Greetings from WCS!
Thank you all for an incredible start to the school year! Students arrived to school last week with eager, smiling faces and have demonstrated their readiness to learn. I have had the opportunity to travel into classrooms and have observed firsthand the rigorous instruction that teachers are delivering. Students are engaging in rich learning activities and moving full STEAM ahead in their academic journeys!
Did You Know? District Safety
Per SED, district-wide school safety plans and building-level emergency response plans are designed to prevent or minimize the effects of violent incidents and emergencies and to facilitate the coordination of schools and school districts with local and county resources in the event of such incidents or emergencies.
District Level Safety Plans include information such as:
- Policies and procedures for responding to emergency scenarios/critical incidents;
- Policies and procedures for communicating with local law enforcement and stakeholders in the event of emergency scenarios/critical incidents;
- Appropriate prevention and intervention strategies to improve communication between students and staff;
- Arrangements and/or procedures during emergencies;
- Policies and procedures for annual school safety training for students and staff; and
- Procedures for the review and conduct of drills and other exercises to test components of the emergency response plan.
Please Note:
- Districts are required to post district level safety plans to the website.
- The 2023-24 District Safety Plan may be found on the WCS district website.
- The 2024-25 District safety Plan will be posted to the website no later than 10/1, as required by regulation.
Building Level Safety Plans include information such as:
- Emergency Response Terms and definitions
- Functional annexes for emergency response, such as
- Shelter-In Place: shelter students and staff inside the building;
- Hold-In Place: limit movement of students and staff while dealing with short term emergencies
- Evacuate: evacuate students and staff from the building;
- Secure Lockout: secure school buildings and grounds during incidents that pose an imminent concern outside of the school building; and
- Lockdown: secure school buildings and grounds during incidents that pose an immediate threat of violence in or around the school building.
Please Note:
- Districts may not post or share building level safety plans. They are considered SECURE documents.
Drills
Education Law §807 requires that New York State public and nonpublic schools conduct four lockdown and eight evacuation drills each school year (September 1 - June 30), with at least eight of the required drills being conducted by December 31 of each school year. Two additional evacuation drills must be conducted during summer school (July 1 - August 30).Drills and training are required to be conducted in a "trauma-informed, developmentally and age-appropriate manner." Drills and training may not include props, actors, simulations, or other tactics which are intended to mimic a school shooting, incident of violence, or other emergency.
Should the school/district opt to participate in full-scale exercise in conjunction with local and county emergency responders and includes props, actors, simulations, or other tactics intended to mimic a school shooting or other act of violence or emergency, such drill MAY NOT be conducted on a regular school day and when school activities such as athletics are occurring on school grounds. In addition, such full scale exercises cannot include students without written consent from parents or persons in parental relations.
While there is regulatory language around conducting safety drills, they are an important mitigating measure and support development of muscle memory, which translates into quick, instinctive, and coordinated responses during emergencies. This preparedness not only enhances individual safety but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of emergency management within our school district.
As such, WCS will conduct drills (in all three buildings) as follows:
- Drills shall be held at least twelve times in each school year,
- Eight of the drills, whether evacuation or lockdown, shall be held between September first and December thirty-first of each year.
- Eight of the twelve drills shall be evacuation drills, inclusive of blocked egress drills
- Four of all such drills shall be lockdown drills.
- Drills shall be conducted at different times of the school day.
- Pupils shall be instructed in the procedure to be followed if a fire occurs during a lunch period or assembly.
Notification to Families About Drills
- Parents/guardians will be provided notification upon completion of drills. Note: MS families should have been notified about an emergency evacuation conducted at the Middle School on 9/10/2024.
GINNA Evacuation
- In accordance with the WCS School Safety Plan, the district will also conduct an emergency evacuation drill to rehearse for protective action in the event of a Radiological Emergency.
- More information will be forthcoming about this "announced" evacuation, tentatively identified for schedule in late fall.
Invitation to Participate: District Safety Team
- Per NYSED regulation, school districts are required to assemble a district level safety team.
