Thank you to the West Genesee community for passing the 2021-22 school budget. The Budget and Transportation propositions both passed with overwhelming support from our residents. Voters also approved funding for local libraries in our area. Eric Bacon, Kimberly Coyne, and Vladimiro Hart-Zavoli were elected to the Board of Education.
Thank you to the community for your continued support!
WGHS Remote Materials Drop Off
On Wednesday, June 16th, remote students may return their instructional materials. The drop-off will include a drive-through Chromebook and charger return area and a second area for textbooks and other instructional materials. All areas will be set up on the west side of the building at the Technology Office (for Chromebooks & chargers) and Atrium entrance (for textbooks and other instructional materials). The drop off will be available during school hours, 7:45 AM - 2:30 PM.
See this link for remote materials drop off at each of the elementary buildings and middle schools.
Support the Class of 2024 at Chipotle
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support West Genesee High School Class of 2024. Come in to the Chipotle at 3600 West Genesee Street in Syracuse on Tuesday, May 25th between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Tell the cashier you're supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to West Genesee High School Class of 2024. Alternatively, order online and use code DYPQH3P in the "promo" filed. Orders place on Chipotle.com or through the Chipotle app for pickup using this unique code will be counted towards the fundraiser.
WGHS Mental Health Resources
Are you or someone you know struggling? West Genesee Mental Health Resources provide help, hope and healing. Connect with a mental health professional at West Genesee High School and within your community.
Important Dates
Thursday, May 27th: WGMS Virtual Talent Show will drop during 7th period
Friday, May 28th - Tuesday, June 1st: No School (Memorial Day and Snow Day Give-Backs)
Thursday, June 10th: Last Day of Classes for WGHS Seniors
Friday, June 11th: "Senior Walk" at Elementary buildings
Friday, June 11th: Last Day of Classes for WGHS Juniors
Tuesday, June 15th: Last Day of Classes for WGHS Freshmen and Sophomores
Wednesday, June 23rd and Thursday, June 24th: Remote Student Material Drop Off at WGMS
Thursday, June 24th and Friday, June 25th: Remote Student Material Drop Off at Elementary Bldgs.
Thursday, June 24th and Friday, June 25th: Remote Student Material Drop Off at CMS
Be sure to check out the various Principal blogs (links on the right of this page) for building-specific information.
Hi, Team Remote families! Just a friendly reminder that the annual School District Board of Education Election and Budget Vote will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in the West Genesee High School Auditorium Lobby. Click this link for more information and be sure to check out the "More Information" links on the right of the page.
District Updates
Broadway Comes to Team Remote
Fourth grade students enjoyed a live Q & A with Broadway performer Neil Haskell. Neil may be best known for being a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance where he finished third in the final four. He is currently performing in the national touring company's Hamilton, in which he plays King George. Thank you to the 4th grade remote team for setting up this engaging Zoom call. The students asked some great questions!
Remote Material Return
As the school year winds down, it's time to start thinking about returning school-issued materials. Remote students should return their Chromebooks, chargers, calculators, books, etc.
All Elementary Buildings:Remote student material drop off will take place at each elementary building at the main offices on the following dates/times:
Thursday, June 24th, 12:00- 3:30 PM
Friday, June 25th, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
WGMS: Remote student material drop off will take place at the Lobby/Front Entrance at WGMS on the following dates/times:
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2:30 - 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 24th, 8:00 - 10:00 AM
CMS: Remote student material drop off will take place in the bus loop (not the parking lot). Tables will be marked.
Thursday, June 24th, 2:30 - 5:30 PM
Friday, June 25th, 7:30 - 10:00 AM
More information for material drop off for the the High School will be coming soon.
