Williamson Central School District
District Monthly Newsletter ~ March 2026
Greetings from the Williamson Central School District!
Dear Williamson Community,
Can you believe it? It feels like just a moment ago we were wrapping up February break, and now Spring Break is already upon us! As we move into this busy season, there’s a lot happening in our schools—and we’re excited to share updates, highlights, and important information with our community.
REMINDER: SPRING BREAK IS MARCH 30 - APRIL 3
School resumes on Monday, April 6, 2026.
2026–27 Budget Update
As part of our annual budget process, the Williamson Central School District is preparing to present a balanced budget to the Board of Education at the April 8 Regular Meeting of the Board. Like many school districts across New York, our expenses currently outpace revenue growth, which requires careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. Achieving a balanced budget involves strategies such as staffing adjustments through retirements, anticipating natural turnover, right-sizing budget lines, identifying operational efficiencies, and using appropriated reserves. We are close to finalizing the plan. For more information, you can view the 3/18 Budget Workshop slidedeck.
Please mark you calendars for these additional Budget Presentation Dates to the BOE:
April 8, 2026: Budget Presentation – Status Update
April 22, 2026: Budget Presentation – BOE Adoption of Budget
May 6, 2026: Budget Hearing and Meet the Candidate Night (5:30 PM)
May 19, 2026: Annual Meeting – Uniform Statewide Budget Vote and BOE Election
2026-27 Budget materials are also available on the WCS website. We encourage you to stay informed and engaged throughout the process as the district develops the 2026–27 budget.
Annual Election of Board Members
There will be two BOE seat vacancies, effective July 1:
- Expiring term of Angela DeFisher 3 year term, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029
- Expiring term of Geoff Governor 3 year term, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029
Interested?
- Petitions are now available in the District Office, 4184 Miller Street, Williamson, NY.
- Petitions and candidate information may be picked up in the office between 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
- Petitions must be filed no later than Monday, April 20, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.
- Board of Education members must meet the following qualifications:
- Citizen of the United States
- Eighteen (18) year of age
- Able to read and write
- Residency in the Williamson Central School District for at least one (1) year prior to the election
- Cannot be an employee of the Williamson Central School District
- See NYSSBA’s Informational: Running for the School Board (linked below)
Fiscal Responsibility, Opportunity and Sustainability
The Board of Education plays a vital role in shaping the district’s vision, which includes development of our four essential objectives:
- Academic Achievement,
- Culture of Caring,
- Community Connections, and
- Fiscal Responsibility
In the domain of fiscal responsibility, we are examining all possible ways to optimize resources while maintaining high-quality programming. This requires both a short-term and long-term perspective.
One possible pathway recently considered was the potential cost savings should the district opt to close a school building. Upon consulting with our financial advisors from BpD, it is clear that closing a building would calculably and negatively impact state building aid, a key source of district revenue, and ultimately increase the burden on local taxpayers. Therefore, this is not a viable option in the short term.
We are also exploring potential revenue opportunities, such as leasing space to educational agencies like Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES, which has been done successfully in the past. These discussions are still in the early stages, and we are evaluating feasibility carefully. We want to be fully transparent with the community about all pathways being considered.
School districts across Western Wayne County will be actively exploring a collaborative strategic planning process focused on expanding opportunities and strengthening the long-term sustainability of educational programming for all students. Through shared dialogue, we hope to identify and reduce barriers to collaboration while considering innovative, regionally aligned approaches to enhance student experiences and resources.
High School Gymnasium Floor Update
You may recall that we experienced some issues with the high school gymnasium floor despite it being refinished last spring. We did not accept the work and are pleased to share that repairs and refinishing have been scheduled. Western NY Flooring will complete this work between March 30 and April 17.
During this time, the high school gymnasium will not be accessible while work is underway. District leaders have collaborated to ensure continuity for students—Dr. Snyder and Athletic Director Rockow have coordinated alternate locations for physical education classes and athletic programming as needed.
We anticipate that any disruption will be limited to this timeframe and are hopeful the work will be completed as scheduled. Thank you for your understanding as we make these important improvements.
