Dear WCS Students, Families, Staff and Community Members,

NO SCHOOL: Monday, May 26

Memorial Day Observance

Heartfelt Thanks for Your Support in the Annual Election and Budget Vote

On behalf of the Williamson Central School District, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to each of you who participated in this year’s Annual Election and Budget Vote. Your active engagement—whether by voting, attending forums, or engaging in thoughtful discussions—demonstrates the strength and unity of our community.

Your support ensures that we can continue to provide a high-quality education, maintain our facilities, and meet the evolving needs of our students. We are committed to being responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us and will continue to prioritize initiatives that directly benefit our students and enhance their learning experiences.

Proposition One: 2025-26 Budget

238 "yes" votes and 148 "no" votes (62% approval rate)

Proposition Two: Bus Purchases

241 "yes" votes and 145 "no" votes (62% approval rate)

Congratulations to Sarah M. Schembri and Rae Verbridge, who successfully secured Board of Education seats for three year terms, effective July 1, 2025.

BOE Election Results

Sarah M. Schembri - 300 Votes

Rae Verbridge - 237 Votes

Write ins - 67 Votes

Congratulations to Our First Ex Officio Student Board of Education Member

We are proud to announce and extend our warmest congratulations to Ronan Martinez, who has been selected as Williamson Central School District’s first Ex Officio Student Member of the Board of Education!

This exciting milestone comes in response to a new law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on September 5, 2024 (Bill S.9018A/A.9855A), which requires all New York State school districts with high schools to appoint at least one high school student as a non-voting, ex officio member of their Board of Education, effective July 1, 2025. This initiative is designed to foster civic engagement and empower students with a formal platform to contribute to school governance.

As our ex officio student board member, Ronan Martinez will serve a one-year term beginning July 1, 2025, and will:

• Attend all public Board of Education meetings,

• Provide monthly updates to the Superintendent and Board, representing student perspectives,

• Participate in board-related activities as appropriate, and

• Serve as a vital connection between the student body and district leadership.

While this is a non-voting position, it is a meaningful step forward in amplifying student voice and ensuring their insight is included in key discussions impacting their education and school community.

KUDOS! We commend all of the ex officio student board member candidates for their leadership, initiative, and commitment to serving as a representative of their peers.

Looking Ahead: Asset Preservation of our Facilities

As part of our continued commitment to maximizing state aid and being responsible stewards of your tax dollars, Williamson Central School District has included a mini-renovation project in the proposed 2025–26 school year budget. We sincerely thank you for your ongoing support of this important capital outlay initiative.

The proposed $100,000 Capital Outlay Project will focus on replacing select interior and exterior doors, hardware, and related construction at the High School. This necessary work will address deteriorating conditions, enhance building security, and improve overall performance. By structuring this as a capital outlay project, the district qualifies to receive approximately $84,300 in state aid. Without this funding strategy, the full cost would need to be covered solely by local resources. This is part of our broader capital planning model, which aims to return building aid to the district each year to support future small-scale renovations within the regular budget.

In addition, I am working closely now with our Business Official, Director of Facilities, architectural firm project coordinators and school user groups to begin planning for the next major capital improvement project. This 2025 initiative will focus on asset preservation, targeting areas identified as deficient in our 2022 Building Condition Survey—including roofs, boilers, building envelope, safety systems, and accessibility improvements.

Our goal in planning for this next project is to ensure no tax impact on the community for this asset preservation work. We are committed to maintaining transparency and will share more details as planning progresses. Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain safe, secure, and efficient learning environments for all Williamson students.

ES Principal Search Update

We are pleased to share an update on our ongoing Elementary School Principal Search process. As of today, 11 candidates have submitted applications for this important leadership role. We are committed to conducting a thorough, inclusive, and thoughtful search process to find the best possible leader for our elementary school community.

Below is a detailed timeline and outline of the process:

Search Timeline & Process Overview

📅 Posting Period: May 8 – May 29

• The position was widely posted to attract a strong and diverse candidate pool.

🔍 Vetting of Candidates: Friday, May 30

• Goal: Review all applications to identify highly qualified individuals for first-round interviews.

