East High Newsletter

As some of you know, my educational leadership experience has been at the
elementary and middle school level. I was a bit apprehensive about finally making
it to high school! After all, the last time I started out the school year in high school
was when I was in high school.

What a positive experience it has been for me! The staff is amazing; the other
administrators are smart, skilled and make decisions that are in the best interest of
students.

And the students…I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. As a group they
have been welcoming and pleasant. As individuals they are focused and motivated
for success.

What do I hope to accomplish in my remaining time as Interim Principal of
Williamsville East? Well, I’d like to learn more students’ names (plus, I’m
embarrassed to admit I don’t know every teacher’s name yet). I would love to have
a deeper understanding of the curriculum for each department.

Finally, what have I accomplished? I am happy to report that I no longer get lost in
the school. Like the incoming freshman, I’ve learned that the school isn’t so
difficult to master. I had a student last week ask me where a particular classroom
was, and I actually knew! We’ll see if history repeats itself.

I’ve also learned that an important part of the East community is the parents. Your
support of the school and its successes is evident. Thank you for everything you do
to ensure that Williamsville East remains so wonderful.

Student picture day is September 9th and 10th for all students. All student's should have their picture taken at this time to receive a school ID immediately. You may order pictures through Upstate imaging if you choose to but is not required to get an ID card. You are required to have a school ID for various events during the year including taking exams and attending dances, Homecoming, JDD and Prom. Make-up/retake date is October 22. Retakes for Senior pictures for the official yearbook photo ONLY is October 24. Scan here to order pictures

I was honored to have received the Torch from Mrs. Wild at the end of school and now it is time to pass it on. I am passing the Torch to Joel Weiss. I know Joel has only been a Flame for a few weeks as our Interim Principal, but he has shown over the past few weeks his compassion for students and teachers. He leads by example by communicating with teachers and sharing his stories and thoughts – I really enjoy Joel’s encouraging words and reminders in his Newsletter Edition 1. Joel also makes himself visible by walking around the Commons to talk with students, he even pops into classrooms to see how things are going. Joel brings a breath of fresh air to our East Community and embodies the TORCH, therefore I think he deserves to have the Torch passed to him. Congratulations Joel - thank you for making the start of school at East less stressful and inspiring me.

Deborah Mahaney

Open House is Wednesday, September 11th at 6:00 pm. This is an excellent opportunity for families to meet the teachers and learn about the courses their children are taking.

Schedules with room numbers should be printed or a screenshot taken from WITS ahead of time. WITS will not be accessible via the web on your mobile device during Open House.
Parents will want to attend all classes including PE classes, Math Lab, Learning Lab, and Academic Study hall.

Stop by the main office, if you need a schedule printed for you. Your child is welcome to be your guide.

The District’s application to offer the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Seal of Civic Readiness program at each of our high schools was approved for the 2024-2025 school year

The Seal of Civic Readiness is a formal distinction on a student’s high school transcript and diploma that they have attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, skills, mindset, and civic experiences. It can also be used as a graduation pathway.

In order to obtain the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must complete all the requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and earn a total of six points with at least two points in Civic Knowledge and at least two points in Civic Participation.

Order your 50 Years of East Gear HERE!