Superintendent Update

Dear Families,

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your overwhelming support during this year's school budget vote and the approval of our additional propositions. The results speak volumes, not just about dollars and cents, but about our shared priorities and deep-rooted belief in the power of public education. Your resounding approval affirms our community's ongoing commitment to creating rich, supportive, and forward-thinking learning environments for all students. It's a tribute to what we can accomplish together when we invest in our children, our schools, and, ultimately, our future. Thank you for continuing to stand with us!

As we enter the final weeks of the school year and the sunshine and warmth of summer arrive, I would like to remind everyone, including students, families, and drivers alike, of the importance of pedestrian safety. This is a time of increased foot traffic around neighborhoods and schools, and our collective awareness is key to keeping everyone safe. Drivers, please remember to observe reduced speed limits in school zones, come to complete stops at intersections, and remain vigilant for children crossing the street, especially near playgrounds, bus stops and crosswalks. Students and families, take a moment to reinforce safe walking habits: Stop at corners, make eye contact with drivers and always look both ways before crossing. Helpful resources can be found at NYSDOT's pedestrian safety page and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here's a resource specifically for younger children.

June is one of the most vibrant and meaningful months of the year in our schools. We look forward to celebrating a range of exciting milestones and traditions that make our community so special, including Flag Day, Sports Days, the Senior Ball and Parade, Moving Up Ceremonies, Graduation and more. These events are not just reminders of growth, accomplishment, and community spirit but also opportunities for us to come together and celebrate. I encourage you to soak in each moment, capture the joy, and share in the pride that comes with seeing our students flourish. Let's make these events a celebration to remember!

Enjoy every memory made, and thank you again for being such an essential part of our journey.

In partnership,

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D

Superintendent of Schools

P.S. You can find all of my updates on our website under Superintendent Update.

As part of the 2025–2026 state budget, a new law was passed that limits student use of internet-enabled personal devices (smartphones and watches, tablets, etc.) during the school day. Schools must develop policies around this, and as a first step we are interested in your perspective and feedback. Please consider taking this brief survey for us (linked here). The ban begins Aug. 1, 2025 and the rule applies to all public schools, charter schools, and BOCES programs across the state. The new mandate includes the following:

• Unsanctioned student use of internet-enabled personal devices is not allowed in school buildings and on school grounds during the regular school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch, recess and study hall periods.

• There are a number of exceptions, including the use of devices needed for specific educational purposes, a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), to manage a medical condition, or for students who are caregivers.

We know this is an important topic for families. We will be communicating much more to you over the summer as we develop our district policy. We appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey.

As mentioned in previous communications, we have been engaged in understanding the shifts presented by the NYS Department of Education regarding graduation expectations and requirements. Part of this work has resulted in the creation of our own West Irondequoit Portrait of a Graduate (see PDF below). We are currently engaged in work to review how our current course offerings align with the Portrait. Click here to see the courses.

We value your insights as parents and guardians in shaping the educational experiences that best prepare students to be productive members of our community and for life beyond high school.

If you currently have students enrolled at IHS, we would appreciate if you could complete the short survey, linked here: https://forms.office.com/r/PxYrr704hF

Your feedback on how well high school courses support college and career readiness will help us better evaluate our course offerings in the future and ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for success. This initiative aligns with the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, which envisions students as adaptable, lifelong learners prepared to thrive in a dynamic world. Your perspective is essential in making this vision a reality.

We are excited to announce a new tradition at this year’s graduation ceremony (10 a.m. June 22 at RIT) that honors hard work, dedication and academic excellence. For the first time, we will recognize student achievement through a cum laude honors system. It is designed to celebrate not only high academic performance, but also consistent effort shown throughout a student's educational journey:

• Cum Laude: GPA of 85.0 – 89.9

• Magna Cum Laude: GPA of 90.0 – 94.9

• Summa Cum Laude: GPA of 95.0 – 100

These distinctions will be acknowledged through a seal on the student’s diploma and a notation in the graduation program. We look forward to celebrating with you and honoring the remarkable achievements of our students! Our 102nd commencement will be broadcast LIVE on our YouTube channel.

Voters approved the 2025-26 School District Budget and two propositions on May 20th. Mrs. Melissa Bohrer and Mr. Matthew Sullivan, the two incumbents running for the Board of Education, were also re-elected for a new three-year term starting July 1, 2025.

• Budget Proposal passed, 1,364 votes - 424 votes (76%)
• Proposition #1 passed, 1,459-327 (82%)
• Proposition #2 passed, 1,389-392 (78%)

Click here for the full story or go to our Vote Page.

Campus Construction is busy building the second-story walkway that connects IHS to Dake, which is visible from Cooper Road. This R.I.S.E. Capital Project update takes you inside Iroquois & Rogers middle schools and our Dept. of Environmental Services at 330 Pattonwood Drive. You’ll see:

• IROQUOIS: Bathroom tile installation, painted and primed walls and new windows and cabinetry in the Library/Media Center.
• D.O.E.S.: Concrete footers, newly poured concrete floor, electrical wiring and framing installed.
• ROGERS/SOUTHLAWN LIBRARY: Rebar installation and wall framing in the Library/Media Center.

For R.I.S.E. updates/timeline: westirondequoit.org/district/capital-project/rise-project

Watch R.I.S.E. videos: R.I.S.E. Project Construction Updates - YouTube

All West Irondequoit students, families and staff members are invited to participate in the 15-day Walking Challenge! It started yesterday Sunday, June 1!

GUIDELINES

On the tracker sheet (click the printable PDF below), check off any day that you take a wellness walk. Completed trackers can be turned into your child’s classroom teacher by June 20th with the name of the student and any family members who completed the challenge with them.

Classroom teachers will send the trackers to the West Irondequoit Community Education Office at IHS for a chance to win an Adult Lap Swim Pass or Family Swim Pass. The pass provides access to the IHS Pool for five visits during lap or family swim time. Pool schedule: https://bit.ly/4keLGAt. Students who complete the challenge will also have their names announced on the morning announcements the week of June 23rd!

See all West Irondequoit Community Education offerings via their webpage linked below. Registration is open at this link. Remember, classes are open to residents and non-residents, so bring some friends! Link: bit.ly/CommEducation_WI

Email: public_info@westiron.monroe.edu
Website: westirondequoit.org
Location: 321 List Avenue, Irondequoit, NY, USA
Phone: 585-342-5500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestIrondequoitCSD
X/Twitter: @WestIrondequoit