👥 Administrative Cabinet Screening Interviews: Tuesday, June 3

• Goal: Select up to six semifinalist candidates for the next stage.

Interview Format:

• 30-minute traditional Q&A

• 30-minute on-demand writing prompt

Feedback Process:

• Committee members will complete a WCSD feedback document and provide electronic confidence ratings to the superintendent.

🤝 Stakeholder Semifinalist Committee Interviews: Thursday, June 5
Committee Participants Include:

• Elementary teachers & support staff

• Administrative assistants

• Assistant Principal

• WFA & CSEA leadership

• Parents/guardians

• Building and district administrators

Interview Format:

• Traditional interview and may include a candidate presentation

Feedback Process:
All participants will complete the WCSD feedback form and submit electronic confidence ratings to help identify finalists.

🏁 Finalist Interviews with Superintendent: Tuesday, June 10

• Goal: Select the next Elementary Principal for recommendation to the Board of Education on June 18, 2025.

I would like to thank all of our committee participants in advance for your commitment to this important process. Your insights and voices are vital as we work to identify a leader who reflects our values and will champion excellence for all students.

MAY 2025 District Newsletter Highlights - Hope you will read on...

• Superintendent Updates
• Invitation to Participate: Bell to Bell Cell Phone Ban Discussions and Strategic Planning

• Building Newsletters
• District Level Updates from Rachel Liberatore, Kelly Colling and Karen Hoody
• Reminders from Technology Department
• NUMEROUS Athletics Updates and CELEBRATIONS from Bryon Rockow, Athletic Director

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in this incredible work! As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about the information contained in this newsletter or otherwise.

Warmest regards,

Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Williamson Central School District
4184 Miller Street
Williamson, NY 14589
Bashton@williamsoncentral.org
#WilliamsonPROUD

As part of the Final State Budget, all schools—including our district—are required to implement a new policy prohibiting student use of internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the school day. This policy must be in place by August 1, 2025, and we are committed to developing it collaboratively with our community.

We understand this change may have a significant impact on your child’s daily school experience, and we want to ensure your voice is heard. Before we finalize this policy, we are inviting families, students, staff, and other stakeholders to participate in shaping the policy

What the Policy Involves:

• Students will not be allowed to use internet-enabled devices during the entire school day—including homeroom, lunch, and passing time.

• The policy will include clear guidelines on how parents/guardians can contact students during the day and how students can safely store their devices.

• Exceptions will be made for specific educational needs, emergencies, translation, medical reasons, and legal accommodations (including IEP/504 plans).

• Schools are prohibited from suspending students solely for violating this policy.

Upcoming Opportunities to Participate:

• Community Meeting: June 10, 2025 from 5:30 - 6:30 at BOE Conference Room. We are hosting a community round table discussion on June 10 to gather your input. We want to know:

1. What are your concerns or suggestions about a "bell to bell" ban policy?

2. What ideas do you have around storage of cell phones/internet enabled devices?

3. Are there other considerations?

• Online Survey: Complete survey by June 11, 2025.

• Written Comments: Email me directly at bashton@williamsoncentral.org by June 11, 2025.

Your input is essential to ensuring our policy is thoughtful, inclusive, and supportive of student learning and well-being.

Dear Families,

I am excited to invite you to an important Strategic Planning Session on Monday, July 15, where we will share and discuss the next steps in our district's future direction.

During the session, we will:

• Review our essential objectives

• Present a draft Strategic Plan that outlines specific actions tied to each objective

• Share measures of success to track our progress

• Gather your feedback to help refine and strengthen the plan

Your voice matters. As a vital part of our school community, your input will help ensure our goals reflect the needs and priorities of the families we serve.

We are offering two session times on July 15 for your convenience:

• Session 1: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Session 2: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Location: BOE Conference Room at MS

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this opportunity. Please email me directly at bashton@williamsoncentral.org with your preferred session time.

I look forward to your participation and learning from you as we work together to shape a strong future for our schools and students.

For Planning Purposes: Final Two Weeks Calendar
Attached to this message is the schedule for the final two weeks of school. Please note that the last day for K-8 students is Wednesday, June 25, and the last day for staff is Friday, June 27.

