Update August 28 2020

Good afternoon. We continue to work to finalize our plans for opening this fall. Our start of the year packet will be mailed in the coming days. The Back to School 2020 updates listed below will be expanded upon in our packet and/or future blog postings or email blasts. Have a great weekend!

Non-Covid Medical Updates

Medication Drop Off

Medication drop off at the High School will be held on Wednesday, September 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Thursday, September 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It will be located outside of the main office entrance near the flagpole. If weather is an issue we will be inside the vestibule of the same entrance. No appointment is needed. Students may NOT be the ones to drop off the medication(s), it must be a parent or guardian. Please bring the medication with an appropriate doctors note. Any questions may be directed to email at cprior@westgenesee.org or khancock@westgenesee.org.

Vaccination Reminder

The emphasis on COVID-19 may have overshadowed some other vaccination requirements for students. Our nurses have sent out letters to remind families that Seniors are required to have their two doses of Meningococcal vaccine OR one dose if the dose was received at 16 or older. Students who still have not had those vaccinations will not be allowed to return to school. Please reach out to our nurses if you need guidance on this topic. cprior@westgenesee.org or khancock@westgenesee.org.

Back to School - 2020 Preview of the Start of Year Packet

Changes for Arrival and Dismissal Locations

Parent drop off and pick ups will be on the west side (Applebees) side of our building. Buses will be dropping off in the circle at the Hinsdale end of the property. There will be no through traffic parallel to West Genesee Street during either arrival or dismissal.

Health Symptoms Form

Students will have to present a form that states they are symptom free before they enter school on a daily basis. There will be a starter set of these forms in the back to school packet. Students who do not present the form will be delayed in entering and will need their temperature checked.

Visitor Limitations and Dropping Off Student Items

During arrival only staff and students will be allowed to enter the building. If a student needs an item dropped off, items can be dropped off in the designated drop box at 7:50 a.m. Items should be clearly labeled with the student's name on them.

Lunch

Lunch will take place in a classroom. Lunches may be pre-ordered on the Nutri-Slice system. A description of the app and how to use it will be included in the back to school packet or by clicking here.

Be well, stay safe, and be Stronger Together.

Wayne Ackles

Executive Principal

August 14 Updates

Although it has not been a typical summer by any means, the weather has been fantastic and there have been numerous opportunities to be outside to spend time with friends and family. The days are starting to shorten, harkening toward fall.

We continue to work hard to prepare for the start of school. Not typical also applies to the preparations for the school year. Below are some updates pertinent for our start of school. Continue to watch the blogs and websites for updates. 

Masks

One topic in the reopening guidelines that has caused some confusion is when masks are worn during the school day. After further clarification from the Onondaga County Department of Health, masks must be worn throughout the day at all times by students, teachers, and staff and may be taken off only for eating or brief masks breaks during the course of academic periods. 

Lockers

Students will not have access to their lockers for the duration of the semester. We are taking this step in order to avoid congestion and congregation during the school day. If we return to full attendance during the school year, we will adjust accordingly. 

Movement

In our initial descriptions of the school day in our plan, students were to remain in the same classroom all day with teachers moving to them. As we have continued our planning, we are still committed to limiting the movement of students, but there will be more movement than we originally projected due to scheduling requirements. 

Freshmen Orientation

We are currently updating and changing our orientation format and dates. Please keep an eye out for the upcoming information in the coming days.

Open House

Open House this year will be virtual in nature. The date will be rescheduled with further details to come out the shortly.

Vaccination Reminder

The emphasis on COVID-19 may have overshadowed some other vaccination requirements for students. Our nurses have sent out letters to remind families that Seniors are required to have their two doses of Meningococcal vaccine OR one dose if the dose was received at 16 or older.

Be well, stay safe, and be Stronger Together. Wayne Ackles Executive Principal