West Genesee School District

Dear West Genesee Families,

I hope this communication finds you well. Below, please find a few points of interest that I would like to bring to your attention.

Communication

It is very typical and important for an organization to aspire to strong communication. At the same time, gauging the components and effectiveness of communication can be tricky. Does it reach the intended audience? Is it clear? Is it meaningful and applicable? Is there too much or too little of it?

While there is no perfect way to approach communication, it is important that we do our very best. This year, we have moved to the ParentSquare platform as an exclusive form of communication. Parents have expressed the desire to have fewer applications to navigate the many groups, buildings, or contacts that are associated with their child(ren)’s school experience. It is our hope that the flexibility of accepting information (scheduled or in-time) and real-time notices for priority messages has helped to increase awareness and decrease the unpredictable source of information.

Certainly, communication is two-way as much as is true with expressive and receptive language. We hope this approach allows for ease in both and creates a relationship that is appropriately reciprocal. Please consider our initial time since the start of September and your experience with the ParentSquare platform. Reach out to the most logical and closest contact to offer any insights or suggestions that may help with our goal of a high quality of communication.

Similarly, if you are having any difficulties with use or technology, please reach out to publications@westgenesee.org and we will provide the needed support. You can also access information and tips about the ParentSquare from the website from the Communications webpage or by clicking here.

Feedback

You will soon be receiving access to our annual feedback survey. The Panorama tool allows for anonymous participation with a single access point, is user-friendly, and is manageable in length and time to complete. We have been impressed with the previous participation and still seek to increase the total number of responses each year. The information is valuable and used to shape goals within our community and school partnership.

Our District Guiding Coalition is made up of 33 members and shapes the West Genesee Strategic Plan. See the most updated information regarding the membership, goals, Strategic Objectives, and Strategic Focus Areas of Curriculum and Instruction, Social-Emotional Learning, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as located on our website and also found here.

The Panorama Survey collects perspective and thoughts on many areas to be considered for growth. The West Genesee District Guiding Coalition has a set purpose for our students in UPK-12 to increase student engagement and student belonging. This work is greatly helped with your input from the yearly survey and appreciated to move our District forward.

Weather

We approach months that have an increased likelihood of weather as a factor to the schedule including school day, afterschool, and evening events. Please be reminded of the many ways to stay informed which include television media, social media, our website, and that of ParentSquare.

Next week, Julie and I will gather with family and friends to give thanks. Please know that our community is among that for which we are very grateful.

Sincerely,

David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools

On November 13, 2024 the West Genesee Athletic Department held a Commitment Ceremony at West Genesee High School.

At this event students were recognized for signing their commitment to continue their athletic careers at the Division I or II collegiate levels.

Congratulations to:

• Sofia Barba-Girls Soccer-Clarion College
• Ashleigh Blanding-Girls Lacrosse-Niagara University
• Molly Doran-Girls Lacrosse-University of Florida
• Claire Griffin-Track and Field-Loyola University
• Charles Lockwood-Boys Lacrosse-Naval Academy
• Kyra Lynch-Girls Soccer-New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Jake McMahon-Boys Lacrosse-Siena College
• Tighe McMahon-Boys Lacrosse-Canisius University
• Anna Nelson-Girls Soccer-Richmond University
• Nash Odoumoul-Boys Lacrosse-Lehigh University
• Brooke Owens-Girls Lacrosse-St. Bonaventure University
• Maddie Ryder-Girls Lacrosse-Yale University
• Maria Snyder-Girls Lacrosse-Old Dominion University
• Sofia Snyder-Girls Lacrosse-Old Dominion University

The Top four spellers pictured above from left to right are Margaret Gross, Simon Baca, Nikola Jakimoski, and Malcom Petrie.

Camillus Middle School 8th grader Malcolm Petrie was the overall winner of the West Genesee Spelling Bee held on November 20, 2024.

West Genesee will send four students to join others from Central New York for a written test in February. The top 35 spellers from that round will compete in The Post-Standard WCNY Spelling Bee oral spell-down in February.

The top four students who qualified and will represent West Genesee are listed below (pictured above):

1. Malcolm Petrie-CMS 7th Grader
2. Nikola Jakimoski-CMS 8th Grader
3. Simon Baca-CMS 8th Grader
4. Margaret Gross-WGIS 5th Grader

The students who made up the remaining top twelve (pictured below) are: Rachael Sellars, Ethan Fruze, Addison Davis, Jack Kubic, Carter Dorrity, Tommy Cleveland, Jillian Hoover, and Messiah Johnson. Congratulations to all!

Pictured above from the Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo JR., is from Left to right Madeline Williams (Bloat), Farrah Enck (Peach), Kaylee Blackledge (Gurgle), Isaiah Schuessler (Nigel), Avery Paussa (Gill), Addison Haberek (Coral), Remy Jansson (Marlin), Dahlia Molina (Nemo), Samantha Bowman (Dory), Elliot Stewart (Crush), Nicolas Gucciardi (Squirt), Kaia Freeman (Kai), Ella Pskowski (Breeze), Hailey Hayes, Terra Goff and Alice Schilling (Reef Parents). Not pictured: Imogen Gage (Bruce), Joseph Commisso (Chum), Vincent Montagna (Anchor), Dhyan Nair (Peach), Bridget Villanueva (Tad), Declan Barrett (Sheldon), Adaleigh Doane (Prof. Ray), Gianna Vincentini (Bubbles), Mari and Mila Nolan (Scuba Mask Dancers), and Roderick Clark (Vacationer).

