Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Genesee Families,
There is a “buzz” that stays with you when you have a great experience: a great ballgame, a special night at the theater, a concert of a favorite performer, a significant family celebration. These are less frequent and highly anticipated and reach the level of “wow!” The Annual Commencement at the campus of Onondaga Community College in the SRC Arena and the celebration of the West Genesee Class of 2024 was one of those events!
The afternoon ceremony was as professional as “Pomp and Circumstance” suggests, with touching sentiments from student speakers, emotions from student performers, energy from the student and alumni band, and the excitement from the crowd of supporters for the graduating seniors. Our student speeches offered reflection, advice, and humor with the inspiration of what is next to come for the honored graduates. Singers and instrumentalists used music as a way to portray appreciation for the past and hope for tomorrow. A whole host of family and friends filled the arena with support of each individual and this outstanding group as a collective.
The presentation of diplomas highlighted each graduate and the symbol of completion; a memorable milestone in the life of each member of the Class of 2024. The moment after the official proclamation is read and the tassels are transferred is that of unbridled enthusiasm and the joy of completion as caps are thrown and hugs ensue. The words in this message do not amply describe the energy and positivity of this special moment.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and thank you for all of the comparable special moments you have provided in your time at West Genesee. May you go on to broader paths and continue to impact the world.
Always remember you are forever a Wildcat and may you have many, many great days!!
Sincerely,
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Superintendent David C. Bills and Board of Education President, Kimberly Coyne, presided over the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 at the SRC Arena and Events Center at Onondaga Community College on Saturday, June 22, 2024. To see a listing of the Top Ten from the Class of 2024 click here.
West Genesee Athletics is All-CNY Program of the Year
Congratulations to all of our West Genesee athletes and coaches for being awarded the ALL-CNY Athletic Program of the Year for 2023-2024!
Also to WG Baseball player Talon Elkins on being selected as Player of the Year and WG Volleyball player Cami Zajac on being selected as the large school Player of the Year!
The following were also nominated which is a great honor.
- WG Girls Volleyball team on being a finalist for Girls Team of the Year.
- WG Hockey players Jesse DeSena and Jonah Vormwald on being nominated for Player of the Year.
- WG Indoor Track athlete Michael Gomes on being a finalist for Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.
- WG Lacrosse player Allie Hanlon on being a finalist for Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year.
- WG boys lacrosse player Nolan Bellotti on being a finalist for Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year.
Sports Wrap-up for Spring 2024 Recognizes Athletes
The Sports Wrap-up is a section from the Communicator that is published at the end of each athletic season. This section lists all of the teams, comments from coaches, and awards received by the athletes. Click on the link below to read the Spring Sports Wrap-up.
Announcing New Assistant Principal at West Genesee High School
On June 18, 2024, Brandon Franza was appointed by the Board of Education to the position of Assistant Principal at West Genesee High School. He fills the position left vacant by Dan MacCollum who will become the West Genesee Intermediate School Principal on June 27, 2024. He will start on July 1, 2024.
He worked as a full-time administrative intern at West Genesee High School this past school year; developing initiatives, supporting building processes, and collaborating with staff. These experiences will certainly add to his continued impact for students, staff, and families.
Franza holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Binghamton University, certified as a School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL), where he previously earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. Prior to that, he attended the State University of New York at Potsdam where he secured a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.
In addition to being a Spanish Teacher in the Moravia CSD, he served on various committees at the building and district level to expand his personal and professional development. His skills in technology and social emotional learning have been an ongoing part of his repertoire and contribute to his strong work ethic. Years of substitute teaching and time as an interpreter with the Syracuse Public Defender Office have supported his well-rounded approach.
Superintendent Bills shared, "Accolades from staff, parent, and student committee members in a lengthy interview process included his student-centered approach, advocate for student voice, and ability to earn trust of others."
On a personal note, Franza shares that he “feels like he is just getting started at West Genesee” after completing a year as the full-time administrative intern. He looks forward to maintaining established relationships with students and families and serving his community through district-wide events and support of the high school administrative team. He is eager to make a greater impact in the years to come at West Genesee. He can often be seen walking at the Erie Canal Park with his dogs and family as well as supporting local businesses.
Transportation Staff Receive Recognition
The area chapter of the Central New York Association for Pupil Transportation Association (NYAPT) made up of 42 school districts, has awarded the 2023-2024 Driver of the Year to West Genesee Central School bus driver Dan Davico. Their Attendant of the Year award went to our very own Sue Pitcher.
Davico began his career as a School Bus Driver here at West Genesee Transportation in September 2009. He has been a huge asset to the department, his families, and most of all to his many students. He always puts the safety of his students first, and maintains a safe environment for his students on the bus. He loves to interact with the students as they board his bus, as well as when they are waiting at the school to be released. Dan has formed many bonds with several students over the years. Currently you may see Dan driving around Camillus in bus 114 servicing CMS and Stonehedge schools.
Pitcher began her career as a School Bus Attendant here at West Genesee Transportation in October 2011. She has also been a huge asset to our department, her families, and most of all her many students. She has such a passion to create safe, lasting bonds with her students and their families. Sue is dedicated to assisting her bus driver by taking such good care of the students so her driver can concentrate on getting them to and from school safely. Currently you may see Sue riding around Camillus in bus 112 servicing CMS and Stonehedge schools.
