Greetings from WCS!
Dear WCS Students, Families, Staff and Community Members,
I hope this communication finds you well. It is hard to believe that we have now clocked over five weeks in the 2024-25 school year and that we are well into the month of October!
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL for students on Friday, 10/11 (Superintendent's Conference Day).
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL for anyone on Monday, 10/14 (Observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day)
Supporting ALL Students
WCS faculty, students and staff have established routines and settled into the work of teaching and learning. These predictable routines and consistent daily school functioning supports the enhanced levels of social, emotional and mental wellness necessary for optimal academic achievement.
At WCS, we understand that the well-being and mental health of our students are paramount for their success in school and life. That said, we recognize that some of our students may still be acclimating back into the swing of a school schedule and/or be struggling with mental health and wellness for a variety of reasons. Our district is committed to providing a comprehensive array of supports and services designed to promote mental health and social-emotional learning (SEL).
Should you have a few moments, please click on the link here or below to see an overview of current MH and SEL supports and services available at WCS. There is also a resource document below which outlines some of the supports families might access thru Wayne County. We encourage you to reach out to WCS counseling staff and/or building administration if you have concerns or believe that your child might benefit from additional support(s).
WCS District Safety Team Update
Could not feel more #MarauderPROUD about our District Safety Team comprised of nearly 40 members from varied internal and external stakeholder groups!
We had the opportunity to meet on Wednesday, October 9, where we gathered to discuss important topics focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of WCS students and staff.
Meeting Highlights:
Purpose: Affirmed shared, common commitment to district safety and the importance of maintaining a safe learning environment for ALL students, faculty and staff members.
Campus Safety: Reviewed strategies for enhancing safety measures across our campuses.
Law Enforcement Recommendations: Debriefed on invitation and tour by local law enforcement which yielded additional mitigating safety measures.
Building-Level Safety: Updated around assembly of Building Safety Teams to ensure each school’s unique safety needs may be addressed.
Safety Drills: Briefly outlined parameters around safety drills.
Badge Entry System: Updated around implementation of new badge entry system.
Tap App: Introduced TapApp and utility of panic alarm system.
4DScape: Introduced 4DScape system which supports emergency response in event of critical incident.
Crisis Intervention Team Development: Introduced plans for development and launch of a Crisis Intervention Team at WCS.
Other Considerations: Opened the floor for additional thoughts and concerns, encouraging members to share what’s on their mind regarding campus safety.
Speaking of District Safety: GINNA Evacuation Drill
- In accordance with the WCS School Safety Plan, the district will also conduct an emergency evacuation drill to rehearse for protective action in the event of a Radiological Emergency.
- WCS will practice our Ginna Evacuation Drill on October 30 at 9:30 in the morning.
- The drill is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.
- If you have any specific questions about this drill, please contact your child's building administrators.
Capital Improvement Project Update
The capital improvement project is getting closer to completion. We are hopeful for substantial completion of the project in all buildings by end of November.
- ES Kitchen and Cafe: Wrapping up of "completion lists" is ongoing.
- MS Restrooms: Lavs are completed and have been turned over to the district for usage.
- MS & ES Univents: Installation nearing completion. Painting and installation of base moldings to continue.
- MS Plumbing: Significant plumbing issues detected first week of the school year have resulted in much corrective work to address plumbing issues. At this juncture, contractor is about 50% complete with plumbing at MS.
- MS Auditorium: As stated in previous communications, the seating in the upper level mezzanine will require additional work. The district has been working with our CIP architects and construction team to explore creative solutions to the tight seating. Any remedial work is not guaranteed for completion by production time of the Elementary School play, scheduled for the first week in December. As such, the district anticipates that ticket sales for the ES play will allow for lower level auditorium only. In the event they are able to complete the mezzanine project in time, we may certainly open up ticket sales to fill up those seats.
- Other more minor projects associated with the CIP scope of work will continue into the school year.
We are committed to keeping you informed throughout the progress of these projects and appreciate your continued support and patience as we work to make these improvements a reality.
Calendar of Events
Please be certain to refer to the WCS District Calendar on our website often to ensure you don't miss any upcoming events!
In Gratitude...
With deepest and sincerest gratitude, wishing you a fabulous fall. We are so grateful to work in partnership and advocacy with you for our students!
Best,
E. Bridget Ashton
Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Williamson Central School District
4184 Miller Street
Williamson, NY 14589
Bashton@williamsoncentral.org
#WilliamsonPROUD
At the High School Level...Notes and Updates From Dr. Snyder
During the COVID-19 pandemic, New York State made temporary exceptions to some of the graduation requirements. However, those exceptions are no longer in effect, and students must now meet the standard requirements for graduation.