- The District Level Safety Team is responsible for the overall development, maintenance, and revision of Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) - District Safety Plan.
- ERPs are designed to prevent, mitigate and/or minimize the effects of critical incidents and emergencies and to facilitate the coordination of local and county resources with the school in the event of such incidents or emergencies.
- Safety team members are expected to work closely together to make recommendations for revising and enhancing building/district level ERPs annually, not only to reinforce the information, but also to update the plan as new information emerges.
- Additionally, the District Safety Team provides consultation to district and building level leadership specific to safety concerns and considerations identified in the district.
- As such, broad representation from district stakeholders on the District Safety Team is vital to school safety.
- In addition to WCS faculty and staff members, I am hoping to secure a few parents/guardians to participate as members of the WCS District Safety Team. Please contact me directly at bashton@williamsoncentral.org if you are interested in learning more about District Safety Team membership.
REMINDER: Community Eligibility Program
For the upcoming 2024-25 School Year, our district is participating in a federal program available to select schools as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program called Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This means that all students enrolled in the Williamson Central School District are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of family or household income.
This is GREAT news for our students and our community. However, some of the education programs and activities that the district provides are funded from state dollars that require our school to collect household information for all students.
In order to collect this information, the district requests that each household submit a Household Income Survey. This survey is used to capture information and ensure the district/school receives all of the funding it is entitled to. This survey may also qualify your household for meal benefits, Summer EBT benefits, and reduced fees for other programs and activities. It may also help the district qualify for CEP again next school year.
Completing this survey will not impact your household's eligibility to receive meals at no cost.
Please take a moment to complete this form and return it to your child's school. Your participation is essential in order for us continue to receive critical state funding for these educational programs.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important matter.
Capital Improvement Project Update
We are excited to share some important updates on the capital improvement initiatives currently underway in our school district. These projects are part of our commitment to enhancing the learning environment and ensuring that our facilities meet the highest standards of safety, functionality, and modernity.
- Significant renovation in the ES kitchen and cafeteria have transformed this space for our students. While many "punch list" items remain outstanding, the space is more functional and comfortable!
- Second floor west side lavs are completed.
- Second floor east side lavs are slated for completion by mid/late September.
- First floor east side lavs are slated for completion by late September.
- Univents have been installed in numerous classrooms. The painting and installation of base moldings will continue beyond the school year commencing.
- Lower level seating and carpeting in the auditorium is complete! We are exploring creative solutions to a seating issue in the mezzanine. This translates to continued work in this area post start of school should the district move forward with a corrective action/creative solution... timeline TBD.
- Other more minor projects associated with the CIP scope of work will continue into the school year.
We are committed to keeping you informed throughout the progress of these projects and appreciate your continued support and patience as we work to make these improvements a reality.
Athletics Update: Shared JV & V Transportation
- As part of our ongoing efforts to optimize district resources and address current staffing needs, families may have noticed that the district made a change in our transportation arrangements for JV and Varsity athletic programming.
- To ensure most efficient use of our resources, both our JV and Varsity teams are being transported together on the same bus for away games and events. This adjustment will help us manage costs effectively while maintaining the quality of support and travel for both teams.
- We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this change. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Athletic Director.
Staying Connected
As I shared in a recent Parent Square communication, the home-school partnership is critical to the development of a successful educational experience for students. When we work together, we are able to create a unified support system that enhances student learning and development in numerous and varied ways.
Please feel free to reach out to your child(ren)'s teacher(s) and/or your building leaders by phone or email if you have questions, concerns or "shout outs" about the work happening at WCS. Please be certain to use the chain of contact (included below) so that you can receive a timely response from the staff member that is most directly involved in the situation.
Who Should You Contact?
- The WCS Chain of Contact provides you a pathway of contact information regarding instructional and operational areas in the district.
- Note: A partial Directory of phone numbers is accessible on the district webpage.