Important Dates
Thursday, May 27th: WGMS Virtual Talent Show (will start streaming during 7th period)
Friday, May 28th: No School--emergency closure "give back" day
Monday, May 31st: No School in observance of Memorial Day
Tuesday, June 1st: No School--emergency closure "give back" day
Thursday, June 10th: Last Day of Classes for WGHS Seniors
Friday, June 11th: Last Day of Classes for WGHS Juniors
Tuesday, June 15th: Last Day of Classes for WGHS Freshmen & Sophomores
Hi, Team Remote Families! This week marks the conclusion of our Positivity Project program. Although there are twenty-four character strengths that are addressed throughout the year, the entire program can be summarized in three words: "Other People Matter" Have a listen to Dr. Chris Peterson, one of the Positivity Project's founders as he sums up the value of positive psychology.
Frog and Toad are Friends
Remote 1st grader, Jackson Robertson, reads Frog and Toad are Friends to his dog, Otto.
Mrs. Forsyth: "If moms and dads are busy, pets and stuffed animals make great listeners!"
Jackson: "He's not a good listener!"
Kudos to Our Future Scientists!
Remote 6th Graders Taegan Todzia-Wade and Lia Frament were recently recognized as WonderKids from the 2021 WonderWorks' WonderKids promotion. Their teacher, Mrs. Bingham, nominated them in the category of Future Scientist. Out of the hundreds of nominations submitted, WonderWorks has chosen Taegan and Lia to be 2021 WonderKids Winners! The Future Scientist Award is presented to students who exhibit a passion for the sciences. They live each day as an innovator and discoverer, hoping one day to change the world through their love of science. Winning students are invited to attend a special winners live zoom/webinar with astronaut Dr. Don Thomas. In addition, they will also receive a nomination certificate (see below) and four tickets to WonderWorks. Congratulations, Taegan and Lia!
Mrs. Bingham's Nomination for Taegan:
Taegan is an all-around great kid who is learning fully remotely this year. He is a big-picture thinker who elevates all class discussions to a higher level. He is funny and fun, and has a way of making others in the class feel ok. All this being said, the number one reason I am nominating him is because I owe him, big time! Taegan is my tech whiz go-to guy every day in class when the technology doesn't work or someone is having tech trouble. He troubleshoots and quietly and politely offers suggestions in order to allow our remote classes to continue. He has this maturity about him well beyond what you'd expect from an 11-year-old. Scientific ideas fascinate Taegan, and with his tech skills, I have no doubt he will meld these two passions into a scientific career that maybe doesn't even exist yet!
Mrs. Bingham's Nomination for Lia:
Lia is a fantastic science and math student who is learning fully remotely this year. She thinks as a scientist in a logical and inquisitive way, and her ideas and suggestions in class for problem solving are always top-notch. Just today it was her idea that got our balloon rocket to go the furthest. She has a confidence in her ideas and has the skills to back up her experimentation, data collection and results. She is analytical and communicates her thoughts well. Lia is a well-liked partner and group member. Lia has worked hard all year, and I know she is deserving of this award and recognition.
Be sure to check out the various Principal blogs (links on the right of this page) for building-specific information.
Hi, Team Remote Families! This weeks' Positivity Project character strength is Leadership. This strength means that you value each member of your group and inspire people to do their best. Leadership can be both formal and informal. It is concerned with getting others to do what needs to be done while maintaining group morale to ensure readiness to act in the future. This character strength’s focus is on the personal qualities of leaders, rather than the practice of leadership. These qualities include the ability to understand others and inspire them toward a common goal, the capacity to mitigate conflict and mold consensus, and the desire to lead other people. You can read more about Leadership here. In this week's video example, author Jim Collins shares the "X Factor" of great leadership.
District Updates
Teacher Appreciation Week
The first full week in May marks Teacher Appreciation Week! Please join me in honoring our teachers. In a school year unlike any other, they have worked tirelessly to learn new pedagogies and instructional technology tools to make remote and hybrid teaching and learning as impactful as possible for our students. I could not be more proud of their effort! Thank You, Teachers!
WGMS Student Council Virtual Talent Show
The WGMS Student Council Virtual Talent Show is here! If 5th and 6th graders are interested in participating, please review the linked files below. Auditions must be submitted the week of May 3rd through May 7th.