High School School Resource Officer (SRO) is Officer of the Year
*As published by the Camillus Police Department
Earlier this month members of the Camillus Police Department and the Camillus community were honored for their hard work, dedication, and decisions made during critical incidents in 2023. One such award earned was the Officer of The Year to Mark Flint.
Flint is a 19-year police veteran currently assigned at the High School in the West Genesee Central School District, as the Resource Officer and was selected as the Camillus Police Department 2023 Officer of the Year.
His role at the West Genesee Central School District High School is complex as he handles many calls of different natures requiring him to have dual roles as both a confidant for kids and disciplinarian. His ability to engage with anyone, building incredible relationships with students, faculty and staff only strengthens his resolve to protect our most precious commodity, our children.
In 2023, Officer Flint spearheaded many new initiatives between the school and the police department, documenting school site plans enabling 911 to be able to coordinate the response of emergency services to all schools. He has been involved with many investigations, assisting patrols and our Criminal Investigators helping close cases, and it is his charisma, selfless dedication, mentorship, compassion, and tireless efforts have touched and changed lives of countless members in our organization and community.
We honor Officer Flint’s service as Officer of the Year and thank him for going above and beyond for our department members and for the citizens of the Town of Camillus during 2023.
Congratulations on a job well done!
School Patrol Officers (SPOs) are Recognized for Outstanding Service
Congratulations to Stonehedge SPO Officer Tom Skardinski, along with Onondaga Road SPO Officer Charlie Fassinger, for earning the Camillus Police Department "Outstanding Service to the Community Award".
Thank you, Officer Skardinski, for all you do for Stonehedge and Officer "Charlie" for all you do for Onondaga Road!!!
West Genesee Receives National Recognition for Communications
The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) has honored West Genesee CSD with a 2024 NSPRA Award of Excellence for their Electronic Newsletter External Audience for the second year in a row. The March 15, 2024 edition receiving this honor can be read by clicking here.
Honors are awarded according to publication or digital media type, and organization type and size. Entries are judged on their overall excellence as well as quality as compared to other entries in the category. The top award in each category is the Award of Excellence. Awards of Merit and Honorable Mentions are also given in each category. Congratulations!
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.
Registering New Students
For information about registering your student, go to the Registration Section of the website by clicking here. If you are not sure which school your child should attend, contact the Central Registration at 315-487-4683.
When registering, parents need to send proof of immunizations, proof of age, and proof of residency. These document copies can be sent electronically sent in or dropped off at the District Office front door. .
A physical examination is also required 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, 2024. Immunization requirements are located on the website by clicking here.
Central Registration is operating from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the summer starting June 27, 2024 please feel free to contact their office if you need any assistance. The Central Registration Office will be closed from July 1-5, 2024 for software upgrades. Please use the link on the Central Registration website to register. Call our office at 315-487-4683 if you have any questions.
Fall Sports Registration Information
Information to register for fall sports is now available. Here is what you need to know:
The Athletics Department offers the convenience of online registration for athletic sports sign up and clearance through Family ID.
- V/JV Fall Sports - Football Registration Opens - 7/19/24; Practices start - Monday, 8/19/24
- V/JV Fall Sports - Registration Opens - 7/26/24; Practices start - Monday, 8/26/24
- Modified 7/8/9 Fall Sports - Registration Opens - 7/28/24 - Practices start- Wednesday, 8/28/24
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.
Food Support Information
Many students enjoy breakfast and lunch at school on a regular basis. It is understandable when families find it challenging to provide those meals during school vacations. Please note the following free lunch and food pantry information.
Food pantries partner with the Food Bank of CNY to provide low cost, nutritious food to those in need. The following is a list of food pantries and services available in our community to assist families. To find your appropriate food pantry location and to sign up, contact the Interreligious Food Consortium (IRC) weekdays at 315-474-8855 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Their website is: http://www.ifccny.org/.
Summer Programs in the Community
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.
Previously shared by: Stacey Eger-Converse, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Social Media Tips
Ways to support our youth with social media:
1) Speak to your children about reporting any concerning posts or suspicious activities on social media to a trusted adult. It is important that children understand they will not be punished for reporting a post and that we will protect their anonymity as we investigate the concern. It is also important for students to refrain from sharing or otherwise passing along inappropriate posts, as it contributes to a violation of the WGCSD Code of Conduct.
2) Explain how TIP411 works to your children. Tip411 is an anonymous communication tool that allows students to report serious concerns to schools. Tip411 will provide an option for those students who may not have a trusted adult to relay their concerns. (Note: At times, there may be follow-up questions. Because of the anonymity, it is important to check back to the original TIP411 report.)
3) Encourage your children to seek the truth regarding information online and reporting questionable posts to trusted adults rather than sharing misinformation that causes more confusion than clarity.
4) Speak with your children about school shootings and other tragic events and the fear we all feel as we navigate this unfortunate reality of online threats. Having an open dialogue about school safety is important, especially when threats occur. Here is a link from Child Mind Institute that can help guide that sometimes difficult conversation: How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings | Child Mind Institute.
5) Please relay any social media threats to school administrators so we can begin our investigation and involve the police, if necessary. We take each threat seriously and have a protocol to address each incident. As information becomes available, the District will provide updates to parents.
Previously shared by: David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools
Summer Reading Lists
- WGIS Summer Reading Lists for students going into Grades 5-6
- CMS Summer Reading Lists for students going into Grades 7-8
- WGHS Summer Reading lists for students going into Grades 9-11 Enriched Classes
These lists are also available from the School Links section from each school's homepage and from the school library homepages.
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.