Digital Platforms to Support Staying Connected with WCS:
- ParentSquare
- SchoolTool
- Schoology
- WCS Website Note: Both the MS and HS post their daily announcements on their webpages. There are also numerous helpful links there for you.
- District Monthly Newsletter
As our Transportation Director, Vicky Pascarella, recently shared with families please do not hesitate to reach out to the transportation office with any questions or concerns about your child's transportation services. Inquiries may be made to the transportation email: transportation@williamsoncentral.org.
In Gratitude...
With deepest and sincerest gratitude, wishing you a fabulous fall. We are so grateful to work in partnership and advocacy with you for our students!
Best,
E. Bridget Ashton
Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Williamson Central School District
4184 Miller Street
Williamson, NY 14589
Bashton@williamsoncentral.org
#WilliamsonPROUD
Time to Show and Share Your WCS Spirit, Unity and Pride! Homecoming 2024
Homecoming Dance
- There will be a Homecoming Dance on Sept 28, 7-10 pm.
- Tickets will be sold in advance for $10.
Friday, September 27, 2024
- 4:30pm Soccer: Girls JV Game vs. Red Creek @ Williamson Senior High School
- 6:30pm Soccer: Girls Varsity Game vs. Red Creek @ Williamson Senior High School
- 3:00pm Soccer: Boys JV Non-League vs. Bloomfield @ Williamson Senior High School
- 6:00pm Soccer: Boys Varsity Game vs. Marion @ Williamson Senior High School
2024-25 Middle School Schedule
Announcements 7:35
1st Period 7:37 – 8:18 41 minutes
2nd Period 8:22 – 9:03 41 minutes
3rd Period 9:07 – 9:48 41 minutes
4th Period 9:52 – 10:33 41 minutes
5th Period 10:37 – 11:17 40 minutes (Lunch 5/6)
6th Period 11:21 – 12:01 40 minutes (Lunch 8)
7th Period 12:05 – 12:45 40 minutes (Lunch 7)
8th Period 12:49 – 1:31 42 minutes
ANNOUNCEMENTS @ 1:29
9th Period 1:35 – 2:16 41 minutes
10th Period 2:20 – 2:55 35 minutes
At the Elementary Level...Notes and Updates From Miss Saxby
Hello from Miss Saxby ~
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We are very excited to welcome close to 400 students to the elementary school on our first day, which is Wednesday, September 4 th . We also will be welcoming new staff. We are looking forward to a successful school year for all our students and staff!
The building has had some great additions and updates due to the capital project this summer. We are excited by all the amazing work, but ask for patience as the finishing touches will continue into the early part of the school year.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns during the school year please feel free to contact the school. We want to work together, with families, to provide your child with a well-rounded educational experience. You are welcome to contact your child’s teacher, our counseling staff, or an
administrator at any time during the year.
It’s going to be a great 2024-2025 school year!
Miss Ellen Saxby
Williamson Elementary Principal
IMPORTANT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP INFO
We will have the same procedures for family drop-off and pick-up as we had last year. Please line up at the east side of the middle school until cars are directed into the bus loop after buses depart. Reminder that adults need to remain in the car and students need to exit the vehicle from a door closest to the sidewalk for both drop-off and pick-up. Parents/guardians will be notified of a pick-up color for the afternoon dismissal time. It is very important to keep all the children safe during
this busy time. If you have any questions about busing you can contact the transportation department or the elementary school main office.
Discover, Learn, Thrive: New Course Offerings at Williamson CSD
We are proud of our instructional program here at Williamson and take great pride in aligning our course offerings to the skills our students will need to be future ready. It is important to us that students receive a well-rounded education and have the opportunity to participate in coursework that supports their interests and aspirations. See what’s new for the 24-25 school year below!
Elementary School:
Digital Discovery - 4th Grade Students
This year, our 4th grade students will take digital discovery as a full year course. Students will learn how to navigate google applications, coding and robotics, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality (AR). This course was designed to support the Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards.