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Update
The district continues to make progress on the 2025 Capital Improvement Project. Work is moving forward in phases.
- Phase 1, which includes roof work and improvements to the elementary school gymnasium, is currently being prepared for submission to the State Education Department. We are hopeful that some of this work will begin as early as this summer.
- Phase 2 planning is underway, with a focus on areas such as high school choral and instrumental spaces, as well as day automation and technology upgrades. Design teams are actively working on early concepts, and "user group" input sessions will be scheduled soon to help guide the process.
Tentative milestones include:
- Schematic Design: April 24, 2026
- Design Development: July 17, 2026
- State Submission: November 18, 2026
We look forward to sharing more updates as this work progresses.
Update on a Few Administrative Operations
We want to keep our community informed about some upcoming adjustments in our administrative operations. While changes mid-year are never ideal, the recent resignation of an Administrative Assistant created an unexpected gap. This prompted a careful review of responsibilities to ensure continuity, clarity, and efficiency across the district.
- Administrative Assistant Vacancy - The vacant Administrative Assistant position (currently in PPS) will now be based in the District Office, supporting Karen Hoody, our Coordinator of Instruction, Innovation, and Intervention. The new hire will support Karen Hoody around professional responsibilities such as (but not limited to): curriculum and instruction, registration, ENL, Homeschool & Homebound programming, professional development, purchasing, grant writing, and state reporting.
- SchoolTool Oversight: Effective March 30, 2026, Chelsea Northrop - HS Assistant Principal and Data Coordinator for the district - will assume oversight of SchoolTool, our student data management system..
These adjustments are designed to maintain continuity, strengthen support across the district, and ensure critical functions continue without disruption. We appreciate your understanding as we implement these necessary changes.
Building and Creating
Despite the navigation of this challenging budget development terrain, I couldn’t be more excited about all the work happening across the district and collective efforts towards enhancing programming, expanding professional development, conducting strength and needs assessments in PPS, developing athletics programs (yes, perhaps including football so read on below!), and so much more. I feel #MarauderPROUD. I hope that you can feel the energy too...
REMINDER: Upcoming NYS ELA, Math, and Science Testing
The New York State assessments for English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science are approaching. Please see the schedule below for testing dates by grade level:
-
Grades 3–4 ELA: April 14 & 15
-
Grades 5–8 ELA: April 21 & 22
-
Grades 3–4 Math: April 30 & May 1
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Grades 5–8 Math: May 5 & 6
-
Grades 5 & 8 Science: May 13
We encourage families to help students feel prepared by maintaining regular routines, ensuring a healthy breakfast, and offering positive encouragement. Your support helps students feel confident and ready to do their best on testing days.
NYSED Parent Resources - General Information
- Parents’ Frequently Asked Questions About New York State’s Annual Grades 3–8 English Language Arts & Mathematics Tests & The Elementary-Level (Grade 5) and Intermediate-Level (Grade 8) Science Tests
- The Grades 3–8 New York State Assessments: What Parents Need to Know
- Things Every Parent Should Know About Student Participation in Statewide Assessments Under ESSA - Updated, 4/11/24
- Additional Things Every Stakeholder Should Know About Student Participation in Statewide Assessments Under ESSA
- Grades 3-8 Score Report and Understanding Report Samples
THANK YOU - we appreciate your support and partnership in this incredible work!
Warmest regards,
E. Bridget Ashton
At the High School Level...Notes and Updates From Dr. Snyder
See link below.
At the Middle School... News and Notes from Ms. Taylor
Greetings from the Middle School,
As we quickly approach the final quarter of the school year, the Middle School remains focused on advancing our district priorities of enhanced academic achievement, fostering a culture of caring, and strengthening community partnerships. These guiding principles continue to shape both our instructional practices and the overall student experience.
In alignment with our commitment to academic excellence, our staff and students are preparing for the upcoming annual New York State assessments in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. We are emphasizing not only content mastery, but also the development of confidence, perseverance, and strong test-taking strategies. With this in mind, we have adopted the Math Expressions program at the 5th grade level to better prepare our students.