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 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 also 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

See link below.

Greetings from the Principal,

As the 2024-2025 school year winds to a close at the Williamson Middle School, we rejoice in the success of another school year.

The Annual Awards Ceremony is June 11th. Weather permitting, we will have this on the front lawn of the Middle School. It will begin at 7:45. The ceremony primarily recognizes the accomplishments of our eighth grade students, however our younger students are eligible for Student of the Month awards and our PAWS award. Parents and community members are welcome to attend. We will also be dedicating the Yearbook during the ceremony!

Our eighth grade class will have the opportunity to go to SeaBreeze on June 12th. This is one of the highlights of the MIddle School experience, and our students look forward to it after a long year of hard work. They will be leaving the building at approximately 9:00!

We are also excited to continue our end of year MTSS Tier 1 events. We will be bringing the bounce houses back during one of our last days and our students will be bouncing! It will be a celebration of the 2023-2025 school year. The PRIDE race is also scheduled for the last days of school. All of our students participate in a variety of capacities in this community building event.

In addition to the celebratory activities, some of our 8th grade students will also be taking part in Regents’ Exams. The Algebra 1 exam is scheduled for the afternoon of June 18th. The written portion of the Earth Science exam is June 20th. It is important that students are well rested and hydrated on the day of the exam. This will help ensure their best performance.

As a community and a school, we would like to thank our families for their continued support. We continue to provide a school program with a wide variety of activities and experiences. It is our great hope that the 2025-2026 school year will build upon that strength. We look to move forward and create a rich and fulfilling educational environment for our students at Williamson Middle School.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email or call at (315) 589-9665.

Kathryn Taylor

Middle School Principal

Greetings from Miss Saxby ~ Williamson Elementary Principal:

We are hoping the nice weather has finally arrived, so we can enjoy more time outside! The elementary school continues to be a busy place, especially at this time of the school year. Make sure you are marking your calendar with the many important dates of the year!

We do have some time remaining in the school year, so we continue to focus on learning and preparing for the next grade level. It is important to encourage your child to continue to put forth their best effort. This is also a good time of the year to check in with your child’s teachers for a progress update.

Teachers will soon submit recommendations for our summer school program. If your child has been invited to participate in summer school, you will receive a letter by the end of May. This year’s summer school will be held in Marion, with Williamson providing transportation for our students. Summer school will run from July 7th-August 1st for 3 hours in the morning. If you have questions about summer school, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

We continue to focus on building the school community here in the elementary school while also focusing on our PRIDE philosophy!

Thank you for your continued support!

Miss Ellen Saxby

Williamson Elementary Principal

Building Strong Readers: Our Shared Commitment to Literacy

As partners in your student’s educational journey, we’re excited to showcase the outstanding efforts within our ELA program to build strong literacy skills at every grade level. Through dynamic classroom experiences, we remain committed to helping every student grow into a confident, capable reader. Below are building highlights shared by our ELA Content Area Specialists:

Elementary School:

• Grounded in the Science of Reading, our Elementary teachers have focused on providing students with consistent, explicit instruction in foundational literacy skills to support a strong foundation for reading success. Students are growing literacy letter gardens, expanding their vocabulary across content areas, and engaging in rich, text-based discussions.

Middle School:

• The English Language Arts department across grades 5 through 8 continues to implement targeted instructional strategies that build essential literacy skills, support reading development, and foster deep engagement with texts. Through a variety of reading selections, writing tasks, and cross-curricular connections, students are strengthening their comprehension, analysis, and communication abilities.

High School:

• The English Language Arts department across grades 9 through 12 has worked diligently throughout the academic year to promote literacy, critical thinking, and writing development. Through the use of diverse texts, interdisciplinary connections, writing workshops, and project-based learning (PBL), students are consistently engaging with challenging material in ways that promote both academic growth and personal development.

In New York State, FACE (Family and Community Engagement) Centers are part of the OSE Educational Partnership and provide support and training to families, educators, and other stakeholders related to students with disabilities. They focus on enhancing services for students from early childhood through post-school opportunities.

Examples of services offered by FACE Centers:

• Guidance on navigating early childhood services.

• Training for special education students on self-advocacy and IEP participation.