Middle School:
Literacy Across Content - 6th Grade Students
This course will offer students the opportunity to improve their literacy skills across various areas, including: reading comprehension, writing, digital literacy, and research skills. Students will enhance their background knowledge of content; allowing them to actively engage in their core classes. This course was designed using the science of reading research and assessment data.
High School:
Google Drawing - Open to all students who have already taken Studio Art
This elective course explores the potential of creating digital artwork using the Google Drawing app. Students enrolled will have the opportunity to create and manipulate digital imagery from multiple sources. Various compositional elements and principles will be explored throughout the semester.
Home Maintenance - Open to Juniors and Seniors who have completed a technology education course
This elective course will offer students the opportunity to learn how to do their own repairs and maintenance around the house. Students will learn about resources, cost, safety, and efficiency when engaging in home repair and maintenance. This course will offer hands-on learning experiences in the care and repair of plumbing, doors and windows, concrete, electrical, heating systems, insulation, and more!
Health Office Reminders & News from WCS School Nurse, Bethany Moore
When to Keep Your Student Home
It can be hard to know when to send your child to school if they tell you that they are feeling sick. Usually, the best place for them is in school, but there are times when keeping them home to rest or calling for an appointment with your healthcare provider is recommended.
If your child has a fever, it is not a good idea to give them medicine like Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen) and send them to school because as soon as the medicine wears off, the fever may return and you will be called to come and pick up your child.
Please keep your child home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications (Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen).
If you find your child is frequently asking to stay home from school, if they are falling behind or appear anxious about school, or if there does not appear to be any physical symptoms, contact the health office and your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns.
Preventing the Spread of Illness
Handwashing with soap and respiratory etiquette are two of the best ways to stay healthy and to help prevent the spread of illness, including influenza and COVID-19. Please encourage the following healthy habits with your student:
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice is a great method of keeping track of the time.
Use a waterless hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when you cannot wash your hands with soap and water.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve. Always dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth and if you do wash your hands.
Avoid sharing items (water bottles, drinking glasses, utensils, toothbrushes, etc.)
Avoid people who are ill.
Stay home from school if you are ill or have a fever of 100.4°F or greater.
Required Immunizations for School Attendance
All students must meet New York State immunization requirements for age and grade level to enter and to continue attending school. Students whose immunization records are not in compliance will not be allowed to attend school. Immunizations must be administered in accordance with the schedule recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) with respect to number of doses, minimum interval spacing between doses, and minimum age requirements.
All students must have the following immunizations:
Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT, DT, DTaP)
Hepatitis B
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Polio
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
In addition to the above requirements:
Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib): UPK
Pneumococcal (PCV): UPK
Tdap: one dose grades 6-12
Meningococcal: one dose grades 7-11
If a student is on a catch up schedule for delinquent immunizations, subsequent doses must be administered within 14 days after the minimum interval spacing date. New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) does not accept alternative schedules for required immunizations.
For more information on New York State law regarding immunizations, go to https://health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/school_vaccines/
Wayne County Public Health, 1519 Nye Rd Lyons, administers immunizations to students. Please call 315-946-5749 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
Health Examinations and Dental Certificates
As of July 1, 2018 New York State law requires a health examination (physical exam) for all students entering the school district for the first time and when entering Pre-K or K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th , and 11th grade. All students who are enrolled in the district are subject to New York State requirements for physicals. This examination must be dated AFTER SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 in order to qualify for the 2024-2025 school year. All physical exams must be completed on the required New York State School Health Examination Form or an electronic form that is equivalent to the required form. We are no longer permitted to accept other forms. All forms must be submitted to the health office within the first 30 days of school.
Dental Certificates are requested for students entering the school district for the first time and when entering the above grades.
LINK to EXAM FORM AND DENTAL CERTIFICATE
Medications in School
Prescription and over the counter medications and may be administered to a student in school if the following criteria are met:
A written medical order from the student’s healthcare provider, indicating the medication, dosage, frequency, and reason is provided. A prescription label or parent instructions from the healthcare provider are not considered medical orders.