Additionally, we are actively reviewing multiple data points—including quarterly grades, state assessment results, attendance, and teacher recommendations—to identify students who may be candidates for accelerated learning opportunities in ELA, Math, and Science.
Our 8th grade students are also beginning an important transition process as they collaborate with the high school counseling team to determine their course selections for next year. This work ensures that each student is thoughtfully placed on a path that aligns with their strengths, interests, and future goals. For some students, this may include enrollment in high school credit-bearing courses while still in middle school, providing an opportunity for increased rigor and academic advancement.
As part of our culture of caring initiative, the Middle School has made a strong commitment to increasing personalized communication with all families. Over the course of the year, families can expect a personal interaction from our teaching staff in the form of an individualized ParentSquare message or a phone call. We deeply value our partnership with families and believe that consistent, open dialogue is essential to student success.
The Middle School also continues to foster meaningful community partnerships. Our agriculture students recently worked alongside local community members to learn about the maple syrup production process, providing them with valuable, real-world, hands-on learning experiences. In addition, our active PTSA took time to recognize and appreciate our teaching staff with thoughtful gestures and refreshments, further strengthening the sense of community within our school.
As always, we remain committed to supporting the whole child by maintaining a culture of caring throughout our building. We value the strong partnerships we share with families and the broader community, and we look forward to finishing the school year strong together. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (315) 589-9665 with any questions.
Kathryn Taylor
Middle School Principal
At the Elementary School... News and Notes from Mr. Drechsler
See link below.
Hoody Highlights: Building Critical Thinking Through Social Studies
Across our Social Studies classrooms, students are engaged in meaningful learning centered on facts, evidence, and thoughtful analysis. Our goal is to help students examine information carefully, understand multiple perspectives, and form conclusions rooted in credible evidence, skills that are essential for responsible citizenship.
At the elementary level, Social Studies instruction is intentionally supported through the Collaborative Classroom ELA curriculum, which complements the teaching of Social Studies standards. Through this integration, students build strong literacy skills while learning about their community, New York State, the nation, and cultures around the world. This approach reinforces that reading is not separate from content learning, but a critical tool for understanding it.
At the middle school level, content area learning is supported through engaging instructional tools and nonfiction literature that help bring history to life while strengthening literacy skills. In Grade 6, students are using virtual reality (VR) tools to explore Social Studies content, allowing them to experience places, cultures, and historical settings from around the world in a more immersive way. In 8th grade, students read They Called Us Enemy by George Takei to explore the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II. Students are encouraged to examine perspective, recognize bias, and support their thinking with evidence. Together, these approaches help students build understanding by connecting facts, perspective, and real-world context.
At the high school level, instruction continues to emphasize independent thinking, analysis, and evidence-based reasoning. In a recent lesson, students examined whether influential figures of the Industrial Era should be considered captains of industry or robber barons. Students worked through a variety of primary and secondary sources, collaborated with peers, and engaged in discussion to determine their positions. Through this process, students analyzed documents, considered multiple viewpoints, and refined their thinking through conversation and feedback.
Across all levels, students are supported through the use of the TEAL writing strategy, which helps them organize their thinking by stating a clear Topic, supporting it with Evidence, Analyzing that evidence, and Linking it back to the central idea. This structure reinforces that strong thinking is grounded in facts and clearly communicated reasoning. The focus is not on directing what students should think, but on helping them develop the skills to evaluate information carefully, consider multiple perspectives, and form thoughtful, evidence-based conclusions.
Thank you to our Social Studies teachers for their dedication to creating engaging, thoughtful learning experiences that support student understanding. We also extend our appreciation to our families for their continued support and partnership in helping students grow as curious, informed, and thoughtful learners.
Growing as a Leader in Our School Community
Dear Williamson Community,
This winter, I had the opportunity to participate in an administrative internship within our district as part of my Educational Leadership program. Over the course of eight weeks, I worked on both district and building-level initiatives aligned with our strategic plan. This experience expanded my perspective beyond the classroom and deepened my understanding of the many systems and people that support our students each day.
Highlights of this experience include collaborating with colleagues across the district, learning from experienced leaders, and contributing to work focused on innovative instruction and supporting students with diverse needs. Each of our buildings is unique, and this experience has strengthened my understanding of teaching and learning across grade levels while preparing me for leadership in a variety of school settings. It has also been a meaningful opportunity to grow as both an educator and leader while continuing to support students and families in our community.
I am proud to be part of a district that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment to student success. As a parent, community member, and educator in Williamson, I am inspired by the work happening across our schools and excited for all that lies ahead for our students!
With appreciation,
Lauren Szklany
From the Director of Student & Family Services
Hi Williamson Families and Happy Spring!
The Office of Student and Family Services has been actively conducting Annual Reviews and is thrilled by the many families who attend these meetings to advocate for their child’s educational programming. Their partnership and dedication are instrumental in supporting each student’s growth, celebrating achievements, and ensuring that every child has the resources and opportunities to thrive.
As part of the Comprehensive Needs Assessment, I am reaching out to gather input from our community on programming for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans at Williamson Central School District.
Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in helping us ensure that every student has the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Please take a few moments to complete THIS FORM by April 15, 2026 to help guide future decisions within the Office of Student and Family Services. Together, we can continue to strengthen our programs and celebrate the growth of all students.
Below is an exciting opportunity for students with disabilities who are considering pursuing a college education.
Thank you for your partnership and continued support in helping our students thrive!
For questions or guidance, please contact the Office of Student and Family Services.
Warm Regards,
Nancy Miller
A Message from Nick Weis, WCS Nurse Coordinator
Hello WCSD Community,
Spring is finally here and the weather is slowly and steadily starting to improve. For many of us the opportunity to enjoy sunshine and fresh air is a welcome change from the bitter cold and short days. This time of year also, thankfully, marks the end of cold and flu season, during which, respiratory illnesses increase in number. Although the peak of cold and flu season is well behind us, I urge everyone to remain vigilant. According to the most recent NYS department of health respiratory surveillance report dated March 14th, our state saw a 17% increase in documented flu cases as well as a 4% increase in flu-related hospitalizations.
Although it is late in the season, the flu shot is still an option and has been shown to decrease the number of cases and the severity of illness. Other common practices to help reduce the transmission of the flu include practicing good hand hygiene and cough etiquette, sanitizing high traffic touch surfaces, wearing a mask, and avoiding going in public while symptomatic.
For most people the flu can be a nuisance and cause a modest amount of disruption, but there are many in the community that are at high risk for complications. If you feel that you want to take steps to mitigate the spread of the flu I encourage everyone to consider taking the previously mentioned precautions. If you suspect you have been exposed to the flu, local health care providers can provide testing to confirm illness and if caught early enough, some cases can be treated with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu.
I hope everyone stays healthy as the sun continues to shine.
Best Regards,
Nick Weis
WCSD Nurse Coordinator
Marauder Minute ~ Submitted by Athletic Director, Bryon Rockow
As we move into the spring season, I wanted to take a moment to share updates on several initiatives within Williamson Athletics. Our goal remains consistent in providing meaningful opportunities for our student athletes, supporting our coaches, and continuing to build programs that reflect the pride of our school community.
Spring sports are officially underway at Williamson, and with that comes both excitement and the unique challenges of a Western New York spring. Cold temperatures and wet conditions can often create less than ideal practice and game environments. With a high number of teams and limited indoor space, practices are currently being held across all three school buildings from 3:00 to 8:00 PM each day. We do our best to accommodate every program, with modified teams typically utilizing earlier time slots followed by our high school teams.
We ask families and athletes to continue to pay close attention to schedule updates. Changes to practices and games can often happen on short notice as we monitor field conditions and weather to ensure safe participation. We understand this can be frustrating at times, however it is part of managing spring athletics in our region and we appreciate everyone’s flexibility and support.
Team Levels and Playing Time: Expectations and Communication
- Williamson Athletics offers participation at the Modified, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels, each designed to support student athlete development.
- At the Modified level, the focus is on skill development, fundamentals, and participation. At the Junior Varsity and Varsity levels, there is a greater emphasis on competition, performance, and team roles. Playing time at these levels is not guaranteed and is determined at the discretion of the coaching staff based on factors such as effort, attitude, attendance, skill level, and team needs.
- We recognize that playing time can be a sensitive topic and are committed to maintaining clear and respectful communication.
- If a concern arises, the following protocol should be followed:
The student athlete should first speak directly with the coach.
If the concern continues, a parent may contact the coach to schedule a meeting.
If additional support is needed, the Athletic Director may be contacted.
- Following this process helps ensure that concerns are addressed appropriately while supporting a positive and respectful athletic experience for all involved.
Strengthening Student Experiences: Program Assistant Pilot in Baseball and Softball
This spring, Williamson Athletics is piloting a new initiative with the addition of Program Assistants in our baseball and softball programs. As our athletic programs continue to grow, so do the demands on our coaches in areas such as supervision, organization, and communication.
The Program Assistant role is designed to provide additional support so coaches can focus more on instruction and skill development. It also strengthens supervision before, during, and after practices and contests, while reinforcing accountability and expectations for our student athletes.
Beyond the field, this role helps improve communication with families and creates another trusted adult presence within the program. The goal is to enhance the overall student athlete experience while continuing to build a strong, positive team culture.
Baseball and softball were selected for this initial pilot due to the size and complexity of those programs. Throughout the season, we will gather feedback and data to determine the impact of this model and evaluate potential expansion in the future. This approach allows us to be thoughtful, strategic, and fiscally responsible as we explore ways to strengthen our programs.
Expanding Opportunities for Students: Exploring a Shared Football Program
We continue to explore the possibility of a shared football program in response to growing student interest. Over the course of the school year, we have engaged in conversations with multiple schools and are currently in discussions with Bishop Kearney regarding a potential partnership.
A shared model provides a realistic pathway to offer football without the significant financial and operational demands of starting a standalone program. It also allows us to expand opportunities for our student athletes while remaining mindful of sustainability and long term program health.
At this stage, we are working through the details of a potential agreement, including structure, logistics, and expectations. We have also been in communication with Section V to ensure that any plan moving forward aligns with regulations.
Community voice remains an important part of this process. As discussions continue, there will be opportunities for students, families, and community members to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback. Our goal is to ensure that any decision reflects both student interest and the values of the Williamson community.
Honoring Our Past While Looking Ahead: Athletic Facility Enhancements Gym Banners
We have also begun exploring updates to the banners displayed in our high school gymnasium. Many of the current banners have been in place for years and have naturally faded over time, no longer reflecting the quality of our updated facility.
In looking at other schools, many have transitioned to more modern displays that enhance the overall appearance of their athletic spaces while continuing to celebrate student achievement.
At the same time, we recognize the deep history and meaning behind our current banners. These represent years of accomplishment and are important to our alumni, families, and community. Because of this, any updates will be approached thoughtfully and with great care.
Our goal is not to replace history, but to honor it in a meaningful way while improving the overall presentation of our main athletic space. If the district were to move forward with banner replacement, we are open to finding creative ways to honor and preserve the legacy of the existing banners.
Celebrating Student Achievement: Indoor Track State Championships
While our focus has shifted to spring, we would like to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our Indoor Track program.
Twelve Williamson student athletes qualified for and competed in the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships. Qualifying for the state meet is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the dedication and hard work demonstrated throughout the season.
We would also like to recognize and thank coaches Carl Comstock and Jeff VanHoover for their leadership and commitment to our program.
A special congratulations goes to Hannah Governor, who was named the Section V Sportsmanship Award winner. Hannah becomes the third Williamson Indoor Track athlete to receive this recognition, joining Alexa Governor and Veronica Gobeyn. This honor reflects not only individual character, but the values of our entire program.
The Williamson community is proud of our athletes and coaches for representing our school at the highest level.