• Information and support for parents and students regarding the college admissions process and transition planning.

• Workshops and activities for young adults to develop social-emotional and life skills.

• Support for families on understanding IEPs, the special education process, and accessing resources.

Feel free to use the QR code below to learn more about how the FACE Center can support you and your child.

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the progress your children have made and to thank you for your continued partnership. It’s been a year full of learning, growth, and perseverance—and we’re so proud of everything our students have accomplished. With just ten weeks left in the school year, now is a great time to encourage students to finish strong.

One of the most important ways students can finish the year well is by being present. Daily attendance ensures they don’t miss out on valuable instruction, review, and special end-of-year experiences. Here’s how our schools are doing right now:

• Elementary School: 94% of the students are present in school for at least 95% of their total school days at thirty weeks of school.

• Middle School: 93% of the students are present in school for at least 95% of their total school days at thirty weeks of school.

• High School: 92% of the students are present in school for at least 95% of their total school days at thirty weeks of school.

When do absences become a problem? Students can fall behind even if they miss just one or two days every few weeks. Missing 10%, or about two days each month over the course of a school year makes it difficult for students to learn new material and retain previous learning. Students who participate in our tier 2 and 3 academic and social emotional services miss valuable time dedicated to remediation and/or support if they are frequently absent. We know that sometimes an absence is necessary for a variety of reasons. Communicating with your child’s teacher during absences is the best way to prevent academic loss or regression.

We’re proud of the work our students and staff do daily and grateful for your efforts to support regular attendance. As the year draws to a close, every day matters, especially as students wrap up their learning and prepare for the transition into summer and the next grade level. Let’s keep the momentum going and help our students cross the finish line, feeling successful and proud.

Keep Your Cases On!

Students must keep their cases on their Chromebook (this is not optional). These cases are not bulky and do not limit use. This is done to prevent accidental damage. Please make sure your student has their case on and the Chromebook is charged to start the day.

Tech Support

If you or your student has a technology issue related to school please use the following link:

Technology Support Request

There are also supports in place in each building where students can access help for their devices or get a spare device.

Chargers

We can only replace broken chargers at this time, we can not replace lost chargers. If a student has lost their charger they will have to make arrangements to charge their device.

Chromebook Return and Pick Up for the End of School Year:

All Students are required to return all school issued equipment at the end of the year, this includes but is not limited to:

Chromebook

Chargers (if students find missing chargers please return them)

Cases

Hotspots

*Students will only get back what they turned in at the end of the year*

Elementary School: Students will be leaving their devices with Teachers

Middle School: Students will be leaving their devices with specific Teachers which will be announced before the end of the year.

High School: Students will drop off their equipment before their final test. Student's not taking a test will drop off their equipment before school ends (date to be decided).

To get equipment back at the beginning of the year, parents and students must sign the Digital Citizenship Form which will be released before students come back to school via Parent Square. Physical copies will also be made available in all main offices.

Pickup dates for both Middle School and High School will be announced during the Summer.

Students who are going to Summer School will receive a device back for Summer School.

Cybersecurity Tips on Passwords:

StaySafeOnline.org Passwords

The district’s School Health Services program supports your student’s academic success by promoting health in the school setting. One way that we provide care for your student is by performing the health screenings as mandated by the State of New York.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. A letter will be sent home if your student requires follow-up with your healthcare provider. For vision screenings only, parents will be notified of all results. Please call the Health Office if you have questions or concerns.

In the spring, you should have received information from your student’s health office containing a new Over the Counter form and a Release of Information form. We recommend completing and returning these forms to your student’s health office as soon as possible.

In order to help students remain in school, we are now keeping certain medications in stock in the health offices (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Tums, etc.). These medications can be given if the Over the Counter form is on file for your child. The form needs to be signed by both a parent/guardian and a healthcare provider.

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 form to be on file or they will not be able to send the required information to the health office.

Link to OTC form

Link to Release of Information Form

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your student’s health office. Best wishes for a joyful and healthy holiday season filled with peace, love, and special moments together!