WGHS Mental Health Night for Teens and their Parents
Please join West Genesee Central School District and Onondaga Free Library online on Tuesday, May 4, at 7:00 p.m. for a webinar on Help & Hope for School and Pandemic Stresses: Sharing Stories and Strategies. Teens and parents are invited to learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions as well as what steps they should take to find support for themselves or their friends. Presented by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Syracuse. NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. For more information, visit https://namisyracuse.org/. Please submit questions ahead of time by Monday, May 3, at 3:00 p.m. to gmallore@westgenesee.org. Questions can also be submitted through the Q&A feature during the discussion and will be answered as time permits. Click here for the details for registering/sending an RSVP to receive the link to the event. Space is limited by Zoom and an RSVP is required by May 4 at 5:00 p.m.
WGHS Upcoming Senior Events
Friday, May 7th: Cap and Gown Day
In-person Seniors will attend their first period class for attendance and will be dismissed at 8:00 AM.
Remote Seniors who plan on picking up their cap and gown can arrive at WGHS prior to 7:40 AM and report to Cafeteria I for attendance.
PTSA and Senior Class will treat the students to Glazed and Confused donuts
Seniors will receive their caps and gowns before they are dismissed by 10:00 AM.
Contact Jostens with questions about your order: 315-656-5152/larry.dewitt@jostens.com
Click here for more information about all upcoming Senior Events.
Snow Days in May and June?!
Every now and again, Old Man Winter goes relatively easy on Central New York. This school year is one of those years! If we have no additional emergency closing days, our “give back” days will be Friday, May 28 and Tuesday, June 1. If we have an emergency closing between now and then, June 1 will be reinstated as a regular school day, followed by May 28 if we have a second emergency closing.
Be sure to check out the various Principal blogs (links on the right of this page) for building-specific information.
Hi, Team Remote Families! This week's Positivity Project character strength is Purpose. This strength gives individuals the sense that they are connected with humanity or the universe. People who possess a sense of purpose believe that they were put on earth for a reason. That reason can have all kinds of variety. It could be to create a unique invention, to bring joy through art or music, or to raise their children to become good people. These people have a true calling. Read more about Purpose here.
This week’s example is Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. A native of Pakistan’s Swat Valley, she bravely stood up against the Taliban —and survived their vicious attack — for girls’ right to education. Her fight for children’s education worldwide exemplifies her sense of purpose.
District Updates
Spirit Week Reminder: This week is Spirit Week!
Monday: Hat/Sports Day
Tuesday: Beach Day
Wednesday: Wildcat Wednesday--Wear Your Blue And Gold!
Thursday: Tie Dye Dat
Friday: Pajama Day
Thank you WG PTA/PTO District Council!
WGMS
Starting Monday, April 26th, WGMS will welcome back hybrid students to 5 days of in-person instruction per week. Please note that our fully remote students will continue to learn remotely.
CMS Starting Monday, April 26th, CMS will welcome back hybrid students to 4 days of in-person instruction. Please note that our fully remote students will continue to learn remotely.
WGHS
End-of-Year Dates
The last day of classes for Juniors and Seniors is Friday, June 11th (Note: the "Senior Walk" is scheduled for Friday, 6/11, so the last day of classes for Seniors is actually 6/10).
The last day of classes for Freshmen and Sophomores is Tuesday, June 15th.
Important Senior Dates Note: All senior events are subject to change in response to state and county health and safety guidelines
Friday, May 7: Cap and Gown Day (Glazed and Confused Donuts & Cap/Gown Pick Up)
Monday, May 24: WGHS Honors and Awards Night
Friday, June 4 (Rain Date Saturday, June 5): Senior Ball Under the Stars (& Mock Crash)
Thursday, June 10: Last Day of Classes for Seniors
Friday, June 11: Senior Walk Day (Chalk the Walk, Senior Video, and Senior Walk Through at Elementary Schools)
Friday, June 11 (Rain Date Saturday, June 12): Senior Celebration (replaces After Ball Party)
Wednesday, June 16: Graduation Rehearsal
Saturday, June 19 (Rain Date Sunday, June 20): Graduation
REMIND App: First, to stay informed, your Senior should join the class on the Remind App. Remind is VITAL for your Senior to receive class information and announcements. The app is free and can be used on cell phones or on PCs through the app itself or by receiving text messages or emails. Students in the following alphabet groups by last name must text the corresponding code to 81010:
A – G @wghsclass
H-O @wghsclasso
P-Z @7caegd
We also have a: Twitter Page: @senateclass2021 and an Instagram page: @wgseniors2021
Be sure to check out the various Principal blogs (links on the right of this page) for building-specific information.
