Friday, February 14, 2020

Time for a Break!

Bravo Dolly!

There are continual reminders of opportunities provided to our students and the high level at which they perform. This past weekend, our Fine Arts Department presented West Genesee’s production of Hello, Dolly!

This was a culmination of countless hours of work and many hands in preparation. On stage and “behind the scenes” there were student-thespians, singers, dancers, pit orchestra musicians, technicians of light, sound, scenery, make-up artists, prop handlers, set builders, ticket takers, concession attendants, and likely many more. This unique team fully assembled for three final sessions with hopes of peak performance in front of a filled auditorium; and we are lucky they did!

We were transformed for a few hours to early 1900s and Yonkers, New York to enjoy song, dance, laughs, and ensembles that are professional level right within our own high school auditorium! Thank you to the hard-working members of 2020 Hello, Dolly! for sharing your talents with an incredibly appreciative audience. We are all humming the tunes from last weekend and laughing while remembering great moments.

To the entire cast and crew, three expressions come to mind: 
Bravo!
Well done Wildcats!
Holy Cabooses!




Sectionals and Seniors

The winter season heads to the next stage for our athletic teams. Each sport has its own structure of Section III Competition within the scheduled day, time, and location that is well worth our attention. 

Come out and recognize our student-athletes’ successes this season as they compete in tournament play as individuals and groups. It is a special feeling to be in a crowd with spirit wear of hats, shirts, and sweatshirts that serve as a proud symbol of our pride and commitment to West Genesee.

This is an appropriate time to thank our athletic leaders from the Class of 2020. Seniors have been committed to their respective programs in a way that is visible and long-lasting. Wrestler Cole Saxon chose words of encouragement during Senior Recognition when expressing regrets that would come from quitting with a message of value to hard work and commitment. 

Thank you senior leaders!


Strategic Planning

The Strategic Planning Committee comprised of 28 stakeholder representatives came together for an evening and a full day of meetings to update the WGCSD District Goals. The Facilities Study consultants, Curriculum Advisory Team, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and Mental Health Committee helped to inform small group sessions and team reviews toward objectives of continuous improvement. Thirty members of the WG Class of 2020 joined the team for frank and honest discussions and reflection as their thoughts and experiences informed the overall work. 

Thank you to members of the Strategic Planning Committee for their recent work and the ongoing work in the upcoming months with consultants regarding our program and facilities study. Be sure to seek out the members of the committee for updates on the study and discussion involved. They are: Samantha Arliss, Sereen Awawda, Gene Bobey, Olivia Colabufo, Kimberly Coyne, Elizabeth Donaldson, Greg Fey, Stephanie Finn, Nicole Figueiredo, Vincent Firenze, Susan Gifford, Mark Grier, Sharon Guglielmi, Brian Kesel, Matt Kimpland, John Lizzi, John Mannion, Molly O'Keefe, Jennifer Olson, Dawn Personte, Barb Randall, Barb Ritch, Courtney Reina, Michelle Shackelton, Iva Vasilev, Thomas Vaughan, Jennifer Vinci, myself, and led by Lisa Craig and Steve Dunham.


Family Time 

We enter the February break which may offer you a different pace or additional opportunities. Daily schedules of students change with schools closed from regular classes. Perhaps a movie, dinner at a local restaurant, shopping, or one of the cultural events in the region will be part of your schedule.


“But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them”
Time in a Bottle – Jim Croce

Julie and I will try to find the time for “things we want to do” with visits to our kids’ colleges, out-of-town trips, and staying home with family. Sometimes, just being together brings a special quality to otherwise routine and typical settings. 

I hope this communication finds you healthy and well. It is wonderful to be part of the WG Wildcat Family!

~David