Superintendent Update

Dear families:

February has significance and responsibility that speak to the heart of who we are as educators. Black History Month is more than a time to acknowledge the past; it is a moment to elevate the stories, voices, achievements, and fortitude of the people who have built our communities, our nation, and the world our students will inherit. When we intentionally center these histories, we help students understand fundamental values such as identity, justice, perseverance, creativity, and possibility. In doing so, we are not merely teaching content; we are helping young people see themselves and others more clearly.

Research reinforces just how essential this work is. Integrating Black history into instruction develops a fuller, more accurate understanding of American history while strengthening students' representation, belonging, and critical thinking.

Celebrating Our Staff & Students

Across the district, that purpose comes alive in powerful and joyful ways. Congratulations to art teachers Sue Jacobs, Lauren Reinert, and Courtney Cox, whose work, along with that of their students, is being showcased in Nazareth University’s “Shared Spaces” Show (see more below). This honor highlights not just their artistic excellence but the mentoring relationships they cultivate with students every day.

We also honor the staff members recognized during recent Teacher Appreciation Nights for athletics. Being chosen by students whose lives you have developed is one of the most meaningful forms of recognition an educator can receive. These highlighted moments represent the effort and heart of every staff member across our schools in support of this year’s common commitment, Igniting the Joy!

Advocating for Staff and Students

Last Saturday, several of our Board of Education members and student board representatives joined me at the Monroe County School Boards Association Legislative Breakfast. There, we advocated for core public education priorities, including funding, transportation, pre‑kindergarten access, and school safety.

A major focus was the growing mental health needs of students, including increased experiences with executive functions, social skills, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and the need for acceptance. We emphasized that schools cannot meet these rising needs without aligned resources, sustained funding, and clear direction from the state to ensure consistent, equitable support for all children.

We also urged lawmakers to update the state’s outdated school funding formula, which no longer reflects current population or wealth data. A modernized formula is essential to ensuring every district receives fair and adequate financial support.

Finally, we addressed the state mandate requiring all school buses to transition to electric by 2035. Even though we contract for transportation, we are not exempt. We stressed the importance of realistic timelines, adequate funding, and practical implementation planning, as this mandate will influence cost, fleet availability, and overall transportation access for our students.

Strategic Plan Design Day

Our Strategic Plan’s Community Design Day is not just for residents — it is for our entire school community, including you! Please read more right below my note about this important day! Your perspective, experience, and voice are essential. This is your district, your work, and your vision — and we are strongest when we shape the future together.

As we approach February Break, I want to wish all of you a safe, restful, and restorative week. Thank you for the many ways you bring purpose, compassion, and distinction to our students and our community each and every day.

In partnership,

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D

Superintendent of Schools

Find all Superintendent Updates on our website under Superintendent Update.

The next big step for our Strategic Plan for 2026-31 is around the corner, and we invite you to participate in our “Community Design Day,” a collaborative opportunity to help shape West Irondequoit’s future, on Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Irondequoit HS. Registration and breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Community Design Day will be an interactive opportunity to share ideas, including priorities related to teaching, learning, belonging, student wellness and community partnerships. We'll start with a light breakfast and opening remarks, then shift to small-group conversations led by staff and students. Lunch will include a gallery walk highlighting ideas generated that morning before closing reflections. “Listening to our community ensures that the priorities set truly represent the hopes and needs of our students, families and staff," said Superintendent, Aaron Johnson.

Please join us (link above).

Next year's school calendar was approved by our Board of Education last week. Please click here to see or download it.

As we approach the NYS Grades 3–8 assessments in April and May, we want to remind you that student participation helps us understand how well our curriculum aligns with state learning standards and supports ongoing improvement in teaching and learning. This year, we are making a procedural change: “Day‑of” test refusals will no longer be accepted. Families wishing to refuse an assessment must do so before the test date by scheduling a phone or in‑person meeting with building administration and providing a written note indicating which assessment is being refused. Notes sent in with students will be followed up by school administrators.

Please click on the PDF below for more information, including test dates/schools. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting a strong learning experience for all students.

Last November, our district hosted an FBI Digital Dangers Watch Group for an informative presentation focused on raising awareness about online safety, cyberbullying, and ways families can protect their children in today’s digital world. The FBI provided valuable resources, which are attached below, to support safe and responsible technology use at home. If you have any questions, please email WICSD Director of Safety & Security, Chris Shellard, or Director of Technology/Data Privacy Officer, Casey Wagner. A second part to this series is being planned for later this spring. We will share more details as they become available.

Maple Sugar Weekend is March 21-22 at Helmer Nature Center! Details below:

UNLIMITED PANCAKES

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• $10/person
• $5/kids age 3 & under

All-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice & REAL maple syrup made at Helmer!

MAPLE SUGAR TOURS

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• $5/person
• HNC members and kids 3 & under are FREE!
• Tour entry is first-come, first-served and there is no need to register!

Back again: STORYTELLING & MAPLE HISTORY with Indigenous Peoples Day of Rochester.

New this year: Blacksmith Demonstrations with Jonathan Bernard.

The West Irondequoit Foundation is a non-profit organization that has raised more than $1.1 million to underwrite staff-initiated grants for projects, equipment and programs for our schools. Its major annual fundraiser, a Cornhole Tournament, is happening on Friday, on Friday, March 13th with title sponsor, Diamond Packaging. A two-person team costs $125 and the winning team gets $700. To learn more, register, sponsor or donate, go to westirondequoitfoundation.com

See all West Irondequoit Community Education offerings via its webpage linked below. Registration is open at this link.

Remember, classes are open to residents and non-residents, so bring friends! Link: bit.ly/CommEducation_WI

Congratulations to the 18 new members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, who were inducted on Wednesday night at IHS. Tri-M seniors were also celebrated. There were three performances as part of the ceremony: senior Olivia Croll sang a solo accompanied by Mr. Springstead; the string trio of Jake Price O'Brien, Ava Dandurand and Rachel Murray performed, and current members performed the Tri-M Loyalty Song. The keynote speaker was Dr. Phillip Silvey, Professor of Music Teaching and Learning at the Eastman School of Music. Watch the ceremony and performances: youtube.com/watch?v=-6kzyyjw27M

Email: public_info@westiron.monroe.edu
Website: westirondequoit.org
Location: 321 List Avenue, Irondequoit, NY, USA
Phone: 585-342-5500

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