District Update
October 28, 2024
A Message From Dr. Brown-Hall
Welcome to the District update!
First, there is no school for students on Friday, November 1st as the District observes Diwali. This is a Superintendent Conference Day and is an opportunity for faculty and staff to report for professional learning opportunities.
Keep an eye out this week for a special story on CBS. National reporter Shanelle Kaul was at Dodge Elementary School, highlighting the work to recognize, educate, and appreciate the diversity of our school community. We are proud to have parents, students, staff and school community featured!
As many have seen and heard over the last few weeks, we are looking at changing our school start times.
Last weekend, administrators and teachers in the District, along with the Board Vice President, attended the National Conference on School Start Times and Adolescent Sleep. Over the course of the day and half conference, school and medical professionals shared research and best practices regarding sleep and school start times. The consensus among the research and what is medically recommended, is that 8:30 is the optimal start time for secondary school students. Sleep is a critical part of our overall health and is essential to the growth and development of our adolescent students. There are biological and academic benefits for later start times such as improved mental health and improved physical health. The research and data also show student attendance improves, students are more attentive, which results in improved learning and better performances with athletics.
Recently on WKBW, Dr. Amanda Hassinger, who is the Director at the UBMD Pediatric Sleep Center said, “this is one of the most important public health initiatives you can have for adolescent health right now.” I want to encourage our school community to watch that story and also read the article in the Buffalo News regarding this important health and academic initiative in our District. Our focus groups are beginning to meet and we will continue to keep our school community updated throughout this process.
Speaking of health, I want to remind our school community to stay mindful as we are in cold and flu season. We want to be proactive so our schools, students, families, faculty and staff are healthy and ready for instruction each day. As anticipated during the cold and flu season, COVID, RSV, influenza, other respiratory illnesses – and also the sniffles, are all beginning to circulate in our schools and out in the community. If your child is sick, please keep them home.
Students and staff must be fever free for 24-hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication, to return to school, and students should be well enough to learn. If you have any questions, please talk with your physician, pediatrician, or school nurse.
Over the next few weeks, our auds will be full and students back on the stage at their respective high schools as they present their annual dramas. Williamsville East will perform an adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" November 7th and 8th. Williamsville South will showcase an adaptation of "Murder on the Orient Express" November 8th and 9th, while Williamsville North will debut Alice's Adventures in Wonderland November 22nd and 23rd. Our drama clubs – from the actors, actresses, stage crew, and directors – are working diligently to bring our school community incredible performances.
Friday marks the start of Native American Heritage month. We’ll highlight the life, legacy, and impact of actress Lily Gladstone and astronaut John Herrington, among others.
As this week’s update wraps up, I want to share two important dates with our school community – and an exciting opportunity for crafters!
First, November 8th, we will be inducting 10 incredible Williamsville graduates into the Williamsville Wall of Fame. This event will be streamed and available to watch on the District’s YouTube Channel.
Next, the Williamsville PTSA Council is once again hosting their annual Holiday Craft Fair on December 7th and 8th at Heim Elementary and Middle. They are actively looking for student crafters and volunteers to participate and help in the event. Links to sign-up are included in the District Newsletter.
Continue to work hard and enjoy the week. We’ll see you again soon.
