Sustained Success

I hope that all of you had an enjoyable weekend. We spent it with our family, including both of our boys who were able to make it home. The nice weather generated driveway basketball games, whiffle ball in the backyard (yes, even though both are in college they still like me at the "all time pitcher" spot), and bag toss. I used some different muscles that are barking back a bit today but it was well worth it!

One of the Best Communities for Music Education, Again: Last week we received word that for the eighth year in a row (eleventh time overall) we were named one of the 2016 Best Communities for Music Education in the nation. Our fine arts staff and students make it look easy but in reality receiving this award requires an exceptionally well-rounded effort and top notch performances. From our Director of Fine Arts Bill Davern, through each of our teachers, and to our student performers, excellence is heard in every note. Congratulations!

Students Inducted into the National Honor Society: We also had a wonderful National Honor Society ceremony where 158 students were inducted. Most are students I have known since the second or third grade, so it was a pleasure to shake their hands and know that they continue to be on a good path. Click here to see the list of students inducted. Congratulations to all of the family members as well!

Hoops for 'Hedge: I got into a little hot water in my "boss" role last week as well. I graciously accepted the title of coach for the teacher versus teacher basketball fundraiser for the Stonehenge PTA that was held at West Genesee Middle School.

It started innocently enough. Parents and students slowly began to file in about a half-hour before tip-off time to take their seats. I became preoccupied working with my team and the next thing I knew all of the stands were filled and people were three deep around three sides of the gym floor; AND about two hundred more people were waiting in the hallway to get in.

Safety is always a number one concern. So while we had a tremendous time and the PTA raised a lot of money very quickly to help fund their programs, in the future the event will need to move to the high school gym so I get out out of the dog house with the fire marshal! A good problem to have.

Supporting the Sports Boosters: It was also great to catch up with so many of you at the Sports Boosters' Annual Spaghetti Dinner. When I arrived at 5:30 p.m. there were four seats left in the entire cafeteria. Yes, I ate two desserts and they were good, leave me alone!

Mini-Forum on Substance Abuse: I hope that you are able to join us this Tuesday night from 7:00 p.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m (total time including questions and answers) in the West Genesee High School Auditorium for the first mini-forum related to substance abuse.

There will be six mini-sessions held as a result of the survey we received from our large forum (school, prevention, treatment, peer support, family support, and personal support) and we are looking forward to presenting what is happening in our schools related to substance abuse.

If you cannot attend, we will be recording a video of the presentation and will also try to live broadcast it through the Periscope App. The video will be on our website after the event.

Thanks and enjoy the week!

Chris