Medical orders must be renewed annually.
The parent must authorize in writing that medication can be administered to their student.
Medication must be brought to school by a parent in the original container. Medication in baggies or mislabeled bottles will not be accepted.
In the Spring, you should have received a mailing from your student’s health office containing a new over the counter form. In order to help students remain in school, we are now keeping certain medications in stock in the health offices. The form needs to be signed by both a parent/guardian and a healthcare provider. If you have not submitted the form please do so.
Release of Information Forms
School Health Office Personnel often have to contact your student’s healthcare provider for physicals, clarification on orders, etc. Most healthcare providers now require a release of information to be on file or they will not be able to send the required information to the health office. In the Spring, you should have received a mailing containing a release of information form. If you have not already completed the form please do so immediately because this will help your student’s school nurse to quickly receive the necessary information from the healthcare provider.
Potassium Iodide
Williamson CSD is within the Ginna Nuclear Plant evacuation area. In the event of a nuclear emergency, the Wayne County Office of Emergency Management may determine that students should receive a potassium iodide (KI) tablet to block the effects of radiation. If you do NOT want your student to receive KI, you must submit a refusal form to your student’s health office. Please contact your student’s health office for the necessary form.
Health Screenings
Throughout the school year mandatory New York State health screenings will be conducted in the health offices for new entrants and students in following grades: UPK, Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th. Required screenings are grade specific and may include: vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings. Parents will be notified of any significant findings.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact your student’s health office.
REMINDER: Chain of Contact
Coach --> Athletic Director --> Building Principal --> Superintendent --> Board of Education
There may be times when you have questions or concerns about your child's participation in athletics. Please be certain to use this chain of command so that you can receive a timely response from the staff member that is most directly involved in the situation.
When approaching a coach about an athletics concern, parents/guardians are encouraged to exercise the "24 hour rule" and to request a meeting or phone call outside of the practice/athletic competition environment.
As you move further along the chain of command, the staff is less directly involved and usually needs time to research the situation before they can give you an answer. If you do not hear back from the person you have contacted within 24 hours, it is time to move along to the next level of the chain. We do not expect your questions or concerns to go unanswered for a long period of time.
We all look forward to a wonderful school year with few complaints. Please note that compliments or acknowledgements of positive events can be directed to everyone along the chain. All of us appreciate hearing that there is something good that has happened!
Andy Kritall, Athletic Director
(315) 589-9621
NYSPHSAA Spectator Expectations
NYSPHSAA Spectator Expectations
The New York State High School Athletics Association developed and will require that all school districts implement and enforce Sportsmanship Standards, effective Fall 2023.
NYSPHSAA Expectation Statement: Officials, just like student athletes and coaches, are critical to interscholastic sports programs. Without officials, NYSPHSAA and its member schools would not be able to provide interscholastic sports in the manner that is desired and expected by student athletes, coaches, and parents. In addition to abiding by the HCS Code of Conduct, spectators are expected to “Be Loud, Be Proud, and Be Positive.” Negative comments and inappropriate behaviors by spectators are required to be addressed by all and any school supervisors and administrators, as a member of NYSPHSAA in the following non-sequential order depending on the comments or behavior:
First warning – Directing the spectator or group of spectators to refrain from any negative comments or actions.
Second warning – A personal discussion with the spectators or group of spectators on the above NYSPHSAA expectations and reminding the spectators or group of spectators of the next step - removal of the game or event - will be utilized if the behavior continues.
Removal from the contest – The spectator or group of spectators will be directed to leave the facility for the remainder of the game or event.
If spectators or group of spectators refuse to leave the game or event, play will be stopped until they vacate the premise.
Penalty for being removed from a game or event: Any spectator removed from a game or event will have a minimum penalty of completing the NFHS Parent Credential course or a one game suspension before they are allowed to attend any interscholastic event, home or away.
Once the course is completed the spectator will provide a certificate of completion to the athletic department office.
Schools are required to communicate with the offending spectator on the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Spectator Expectations.
