Tuesday, June 11, 2019

June is a Busy Month!

Last week was a busy one to say the least!

Superintendent Search UpdateLast Tuesday the three final candidates for Superintendent of Schools spent the day with different members within the District. They spent an hour with each stakeholder group where they were interviewed and asked many questions. 

We had a great turnout at a Community Forum that evening where each of the three candidates spoke to members of our community. The participants were then asked to fill out feedback forms for each candidate which is being reviewed by our Board of Education. 

The Board will review all criteria, and they anticipate appointing a new superintendent on or about June 19. The candidate is expected to officially begin in the superintendent’s position on or about September 3. So be on the lookout for updates on the process!

Retirement Celebration: Last Thursday I had the opportunity to speak at the West Genesee Retirement Reception. It was a wonderful experience  to congratulate all who will be retiring at the end of this school year. I did notice a lot of happy faces as many of the retirees and their families look forward to a more relaxed routine. I know all of West Genesee is grateful for all their years of service, and we wish them all the best in retirement.

Last Day of Classes: The last day of classes for seniors will be Thursday, June 13, and they will participate in a Senior Walk at their respective elementary school the next day, Friday, June 14. The last day of classes for students in grades 9-11 will be Friday, June 14. 

Elementary and Middle School students will be dismissed early on both Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25; elementary students at 11:30 a.m. and middle school students at 10:10 a.m. with the last day of school on Tuesday. 

Athletics Update: Congratulations to West Genesee student athletes Kayla Hoovler and Stefan Atanasov for winning the Section 3 Scholar Athlete Awards last night!

Technology Fair: The WGHS Technology Education Students held the first inaugural Tech Fest showcasing their work this past Thursday night at the high school. It was a great success! They raised over $1,700 for the Tech Club and Tech Education Department. Thank you to all the participants, and to Mr. English, Mrs. Leonardo, Mr. Ficarra, and Mr. Makowiec for inspiring these students to do great things!

Giving Back to the Community: I want to thank the 50 WGHS students (including their technology teachers), 25 Woodworkers of CNY, Camillus Solvay Geddes Rotarians, and the Syracuse Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace for building beds this past Saturday for children in our community that don't have a bed of their own. I can only imagine the smile on the faces of the children when they see that they will get to sleep in their bed for the first time.

Representation at the STANYS Congress: This past Saturday senior Philip Martin presented his neuroscience project at the STANYS (Science Teachers Association of New York State) State Science Congress competition at the MOST. Congratulations on this opportunity to share your project with the rest of NYS!

I am looking forward to a busy week of meetings, concerts, banquets, and Flag Day celebrations!

~Mike