Update from Supt. Bills: Happy Holidays!

Temporary Shift

We recently entered a temporary period of fully-remote learning. The decision was not easy and was disappointing in many ways. Our circumstances are the reason for emotion, despite an incredible effort and everyone involved. There has been great, great work done for the past months that has allowed for as many students as possible to be in-person as often as possible. The fully-in person (K-4) and hybrid of in-person and remote (5-12) also includes those participating in a fully-remote learning environment. The daily effort from everyone has yielded much success. It is not the ideal way for schools to function, however everyone has worked hard during this health crisis.

With the reality of the pandemic comes habits and routines not in our past repertoire; mask wearing, physically distancing, avoiding large congregations, and an increase in personal health hygiene practices. This time also has a high occurrence of circumstances not part of our past norms; isolation periods, mandatory quarantines, contact tracing, to name a few. The recent temporary shift was necessary mainly due to supervision and staffing shortages from those mandates that exacerbate typical circumstances during this time of year. 

Our plan is to return on Monday, January 4, 2021 to our District Plan of in-person, hybrid, and fully-remote options with the intent of being as diligent and purposeful with health and safety and to continue teaching and learning for student success. 

Onondaga County

The level of support that we have received from Onondaga County and the Health Department has been outstanding. Communication with cases and contacts along with the support of testing (at schools and in many community sites) is more than noteworthy. In speaking with colleagues, I will not miss this opportunity to have you know that Onondaga County supports our communities at extraordinary levels that are not seen across the state. Kudos to all of the School Specialists, Contact Tracers, Nurses, Doctors, Administrators, and County Executive Ryan McMahon. We appreciate your support and efforts to keep us safe!

Emergency Days

Please see the statement found here regarding closures that help to outline the question “Will there still be snow days?” 

The permission to utilize fully remote learning days may be used in the future. Due to the continued expectation from the NYS Education Department to transport students to off-site programs and non-public school institutions, this could result in unnecessary and unsafe travel. 

As we have provisioned for additional days in the school calendar due to trends of Central New York weather, there may still be days that result in no instruction. As we move forward, updated information will be provided should circumstances warrant. 

Welcome

Congratulations to Christine DeMass who was recently named by the West Genesee Board of Education as our next Assistant Superintendent for Management Services. This followed an interview process of a very talented pool of candidates with committees and related discussion and tasks. 

Mrs. DeMass comes with a great deal of experience and will have a very important role and positive impact on our District!  Please see this article for more information.

Welcome Christine!

Congratulations

Anthony Gucciardi will soon transfer his service from School Resource Officer of West Genesee High School to that as Detective in the Criminal Investigation Section of the Camillus Police Department. While his daily presence at the high school will be missed, he will continue to be connected as he services our community. 

Thank you Anthony for all you have done for us. We wish you the very best and know you will have continued success!

Kudos

Despite the appropriate attention to health circumstances, our kids continue to be impressive. Examples include induction to National Honor Society and Business and Marketing Honor Society, National Merit Commended Scholars, NYS School Music Association All-State recognition, artistic displays, a rendition of “A Christmas Carol” from the 10th Grade Team, WG Chess Club master lesson, PTA/PTO events, Fall Athletic Achievements, fundraising efforts (Pajamarama with CNS, FM, and Liverpool), virtual field trips, Positivity Project, Food Drives, and many, many more. 

We work for and look forward to more normalcy in our lives and schools. For now, please enjoy the holiday selections from our exceptional student-musicians: WGHS Brass Ensemble (found here), WGHS Chorale (found here), and CMS Symphonic Band (found here). Thank you to these students and their directors for continuing to share their hard work and experiences to enhance our holidays!

Holidays

Please accept the best wishes in this Holiday Season from my family to yours. We are encouraged by NYS and national level Health Departments and leaders to alter our traditions to align with the health emergency. Please avoid large gatherings and remain diligent with health protocols. The effort to enjoy family appropriately today will benefit all of our futures. 

As we enjoy our second December after relocating, Julie and I received a gift recently. The small, simple, wooden decoration reads “Best. Trip. Ever.” It was explained from good friends that it was referencing our move from the Rochester area to Camillus. We could not agree more. Happy Holidays!

David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
West Genesee CSD