Catherine Lama, RN

High School SUBSTITUTE Nurse

315-589-9625

bmoore@williamsoncentral.org

315-410-5470 (fax)

Nick Weis, RN BSN

Middle School Nurse

315-589-9665, ext. 3521

315-410-5586 (fax)

Hayley Musclow, RN

Elementary School Nurse

315-589-9668 option 3

hmusclow@williamsoncentral.org

315-410-5343 (fax)

• District Office
• Buildings and Grounds
• Elementary School Nurse
• Elementary, alternate location
• Middle School Nurse
• Middle School, alternate location
• High School Nurse
• High School, alternate location
• High School Athletics locations
• Floater

Athletics Update – Spring into Sectionals and Record-Breaking Moments!

As we head into June, I’d like to wish all of our teams the very best as they enter sectional play. Our spring athletes, coaches, and families have shown incredible commitment, and we’re proud of all they’ve accomplished so far.

Our Varsity Baseball team wrapped up an impressive regular season with a 12-5 record, earning the #8 seed in a highly competitive Class C bracket. Best of luck to our boys as they enter sectionals!

Our Varsity Softball team has shown resilience and growth throughout a rebuilding season. In her first year as head coach, Coach Fillmore has done a tremendous job leading and developing the program.

A special spotlight goes to Jessica Shanley, who completed her final season with the Marauders as the team’s only senior and a standout leader. Jessica led with heart, positivity, and determination—bringing energy to every practice and game. Her leadership, even through a winless season, left a lasting impression on her teammates and coaches. On Senior Night, she shined with multiple base hits and a confident catch in left field to start the game. Jessica’s legacy of resilience and grace will continue to inspire future Marauders.

In Boys Tennis, team sectionals are underway, and our boys are off to a strong start with two wins under their belt. They’ll face Avon in the semifinals for a chance to reach the finals.
We’re also proud to recognize Rhett Storms and Ethan Alexander, who qualified for States in doubles! Though they typically play singles during the season, their chemistry and teamwork as a duo were unmatched. Congratulations, Rhett and Ethan—and best of luck at States!

Our Varsity Flag Football team wrapped up a great second season, falling to a tough Batavia squad in the first round of sectionals. Coach Coon and Coach Zenelovic did a phenomenal job building the program and leading this talented group of student-athletes.

A huge congratulations to Madi Nuessle, who signed to continue her flag football career at Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania! We are incredibly proud of her and can’t wait to follow her success at the next level.

In Track & Field, both the boys and girls teams have made headlines this season with historic performances and team championships:

Hannah Governor shattered a 32-year-old school record in the 800m at Mynderse, finishing with a time of 2:20.94, breaking the previous mark of 2:21.21 set in 1993 by Kate Walker.

Haeden Wing broke the school pole vault record not once—but multiple times! She first set a new record at Red Creek with leaps of 8'6.5", 8'7", and 8'8", then raised the bar again at Sodus, clearing an incredible 9’2”.

The boys 4x400 relay team crushed a personal record, coming just 2 seconds shy of the school record, while Ben Burns clocked a personal best in the 800m—also just 2 seconds away from setting a new school record.

Most impressively, both boys and girls teams brought home Division 2 Championships at South Seneca! The boys scored 116 points, and the girls dominated with 166. A phenomenal achievement—congratulations to all athletes and coaches for this double victory!

Thank you to all our coaches for their leadership, to the families for their continued support, and to our student-athletes for their commitment, resilience, and sportsmanship. We are proud of you!

Looking Ahead – Fall Sports Start Dates & Registration

Fall 2025 Sports Start Dates

• August 18 – Varsity and JV
  

• August 25 – Modified A & B
  
  

Family ID Registration
All families with student-athletes in grades 7–12 must create an account on Family ID to register for sports. All sports sign-ups for Williamson Central School District are processed exclusively through Family ID.

Fall 2025 Family ID Registration Windows

• July 21 – August 17 (Varsity/JV)
  

• July 28 – August 24 (Modified)
  
  

Note: You cannot register until the window opens for your sport level, and registration will close at the end of each posted window. A current physical must be on file in order to be approved for participation.