As a reminder, New York State requires students to earn 22 units of credit across various subjects like English, math, science, social studies, and physical education to graduate. In addition, students must pass at least five Regents exams or approved alternatives in core subjects.
There are several diploma options available, including the Regents Diploma, Advanced Regents Diploma, and local diploma, each with its own requirements. Staying informed about your child’s progress can help ensure they’re on track for graduation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child's school counselor for guidance.
At the Middle School... News and Notes from Ms. Taylor
Greetings from the Middle School,
We are happy to report that we are having a great start to the 24-25 school year!
This year, in addition to our focus on community and connectedness, we are emphasizing the development of literacy skills across all content areas. As students progress in the middle years, there is a shift from “learning to read,” to “reading to learn”. All of our staff are working to reinforce the “BIG 6” of Reading. Early skills include phonics and phonemic awareness, but as students transition into Middle School, the emphasis is on building reading fluency, comprehension, oral language and fluency.
We have made a commitment to build literacy skills in all of our content areas and throughout the school. Each morning we highlight a new vocabulary word, and utilize it in a sentence. Each classroom focuses on highlighting their content area vocabulary. We are striving to expose our students to a variety of texts to build comprehension. The increased variation of texts helps increase stamina and fluency. Our reading and literacy classes have adopted a new inquiry based approach which fosters student engagement and interest. Students research topics of high interest, which in turn, builds their comprehension.
As we strengthen our students’ literacy skills, proficiency in all subject areas improves. It is our goal to provide our students with the skills and tools for success in their future endeavors.
As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at (315) 589-9665.
Kathryn Taylor
Middle School Principal
2024-25 Middle School Schedule
- Announcements 7:35
- 1st Period 7:37 – 8:18 41 minutes
- 2nd Period 8:22 – 9:03 41 minutes
- 3rd Period 9:07 – 9:48 41 minutes
- 4th Period 9:52 – 10:33 41 minutes
- 5th Period 10:37 – 11:17 40 minutes (Lunch 5/6)
- 6th Period 11:21 – 12:01 40 minutes (Lunch 8)
- 7th Period 12:05 – 12:45 40 minutes (Lunch 7)
- 8th Period 12:49 – 1:31 42 minutes
- ANNOUNCEMENTS @ 1:29
- 9th Period 1:35 – 2:16 41 minutes
- 10th Period 2:20 – 2:55 35 minutes
At the Elementary Level...Notes and Updates From Miss Saxby
Hello from Miss Saxby ~ Williamson Elementary Principal
The first month of school is now complete and the students and staff have quickly settled into their daily routines and learning. We have been very fortunate to have great weather for the start of the school year so the students could get outside and play.
Communication is a big focus here at the elementary school. We believe it is the key to school success for our students. Please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher or any elementary staff member through any of these avenues:
- Parent Square
- Phone (school # is 589-9668)
- Backpack Note
Be sure to let your child’s classroom teacher know your preferred method for communication!
October is a busy month – mark your calendars with these important dates:
- October 3rd – Open House 5:30-7:00
- October 10th – Picture Day & 4 th Grade Roller Skating Party
- October 11th – Superintendent’s Day: No School for Students
- October 14th – Columbus Day: No School for Students
- October 15th – First Day of 4 th Grade Band
- October 16th – 3 rd Grade Roller Skating Party
- October 17th – First Day of 4 th Grade Choir
- October 18th – Fire Departments School Visit
- October 25th – Big Pumpkin Day
If you have any questions, comments or concerns during the school year please feel free to contact the school at any time. We want to work together, with families, to provide your child with a well-rounded educational experience.
Together we will make 2024-2025 a great school year!
Miss Ellen Saxby
Williamson Elementary Principal
REMINDER: IMPORTANT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP INFO
We will have the same procedures for family drop-off and pick-up as we had last year. Please line up at the east side of the middle school until cars are directed into the bus loop after buses depart. Reminder that adults need to remain in the car and students need to exit the vehicle from a door closest to the sidewalk for both drop-off and pick-up. Parents/guardians will be notified of a pick-up color for the afternoon dismissal time. It is very important to keep all the children safe during
this busy time. If you have any questions about busing you can contact the transportation department or the elementary school main office.
Thoughts from Rachel Liberatore, ASI
Homegrown Literacy: Simple Strategies to Unlock Your Student's Reading Potential
The Science of Reading refers to a body of research that describes effective ways to teach reading. This research highlights the importance of structured literacy instruction that develops the “Big Six” skills and competencies (Oral Language, Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Comprehension, Fluency, and Vocabulary). Once children learn how to read, they then read to learn. As students prepare for tomorrow’s social and economic opportunities, it is critical they develop the literacy skills needed to achieve individual success.