Spectators may be prohibited from attending current and future interscholastic contests based on their behavior. (Oct. 2022)
Depending on the severity of the behavior/comments or future disqualifications by the offending spectator NYSPHSAA and the Section may get directly involved in the situation. (May 2023)
Did You Know? Intersection of Code of Conduct, DASA and Sexual Harassment
WCS Code of Conduct:
- Per SED, the Board of Education of every school district within New York State is required to adopt and amend, as appropriate, a Code of Conduct for the maintenance of order on school property, including a school function, which shall govern the conduct of students, teachers and other school personnel as well as visitors and shall provide for the enforcement thereof.
- Any and all student misconduct may be investigated and enforced under the district’s Code of Conduct. Investigation and enforcement of Code of Conduct violations is the responsibility of building level administration, and may be supported by a Dean of Students and/or other support staff.
- The Code of Conduct articulates the range of progressive dispositions for offenses, and the district strives for consistency in its application.
- The DASA legislation is intended to provide students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function. Please review the above link for more information on DASA.
- Protected classes in the DASA legislation include: race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and sex.
- Behaviors outlined in DASA are also identified as prohibited student conduct within the WCS Code of Conduct. As such, any such misconduct may be investigated and enforced under the district’s Code of Conduct.
- Please report any DASA concerns as outlined below:
- Contact your building level administrator. Administration welcomes and encourages direct and open lines of communication with students and families.
- Tell a trusted adult, such as any member of the mental health staff or a teacher. School personnel are required to notify an administrator in the event of such a report.
- Complete the Incident Reporting Form located on our website. Building principals actively monitor this tool for reports of peer conflict, misconduct, bullying, and/or harassment.
- District appointed DASA Coordinators conduct DASA investigations. The WCS DASA Coordinators include the following staff members:
- Ingrid Wander ESDASA@williamsoncentral.org
- Amy Hanna MSDASA@williamsoncentral.org
- Mark Blair HSDASA@williamsoncentral.org
- While the DASA Coordinator may conduct the investigation, our building level administrators are responsible for disposition of any "founded" DASA complaint.
- Title IX is a federal law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and provides, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Please review the above link for more information.
- In August 2020, the U.S. Department of Education adopted new regulations to revise the definition of sexual harassment prohibited under Title IX, and also created new procedures for investigating allegations of sexual harassment covered by Title IX.
- Behaviors outlined in Title IX are also identified as prohibited student conduct within the WCS Code of Conduct. As such, any such misconduct may be investigated and enforced under the district’s Code of Conduct.
- Please note, however, in the event of a report of sexual harassment, the family of a student victim will be contacted by a district appointed Title IX Coordinator to discuss investigation options, time parameters for a formal Title IX investigation, and other considerations (such as confidentiality) of such an investigation.
- In the event a Title IX complaint is filed, the family of the alleged offender will also be contacted by district appointed Title IX Coordinator to discuss the investigation, time parameters and other considerations.
- The WCS Title IX Coordinators include:
- Rob Snyder, High School Principal
- Kate Taylor, Middle School Principal
- Bryon Rockow, Middle School Assistant Principal
- Questions about Title IX information may be directed to the individuals named above or to wcstitleix@williamsoncentral.org.
- Title IX concerns should be reported as previously outlined above (and reinforced here):
- Contact your building level administrator. Building administration welcome and encourage direct and open lines of communication with students and families. As Title IX Investigators, they also are “the lead” in any investigation and/or development of action steps to redress issues.
- Tell a trusted adult, such as any member of the mental health staff or a teacher. School personnel are required to notify an administrator in the event of such a report.
- Follow the Title IX Grievance process outlined on the website.
- Building level administrators are responsible for the disposition of any "founded" Title IX complaint.
Go Guardian Alerts
To support student safety and encourage scholarly behaviors when using devices, the Williamson Central School District incorporated online services provided by GoGuardian a number of years ago. It may be helpful to know that over 10,000 other schools use GoGuardian to protect 5.5 million students across the world, and the Global Educator Institute has endorsed the GoGuardian Teacher product.