Hi, Team Remote Families! This week's Positivity Project character strength is Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence. This is the ability to identify and enjoy that which is admirable in the world. There are three types of goodness in which positive psychology focuses: physical beauty (e.g. a sunset, song, or building); an exceptional skill or talent; and moral goodness (e.g. a character strength). Appreciation of beauty can generate awe; appreciation of a skill can generate admiration; and appreciation of moral goodness can generate moral elevation. All of these feelings (awe, admiration, and moral elevation) help us forget ourselves and find increased joy and meaning in the world. Read more about Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence here.
As an example, the video below depicts the "overview effect" that astronauts describe--and their intense feeling of awe. The video is about 20 minutes but it is well worth the time to view.
Ramadan
Ramadan Mubarak! That means “Happy Ramadan” to our Muslim community members. This year, Ramadan begins in the evening of Tuesday, April 13, and ends in the evening on Wednesday, May 12. Ramadan concludes with Eid Al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”
If you’d like more information about Ramadan, what it means to our Muslim community members, and how to support students who will be celebrating Ramadan, please clickHERE for a write-up from West Genesee High School Senior Sereen Awawda.
Spring Has Sprung!
Reminder: Lowe's Spring Fest promotion continues throughout April.
April 22: 500,000 tree saplings given out in honor of Earth Day.
April 29: Lowe’s Butterfly Quest which helps families create a butterfly garden.
Check out the smile on Remote 2nd Grader McKenna Ramsey's face as she shares a picture of her Lowe's free Garden-to-Go kit!
Andrew Sorochak and his family also went to Lowe’s, and this time got a piñata filled w mystery seeds! He has to break it open to find out what the seeds are.
District Updates
Spirit Week: April 26 - 30
Next week is Spirit Week! The flier pictured below shows what students should wear each day should they choose to participate.
6th Grade Family and Consumer Science Classes
Wednesday, April 21st, marks the last day of FACS classes for remote 6th graders. FACS is a 10-week course and our remote students have fulfilled their FACS requirements. Students are welcome to continue to access Mrs. Bates, Mrs. Boswell, and Ms. Tomi's FACS website for resources.
NYS ELA and Math Assessments
Fully Remote students are NOT required to sit for the annual NYS ELA and Math Assessments this year. However, if you would like your child to "opt-in" to sit for the exams, you can contact your child's building principal.
NYS ELA and Math Assessments for Grades 3 - 4
The information below is from East Hill Principal Craig's blog:
Our third and fourth graders will take the New York State English Language Arts Assessment next Wednesday, April 21st, and the NYS Math Assessment on Tuesday, May 4th. The test is only one session this year and should take no more than one hour. The tests, administered on the computer, will be given to only in-person students (not remote). Like every other day, please make sure your child comes to school well rested, well fed, and on time. Our fourth graders will also take the multiple choice portion of the NYS Science Assessment on Monday, June 7th.