West Genesee Intermediate School premiered Disney/Pixar's Finding, Nemo JR last night! The next performance is tonight at 7:00 p.m. and tomorrow, November 23, at 2:00 p.m.

This year's show features a cast and crew of 187 kids! Christy Knowlton directs the show, Hope Lawton is the assistant director, and Sophia Knowlton is the student director. Ty Harte is the stage manager, and Bethany Sterling is the student stage manager. Jeff Bowe created the sets and scenery. Corey Hobin designed the sound.

Click here to read the full article that includes a list of the cast.

On November 8, 2024 Split Rock Elementary School held their annual event to honor veterans. They hosted over 30 Veterans at the Veterans Day Assembly, where they had the honor of recognizing their service, dedication, and bravery. We would like to thank members of the Wildcat Marching Band and our Grade 4 Chorus students who performed for us at the ceremony.

A special thank you to WGIS Grade 6 teacher Daniel Stromlok, the VIP Guest Speaker, for sharing his story of service and sacrifice with them. His words were truly inspiring.

Students at Onondaga Road Elementary School honored Veterans Day in a special way. They created stars to symbolize the service of family members who have served in the armed forces. A big thank you to Officer Charlie for arranging a visit from active military members, who shared their experiences with the students. They even brought along an ATV and some other equipment, which made the day extra exciting! Thank you to CMSgt Patrick DiCrasto and SSgt Josh Stuat from the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron for taking time out of your schedules to visit our school.

Stonehedge Elementary School students held their annual Veteran's Day celebration on November 8, 2024 when they welcomed student family members who are veterans for a morning of coffee, donuts, and camaraderie. The event featured a heartfelt patriotic tribute performed by the talented 3rd grade chorus, honoring the service and dedication of our veterans.

At the New York Association of School Psychologists conference in October Camillus Middle School School Psychologist Rebecca Wood was recognized for her work.

Wood was the co-chair for the New York State Association of School Psychologists (NYASP)'s conference this year, and she was also a recipient of a Presidential Service Award. Congratulations!

On Friday, November 15, students throughout our District were invited to wear their pajamas to school in support of Paige's Butterfly Run, helping kids in the fight against cancer.

For a donation of just $1 or spare change, students were able to participate and contribute to pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. We extend a sincere thank you to everyone who participated!

Every year the Octagon House hosts an event in November. A West Genesee retired staff member, Beth Stewart, started the tradition of making a West Genesee themed tree to be raffled off. She reaches out annually to the CTE Departments at CMS and WGHS for ornaments.

At CMS, the DDP students created the designs on AutoCAD and were able to have them produced on the Laser Cutter. The ornaments that came from the high school were either produced by Tech Club or DDP students.

Our District values your feedback! On December 2, 2024 we will be asking you to take a brief survey to tell us about your experience with the West Genesee Central School District. To ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for college and career, we need your feedback. We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses as they inform our Strategic Planning decision-making processes. The survey window will be open from December 2 - 16, 2024.

• East Hill Elementary School
• Onondaga Road Elementary School
• Split Rock Elementary School
• Stonehedge Elementary School
• West Genesee Intermediate School
• Camillus Middle School
• West Genesee High School

• Modified: Boys 7/8 Swimming, Girls 7/8/9 Basketball, 7/8 Wrestling, 7/8 Boys Volleyball. - 1/21/25 (Winter 2)

A parent/guardian can register by clicking on this link: https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/west-genesee-central-school-district

Sign-ups on ArbiterSports are 30 days prior to the start date.

Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-2026 school year will open on December 4, 2024 and will go until March 28, 2025.

Watch for registration information on the Central Registration webpage. If you have any questions, email the Central Registrar at centralregistrar@westgenesee.org, or call Central Registration at (315) 487-4683.

When registering, parents/guardians should be prepared to upload the following:

• Two proofs of residency (i.e. mortgage or property statement or signed lease agreement, utility bill )

• proof of age

A physical examination and proof of immunizations are also required for entry into kindergarten and a dental certificate is requested for entry into kindergarten. These examinations should be done up to one year prior to the first day of school. Children who enter kindergarten this fall must be five years of age on or before December 1, 2025.

To access the most updated health requirements click here.

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 Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the list of stations which you can access by clicking here.

Also, ParentSquare 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 Schooltool. (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. )

Is your ParentSquare post feed cluttered? Would your feed to show only the schools you choose? Here is how:

Using a Web Browser

1. If you have children at more than one school, you can switch to a different school. Click Switch School in the upper left and choose the school that has the class you want to view.
2. Click the drop-down arrow next to My School, Classes, And Groups in upper right.
3. Select the class or group.

Using the ParentSquare Mobile App

1. Tap the three bars at top left.
2. Tap Classes to view the class posts. Tap Groups to view group posts.
3. Select the class or group name.

We are looking for a Crossing Guard. This is a part-time position located at West Genesee Intermediate School.

Inquiries can be made to WGCSD Human Resources at 315-487-4555.

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.

• November 22, 25-26, 2024 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences-Half-Day for Elementary Students Only - Dismissal at 11:15 a.m. (see individual school newsletters for specific times for walkers/pick-up/buses)
• November 27-29, 2024 Thanksgiving Recess