Mid-Year Update

Professional Development

The Superintendent Workshop Day held yesterday was filled with opportunities for learning and growth for our staff. The morning included keynote speaker Stephen “Dr. Bird” Birchak, an inspirational speaker, author, counseling psychologist, and retired professor from College of Saint Rose in Albany.

Dr. Birchak is a leading national figure in Positive Psychology movement and has presented to over half a million teachers, parents, and students. His motivational words included a focus that “Our greatest challenges are in human relations and the need for a revolution of kindness, compassion, and human character.”

Each building created learning tailored to District initiatives and ongoing work with each staff. These included participation in community action simulations, researching best practices for adverse experiences, focused work in written language planning, exploration of essential questions, incorporating advanced literacy hallmarks, collaborating with unit planning, and more.

It is an honor to work with our committed staff and join in learning and laughing as we continue to grow skills to serve our students.

Community Involvement

Thank you to everyone who came together for another session of the “Talk with the Superintendent” hosted by our West Genesee PTA/PTO District Council and moderated by their President Olivia Colabufo. It was enjoyable to cover a number of issues of interest and engage with one another during the evening. Certainly, the number present is an example of the care within our schools and the partnerships that exist between school, homes, and community.

New and Continuing Initiatives

We are excited about new and continuing initiatives that support our students. Recently, the West Side Support Network came together once again as representatives of the many organizations in our community to discuss important issues that face our youth. A new Mental Health Committee is forming and growing to maximize our efforts with resources for students and staff.

We are exploring new opportunities and continued partnerships with Onondaga Community College, Le Moyne College, and Syracuse University. The Strategic Planning Committee comes together soon to respond to “Calls for Commentary”, create targeted goals, and work alongside a Program/Facilities Study with an educational consultant.

We are, as always, a culture of continuous improvement looking for new ways to support our academic, social, emotional, physical, and cultural needs of our students, staff, and community.

Need for Substitutes

Substitutes are an integral part of our organization. For many reasons, there are times when temporary coverage is needed in our classrooms, offices, buses, and more. In the past few years, professional development has been delivered in creative ways with an increased attention to fiscal responsibility. Often, training is done during the day, locally, and with multiple staff members. As an addition to personal and family circumstances, the approach results in the need for responsibilities to be covered.

It is those who serve as temporary or “per diem” substitutes that are the “unsung hero” of our organization. Please consider being a part of that effort by applying to substitute in your area of interest. We welcome the opportunity to provide appropriate training and information toward increasing the pool of those available. It could be a way to become involved with our schools in a much different capacity. Click here for more information and an application. 

Town Shop Youth Center

What a pleasure to visit the Town Shop Youth Center recently! The evening had a featured “open mic” night which provided an opportunity to hear the talented youth willing to share their skills. As impressive as the talent was the supportive and caring interactions for all involved. The tradition and years of servicing young people was evident in the artifacts and personality within each part of the building.

Thank you to Debra Ancillotti, Town Shop Youth Center Director and the Camillus Parks and Recreation Department for their ongoing support of our young people as they grow and develop.

We’re moved in! 

The timing of our family's relocation was both hectic and opportunistic. To have a complete upheaval of all of your “stuff” with an arrival to unpack two days before Thanksgiving may seem less than ideal. However, the weather was unusually warm, the logistics smooth, and neighbors incredibly welcoming. With new beginnings come some challenges, however those are few and far between.

More predominant has been the excitement of the “coming home” to Central New York. Moving at the holidays allowed my full family to come together and quickly have a house evolve to our new home. Soon after, we’ve expanded our family in working with one of the local animal rescue organizations (Helping Hounds) to welcome to our home our new pup Nathan. It is wonderful to be in the West Genesee community!