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)

• District Office
• Buildings and Grounds
• Elementary School Nurse
• Elementary, alternate location
• Middle School Nurse
• Middle School, alternate location
• High School Nurse
• High School, alternate location
• High School Athletics locations
• Floater

Hello Williamson Students and Families!

I am the Director of Food Service for Williamson Central School District, a role I have been proudly serving in since 2021. Beginning July 2024, I began operating as the Food Service Director for Marion Central School District, and the Boces Wayne Technical and Career Center. The completion of the Elementary School Capital Project Kitchen Renovation was my first experience navigating a total kitchen renovation. This school year has brought some new challenges with much growth happening. I am so proud of the team I lead here in Williamson. I would like to say THANK YOU to each and every one of them. They work very hard each day to support our students and provide nutritious meals. We take so much pride in the work we do, and students are at the forefront of every thought and decision we make.

STUDENT MEALS

Student Meals will continue to be free for the rest of this school year, thanks to district participation in Community Eligibility Provision, CEP. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) allows eligible schools to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of income. CEP has been shown to increase participation in school meals, and supports a whole child approach to learning. To see more information about CEP and how school meals are funded click on the link below. https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/sites/default/files/media/How%2520School%2520Meals%2520Reach%2520Kids_21-22.pdf

New York Schools typically operate from a separate school food service fund, not the general fund, and are primarily funded through federal reimbursements and student payments, with some state matching funds.

Separate Fund/School Lunch Fund:

The school nutrition department has its own budget and fund, distinct from the school district's general fund or education budget.

Funding Sources:

• Federal Reimbursements: The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) are federally funded, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) providing reimbursements to participating schools.
• Student Payments: In a typical school year (NON CEP) Schools charge students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals the full price of meals, and students eligible for reduced-price meals pay a co-payment.
• State Funding: States provide matching funds, which can vary in form, ranging from per-meal reimbursements to salary support to general funding for operations.

SCHOOL MENUS. Menus are always posted on our school website, under Lunch Menus. Menus are subject to change. We will do our best to communicate with students and families ahead of time if that happens.

FOOD ALLERGIES. Please notify us if your child has a Food Allergy or Intolerance. Email Tina VanStrien at tvanstrien@williamsoncentral.org.

Please contact Tina VanStrien via Email at tvanstrien@williamsoncentral.org or 315-589-9621.

Media Release from NYAPT

“NYAPT Reminds Drivers to Always Stop for Stopped School Buses to Keep our Students Safe. The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT), a statewide organization dedicated to the support, development, and representation of professionals responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of our school children, is supporting Operation Safe Stop Day – an annual event to promote school bus safety and educate the public about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing. This year’s Operation Safe Stop takes place this Thursday, April 24, and is a cooperative project supported by NYAPT along with the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Education Department, the New York State School Bus Contractors Association, the student transportation industry and state, county, city, and local law enforcement agencies.

According to NYAPT’s own statewide surveys, an estimated 50,000 drivers in New York illegally pass stopped school buses every day school is in session, endangering students and putting their lives at risk. During Operation Safe Stop Day law enforcement throughout New York state will be following school buses and issuing tickets to drivers who illegally pass them. “Keeping children safe when they take that school bus to and from school each day is our top priority and we urge drivers to do their part to keep our students safe,” said NYAPT President and Transportation Director at Coxsackie-Athens School District, Ted Nugent. “We ask the public to avoid all distractions while driving, to be aware of school buses that are on our roadways, and to always stop when they see those red lights flashing on a school bus. Student lives depend on all drivers following the law.”

New York State Vehicle and Traffic law requires all vehicles to come to a full stop when approaching a school bus stopped with red lights flashing. Those lights indicate that a child is either boarding or disembarking a school bus. New York State law prohibits the passing of a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing regardless of your direction of travel, or even if there is a multi-lane or divided highway. Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr. added, “We need to continue to work hard on protecting not only our most valuable but our most vulnerable resource and that’s our school age children. Young kids have many worries regarding school, and traveling safely to school shouldn’t be one of them. So please slow down and watch for school buses either stopping or about to stop. Don’t be one of the 50,000 who illegally pass stopped school buses daily in New York.“

NYAPT states that the 2.3 million children who ride school buses in New York State are driven by qualified and well-trained school bus drivers on routes carefully planned for safety, that buses are maintained at the highest of safety standards, and that school transportation officials are doing their best to keep students safe when they are on or near a school bus. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, students are 70 times safer riding a school bus to school versus a private car.”

WCS has incorporated the Safe School Helpline as another means of communication for our learning community regarding safety concerns. The Safe School Hotline is yet another safety net and security measure designed to support the mental health needs of our students and community. Students may use the Safe School Helpline to report threats of violence, suicide and illegal activity that could harm students in our schools. It is a convenient, confidential way for anyone to report information about situations that might affect safety at our school. You can call the number any time of the day or night to report concerns about unsafe or potentially disruptive activities or situations including drug or alcohol abuse, weapons, or threats. All calls are completely confidential.

How can I report information?

Safe School Helpline: (800) 418-6423 EXT. 359

Online at: https://www.safeschoolhelpline.com/

Please watch the below video to learn more about the Safe School Helpline:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjy3ivG2uwg

Any incident of student misconduct may be linked to our Code of Conduct, but depending on the nature of misconduct may also intersect with DASA or the Sexual Harassment BOE Policy. The following is being shared in attempt to provide clarity for all WCS families.

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.

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Policy:

• 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.

Sexual Harassment (Student) Policy:

• 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.

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:

1. Help protect students against harmful and inappropriate online material
2. Help students stay “scholarly” and more focused when learning online
3. 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.

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.
• Parents maintain responsibility to supervise their children’s use of devices.

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.

It’s been a busy and exciting spring for our PTSA across the district, with several new and growing initiatives that are making a real difference in our school communities.

This season, the PTSA launched a thoughtful new tradition—flower sales at school concerts and the high school musical, Anastasia. Many families loved the convenience of being able to pick up flowers on-site to celebrate their student performers. The response has been so positive that we’re already planning to continue this offering for future events!

At the Elementary School, the annual Scholastic Book Fair was held the week of May 5, and the excitement was contagious. Students couldn’t wait to browse books, journals, and fun school supplies. Thanks to generous donations, the PTSA was able to provide free books to dozens of students in need. Even more exciting—book fair sales brought in $6,100 in Scholastic Dollars, which will go directly toward books and educational materials for classrooms throughout the school.

Also during Book Fair week, the PTSA partnered with Wayne County Community Schools to host the school’s very first Family Game Night! The event was a hit, with literacy-themed games, tasty snacks, and a free book exchange that encouraged families to read, play, and learn together.

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the PTSA delivered a special “Rise-and-Shine Appreciation” breakfast to all five school buildings in the district. Staff enjoyed pastries, cold brew, juice, and granola bars—but the real highlight? Thoughtful student shout-outs recognizing teachers and staff for the amazing work they do every day. Those heartfelt messages truly made the week special.

Want to get involved? The PTSA is always looking for volunteers to help bring events like these to life. Whether you have a little time or a lot, we’d love to have you join us! Volunteering is a great way to connect with other families and make a lasting impact on our schools. Keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities—or reach out anytime to learn more.

Thank you to all the volunteers, families, and partners who helped make these spring events so successful. Your support means everything—and we can’t wait to bring even more to our schools in the months ahead!

2024-2025 Officers:

Veronica Weber - President

Lucia Copeland - Vice President

Alysha Peets - Treasurer

Patty Kimerly - Secretary

2024-2025 Meeting dates:

September 17

October 8

November 12

January 14

February 11

March 11

April 8

May 13

June 10

Please join PTSA as a member to help support our students, staff and families!

ES Community School Coordinator: Erin Rowley

erowley@williamsoncentral.org

315-589-9668

MS Community School Coordinator: Lisa Ryan

lryan@williamsoncentral.org

315-589-9665

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

• The Board of Education adopted the 2025-26 Instructional Calendar during a Regular Meeting of the Board of Education on February 12. The 2025-26 calendar will also be available on the district website soon.
• The 2025-26 calendar factors in WFL BOCES programming calendar and meets contractual obligations for our instructional, operational and administrative units.
• Please Note: The first day of school for WCS students in the 2025-26 school year is Thursday, September 4, 2025.

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.

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