How are we using GoGuardian?
- WCS has chosen GoGuardian services to:
- Help protect students against harmful and inappropriate online material
- Help students stay “scholarly” and more focused when learning online
- Help assess students’ progress towards class assignments
When and how does GoGuardian operate?
- GoGuardian’s web-based services operate on our school’s managed G Suite for Education Chrome accounts (i.e. when a student is logged into Chrome or a Chromebook with his/her school email address).
- GoGuardian Teacher enables teachers to use GoGuardian Teacher with students in their classes only during school hours from Monday through Friday.
- GoGuardian also enables the district to monitor student usage 24/7. When Beacon detects that a student is browsing content related to Self-Harm or Suicide, a notification will be sent to users in order of the Escalation List up to five times or until an action is taken on the alert card. Disclaimer: Regardless of school monitoring specific to reference of self harm, it is simply not possible to catch all activity. Parents maintain responsibility to supervise their children’s use of devices.
What are the school’s responsibilities?
- WCS selected GoGuardian services to help our students stay safer and more scholarly online. We will work with students during class time to help teach them digital responsibility and safety. Additionally, we will train teachers about how to operate GoGuardian and about our policies and procedures to help protect student privacy.
What are my parental/guardian and child’s responsibilities?
- We ask that students uses their school-managed Google accounts and school-managed devices for educational purposes within the boundaries of the WCS Acceptable Use Policy and Agreement.
- When a student is off campus, parents are responsible for supervising internet access and usage. We encourage you to discuss rules for appropriate internet usage with your child, and to reinforce lessons of digital citizenship and safety with him or her. We also highly encourage you to report any potential cyberbullying or other sensitive issues to us.
How does GoGuardian help protect my child’s privacy?
- To help your child remain scholarly and safe online, GoGuardian collects certain personally identifiable information about your child.
- GoGuardian has consulted with privacy experts, participates in privacy organizations, is a proud signatory of the Student Privacy Pledge, and has been awarded certifications by iKeepSafe for complying with both the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and California student privacy laws. For more detailed information about GoGuardian, you may visit GoGuardian’s website, Trust & Privacy Center, GoGuardian’s Product Privacy Policy, and the attached COPPA Notice and Disclosure Form.
Help Wanted: Substitutes Spanning Instructional and Operational Areas
The Williamson Central School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are currently seeking to hire SUBSTITUTES in the following areas:
- School Nurse
- Teachers
- Teacher Assistants
- Monitors (Hall/Cafeteria/Transportation)
- Bus Drivers
- Cleaners
- Typists
- Food Service Workers
Please complete the application as outlined on our website.
For Questions, Contact:
- Nikki Oathout Phone: (315) 589-9661, Email: noathout@williamsoncentral.org
2024-25 Board of Education Meeting Dates
BOE Meetings begin at 6:30pm and are scheduled in the Board of Education Conference Room at the Middle School. Our Board Meetings are all live-streamed to YouTube. Click here to be taken to the Williamson Central School District YouTube Page.
You may find additional information about the WCS Board of Education on the district website.
- July 8, 2024 Organizational
- Meeting July 1st
- July 19, 2024
- August 7, 2024
- August 28, 2024
- September 18, 2024
- October 16, 2024
- November 6, 2024
- December 4, 2024
- January 8, 2025
- January 28, 2025
- February 12, 2025
- March 4, 2025
- March 19, 2025
- April 9, 2025
- April 23, 2025
- May 7, 2025 Budget Hearing
- May 28, 2025
- June 18, 2025
Special Meeting Dates:
- May 20, 2025 - Annual Meeting/Board Member Election 1-9 p.m.
How to Reach Me...
Email: bashton@williamsoncentral.org
Website: https://www.williamsoncentral.org/
Location: 4184 Miller Street (P.O. Box 900) Williamson, NY 14589
Phone: 315-589-9661
Twitter: @EBridgetAshton
