Dear West Genesee Families,
I hope this communication finds you well. Below, please find a few points of interest that I would like to bring to your attention.
Communication
It is very typical and important for an organization to aspire to strong communication. At the same time, gauging the components and effectiveness of communication can be tricky. Does it reach the intended audience? Is it clear? Is it meaningful and applicable? Is there too much or too little of it?
While there is no perfect way to approach communication, it is important that we do our very best. This year, we have moved to the ParentSquare platform as an exclusive form of communication. Parents have expressed the desire to have fewer applications to navigate the many groups, buildings, or contacts that are associated with their child(ren)’s school experience. It is our hope that the flexibility of accepting information (scheduled or in-time) and real-time notices for priority messages has helped to increase awareness and decrease the unpredictable source of information.
Certainly, communication is two-way as much as is true with expressive and receptive language. We hope this approach allows for ease in both and creates a relationship that is appropriately reciprocal. Please consider our initial time since the start of September and your experience with the ParentSquare platform. Reach out to the most logical and closest contact to offer any insights or suggestions that may help with our goal of a high quality of communication.
Similarly, if you are having any difficulties with use or technology, please reach out to publications@westgenesee.org and we will provide the needed support. You can also access information and tips about the ParentSquare from the website from the Communications webpage or by clicking here.
Feedback
You will soon be receiving access to our annual feedback survey. The Panorama tool allows for anonymous participation with a single access point, is user-friendly, and is manageable in length and time to complete. We have been impressed with the previous participation and still seek to increase the total number of responses each year. The information is valuable and used to shape goals within our community and school partnership.
Our District Guiding Coalition is made up of 33 members and shapes the West Genesee Strategic Plan. See the most updated information regarding the membership, goals, Strategic Objectives, and Strategic Focus Areas of Curriculum and Instruction, Social-Emotional Learning, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as located on our website and also found here.
The Panorama Survey collects perspective and thoughts on many areas to be considered for growth. The West Genesee District Guiding Coalition has a set purpose for our students in UPK-12 to increase student engagement and student belonging. This work is greatly helped with your input from the yearly survey and appreciated to move our District forward.
Weather
We approach months that have an increased likelihood of weather as a factor to the schedule including school day, afterschool, and evening events. Please be reminded of the many ways to stay informed which include television media, social media, our website, and that of ParentSquare
Next week, Julie and I will gather with family and friends to give thanks. Please know that our community is among that for which we are very grateful.
Sincerely,
David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools