Update: School opens Thursday!

Hello families:

Welcome back!

I hope your summer was filled with plenty of rest and memorable moments, including those heart-warming snapshots and thrilling adventures that will carry you through the year ahead. As we step into a new school year, I want to share how truly excited we are to reconnect and continue our partnership in supporting your child’s learning and growth. Our team has been working diligently over the past several months to ensure a strong and confident start, including thoughtful planning for our new Internet-Enabled Personal Devices policy and several capital improvements across our schools. We’re committed to making this year's transition smooth and supportive for all students and families, with clear communication and helpful resources every step of the way.

Most importantly, we’re ready to “Ignite the Joy” in every classroom, hallway, and school. Through impactful instruction, caring relationships, and the everyday experiences that make our schools vibrant and welcoming, we’re set to make this year truly special. Thanks to our incredible staff and your continued support, we’re all geared up for a year filled with learning, growth, and inspiration.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, let’s make it our best year yet!

In partnership,

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed.D

Superintendent of Schools

School opens THURSDAY, SEPT. 4th! Start times are posted on each school page (tap "OUR SCHOOL") after reaching your child's school website via westirondequoit.org. We wanted to share a few reminders:

RE-CHECK PLEASE: Check Infinite Campus to make sure there have not been any adjustments to your child’s bus schedule. In order for drivers to learn new routes, any changes that were submitted after Aug. 25th, including childcare pick-up/drop-off requests, cannot be implemented until mid-September.

PATIENCE: As drivers and students learn new routines, buses often run behind during the first several days of school. Delays are not uncommon, so we appreciate your patience.

QUESTIONS? Call Transportation at (585) 336-2992, review the Transportation page on our website or email witransportation@westiron.monroe.edu. Forgot to Opt-Out of our Transportation? There's a form on the page to do so. You can always opt back in if you need to.

Here is one last reminder about the new state law limiting the use of Internet-Enabled Personal Devices by students in school (our page is linked here). “Internet-enabled devices” means smartphones and watches, tablets and any other devices capable of connecting to the Internet. All students must store and turn off internet-enabled personal devices in their lockers (or for K-3, cubbies) during the school day from bell to bell.

We're asking families to please discuss this with your children. We expect them to be responsible and follow this policy just as they follow other rules. There are important exceptions to the policy. Read those and more information on the Device Policy page (located under Parents/Students on the district website).

In addition to the new Student Internet-Enabled Personal Device Policy, the district has updated two important agreements regarding participating in Extracurricular activities and Athletics. Read more via the links:

• Athletic Participation Agreement
• Extracurricular Participation Agreement

All students are eligible for breakfast and lunch daily at no charge again this school year because we are participating in the state’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and National School Lunch/Breakfast programs. No action is required by you to qualify for this, however:

◾️For our district to be considered for additional state/federal program benefits based on household income eligibility, we ask that all families complete the CEP application at this link: bit.ly/WI_MealApp25-26 (it's also attached below). There will NOT be a Free-and-Reduced application for this school year.

◾️Completing the CEP application also provides data to NYS to ensure the WICSD receives all of the state aid it is eligible to receive.

Please note: Milk is provided with a school meal, but if purchased separately it's 60 cents. Snack-line purchases are also not covered by the free meal program. Questions? Contact Sarah Herbert at (585) 336-3036.

Need help with Infinite Campus (linked here)? Contact the appropriate support person below.

• K-6: Diane Bretz – diane_bretz@westiron.monroe.edu
• 7-8: Jane Csaszar – jane_csaszar@westiron.monroe.edu
• 9-12: Howard Dutton – howard_dutton@westiron.monroe.edu

PLEASE MAKE SURE your mobile phone number is in the CELL/MOBILE PHONE field in Infinite Campus to ensure that you receive emergency messages from us, such as when school closes due to inclement weather.

Attached below and available on-demand via THIS LINK is our district's Communcation Plan. It was developed to ensure that all families are kept updated in a timely manner on key information, happenings district-wide and in alignment with our mission, vision and Strategic Plan. The plan is located at westirondequoit.org by clicking DISTRICT -> Communication Plan. You'll find School Handbooks on your child's school website.

Appointments are optional (but encouraged for families; call 716-805-1020 during business hours). You can just walk-in. See above for more details. Please bring your insurance card.

We shared some important health requirements, including those on immunizations and physicals, over the summer for this school year. Please review the information via this link. You can also find helpful information on our district's Health-Nurses page (linked here). That includes a directory of school nurses with phone numbers.

Email: public_info@westiron.monroe.edu

Website: westirondequoit.org

Location: 321 List Avenue, Irondequoit, NY, USA

Phone: 585-342-5500

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