Greetings and Update from Onondaga Road

 West Genesee Goes Fully Remote December 17 Through December 23

Here is the letter from Superintendent David Bills regarding our district’s temporary move to remote learning due to COVID.  I also sent home a paper copy with your child yesterday.  We anticipate coming back to in-school learning on January 4, 20201!  Please know we all play an important role in keeping our good health by social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing our hands frequently.  Let’s take care of one another during this season of giving.

I am confident that we are ready to go fully remote and maintain meaningful relationships and instruction.  Your child’s teachers will reach out to your family so that we are ready to begin on Thursday.  Here are some things you need to know...

Food Services
Here is a link to our Food Service Department in case you have any questions regarding school meals, or you can email your questions to wgfoodservice@westgenesee.org.

Student Materials

Children are coming home with materials they will need for online learning, including a Chromebook and charger.  These materials must be returned with your child when we return to in-school learning.
If your child was absent from school yesterday or today and does not have a school Chromebook at home, you (parents) will need to pick it up from the main office.  Your child will need this to “attend” remote school from now through December 23. You can pick it up at the main office today until 4:00 p.m. or tomorrow (Thursday) between 8:30 and 3:00.  Please don’t wait beyond Thursday because if you do, your child will be “absent” from remote school!

Student Participation and Behavior Expectations
Speaking of remote school, here is a link to our online student expectations and commitments to making an online class function at its best.

Instruction
Both synchronous and asynchronous lessons and assignments will be provided.  The synchronous lesson times will closely mirror your child’s in-school schedule for math and ELA, and students should participate in daily special area classes as well.  Synchronous lessons will be approximately 30 minutes each.  

 

Special Education and Support Services
Students will continue to receive services throughout our remote period.  Their scheduled times will closely mirror their current daily schedule.  

Attendance
We will take attendance during synchronous learning sessions/classes each day. 

 

Tech Support

Here is a Parent’s Guide to West Genesee Chromebooks.

 

Look who greeted our buses and cars this morning!
What a way to start the day!

 

Greetings from Onondaga Road

 Report Cards

This is just another reminder that we will not be mailing or sending hard copies of report cards home with your child this year. Report cards will be available to view starting this Saturday at noon via the Parent Portal on Schooltool. Click here to access the viewing instructions. Here is a short video that also explains how to access the report cards online. If you need a hard copy of your child's report card mailed to your home, please contact our main office at 315-487-4653.

Strategic Planning Calls for Commentary

Every year the District Strategic Planning Team comes together to review our District’s annual progress toward improvement and to make recommendations for continued growth. One of the key pieces driving our improvement is the feedback we receive from our community, staff, and students. Please take a few minutes to complete this year's survey. Let us know about our areas of strength and our opportunities for growth. Thank you!

 

School Spirit Wear

Our PTA has put together a School Spirit Wear online order form, but act fast!  The deadline for ordering in time for holiday delivery is this weekend, Saturday, December 12!  PTA had put a link to order on our OR PTA Facebook page, but in case you missed it, here is the link if you are interested in ordering West Genesee garb.  

 

Positivity Project
Next week we will practice self-control as a character strength.  It may be harder during the holiday season than any other time of year to have control of your emotions and behaviors, for adults and kids alike!  It’s a perfect time to slow down and think about our actions.

 

Streamlined Communications
For your information, the West Genesee district website has an up-to-date page of COVID-19 communications regarding the pandemic and cases directly connected to our community schools.

Greetings from Onondaga Road!

 

It’s a busy week here at OR!  Here are two things you should know about:

1. “We had a fire drill today!” 
   If your child comes home and says that to you, that is correct; we did!  It was an accidental pull of the alarm by a student which caused the alarm to ring.  Because it was not a planned fire drill, the call center received the alarm and sent the fire trucks to our school.  We informed them of the accidental alarm, and they cleared us to bring the students back into the building.  The children got a little chilly outside, but they were otherwise safe!

2. “We have some remote classes.”
   Again, this is correct.  On Sunday and Monday I became aware of some positive COVID cases connected to our building.  At this time, we have three classes of students that are learning from home (quarantine), and their teachers are teaching from home, too. Everyone directly connected has received a phone call from me.  Superintendent Bills and I have worked closely with the county health department to follow safety protocols and communication.  I might take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of mask wearing, even if you are not in school!  

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely, 

Jeannette Clark

Greetings from Onondaga Road!

 It’s December Already!

Here are a few December dates to remember:

• December 4 - School Spirit Day - Wear blue and gold!

• December 12 - Report cards are available online.  

• December 16 - 7:00 - Board of Education Meeting

• December 23 - Last day of school for 2020!

• December 24 through January 3 - Schools are closed for holiday recess. 

COVID Testing

Thank you to everyone that signed up to have your child tested this Friday. The available slots at Onondaga Road filled up very quickly, including both students and staff.  Mrs. Nason, Mrs. Rotunno, and I will be present at the testing. Here is a short video from CNY Central showing  the actual testing process. If you have any questions regarding the testing, you are welcome to call us at school, 315-487-4653.

Positivity Project

This week we have talked a lot about being kind, as kindness is the positivity strength we are practicing.  Speaking of kindness, I must express my gratitude to all who so kindly contributed to our local community service projects and have helped to make the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons brighter for many of our Onondaga Road families. 
Through the Positivity Project, next week we will  learn more about how other people matter and reflect upon how our own words affect others.  

Safety Reminders
Slow down!  As you enter and exit our school lots for arrival and dismissal, let me remind you that there are many, many children walking to and from the building, and many of our staff members stand in the driveways to help you.  We are working very hard to keep everyone safe.  It truly takes all of our efforts, and I ask that you slow down, be patient, and be respectful of others.  Here are a few more safety requirements:
✔️ Never pass a school bus!

✔️ Have your child exit the car door closest to the building, not in the traffic lane.
✔️ Wait until 8:40 to arrive; 8:30 is too early.

✔️ Turn right if you exit from either the bus loop or Kent Place (not left!).

✔️ Complete and send a purple Home Health Screening Sheet every day. 

 

Remote Student Supply Pickup

Mark your calendar.  The next supply pickup for all K-4 remote students has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 2021, from 3:00 - 4:00p.m. 

Sincerely, Jeannette Clark