Supporting the development of crucial literacy skills requires a strong partnership between school and families. Within the Williamson Central School District, our K-12 instructional staff are analyzing and enhancing our tier one instruction, utilizing research-based practices to teach foundational and higher level literacy skills. Below are some activities you can engage your student(s) in at home to support strong literacy skills:
While engaging in daily activities, such as turning off a light - ask your student(s) to identify words that rhyme. For example “What rhymes with light?”
Ask your student(s) to clap out the words they hear in a sentence. Ask them to clap out the syllables in a word.
Read a book aloud to your student(s). This shared experience can have a huge impact on literacy development!
Practice writing letters and making their sounds - use shaving cream for some added fun!
Allow your student(s) to create a grocery list.
Label items around the house.
Read a book with your student(s). Ask them questions and discuss the book. Point out interesting or new words when reading together.
Build background knowledge by talking about experiences and reading nonfiction texts about places and people.
Play word games, such as Scrabble.
Encourage your student(s) to write stories, letters, etc.
Visit the local library. Encourage your student(s) to borrow books of high interest.
With the appropriate structures and supports, every student can develop as a reader. We appreciate and value your partnership as we work to provide literacy rich environments that support student success.
Sources:
Science of Reading Literacy Briefs produced by Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed
ParentPowered: The Power of Family Engagement and the Science of Reading for Parents, Students, and Educators
A Note from Pupil Personnel Services: Kelly Colling
What is Special Education?
Special Education refers to specially designed individualized or group instruction, services, or programs that are designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. To qualify for special education services, a student’s academic performance must be adversely affected by a disability.
Eligibility for special education services is based on evaluation results and other relevant points of data. Evaluations, completed by a multidisciplinary team, help to determine a student’s areas of abilities and needs.
Students receiving special education services are supported by an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is the tool that ensures a student has access to the general education curriculum and is provided the appropriate learning opportunities, accommodations, adaptations, specialized services and supports needed for the student to progress towards achieving the learning standards and to meet his or her unique needs related to the disability.
More on MTSS... Submitted by Karen Hoody, MTSS Coordinator
The staff at Williamson Central School District are excited to welcome you to a new school year filled with opportunities to learn and engage.
Getting into the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever. Showing up to school matters for R.E.A.L. because it offers opportunities to:
- R - Build Routines
- E - Increase Engagement
- A - Provide Access to Resources
- L - Support Learning
When do absences become a problem?
Students can fall behind even if they miss just 1 or 2 days every few weeks.
Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year makes it difficult for students to learn new material and retain previous learning.
Health Office Reminders & News from WCS School Nurse, Bethany Moore
Influenza (“The Flu”)
New York State Public Health Law (PHL) § 613, requires schools to inform families about influenza (flu) and the benefits of flu vaccinations. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness, caused by influenza viruses, that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness. Flu symptoms come on suddenly and may include fever (not always present), chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, or fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea may also be symptoms that are more common in children than in adults. Symptoms usually resolve in 3-7 days and can result in absences from school. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes, or nose. Flu viruses can be detected in most infected persons beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. People with the flu are most contagious during the first three days of their illness.
It may be difficult to determine if the symptoms your child is having is the flu or the common cold. This Centers for Disease Control (CDC) graphic will help you with that decision.
REMINDER: Chain of Contact
Coach --> Athletic Director --> Building Principal --> Superintendent --> Board of Education
There may be times when you have questions or concerns about your child's participation in athletics. Please be certain to use this chain of command so that you can receive a timely response from the staff member that is most directly involved in the situation.
When approaching a coach about an athletics concern, parents/guardians are encouraged to exercise the "24 hour rule" and to request a meeting or phone call outside of the practice/athletic competition environment.
As you move further along the chain of command, the staff is less directly involved and usually needs time to research the situation before they can give you an answer. If you do not hear back from the person you have contacted within 24 hours, it is time to move along to the next level of the chain. We do not expect your questions or concerns to go unanswered for a long period of time.
We all look forward to a wonderful school year with few complaints. Please note that compliments or acknowledgements of positive events can be directed to everyone along the chain. All of us appreciate hearing that there is something good that has happened!
Andy Kritall, Athletic Director
(315) 589-9621
NYSPHSAA Spectator Expectations
NYSPHSAA Spectator Expectations
The New York State High School Athletics Association developed and will require that all school districts implement and enforce Sportsmanship Standards, effective Fall 2023.
