Remembering

Honoring our Service Men and Women: I hope that all of you found some time this weekend to remember the fallen men and women from our armed forces who helped to provide us with the creature comforts we have today. I am very proud of how our school and the community recognizes members we have lost during Memorial Day, as well as honoring those who serve and have served on Veteran's Day.

Even in our youngest grades, our students seem to really understand what it means to be an American, the importance of the flag and about the sacrifices made by men and women while serving. One of our community activities is to participate in the Memorial Day parade in the village of Camillus. Members of our various bands march in the parade, and many of our students take part in the run through the village. A bonus this year was spectacular weather!

Voters Approve the Budget: Last week our voters approved our spending plan for next year by an 82% margin. We are very thankful for your support and will continue to provide the best and highest quality services for your children.

This year Governor Cuomo has announced that rebate checks will be sent to voters in October that will represent any increase in your school taxes from this year to next year. Some additional information about this rebate plan can be found here.

Spring Athletics Update: We have had a very successful spring athletic season so far.

• Boys and girls track team members placed better than they have in recent years. 
• Boys tennis team members became Section III Champions for, we believe, the first time in school history with three of our players continue on to state competition.
• Softball team is still in sectional play.
• Baseball team played Monday night for the Section III Semi-Final game and they lost a tough battle to FM. Great season!  
• Girls lacrosse team members seem very determined to stop at nothing for another state championship, so hopefully they continue to do well this week as they play for the Section III championship Tuesday night.
• Boys lacrosse team members ended their season earlier than usual with a lost in the Section III championship on Saturday, but I am sure they will be right there to support everyone else who is still playing.

A Busy Week Ahead: This week is going to be very busy. I finished signing all of the diplomas on Friday which signals the official countdown to graduation.

• Wednesday - 
• I have the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. to take part in a very small panel of superintendents from around the country and help advise the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan about integrating technology into education. I do hope to get some face-to-face time to discuss his recent blog and my reaction to it. 
• If flights work out, I will be able to get back in time for the senior academic honors reception. This reception is for seniors who have attained any combination of High Honor Roll or Honor Roll at least 12 of the 14 times available to them. This is always a very special night for us.

• Thursday - 
• I get the chance to congratulate all of our retirees at our Annual Retirement Banquet. This is also a special time and I always approach it with mixed emotions. I am very happy that people are able to retire and enjoy the rest of their lives, but I also worry about the "brain drain" of losing them! At this particular  banquet we will be recognizing retirees with hundreds of years of combined service. Remarkable!
• Thursday night I get an opportunity to work with the parents in the West Genesee Special Education PTSA and answer questions regarding students with disabilities in our District. This is always an informative night and I am looking forward to it.

• Friday - The week ends with our signature Fine Arts event, Kaleidoscope. This event is simply amazing and is held at the Civic Center downtown. Two hours of non-stop musical entertainment from our students who will be performing at the highest of levels. Another great night to be a Wildcat!

Enjoy the week and I hope to see you around!

Chris