Polar Plunge is this Sunday at noon!
Please consider this an invitation to Ontario Beach Park this Sunday at noon to cheer on our district's "Irondequoit Icy Eagles," Polar Plunge team! We have more than a dozen "plungers" and have raised more than $2,100 for Special Olympics! Donations are still being accepted (link)! Thank you for the support!
New speed-tracking sign coming to IHS!
As part of Irondequoit DECA's annual Advocacy Campaign, seniors Isabella Falcone and Cameron Murray emailed a video request to Town Supervisor Rory Fitzpatrick. It detailed the need for a digital speed-tracking sign on Cooper Road in front of IHS. On Jan. 20, Mr. Fitzpatrick told the students that will soon become a reality. What a great example of student leadership! Read the full story HERE.
In the News: Inclusion at all levels
Did you see the great piece by WXXI News on Ms. Debbie Lane? The in-depth report focused on employees with disabilities being great team members. Debbie has worked in food service at Dake Jr. HS for six years and says she hopes people learn acceptance of others with disabilities. "We are people; we have feelings," she said. "We're human beings and we should not be, like, pushed aside." Click here to read or listen to the story.
CLICK BELOW TO SEE CURRENT JOB OPENINGS!
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