NYSPHSAA Expectation Statement: Officials, just like student athletes and coaches, are critical to interscholastic sports programs. Without officials, NYSPHSAA and its member schools would not be able to provide interscholastic sports in the manner that is desired and expected by student athletes, coaches, and parents. In addition to abiding by the HCS Code of Conduct, spectators are expected to “Be Loud, Be Proud, and Be Positive.” Negative comments and inappropriate behaviors by spectators are required to be addressed by all and any school supervisors and administrators, as a member of NYSPHSAA in the following non-sequential order depending on the comments or behavior:
First warning – Directing the spectator or group of spectators to refrain from any negative comments or actions.
Second warning – A personal discussion with the spectators or group of spectators on the above NYSPHSAA expectations and reminding the spectators or group of spectators of the next step - removal of the game or event - will be utilized if the behavior continues.
Removal from the contest – The spectator or group of spectators will be directed to leave the facility for the remainder of the game or event.
If spectators or group of spectators refuse to leave the game or event, play will be stopped until they vacate the premise.
Penalty for being removed from a game or event: Any spectator removed from a game or event will have a minimum penalty of completing the NFHS Parent Credential course or a one game suspension before they are allowed to attend any interscholastic event, home or away.
Once the course is completed the spectator will provide a certificate of completion to the athletic department office.
Schools are required to communicate with the offending spectator on the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Spectator Expectations.
Spectators may be prohibited from attending current and future interscholastic contests based on their behavior. (Oct. 2022)
Depending on the severity of the behavior/comments or future disqualifications by the offending spectator NYSPHSAA and the Section may get directly involved in the situation. (May 2023)
Did You Know? Intersection of Code of Conduct, DASA and Sexual Harassment
WCS Code of Conduct:
- Per SED, the Board of Education of every school district within New York State is required to adopt and amend, as appropriate, a Code of Conduct for the maintenance of order on school property, including a school function, which shall govern the conduct of students, teachers and other school personnel as well as visitors and shall provide for the enforcement thereof.
- Any and all student misconduct may be investigated and enforced under the district’s Code of Conduct. Investigation and enforcement of Code of Conduct violations is the responsibility of building level administration, and may be supported by a Dean of Students and/or other support staff.
- The Code of Conduct articulates the range of progressive dispositions for offenses, and the district strives for consistency in its application.
- The DASA legislation is intended to provide students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function. Please review the above link for more information on DASA.
- Protected classes in the DASA legislation include: race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and sex.
- Behaviors outlined in DASA are also identified as prohibited student conduct within the WCS Code of Conduct. As such, any such misconduct may be investigated and enforced under the district’s Code of Conduct.
- Please report any DASA concerns as outlined below:
- Contact your building level administrator. Administration welcomes and encourages direct and open lines of communication with students and families.
- Tell a trusted adult, such as any member of the mental health staff or a teacher. School personnel are required to notify an administrator in the event of such a report.
- Complete the Incident Reporting Form located on our website. Building principals actively monitor this tool for reports of peer conflict, misconduct, bullying, and/or harassment.
- District appointed DASA Coordinators conduct DASA investigations. The WCS DASA Coordinators include the following staff members:
- Ingrid Wander ESDASA@williamsoncentral.org
- Amy Hanna MSDASA@williamsoncentral.org
- Mark Blair HSDASA@williamsoncentral.org
- While the DASA Coordinator may conduct the investigation, our building level administrators are responsible for disposition of any "founded" DASA complaint.
- Title IX is a federal law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and provides, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Please review the above link for more information.
- In August 2020, the U.S. Department of Education adopted new regulations to revise the definition of sexual harassment prohibited under Title IX, and also created new procedures for investigating allegations of sexual harassment covered by Title IX.
- Behaviors outlined in Title IX are also identified as prohibited student conduct within the WCS Code of Conduct. As such, any such misconduct may be investigated and enforced under the district’s Code of Conduct.
- Please note, however, in the event of a report of sexual harassment, the family of a student victim will be contacted by a district appointed Title IX Coordinator to discuss investigation options, time parameters for a formal Title IX investigation, and other considerations (such as confidentiality) of such an investigation.
- In the event a Title IX complaint is filed, the family of the alleged offender will also be contacted by district appointed Title IX Coordinator to discuss the investigation, time parameters and other considerations.
- The WCS Title IX Coordinators include:
- Rob Snyder, High School Principal
- Kate Taylor, Middle School Principal
- Bryon Rockow, Middle School Assistant Principal
- Questions about Title IX information may be directed to the individuals named above or to wcstitleix@williamsoncentral.org.
