Monday, March 15, 2021

Love of Learning

Hi, Team Remote Families! This week's character strength is Love of Learning. Those who exemplify love of learning are intrinsically motivated and engaged in a topic regardless of achieving an external standard. They enjoy learning simply for the sake of learning. They don’t need a prize or a high grade as a reward. Their reward is the process of doing the work and improving. Read more about Love of Learning here.  As educators, we are always looking for those teachable moments that can inspire our students' passions and nurture their curiosity. Check out this article from Edutopia to read more about cultivating a child's love of learning. 


Love of Learning Challenge


colorful elastics
I remember a time when my daughter was in 5th grade and she wanted to get something at the mall. I told her that I didn't have enough money for whatever it was and she proceeded to take some cash out of a duct tape wallet she made. I was stunned! "Where did this money come from?" I asked her. "I sold some bracelets at school" was her reply. Back then, those colorful rubber band bracelets were en vogue among kids her age. She went on YouTube and taught herself how to make some intricate patterns. Clearly, she was motivated by the almighty dollar, but she also thoroughly enjoyed being creative. (Here's a short DIY video from YouTube if you'd like to learn the basics).

What drives your child's passion for learning? Email me a picture that catches your child in the act of learning--it doesn't necessarily have to be an academic subject--and I'll feature it on the blog (rleo@westgenesee.org). Please include the following with your submission:
  • Student name
  • Student grade level
  • A picture that captures your child demonstrating a love of learning
  • A short description of what they are learning
  • Put "LOL" in the subject line of your email


District Updates


Mark Your Calendar

  • March 17th: WGHS Remote Materials Pick-Up (see details below)
  • March 18th: Elementary Remote Materials Pick-Up (see details below)
  • March 23rd: OCC Early College Experience Information Night (see details below)
  • March 29th - April 5th: Spring Break


West Genesee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

As you may have read in the Superintendent’s Message from February 26th, there is an opportunity for all members of our community to come together as members of the West Genesee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. We recognize that we need to listen to the voices, experiences, and perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds in order to advance our mission and help all members of our community achieve success. This council is open to all members of our community. Please fill out this Google Form and a member of our team will contact you directly.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our co-chairs:


Elementary Updates


Remote Materials Pick Up
The next materials pickup date is March 18th from 3:00 - 4:00. Students in grades 1-4 also have several items that should be returned on that date. Here is the list of items to be returned and picked up (*new information included). Please let your "home" building principal know if you cannot come at this time and we will arrange for an alternate time.

Free National Park Service Passes for 4th Grade Students
Every fourth grade student is eligible to receive a FREE National Park Service's (NPS) Every- Kid- in-a Park pass. NYS will accept this pass for free vehicle entry admission (with the fourth grader present) for all of their State Parks in 2021. Therefore, the student and anyone in the vehicle will have free entry. This pass is also accepted at state historic sites for the fourth grade student and up to three adults. To read more about the program you may do so at this link: https://parks.ny.gov/environment/connect-kids.aspx.

Secondary Updates


WGHS Pick-Up Days for Class Materials
The next remote material pick-up day will be March 17. There will be two time frames. The first will be from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and the second will be from 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Items can be picked up on the atrium side of the school. Please use the Well Now entrance from West Genesee Street. Future pick-up days will be as follows:
  • March 17
  • April 14
  • May 19
Future pick-up days will be scheduled beyond May as needed.

WGHS Advanced Placement Exams
Please see the link below for a letter that was sent to the families of students who are taking AP exams. WGHS Principal Mr. TJ Vaughan is the point person for AP exams. Students are encouraged to take the exams at the High School (they are paper and pen/pencil exams rather than computer-based), in which case the district will be responsible for the exam submissions to the College Board. If a student needs to request a make up exam, they will need to let Mr. Vaughan know ASAP. All make up exams will be digital and the students will take them at home and submit them on their own. 
  • Letter to Families (includes exam dates/time/location)
  • Concat Mr. Vaughan: tvaughan@westgenesee.org

WGHS OCC Early College Experience
Students who will be seniors next year and on track for high school graduation may be eligible for the Early OCC Program. Students who are interested in this program should contact the Counseling Center for additional information. There will be a parent meeting for those families who are interested in pursuing this option. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 23, at 700 p.m. in the LGI at the high school. Seats will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please call our counseling office at 315-487-4672 to sign up for a seat at the meeting.

Be sure to check out the various Principal blogs (links on the right of this page) for more building-specific information.
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