Notes from the WGIS Principal

Dear WGIS Families,

Today marks the last day of our first semester. It is hard to believe we are now at the mid point of our school year. We are all incredibly proud of the work our WGIS students are doing everyday and eager to continue to challenge our students this next semester to see how much more growth we can achieve!

Monday will bring some shifts in schedule. Students will be taking on new special area classes the second half of the year which will bring new exciting projects and areas of interest for students to explore. Students might also be moving in or out of academic support groups, possibly within their WIN classrooms or additional support with out IS teachers. We celebrate students who are finding success and continue to support all students as they work hard everyday in our building.

Thank you for your continued support for all students at WGIS. As always, please reach out if you need anything.

Be Kind-Work Hard-Think BIG!

It's a great day to be a wildcat!

Mr. MacCollum

Our clubs are up and running! Below please find the schedule for when each club will be meeting. As a reminder, we offer late buses on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:15pm.

Monday February 3rd:

Battle of the Books, Blue STEAM Group

**WGIS Science Fair Meeting 2:30-3:15

Wednesday February 5th:

Interact Club, Gold STEAM Group

Click here for Club Descriptions

St. Baldrick's at West Genesee Intermediate is back! We will be hosting our event on Friday, March 14th. Our St. Baldrick's event at WGIS took off in 2014 as a result of our students looking for a way to support and stand with fellow students and members of our community who have been impacted by childhood cancer. A conversation became an idea and that idea has now become an event. Through our efforts as a school community we have raised over $140,000 and are determined to continue to raise awareness, raise some money and have some fun all in an effort to help fight childhood cancer. Please support our “Brave the Shave” event in any way that you can and help us make a difference in the lives of children across the country. It's all about "The Power of WE!" Here is a LINK to volunteer, donate, or "brave the shave"

Due to not being able to attend our School Day game vs. SMU on Thursday, January 9th, we would like to extend a new offer to you! We are giving out (1) Free Student ticket for our women's basketball game vs. Wake Forest on Sunday, February 9th at 2:00PM. with the purchase of an accompanying adult ticket at a discounted price.

https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Womensbasketball367 Free Ticket Discount Code is: WBBFREE

We are excited to welcome teachers, students, parents, family, & friends to our Men's Basketball School Day on Saturday, February 8th vs. Boston College at 3:15PM. We are excited to offer a free ticket to students and/or teachers.

https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Schoolday64 Free Ticket Discount Code is: SCHOOLDAY25

Please consider donating a new book to the WGIS Book Swap by clicking this link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2A66UYPKZMAGZ?ref_=wl_share

The 2025 WGIS Book Swap will take place in the spring, and so far, we have collected over 1,200 used books. Thank you to those who have donated! To ensure it's a successful event, we need 800 more so we can offer a variety of titles for all 700+ children to look through. If you don't have any used books to donate, please consider purchasing one using the link above, and it will be shipped directly to the school.

The names of everyone who donates a new book will be featured at the Book Swap and will be shared on social media during the week of the swap as a way to express our gratitude for supporting the event. If you don't see any titles you would like to purchase, you are welcome to purchase books you think the children will enjoy and ship them to school, or you can have your child drop them off in the front lobby.

Thank you for supporting the WGIS Book Swap. Each year, we have only a few bins of books left over, and the inclusion this event offers is meaningful. Some children have said it's the first time they have been able to bring home a book from a book sale, just like all the other kids. We also have students return to the swap after it is over to select another title, and they are so excited about the opportunity. Your support makes this possible. Thank you!

The West Genesee SEPTSA will be having a meeting Wednesday, Feb 12 at the Stonehedge Elementary School Library at 6:30pm. Come on in out of the cold to play some fun winter themed games and learn more about SEPTSA! New members are welcome.

To Join SEPTSA please follow this link

https://wgseptsa2018.givebacks.com/store

This week, we recognized students who were Being a good friend throughout the week. Congratulations to Kira, Andrei, Natalie, and Brody, our Positivity Paw winners !

This week, WGIS Student Council's themed Friday was Silly Sock Day! Next week will be:

Jersey Day: In honor of the Super Bowl, wear a jersey or sports shirt representing your favorite team! (February 7th)

Each month, the Physical Education Department recognizes students for their above and beyond qualities and character they demonstrate in PE class.

Congratulations to: Kelln c., Joey C., Joseph G., Quinn G., Victoria S., and Adrianna V. for setting an excellent example for their classmates, being respectful, following directions, showing great effort and leading by example!

One of our biggest safety concerns for our students at WGIS is responsible electronics use. This applies to both our school day and away from our school. Our counselors recently suggested a great article for parents to help give some important background and strategies that could be used at home.

Another great online resource is internetmatters.org, which gives advice based on student age, specific devices and apps.

Please send in gently used, age-appropriate books for us to include in the swap. Your child can drop off the books at the cart located under the main stairwell in the front entrance of the school. Thank you for your support!

Amazon Wishlists

Each year, we invite the teachers to submit an Amazon Wishlist that will be shared with the school community. These items are used to support and enhance instruction for our children throughout the year. The teachers and staff are so appreciative of the support. This is a way to show our gratitude for their efforts each day with our children. The links to the wishlists can be found here: https://2cde.edulnk.com/e/3z0w8/k8Kfdj?__$u__

Join the PTA

Lastly, the PTA would love your support! There is no commitment to participate in any meetings or events, but your $10 membership helps us ensure that we have the funds to continue the events that support our school community. You can join here: https://2cde.edulnk.com/e/3z0w8/faYJmN?__$u__

• Wednesday January 29, 2025 - Lunar New Year - No School

• Friday January 31, 2025 - Last day of 2nd Marking Period (Updated)

• February 17-21 - February Break - No School