A Note from Dr. Whipple
April 29, 2024
Hope everyone is feeling refreshed off the weekend. Can't believe the calendar is turning to May this week! The final marking period really goes fast with AP exams starting next week and the last two weeks of the school year dedicated to Regents exams. Lots of fun end of year activities will be happening as well. It's a great time of year, so let's focus on finishing strong while we have some fun along the way!
Make sure to check out info regarding the following:
- Report Card Update
- Spring Bus Drill - 4/30
- Prom Ticket Sales End 5/3
- Twelfth Night Premiers! 5/3-5/4
- AP Exams Start 5/8
- Bike Bazaar - 5/10-5/11
Report Card Update
However, report cards are available in Infinite Campus via the Parent Portal. If you have issues logging in, please use the Forgot Username or Forgot Password links on the site. If you still have issues, you can contact our Technology Department at syoung@gananda.org
Spring Bus Drill - 4/30
This Tuesday morning, students will be participating in a mandatory bus safety drill during the arrival drop off at the Middle School.
May Heritage Month - Asian American & Pacific Islander & Jewish American
May is dedicated to celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander and Jewish American Heritage Months. Check out the Library of Congress's links below to learn about these groups' experiences and their contributions to America.
Prom Tickets On Sale Through 5/3
This is the last week to purchase tickets for prom! Tickets are $65 each and will be sold during the first lunch period. Prom will take place on May 10th, from 7 PM to 11 PM, at the beautiful Casa Larga Vineyards. If you plan on bringing a guest that is not a Gananda student, you must submit a guest permission form no later than May 7. You can find the form here.
Twelfth Night Premiers! 5/3-5/4
Twelfth Night premiers this Friday night at 7pm with another show on Saturday at 7pm. This play is a one-act adaptation of a Shakespearean romantic comedy in modern language. The playful comedy centers on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck, and the courtship, mistaken identities, and hijinks that follow. Come out and support the show! Thank you Mr. Barresi for organizing and directing!
AP Exams Start 5/8!
For students taking Advanced Placement courses, exams will begin May 8th. Please see the attached letter for the schedule of exams and another Smore link for the College Board's rules for students taking the exams. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Bertram in the Counseling Office.
Bike Bazaar - 5/10-5/11
Parking Lot Safety - Reminder
We are working on trying to improve the safety of the parking lot during morning drop off and afternoon dismissal. We have placed cones in the parking lot to try and prevent cars from cutting through the aisles. For students that drive, please be sure to walk straight down the aisle to the sidewalk and then walk over to the Main Entrance using the sidewalk, rather than walking across the parking lot diagonally towards the Main Entrance. Thank you for your attention to this and please be pay close attention when going through the parking lot.
Senior Spotlights!
Attention Class of 2024! Mr. Chavez, our Public Information Coordinator, is putting together Senior Spotlights, a graphic that will be shared on district social media as we approach graduation. These may also be part of graduation. Attached is a sample.
We ask that you answer a couple of quick questions on this Google form. We'll use your senior portrait with the graphic. This is optional and if you'd rather not participate, that is perfectly fine, please just at least check the box on the form (and submit) so we know who is not participating. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. Chavez at rchavez@gananda.org.
#GanandaPROUD
Lots of big accomplishments this past week for our Spring sports student athletes. At the beginning of the week, Matt Gleason capped off baseball's comeback victory against Sodus with a walk-off RBI single. Also this past weekend, Liam Sennett won the 1600m Race Walk at the His & Her Invitational. See below for more highlights from this past week!
Flag football improved to 4-0 with another impressive victory 35-13 over Rochester Prep.
Congratulations Colleen for scoring her 100th Girls Varsity Lacrosse goal!
Haley, Rylee, Meah and Katie set a new school record and cruised to victory in the 4x800m Relay at their meet this past weekend!
Katie, Maggie, Haley, and Meah also had an impressive victory in the Girls Sprint Medley Relay, edging out Irondequoit by 0.002 seconds at the Brighton Relays Invitational. Awesome job!!
Owen, Evan, Andrew, and Mason also had an impressive showing placing 6th in a crowded Boys Sprint Medley Relay.
Having fun with the VR goggles in Mrs. Swartout's Python Programming class.
Scholarship & Financial Aid Opportunities
Please see the attached letter from Gov. Hochul regarding FAFSA and financial aid opportunities for Seniors.
Gananda Teachers Association Scholarsip
The application is open for the Gananda Teachers Association Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a dedicated senior who has embraced the high school experience while continuing the tradition of academic excellence at Gananda. The deadline is Friday, May 3rd. Contact Mr. Potter if you have any questions. Application link: https://forms.gle/mBJnjTwUVd8HBdK26
Kelly Witter Memorial Scholarship
The application is open for the Kelly Witter Memorial Scholarship. Mrs. Witter believed in "Choosing Joy" and sharing her passion for music with her students. This scholarship is for seniors who are active in Gananda's music program and pursuing higher education. The deadline is Friday, May 3rd. Contact Mr. Potter if you have any questions. Application link: https://forms.gle/EUp71tJsmHzgQ33a9
Alexandra Fee Memorial Scholarship
The application is open for the Alexandra Fee Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Fee was dedicated to Gananda, the value of education, and making good choices. This scholarship is for seniors looking to pursue education and continue the legacy left by Ms. Fee. The deadline is Friday, May 3rd. Contact Mr. Potter if you have any questions. Application link: https://forms.gle/NTU4NNphQgKynby49
More Scholarship Opportunities
Keuka College Open House
Keuka College's Spring Open house will be one May 5, at 10:30 am. Explore your academic interests with Keuka's 30 majors and more than 25 minors. Explore the campus with a guided tour and learn about their athletic teams as well as more than 30 clubs that take place on campus.