REMINDER: Updated "Play-Up" Process
The district has implemented a new process for moving athletes up a level (e.g., Modified to JV, JV to Varsity):
Coaches must speak with AD before having any conversation with the athlete or their family.
Requests will be reviewed.
If approved, the Varsity coach will contact the family to confirm their support.
If the family agrees, AD will move forward with scheduling APP testing.
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)
Food Service Information
🍏 School Meals- Important Updates!
Free Meals! We will operate under Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) again this school year. Students are eligible to receive 1 breakfast and 1 lunch each school day at no cost. Second meals, sides, and snacks must be paid for at time of purchase.
Menu Updates and Additions: As a direct result of the Food Service Student Survey, we have made some changes to our menus. At the High School, we also added SUBS as a daily choice in the Wrap Line, along with made to order Wraps and Salads. Our menus are posted on the district website under “Lunch Menus”. We also have menus posted in each school building and cafeteria.
Buddy Bags: We now offer Buddy Bags for the students that bring their lunch to school. Students can get a milk, fruit, and a vegetable at no charge. In the Elementary School- These are ordered in the morning with their homeroom teacher. In our Middle and High Schools- they can be picked up in the kitchen at lunch time.
Middle School: Order Wrap/Salad Info. We offer made to order wraps and salads each day in the Middle School. Pre-Order your wrap or salad online via the school website under Menus each morning before 9:00 a.m. You should also have a desktop link on your chromebook. If you prefer a paper order form, stop down in the kitchen to pick one up.
2025-26 Household Income Forms
If you haven’t already, please complete a Household Income Eligibility Form for the 2025–26 school year. Even if you don’t qualify, submitting the form helps our district secure additional funding for educational programs. More information is available at: https://hungersolutionsny.org/federal-nutrition-programs/
Forms are available online, in the 2025-26 school calendar, or in your school’s main office.
Only one form is needed per household.
Make America Healthy Again: What It Means for School Meals
Our district is excited to align with the upcoming federal Make Our Children Healthy Again strategies, which will focus on giving students healthier choices at school. These strategies are designed to promote long-term health and support students in building strong eating habits that carry into adulthood. One of the primary areas that will have a significant impact on us is food de-regulation.
Food Deregulation: HHS, FDA, and USDA will take the following actions:
• Remove restrictions on whole milk sales in schools, allowing districts to offer full-fat dairy options
alongside reduced-fat alternatives.
• Eliminate mandatory reduced-fat requirements in federal nutrition programs to allow consumer choice.
• Remove barriers preventing small dairy operations from processing and selling their own milk products locally.
For more information visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/maha
⚠️ Allergen & Dietary Accommodations
We know that student safety is the top priority.
Food Allergies, Intolerances: If your child has a medical condition or dietary need, please notify the school so we can safely prepare meals. Contact Tina VanStrien and/or the school nurse.
Cross-Contact Prevention: Our staff is trained in safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of allergen exposure.
If you have any questions about dietary accommodations, please contact our Food Service Office.
📱 Stay Connected
Menus: Menus are posted on our district website and mobile app.
Questions? We welcome your feedback anytime! Please contact the Food Service Office at tvanstrien@williamsoncentral.org or 315-589-9621.
We’re proud to partner with families in making sure every student has access to nourishing meals that support health and learning. Thank you for supporting school meals, and we look forward to a fantastic year!
Warmly,
Tina VanStrien
Director of Food Service
Williamson Central School District
News from the Transportation Department ~ Submitted by Vicky Indelicato
March 20th marked the 1st Day of Spring!
The weather in March has been a little better than January and February. Less snow, more rain, but it is still chilly. This chilly, wet weather means there is still a possibility of icy conditions on roads and in driveways and parking lots. Be careful! Being SAFE is number ONE!!! As bus drivers and bus monitors we are required to attend two safety refresher courses per year. We attended the Winter Refresher on March 13th. The refresher is exactly what it means…a refresher, a review of practices that should be used every day. We reviewed loading/unloading procedures, crossing children safely. The crossing procedure must be used every time, and a reminder on how to properly cross should be given to children every time they disembark a bus. We discussed the challenges our substitute bus drivers and monitors face and the importance of keeping bus routes updated. This is why a consistent schedule is so important for children when riding a bus. We reviewed so much more, these were just some highlights. We also learned about children with ADHD and the challenges these students might face while riding a bus.
Let’s work together to keep our children safe! Outside the bus: Parents, please remind students to be out waiting for their bus, wearing reflective clothing is always a good idea, and stand back at least 10 feet from the road. Please teach your children to look both ways before entering and exiting the bus. Remind them to walk not to run to a bus stop. If they drop something – LEAVE IT! There are a lot of danger zones around the bus. The driver might not be able to see a child returning to pick something up. Personal belongings can always be replaced.
Along with the drivers and monitors having a refresher two times per year…students have Bus Safety Drills three times per year. These drills are performed at different times throughout the school year…one in the Fall, the Winter and the Spring. The Spring safety drill will occur in April this year. We teach them about using the radio, and what to say on the radio if there is an emergency, they learn how to open emergency exits, what to do in case we have to evacuate the bus, and even get to use an emergency exit to practice evacuating the bus. Please, go over bus safety with your children: Inside the Bus expectations…Please stay seated, keep the aisle clear of backpacks, instruments and your legs (all potential tripping hazards), use an indoor voice, no eating, no drinking, no bullying and always respect the driver. Driver distraction can lead to dangerous situations.
As always, please be considerate of other families waiting at bus stops. When children aren’t ready on time and the bus must wait for them to put on coats, hats, boots, and mittens, and then walk down their driveway, it delays everyone. This creates a domino effect, causing other students to stand outside in the cold longer than necessary. To help keep things running smoothly, please have your child dressed and ready before the bus arrives. If you use the BusRight App, you can check the estimated arrival time and have your children outside waiting for the bus before it reaches your stop. Thank you.
RED FLASHING LIGHTS!!!! When the REDS are activated on a school bus…it is illegal for motorists to pass. We have had a few incidents in the morning on Rt 21 in front of the high school. If you are approaching a school bus and the YELLOWS are flashing, this means the bus is preparing to stop, and you should too! Even if we know the student getting on will not be crossing the road, err on the side of caution…children are unpredictable. If you have any questions. Feel free to call us at the transportation department.
Williamson Central Transportation Department provides training to get your Class B CDL to drive school bus. We are always looking for substitute drivers and there are opportunities to become full-time.
Transportation Changes:
Please remember, the transportation department does not make last-minute changes to bus schedules, unless it is an emergency. If you need to email information, please remember to use the general address for the Transportation Department; transportation@williamsoncentral.org.
If you have any transportation needs or changes, please complete a 2025 - 2026 Transportation Form for your children attending school. The form can be found on the school website. You can use the google form and submit it after completing it or use the paper form, print it, complete and send to transportation@williamsoncentral.org. Thank you!
Victoria Indelicato
Transportation Director
transportation@williamsoncentral.org
Williamson Central School 315-589-6901
Some Food For Thought from SRO Wilson
Ah Spring is here and it is hard to believe that I have had the privilege to be YOUR SRO for almost a whole school year already!
I would like to take a second and remind our families of a few safety concerns!
- Morning drop off at the high school, please remember to drive slowly and cautiously as there are many students moving about in the parking lot.
- The yield sign when exiting the rear parking lot: If the buses are leaving, please allow all buses to get out as they have students on board going to the middle school.
- In the bus loop, remember that you must stop for the bus's red lights even in the parking lot.
- Parents, please help me keep our kids safe both at home and on the way to/from school. Reminders about red lights when buses are stopped, speeds, distracted driving etc.
Hope you have a safe upcoming holiday!
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:
- Scott Drechsler ESDASA@williamsoncentral.org
- Kathryn Taylor MSDASA@williamsoncentral.org
- Rob Snyder HSDASA@williamsoncentral.org
- 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.
- 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
- Kathryn 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.
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.
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
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