Honoring our Students: Last week was the beginning of the "awards" season for us and it did not disappoint. On Wednesday through Friday we held the annual high honor roll breakfast ceremonies. The students who attend have to have made the high honor roll (90 percent overall average) three out of four semesters EACH year. We use Cafeteria I and we have had the "good" challenge of barely having enough space for parents and students. I am always impressed with the hard work and dedication of our students and the support of our parents and family.
As the 11th grade program ended, Mr. Pagcaliwagan asked if he could get a picture of his daughter Kailei and me. She had made high honor roll each of her high school years, but will not have a chance to make it again her senior year. Why? She is able to graduate early and pursue her next challenge at Upstate Medical
University in the fall. Very cool!
Safety Meetings Update: We are working towards finding solutions to several different issues facing communities and students. Last week, we were able to have a larger presence in a county-wide town hall about school safety that was hosted by Channels 3 and 5. If there is a positive that we can take from the negative of a tragedy, it is that people are still talking about school safety and are working together to find solutions.
Spreading the Word About Vaping: We have also been very concerned with students who "vape", concerned enough that 11th grade principal TJ Vaughan put a good program together about vaping and presented it several times to our parents in a variety of forums. He will be presenting in a larger venue soon and West Genesee Middle School principal Steve Dunham presented our work at the Central Region PTA Annual Meeting to parents from five counties. Thanks to them for their efforts, and parents should be aware that vaping is in no way safe for your children.
Wildcats on the Run: I saw plenty of Wildcats at the Mountain Goat Run yesterday. I run outside every day, and for me, the conditions were ideal. We had a lot of fun and today is a recovery day for sure!
Honoring Lacrosse Legends: This week is REALLY exciting. On Thursday night, long time and highly decorated boys lacrosse coaches Bob Deegan and Mike Messere will coach their last regular season home game against Fayetteville-Manlius. If you know either of them, they do NOT like the spotlight; but they certainly need to be recognized for what they have done for the sport of lacrosse and for our school program. I plan to be brief (that's how they want it), but we will celebrate them at the conclusion of the game. Please feel free to join us at the conclusion of the game (should be around 9:00 p.m.) this Thursday, May 10, on Mike Messere Field (the turf field) to applaud their bodies of work.
Senior Ball is Coming Up: Friday is the mock DWI crash in the West Genesee High School circle, followed by the Senior Breakfast and Senior Ball. This is such a special night for our students. I am keeping my fingers crossed for good weather so pictures come out well! We then have the All-Night Party, and I wanted to thank all of our parent volunteers, law enforcement, and administrators in advance for committing to a lack of sleep to help keep our kids safe and happy.
Thanks and have a wonderful week!
Chris