NYS ELA and Math Assessments for Grades 5 - 6
The information below is from WGMS Principal Dunhan's blog:
The New York State Assessments in ELA and Mathematics for grades 5 and 6 will be given in one session and consist of only multiple choice questions. The assessments are computer-based and will be administered in your child’s regular homeroom class. Any student who is not taking the assessment should still attend school and will be able to read during the administration of the assessment. Fully remote students will not be taking the assessments unless parents choose to send their students into the building on the day of the assessments. Please mark your calendars for the assessment dates:
April 20th (Tuesday): ELA, MON/TUE Group A
April 23rd (Friday): ELA, THU/FRI Group B
May 5th (Wednesday): Math, All Students
NYS ELA and Math Assessments for Grades 7 - 8
The information below is from CMS Principal Lozier's blog:
The New York State Assessments in ELA and Mathematics for grades 7 and 8 will be given in one session and will consist of 50 multiple choice questions. The assessments are computer-based and will be administered in your child’s regularly scheduled ELA and Mathematics classes. The science assessment is for grade 8 only and is administered in a booklet format. It will be given in your child’s science class. Please mark your calendars for the dates:
April 19th (Monday): ELA, Mon/Tues Cohort
April 22nd (Thursday): ELA, Thur/Fri Cohort
May 4th (Tuesday): Math, All Students
June 8th (Tuesday): Science, Grade 8 Only
NYS Regents Exams
The information below is from WGHS Principal Ackle's blog:
New York State's waiver request was denied by the US Department of Education. We will be offering the following four New York State Regents Exams: English Language Arts(ELA), Living Environment(LE), Earth Science(ES), and Algebra 1. The dates for these exams are as follows:
ELA- Thursday, June 17
LE- Tuesday, June 22
Algebra 1- Wednesday, June 23
ES-Thursday, June 24
We will administer the NYS Regents Exams during the morning sessions.
Below is some further information relating to this year's NYS Regents Exams:
We are obligated to offer the exams. If your child has a cumulative 4 quarter passing average and is mathematically able to receive course credit, they do not have to sit for the exam and will receive both course and regents credit. Again, that's IF they are passing the class.
For classes that have regents exams that are not listed above, (i.e. Chemistry, Physics Global History, US History, Geometry, Algebra 2) again, if your child is passing the class, they will automatically obtain the Regents/graduation credit without having to take the exam as long as they have a 4 quarter passing average.
What happens if my child does not pass a class this year? The student would then attend summer school or some other type of remedial program such as Grad Point. If they satisfactorily pass the course in summer school, they would then be awarded course credit and regents credit (if the course ends in a regents exam). If they do not attend summer school to make up a failed course, they would have to retake it next year AND take the Regents Exam connected with the class in June 2022.
Be sure to check out the various Principal blogs (links on the right of this page) for building-specific information.
Hi, Team Remote Families! This week's Positivity Project character strength is Fairness. Fairness means that you believe that all people have value. You approach situations with an unbiased mindset and treat everyone with respect. However, fairness is complex and personal. The Positivity Project highlights how we can look at fairness from one of two perspectives: the justice-reasoning approach, which uses logic and determines right from wrong through ethics, or the care-reasoning approach, which is based around empathy and the willingness to understand the needs, interests, and well-being of others. Read more about Fairness here. Check out the video below as professional tennis player Jack Sock tells his opponent, Lleyton Hewitt, to challenge a point in a great display of sportsmanship in the spirit of fairness.
In-Person Parameters Are Changing...What Does That Mean For Remote?
Now that social distancing guidelines are changing, our in-person modalities are able to accommodate more students in the classroom for more days per week. As you may know, students in grades K-4 are able to attend school in person five days per week as they have done all year. Hybrid students at WGMS will return to school five days per week starting on Monday, April 26th. At CMS, hybrid students will attend school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesdays will continue to be used for Office Hours and planning time for teachers. At WGHS, hybrid students have already begun attending classes on alternating Wednesdays. You might think that following the lead of our in-person counterparts would be a logical next step for Team Remote, but it wouldn't be as simple as it sounds, nor would it necessarily be advantageous for students.
Asynchronous Learning Trends
Some might consider the scheduled asynchronous learning days as "off" days, but I would like to invite you to think of those days in a different light. Asynchronous learning, while challenging for learners of any age, offers an opportunity to develop skills like resilience and perseverance, as well as dispositions like student agency, which are crucial for future college and career success. Throughout the 21st century, there has been a steady increase in distance learning (i.e. asynchronous) opportunities for students enrolled in post-secondary degree programs. According to a 2018 study from the Babson Survey Research Group, distance education enrollments have been increasing for nearly two decades, with about one in every three students enrolled in at least one online course.
