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Message from Superintendent Bills from the February 29, 2024 E-News Edition

West Genesee CSD

February 29, 2024

Dear West Genesee Families,

West Genesee. West Genny. Wildcats. WG. The visual of the West Genesee Wildcat seen on the top of this E-Newsletter. These are all examples of that which moves me when I think about the history, traditions, and accomplishments of our District. It should also serve as a symbol that drives us to continue moving forward, improving, and holding ourselves to a high standard with changing circumstances.

Even more meaningful is when our students represent any of the above; within and outside of our community. Recent examples include Boys Hockey at the Oncenter War Memorial, those involved with the WGHS Production of “Cinderella”, our Boys’ Basketball in sectional play at Liverpool, the JV and Varsity Winter Guards at ESM, the Drumline reveal performance in our own gym, and our many students competing and participating at regional and NYS level programs. When the “WG” is on the hats, uniforms, shirts, jackets and many other spirit wear, I am proud that they are visible and real examples of our community. Please look for it and don’t hesitate to acknowledge it when you see it with a “Great job, Wildcats!”

West Genesee is a special place. Let us continue to learn and grow and hold ourselves to the standard of our history. Please see the examples below that serve as evidence and models of that level of excellence.

Thank you,

David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools

Please notice the Social Media Tips below that I shared in the last e-Newsletter. Let's keep the conversation going with our youth in order to keep everyone safe!

Social Media Tips

Ways to support our youth with social media:

1) Speak to your children about reporting any concerning posts or suspicious activities on social media to a trusted adult. It is important that children understand they will not be punished for reporting a post and that we will protect their anonymity as we investigate the concern. It is also important for students to refrain from sharing or otherwise passing along inappropriate posts, as it contributes to a violation of the WGCSD Code of Conduct.

2) Explain how TIP411 works to your children. Tip411 is an anonymous communication tool that allows students to report serious concerns to schools. Tip411 will provide an option for those students who may not have a trusted adult to relay their concerns. (Note: At times, there may be follow-up questions. Because of the anonymity, it is important to check back to the original TIP411 report.)

3) Encourage your children to seek the truth regarding information online and reporting questionable posts to trusted adults rather than sharing misinformation that causes more confusion than clarity.

4) Speak with your children about school shootings and other tragic events and the fear we all feel as we navigate this unfortunate reality of online threats. Having an open dialogue about school safety is important, especially when threats occur. Here is a link from Common Sense Media that can help guide that sometimes difficult conversation: How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings.

5) Please relay any social media threats to school administrators so we can begin our investigation and involve the police, if necessary. We take each threat seriously and have a protocol to address each incident. As information becomes available, the District will provide updates to parents.