Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
We approach the end of a school year that will lead to inevitable transitions. Our youngest children hear references to the next grade and imagine with excitement that new number as describing them. Many students approach the prospect of a new school, and our oldest students consider the progress toward their eventual graduation year. Our seniors await a very special day: Saturday, June 22--the celebration of the Class of 2024!
We celebrate learning. We celebrate students. Allow me to interject with celebrating lifetimes of achievement, service, and adding to the legacy of West Genesee! Congratulations to our retiring staff that will soon move to the next chapter of their lives. The many, many combined years of the 45 staff members are extraordinary in quantity and beyond description in quality. Across all areas of service, these individuals have touched the lives of students for decades. We must consider our responsibility to honor their work and continue to follow their example of excellence and a culture of continuous improvement. They have set the tone and we must keep it going. Please take the time to thank one of our beloved team members. Well done, Wildcats!
On an informational note, the land acquisition approved last December awaits an official closing date. We are hopeful to officially add the new addition to District property that will include communication to neighbors, regular landscaping, and a new presence. While the change will be small, it will be the beginning of a next chapter in the history of West Genesee Schools. More information to follow!
Enjoy this E-Newsletter and see the many reasons to celebrate Wildcats!
Sincerely,
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
Message from the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
As we head off into the summer months, how to keep students connected to learning is always a question that is asked. Summer is, indeed, a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, especially since Central NY is not typically granted a lengthy amount of time of warm weather. There are so many ways, however, that parents and caregivers can provide learning opportunities for their children during this time. Here are some resources that might be of interest:
Camillus Parks & Recreation offer a number of programs that students can sign up for, ranging from reading programs to athletic activities to coding and chess and art and so much more. The department also sponsors a number of concerts each summer where students can be exposed to musicians in the community and different genres of music.
Read together and participate in the Maxwell Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is Adventure Begins at Your Library!
The Fairmount Community Library also has a calendar full of different events, including puzzles, Zoo to You, family game nights, and more, easily supporting social skills and critical thinking, depending on the game and/or puzzle!
Challenge your child’s math skills by using BedtimeMath.org (or their free app). Short vignettes make it easy to create a storyline for your child to fall asleep to visions of numbers dancing in their heads! The story ends with four levels of questions designed for different ages and skill levels that ask students to use the story and numbers to solve a problem. Choose your story based on age range or skill focus!
Try one of our very own West Genesee CSD summer programs in the Fine Arts, Robotics, Science, or Reading/Math. More information is available in your child’s buildings.
Truly, any activity that engages your child with other children, or asks them to be physically, cognitively, or artistically challenged is going to keep them connected to learning over the summer. Please enjoy the warm weather, the beautiful landscape of CNY, and some relaxing time together. We look forward to welcoming you all back for the 2024-2025 school year in a couple of short months.
Sincerely,
Stacey Eger-Converrse
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Announcing New Two-Way Communication Tool - ParentSquare
Next school year, the District has decided to implement a consistent two-way communication system with our families. Beginning July 1, 2024, we will begin utilizing a well-known platform: ParentSquare. As of September 1, 2024*, families will use ParentSquare for direct communication with staff in lieu of other applications that may have been used in recent years; Remind, Class Dojo, Seesaw, etc.
More information will be provided in the next month about registering for your account and obtaining access to ParentSquare. We anticipate families having the ability to register for an account beginning in August. Students in grades 7-12 will be able to use the app with their own accounts, however they are unable to begin registering accounts until class schedules are complete for September. We will work with our students at CMS and WGHS and expect this to be a smooth process.
*Due to the timing of establishing accounts for students after the start of the fall athletic season, fall coaches may continue with other formats during the fall season.
The ParentSquare application is used throughout the region in many school districts. We believe this will offer authentic communication capabilities within our school community with features that include:
Two-way translatable messaging
Direct messaging with staff
Sign-up forms for events (like field trips, parent conferences, etc.)
Submittal of attendance notes directly via the app
Note: Parents who work in other school districts that use the ParentSquare format will have the ability to combine accounts, if desired, for professional use and as a parent.
Please accept continued thanks for your partnership with strong communication and relationships.
Engineering Technology
Twenty-one students completed the Engineering Technology strand and they are: Mia Barnello, Nolan Bellotti, Brendan Bieling, Joseph Cavallo, Christopher Coyne, David Desko, Anthony Edgar, Gabriel Farino, Ryan Goshow, Anthony Lamanna, Anthony Mangano, Patrick Pritchard, Nathan Ruzekowicz, Yazen Salman, Collin Schweitzer, Landyn Shaw, Nathan Smith, Nicolas Stemkoski, Matthew Tully, Serhiy Oleh Yurchenko, and Eyad Zahran.
WGHS Students Selected to Attend Girls State
Three West Genesee juniors have been selected to attend the American Legion Auxiliary Onondaga County Empire Girls State at SUNY Brockport June 30-July 6, 2024.
The selected students are: Ava Stojanovski, Sienna Baron, and Rachel Hann.
Empire Girls State (EGS) is a hands-on leadership educational program of the American Legion Auxiliary. It was developed from the concept that youth should be offered a better perspective of the practical operation of governmental process and the Constitution. The program is a non-partisan, apolitical attempt to teach and instill pride in the youth of America. More information about the program is available by clicking here.
West Genesee Graduates of the 2024 OCM BOCES Career and Technical Education Programs
Thirty-three West Genesee High School students are graduates of the 2024 OCM BOCES Career and Technical Education Programs and will receive the Career and Technical Endorsement on their graduation certificate. Four students have also earned National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Honors. Congratulations!
- Early Childhood Education-Kaydance Dishaw+
- Culinary and Pastry Arts-Jacob Casselman*, V Findeisen*, Aiden Pontello, Karna Warner*
- Computer Technology-David Andrews, Christopher Young
- Construction Technology-Jacob Brzostek*, Nathaniel Prosonic^
- Heavy Equipment Repair, Operation and Diesel Technology-Tyler Peebles
- Health Occupations-Layla Spears
- Physical Therapy Professions-Harley Gilbert +*
- Welding Technology-Ji’Ana Barfield*, Brock Dyer*, Jacoby Gasparini*, Carter Lape^, Benjamin Myers*, Ryan Radcliffe*
- Automotive Technology-Lizander Cruz, Ryan Duffy, Jamison Gorzka*, Nathan Klementowski*, James Logana*, Mason Morales, Gavin Provo^, Nathan Renshaw-Pixler, Tristan Timson
- Cosmetology-Geonna Macknail*, Gianna Monds, Dreonna Pullium, Madison Wolfe+*
- New Vision Criminal Justice-Waverly St. Louis
- New Vision Medical Professions-Kendall Fenn+
.Note: Students with a * eligible for the CTE endorsement, ^ are First Year Seniors, and those with a + have earned NTHS Honors.
CMS Students Hold a Book Publishing Party
On June 4, 2024 a book publishing party was held at CMS during the day for the students' book "Our Journey to America." Supt. Bills shared, "What an honor to interact with our students (and their families) to celebrate cultures and new beginnings! A very impressive group!" In the evening, the students' celebrated the book with their parents!
Macaluso Greek Olympics Debuts at WGIS
After a 5 year hiatus and many years of running consecutively at WGMS, the 6th Grade Macaluso Greek Olympics debuted at WGIS on June 4, 2024! The games are aptly named in honor of JoAnn Macaluso who was a long time educator, 48 years, and a positive force at WGMS and the Greek Olympics.
The entire sixth grade participated and from the opening ceremony, to the field events, and then the closing ceremonies in the gym, there were smiles and fun abound. Congratulations to Team Corinth for taking home the overall title!
Thank you to teachers Mark McPeak and Evan Wojtaszek, the WGIS PTA, and everyone else who had a hand in bringing this special event back to our sixth graders!.
Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2024 at OCC
Graduation is the highlight of the entire school year. The Class of 2024 has achieved amazing accomplishments in all areas including academics, athletics, and visual/performing arts. Graduation will be held at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
Summer Music Camp Registration is NOW Open:
The registration form for the 2024 Summer Music Camps can be found by scanning the QR code on the flier or by clicking here. Below is a list of the different programs being offered.
- Choral Camp
- Junior Musical Theater Camp
- Senior Musical Theater Camp
- Concert Band Camp
- Jazz Band Camp
- String Camp
- Jump Start Strings
More info on website by clicking on the link below.
Fire Inspection Notice
Notice is hereby given that the annual inspection for 2024-2025 of all school buildings of the West Genesee Central School District for fire hazards which might endanger the lives of students, teachers, employees therein, has been completed and the report thereof is available at the office of Buildings and Grounds at 5203 West Genesee Street, Camillus, New York 13031 for inspection by all interested persons.
WGCSD is Hiring an Accounting Clerk
WGCSD is Looking to Hire an Accounting Clerk
Inquiries can be made to Dylan Lawless at dlawless@westgenesee.org or 315-487-4693.
- June 18, 2024 BOE Claims Audit Sub-Committee Meeting-WGHS Library Classroom-5:00 p.m.
- June 18, 2024 BOE Audit Committee Meeting -WGHS Library Classroom-5:15 p.m.
- June 18, 2024 BOE Meeting- WGHS Library-6:00 p.m.
- June 19, 2024 No School-Juneteenth Day
- June 22, 2024 WGHS Class of 2024 Graduation at SRC Arena at OCC-12:00 p.m.
- June 24, 2024 Half-Day for UPK-8
- June 25, 2024 Half-Day for UPK-8