Register here.
Health Career Observer Flyer, April 2024
Check Out the Counseling & Work Based Learning News
Gananda Rotary Citizen of the Month Nomination
Gananda Rotary is interested in continuing to participate in our student of the month program by honoring a student who has demonstrated service in school or the community. If you would like to nominate a student, you may do so by completing this form.
Panther Paw Submission Form for our Seniors!
Seniors! As we progress into the academic year, don't forget to please complete a Panther Paw Submission Form when you have been accepted into a college/trade school/military branch/apprenticeship program. We will hang a Panther Paw on the #GanandaGoals wall as you enter the building to celebrate your accomplishment! PANTHER PAW Submission Form
Once you've made your decision, then fill out this new little form on the Counseling website so we know about what you've committed to. We want to celebrate you!!!
Tutoring Services by National Honor Society
National Honor Society students are now offering tutoring help for any high school students looking for help in science and/or writing. We will be offering tutoring both during advisement and after school on certain days.
All tutoring will be held in room 131. Students can use this Google form to sign up. It is not necessary to sign up, but it will help to ensure we have the right students and enough students available to help.
Mid Year Transcript Requests
If you have received notifications from Colleges/Universities that you have applied to requiring an updated transcript, please note the Counseling Office will automatically upload updated documents to Common App after midterms and grades are finalized in Infinite Campus. If you have applied to Institutions that are not on Common App, please let us know as we will send your updated information directly to that College.
Ms. Bertram (L-Z) and Mrs. Kelleher (A-K)
Reporting Absences & Extended Student Absences Work Request
Absences need to be reported to the school health office by the parent/guardian of the student. This may be done so online by completing this form.
If your student will miss an extended period of time during the school year, please make sure they complete this Extended Student Absences Work Request form. This form should be completed a minimum of 2 weeks in advance if it is a planned absence. Students who have an excused absence will have one day for each day absent to make up work. Students who have an unexcused absence will have no additional time to complete work. Please note that family vacations are considered unexcused absences.
HELP WANTED! - Summer Work Opportunities
We have several positions open for this summer in the facilities department.
1 Summer Cleaner - $16.00 per hour
1 Summer Groundskeeper - $16.50 per hour
2 Summer Cleaner - $16.00 per hour
All positions are 7:30 - 4 pm, Monday - Friday
If you are interested, please email Lori Brow at lbrown@gananda.org and fill out an application which is located on the District website here.
Substitute Teachers - We are always looking for people to help cover teachers when they are out. This can be a great opportunity for someone trying to break into the field of education. If you or someone you know might be interested please apply here.
Dollars for Scholars is looking for volunteers to help support this great scholarship program available to our students. If you are interested in helping them out, please contact them at gdfscholars@gananda.org.
Important Upcoming Dates
4/30
- 4:30 - Sen. Helming Visit to Flag Football Game
5/1
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage & Jewish American Heritage Months
5/3
- 4:30 - Baseball Senior Night
- 7, 12th Night Performance
5/4
- 7, 12th Night Performance
5/7
- 5:00 - Track Senior Night
5/8
- 8, English AP Exam
- 7, BOE Meeting - Budget Hearing
- 7, BOE Meeting - Budget Hearing
5/9
- 12, Psychology AP Exam
5/10
- 8, US History AP Exam
- 7, Stars of Tomorrow
- 7-11 Jr. Sr. Prom @ Casa Larga
5/12
- Mother's Day
5/13
- 8, Calculus AP Exam
- 6:30 - Boys Lacrosse Varsity Night
5/15
- 8:45, Athletics Celebratory Signings
- 12, Music Theory AP Exam
5/16
- 12, Biology AP Exam
5/17
- 12, Physics II AP Exam
5/22
- 2, Special Olympics Send Off
- HS & MS will walk over to track and then dismiss home from ES
5/24
- Half Day- Professional Development Day
- Student Congress Sponsored Event Day - Bald for Bucks
- Alternate Schedule
5/27
- Memorial Day - Offices Closed
5/30
- Seniors Red Wings Day
- 7, Academic Awards Night
6/4
- 8, Algebra Regents
6/6
- 8, Senior Celebration
6/7
- Decision Day!
6/11
- 7, Athletic Awards Ceremony
6/13
- Moving Up Day
6/18
- Senior Sunset
6/14-6/25
- Finals and Regents
6/26
- Graduation Rehearsal
- Darien Lake Trip for Seniors
6/29
- 10, Graduation
Respectfully,
Dr. Christopher J. Whipple
Principal
(315) 986-3521 ext. 3154
Ms. Mairi Greibus
Assistant Principal
(315) 986-3521 ext. 3154