- Title IX concerns should be reported as previously outlined above (and reinforced here):
- Contact your building level administrator. Building administration welcome and encourage direct and open lines of communication with students and families. As Title IX Investigators, they also are “the lead” in any investigation and/or development of action steps to redress issues.
- Tell a trusted adult, such as any member of the mental health staff or a teacher. School personnel are required to notify an administrator in the event of such a report.
- Follow the Title IX Grievance process outlined on the website.
- Building level administrators are responsible for the disposition of any "founded" Title IX complaint.
Go Guardian Alerts
To support student safety and encourage scholarly behaviors when using devices, the Williamson Central School District incorporated online services provided by GoGuardian a number of years ago. It may be helpful to know that over 10,000 other schools use GoGuardian to protect 5.5 million students across the world, and the Global Educator Institute has endorsed the GoGuardian Teacher product.
How are we using GoGuardian?
- WCS has chosen GoGuardian services to:
- Help protect students against harmful and inappropriate online material
- Help students stay “scholarly” and more focused when learning online
- Help assess students’ progress towards class assignments
When and how does GoGuardian operate?
- GoGuardian’s web-based services operate on our school’s managed G Suite for Education Chrome accounts (i.e. when a student is logged into Chrome or a Chromebook with his/her school email address).
- GoGuardian Teacher enables teachers to use GoGuardian Teacher with students in their classes only during school hours from Monday through Friday.
- GoGuardian also enables the district to monitor student usage 24/7. When Beacon detects that a student is browsing content related to Self-Harm or Suicide, a notification will be sent to users in order of the Escalation List up to five times or until an action is taken on the alert card. Disclaimer: Regardless of school monitoring specific to reference of self harm, it is simply not possible to catch all activity. Parents maintain responsibility to supervise their children’s use of devices.
What are the school’s responsibilities?
- WCS selected GoGuardian services to help our students stay safer and more scholarly online. We will work with students during class time to help teach them digital responsibility and safety. Additionally, we will train teachers about how to operate GoGuardian and about our policies and procedures to help protect student privacy.
What are my parental/guardian and child’s responsibilities?
- We ask that students uses their school-managed Google accounts and school-managed devices for educational purposes within the boundaries of the WCS Acceptable Use Policy and Agreement.
- When a student is off campus, parents are responsible for supervising internet access and usage. We encourage you to discuss rules for appropriate internet usage with your child, and to reinforce lessons of digital citizenship and safety with him or her. We also highly encourage you to report any potential cyberbullying or other sensitive issues to us.
How does GoGuardian help protect my child’s privacy?
- To help your child remain scholarly and safe online, GoGuardian collects certain personally identifiable information about your child.
- GoGuardian has consulted with privacy experts, participates in privacy organizations, is a proud signatory of the Student Privacy Pledge, and has been awarded certifications by iKeepSafe for complying with both the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and California student privacy laws. For more detailed information about GoGuardian, you may visit GoGuardian’s website, Trust & Privacy Center, GoGuardian’s Product Privacy Policy, and the attached COPPA Notice and Disclosure Form.
Help Wanted: Substitutes Spanning Instructional and Operational Areas
The Williamson Central School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are currently seeking to hire SUBSTITUTES in the following areas:
- School Nurse
- Teachers
- Teacher Assistants
- Monitors (Hall/Cafeteria/Transportation)
- Bus Drivers
- Cleaners
- Typists
- Food Service Workers
Please complete the application as outlined on our website.
For Questions, Contact:
- Nikki Oathout Phone: (315) 589-9661, Email: noathout@williamsoncentral.org
2024-25 Board of Education Meeting Dates
BOE Meetings begin at 6:30pm and are scheduled in the Board of Education Conference Room at the Middle School. Our Board Meetings are all live-streamed to YouTube. Click here to be taken to the Williamson Central School District YouTube Page.
You may find additional information about the WCS Board of Education on the district website.
- July 8, 2024 Organizational
- Meeting July 1st
- July 19, 2024
- August 7, 2024
- August 28, 2024
- September 18, 2024
- October 16, 2024
- November 6, 2024
- December 4, 2024
- January 8, 2025
- January 28, 2025
- February 12, 2025
- March 4, 2025
- March 19, 2025
- April 9, 2025
- April 23, 2025
- May 7, 2025 Budget Hearing
- May 28, 2025
- June 18, 2025
Special Meeting Dates:
- May 20, 2025 - Annual Meeting/Board Member Election 1-9 p.m.
How to Reach Me...
Email: bashton@williamsoncentral.org
Website: https://www.williamsoncentral.org/
Location: 4184 Miller Street (P.O. Box 900) Williamson, NY 14589
Phone: 315-589-9661
Twitter: @EBridgetAshton