Based on my teaching experience at Onondaga Community College, I can attest to the fact a teacher's pedagogy will vary based on whether a course is taught face-to-face or is delivered entirely online. For example, I teach Western Civilization courses in both face-to-face and online formats. While the pacing may vary, both formats convey the same content and measure student learning using the same assessments. I would argue that the online version of my course fosters greater student participation as I expect to hear from 100% of the students for every activity whereas students in a face-to-face setting may be more passive during class. At the primary and secondary levels, I am confident that teachers will continue to integrate elements of asynchronous pedagogy into their repertoire in the years to come as they have learned to leverage instructional technology in meaningful ways. Continued exposure to asynchronous learning now has the potential to pay dividends in the future.
What We Can Do
While I don't want to run through the litany of obstacles that would prevent Team Remote from adopting the same schedule as our in-person counterparts, I would like to share with your some of the measures our remote teachers are taking to meet their students' needs:
Grades 5 - 6
Remote Teachers at WGMS may merge sections if possible. For example, our Remote 6th Grade will be merging the Monday-Tuesday sections with the Thursday-Friday sections. Teachers will communicate these decisions with their students and families.
Remote Teachers will continue to provide personalized learning opportunities on Wednesdays. Students are welcome to contact their teachers for availability.
Grades 7 - 8
Remote Teachers at CMS may invite students to join synchronous classes to bring the M/T and Th/F cohorts together when possible and prudent. Please be advised, however, that oftentimes, the lesson would be a repeat of the same lesson they would present on scheduled synchronous days. Further, class size may be a prohibitive factor. Teachers who are willing to invite both cohorts to thier their synchronous classes will communicate these decisions with their students and families.
Remote Teachers will continue to provide personalized learning opportunities on Wednesdays. Students are welcome to contact their teachers for availability.
Grades 9 - 12
In-person Teachers at WGHS may invite their remote students to a join a livestream of their in-person classes on alternating Wednesdays. To be sure, many of our WGHS Remote Teachers also teach sections of in-person classes. Teachers who are willing to livestream their Wednesday in-person classes will communicate these decisions with their remote students and families.
Remote Teachers will continue to provide personalized learning opportunities on Wednesdays. Students are welcome to contact their teachers for availability.
All Grades
Remote Teachers may implement strategies that require more student-centered activities to be assigned on asynchronous days. I meet with the Remote Faculty regularly and plan on addressing this topic during our upcoming (4/21) faculty meeting. Stay tuned...
NYS ELA and Math Tests for Grades 3 - 8
Fully remote students are NOT required to sit for the NYS ELA and Math assessments for grades 3 through 8. See the memo below from the New York State Education Department (NYSED):
Schools are not expected to bring students into the building to participate in the tests if the students are receiving entirely remote instruction during the testing windows. However, to assist in scheduling, NYSED suggests that schools consider contacting parents of students receiving entirely remote instruction to advise them of the testing schedule and ascertain the parent’s interest in having their child come to school to participate in the test.
If you would like to "opt-in" and have your child participate, please contact your child's "home building" principal. Please see the appropriate leadership blogs (links on the right of this page) for testing dates.
Elementary Updates
Out of This World Zoom Class!
Mrs. Binns' 3rd grade class recently learned all about NASA from the experts themselves during a recent remote Zoom lesson. Feel free to check it out below:
Secondary Updates
Participation in Government Virtual Food Drive
Before leaving the West Genesee community, our Seniors want to give back! Each year the Senior Participation in Government students individually fulfill a community service requirement to engage in active citizenship. This year we are working in collaboration with Food Bank of Central New York. Donating $1.00 will provide THREE meals to a family in need. The need for food has been further magnified by the Coronavirus pandemic. Please help us contribute to this worthy cause. A gift made through the virtual food drive will provide more food than through a traditional drive, doubling or even tripling the amount of items your dollar can purchase at a regular grocery store. Every dollar raised through this virtual food drive will be used to buy nutritious food for our hungry neighbors.
Check out the promotional video the students made on TikTok:
