West Genesee School District

Dear West Genesee Families,

Enjoy this edition of the West Genesee E-Newsletter! It is filled with artifacts and evidence of purpose, determination, grit, and success. There are examples of student success and that of those who believe in our young people.

We have the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful effort to engage and challenge our students in a comprehensive educational experience. Said a different way, without using 13 syllables, we can provide so many ways for students to thrive and achieve. Am I referring to winning? To some extent yes. I challenge us to continue to look for the “win” when someone shows up, gives their all, picks themselves up after defeat, and picks someone else up.

Academic recognitions, athletic and fine arts season conclusions, and events of support for important causes are all found in the articles below. I will leave you to enjoy reading about the accomplishments and ask that you consider more than the result of the last competition, the resulting recognition, and the culminating event. Consider the growth and experiences that led to each point and the life-changing moments captured.

Then of course, we move on to the question of “what’s next?” See the altruistic actions in supporting important causes and the chance to share joy while doing so. Notice individual accolades that represent broader commitments. Recognize the relationships represented between and amongst many age levels. These are building blocks for the next season, new events, and ongoing experiences.

The expression “seeing is believing” applies when confirming that today is a great day to be a Wildcat!

Sincerely,

David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools

On November 4, 2024 West Genesee High School inducted 16 students into the National Honor Society: Luay Abraham, Julia Conmy, Owen Flanagan, Quinn Harte, Dillan Holzwarth, Michael Koltakov, Collin MacDonald, Tasneem Mahmoud, Jessica Mann, Damien Mushynsky, Julia Poissant, Ty Rotblat, Oscar Ryan, Lina Volik, Isabelle Wisel, Richard Zhao. Congratulations!

Congratulations to the West Genesee Wildcat Marching Band on their 4th place finish at the NYS Field Band Competition held on Sunday, October 27, 2024!

We are so proud of you!! #WildcatPride

Congratulations to all! #GoWildcats #WildcatPride

Numerous West Genesee Athletes have been awarded League and Section honors. When those lists are made public we will make updates.

Pictured above in front, from left to right, are Gregory Borsz, Tanja Cosentino, Kathleen Kolb, and Melanie Callahan. In the back, from left to right, are Myles Avery, Abigail Ames, Max Leubner, Rowan Prior, Devin Snell, and Azdha Mundath.

Rowan Prior and Max Leubner from West Genesee High School; Azdha Mundath and Devin Snell from Camillus Middle School; and Abigail Ames and Myles Avery from West Genesee Intermediate School were honored by the Camillus Optimists with the David Kenna Outstanding Student Award.

Gregory Borsz (West Genesee High School Instrumental Music teacher), Tanja Cosentino (Camillus Middle School ENL teacher), Melanie Callahan (West Genesee Intermediate School ELA teacher), and Kathleen Kolb (Split Rock Kindergarten teacher) each received the 2023 Joseph A. Witowski Outstanding Teacher Award.

Honorees and their families were guests of the Optimists on October 29, 2024 at the Tuscarora Golf Club. School administrators introduced each honoree and described their unique contributions. Optimist David Philippone and Gil Schnorr coordinated the program.

Teachers were selected by their peers for being sensitive to the needs of their students; for creating an exciting and challenging classroom atmosphere; and contributing to the quality of instruction at West Genesee.

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 to present Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo JR., on November 21 and 22 at 7:00 p.m. and November 23 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be $8.00 at the door.

Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo JR. is a musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. Credit to: https://www.mtishows.com/disneys-finding-nemo-jr

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.

The cast of James and the Giant Peach is pictured above. In the front row, from left to right, are Evelyn Dimmel, Zoey Hess, Nikola Jakimoski, Adelyn Borsz, Levi Pontello, Josephine Carkey, Parker Thomas, and Clada Balcum. In the back row, from left to right, are Brianna Popp, Caroline Sperduti, Alaina Schuessler, Kenneth Kirby IV, and Madison Potaczala.

Reminder to come join us at the exciting musical at Camillus Middle School; James and the Giant Peach that premiered on November 7 and will also be presented tonight at 7:00 p.m. and tomorrow, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the show, and tickets are $10 general admission. Children 5 and under are FREE. Note: students attending the show should have a parent chaperone accompany them.

Click here to read the full article with the cast information as well as a QR Code and link to the program.

On October 23, 2024 West Genesee High School students from many school groups joined together with the Class of 2025 and the High School P2 Club to host a Trunk or Treat event to raise money for Make-a-Wish of CNY.

Thank you to our community who comes out in droves for this incredible night of fun and giving! What an amazing night that has become a tradition!

On November 5, 2024 the East Hill staff participated in a “Turkey Trot” (in costume) to kick off a Community Service Project.

The staff “raced” a lap and then the students joined them for a walk around the course and into the gym for a brief assembly to explain the Food Drive for the CNY Food Bank.

On Wednesday, November 15, students in the West Genesee School District are 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 can participate and contribute to pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. Let’s come together in our comfy PJs for a great cause! (All donations will be accepted at your child's school or through the QR code on the flyer.)

• JV & Varsity Winter Sports- 11/18/24
  
• 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 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 following 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 then 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 11, 2024 No School-Veterans Day
• November 15, 2024 Pajamarama (see article above)
• November 20, 2024 Board of Education Meeting-CMS Cafeteria
• 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