Better Than We Could Ever Imagine

“But no matter the future, I place West Genesee in the snow globe of my heart”, words from Olivia Murphy’s “Evergreen,” as published in the Class of 2021 program for our Sixty-Sixth commencement ceremony.

Our graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 19, 2021, was so much more than a graduation.  It was a celebration of accomplishments, it was a reunion of friends and families, it was a display of talent and gratitude, and it was ours.  A day so memorable did not come without a lot of hard work from our students, our teachers, and our staff. Thank you to everyone who made it happen.

The swift response of our senior advisors, our custodial and building and grounds staff made a large celebration possible after a massive shift in restrictions on Wednesday afternoon, just three days before the big day. 

Congratulations to all of our graduates and to their families who have supported them to this point. We are so very proud of all of you.  May the world be your future, but WGHS always your home. Best of luck in your next steps!

A Different Kind of Graduate

Today, we say goodbye to our retirees, an incredible group of educators who have been dedicated to the West Genesee community throughout their careers. The following are beloved members of our staff. Congratulations to all!

• Mary Bily
• Bill Davern
• Molly Devaney
• Kathryn Lykudis
• Bob Marks
• Andy Perry
• Vicki Smith

Important Information

Diplomas, Books, Course Materials, and Chromebooks

Student diplomas are available to be picked up in the Main Office at the high school on Monday, June 28, 2021. Diplomas and Yearbooks may be picked up and textbooks, course materials, and Chromebooks with their chargers can be returned to the Main Office at the high school Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.throughout the summer.

Summer Reading

“A book is a dream that you hold in your hand” - Neil Gaiman

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping,and the breeze is mild.  It is the perfect time to sit down, relax and enjoy a great book!  Our English Department has published the Summer Reading List for 2021 and our librarian, Mary Gotham, has created a fantastic preview of the selections which you can view by clicking here.  The list is also available from the high school library webpage in a mobile responsive and printable PDF format by clicking here.

Working Papers

This summer, working papers will only be available at the high school on Wednesdays during the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. or by appointment by calling the Main Office at 315-487-4601. Students are also welcome to apply for working papers by mailing in the application.  The application can be found here or from the West Genesee High School Student Information webpage by clicking here.

Summer School

The summer school program will be run by the OCM BOCES staff at the West Genesee High School building. Classes will run from July 7- July 22 and July 27- August 11.  More information can be found at the OCM BOCES Summer School website or from the West Genesee High School School Link section by clicking on 'Summer School'.

Get outside, enjoy the sunshine, enjoy one another, and celebrate. We did it!

Have a great summer.

Sincerely,

Tracy Klefbeck,Thomas Vaughan, and Maura White

Some End-of-Year Updates

 On the Eve of Graduation

We are more than excited to celebrate the West Genesee High School 2021 Graduation with our graduates and their families tomorrow at the Center of Progress Building on the New York State Fairgrounds.  It will be a day to remember as we gather with family and friends to share smiles, applause, and WILDCAT PRIDE!

Please note the following for the graduation:

• Our doors will open at 10:45 a.m.
• The graduation ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m.
• Parking is available in the Red Lot of the State Fairgrounds and handicapped parking is available in front of the Center of Progress building.  Parking attendants will be on-site to help direct all of our families. 

(For Information on watching a live stream of the ceremony click here.)

CTE Endorsements and Designations

This year we have 23 students receiving 24 CTE Endorsements upon their graduation, 20 students who have achieved the Seal of Biliteracy and 3 students who have successfully completed our Odyssey Program. Congratulations to all on this outstanding achievement. 

The Senior Celebration

Our seniors were once again showered with incredible gifts and entertainment at the Senior Celebration on Friday, June 11, 2021. From snacks provided by Tully’s and The Wildcat, to performances and prizes sponsored by our very own PTSA, the evening was a great success. It is nights like these when we see and feel what community means and what it can do.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for making that night so special for our graduates. 

Exams Continue

Final exams and Regents exams will continue through next week:

• Monday 6/21- OCC History @ 7:45 a.m. in the Upper Gym
• Tuesday 6/22 - The Living Environment Regents @ 7:45 a.m. in the Upper Gym
• Wednesday 6/23 - Algebra 1 Regents @ 7:45 a.m. in the Upper Gym
• Thursday 6/24 - Earth Science Regents @ 7:45 a.m. in the Upper Gym
• Friday 6/25 - Students do not report

Happy Father’s Day to all of our dads out there!

Have a great weekend,

Tracy Klefbeck,Thomas Vaughan, and Maura White

Some End-of-Year Updates

The Stars Were Shining

It was a beautiful night for a Senior Ball on June 4 on the lower grass stadium.  The gentle breeze and quick rain burst didn’t stop the party. Our Wildcats were dressed to impress and ready to dance. It was a night to remember for all.

The preparations for the day were a valiant group effort, from the mock crash put on by our Camillus Police Department, and Fairmount Fire Department to the transformation of a school field into a grand twinkling venue by our senior class advisors. 

It was a day for celebration and an opportunity to remind our students how to do that safely.

This Friday, June 11, 2021, our seniors will travel through some more West Genny milestones, as they “Chalk the Walk”, sign the WG pawprint, reminisce with their senior video, and visit their elementary schools, parading by the young Wildcats and teachers from their youth.

Chromebook Returns

All student Chromebooks must be returned to the school with their power cords.  Students must bring their Chromebooks with the power supply to their social studies class, where they will be scheduled for the return to the library. Please have your student label their Chromebooks with their names and grades for the turn-in dates below:

12th grade: Thursday, June 10

11th grade: Friday, June 11

9th and 10th grades:Tuesday, June 15

Remote students: Wednesday, June 16: all remote students

Remote Materials Drop- Off

• On Wednesday,June 16, 2021 remote students may return their instructional materials.  The drop-off will include a drive through Chromebook and charger return area and a second area for textbooks and other instructional materials. All areas will be set up on the west side of the building, at the technology office, and atrium entrance.

• The drop off will be available during school hours, 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Mental Health Resources

Our school community prides itself on caring for one another. Resources are available and our very own Mary Gotham, the librarian at the high school, is working hard to make sure that our staff, students, and families know how to find them. She has organized a collection of contacts, coping mechanisms, interventions, and personal strategies for mental health in one location. The Mental Health Resources Website houses hotlines, TEDtalks, and tools for a variety of challenges that affect every age group.  Please check it out. It could help you or someone you love.

West Genesee Mental Health Resources 

Regents Schedule

The Local/Regents Exam Schedule for the last two weeks of June available by clicking here.

With just a few weeks left, our students and teachers are busy wrapping up classes and preparing for exams. We hope that everyone finds some time to enjoy the weather and we look forward to celebrating our graduating seniors very soon!

Sincerely,

Tracy Klefbeck,Thomas Vaughan, and Maura White