Superintendent Update

Dear Families,

As we conclude another successful school year, I remain inspired by the excellence that defines our district and the individuals who make it possible. Our students have excelled academically, artistically, athletically, and socially, achieving impressive results and personal growth. These accomplishments reflect the ongoing commitment of our faculty, staff, and families to providing meaningful opportunities and support for every student.

While no organization is perfect, we are committed to listening, learning, and responding. When concerns arise, I hope you see what I witness daily: dedicated professionals who care deeply, are accessible, and take action to support students and families. This commitment to partnership and continuous improvement defines us as a public school system.

This newsletter includes a preliminary overview of our new Strategic Plan (see attachment directly below), which is nearing completion after nearly two years of collaboration with the ILO Group. The process included a thorough review of district data, input from staff, families, and students, and broad community feedback. The resulting plan reflects our identity and direction, is grounded in shared priorities, addresses our needs, and aligns with statewide initiatives such as New York Inspires. I am proud of this work and grateful to everyone who contributed.

As we look ahead, we do so with excitement. We celebrated our latest group of graduates on Sunday, as they completed their K–12 journey. This year has been marked by hard work, growth, and many memorable moments. I wish all students, families, and staff a well-deserved and restful summer. May it bring less time with alarm clocks, more sunshine, and ample opportunity to recharge for the year ahead.

In partnership,
Aaron R. Johnson, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools

Our district is convening a Screentime Committee for the 2026-2027 school year. Our goal: Identify appropriate amount of purposeful, instructionally aligned screentime at the elementary grade level bands. We also will focus on recommendations for best practices for computer/digital technology use for all grade level bands. We will need representation for each grade level band: K-3, 4-6, 7-8. 9-12. Meetings will be from 3:30-4:30 PM (location TBD) on these dates:

• Nov. 12, 2026
• Jan. 7, 2027
• March 4, 2027
• April 8, 2027

As a parent/guardian, if you are interested in serving on this committee, please email christina_miga@westiron.monroe.edu. Include your name, grades/buildings of children in the district for 2026-27, and why you are interested in the committee. Once we receive all interest, we will ensure we have representation across grade level bands. Either way, you will be notified whether or not you are selected for the committee. Thank you!

As you settle into summer, take some time to familiarize yourself with the NY Inspires initiative from NYS Dept. of Education. West Irondequoit has already started to engage in this important work by making shifts to both our financial literacy requirements, as well as starting to explore the upcoming requirements regarding climate education. We also have been one of the 17 schools statewide participating since the beginning in the PLAN Pilot, as mentioned in the latest edition of The Quote (page 8). Learn more about NY Inspires from NYSED here! Or watch this presentation from District administration from October 2025 here.

Our district is hosting a Hiring Event on Friday, July 10 at District Office, 321 List Ave. Our staff will be on hand to answer questions, and you can fill out applications on the spot! We're looking for Teaching Assistants, Teacher Aides, Food Service Helpers, Security Staff, child watch staff for before and after school, contract substitutes and more! If you're not interested but know someone who might be, we sure would appreciate you sharing this information with them! Questions? Email humanresources@westiron.monroe.edu or go to the HR page on our website.

If you've driven behind our main campus, you've seen in just a few weeks how much work has been done clearing land to make way for a multi-use turf athletic complex with baseball and softball fields and track-and-field event area. Work also started in March on Part 1 of the $24.6 million Promise Project 2027, which is a major overhaul and modernization of the Pinegrove Learning Center, 154 Pinegrove Ave. Dirt from the main campus will be used for a third layer - a new, junior-varsity grass baseball diamond and multi-purpose fields at Iroquois MS. The transformation of the 72-year-old Pinegrove facility will allow us to add three Prekindergarten classrooms and includes a district-wide STEAM Lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), including Helmer Nature Center use. Make sure to check out the updated floor plan for the PLC below.

Both projects will be completed in time for the 2027-28 school year - if not sooner. To see graphics of the fields and updated Pinegrove Learning Center floorplan, visit our Promise Project 2027 page.

Over the past two years, we have developed a Facilities Master Plan to guide capital improvements over the next 15 to 20 years. This plan is a crucial step in ensuring our learning environments meet the evolving needs of students, staff, and the community. This multi-year process involved thorough analysis, careful planning, and valuable input from stakeholders across the district. We considered staff feedback, assessed current and future program needs, reviewed our building conditions survey, and evaluated how changes in education affect our learning spaces. The plan takes a broad approach and incorporates several key priorities:

• Alignment with NYS initiatives and graduation measures, including the Portrait of a Graduate
• Preparing students to be future-focused and career-ready
• Expanding support for social-emotional learning and mental health
• Ensuring appropriate and accessible environments for students with disabilities
• Improving sustainability and efficiency across facilities, including addressing space needs
• The financial feasibility and timing of improvements to ensure our buildings and grounds stay in good maintenance, repair, and safe.

While this master plan provides a foundation and shared vision, it is designed to be flexible. As needs change, we will adjust. Click here to watch a video of the presentation we shared this spring with staff. The next phase will involve working with our Facilities Planning Committee and possible subcommittees to identify priorities within the plan. If you, as our community, have feedback, please email public_info@westiron.monroe.edu.

Although West Irondequoit CSD does not qualify to host a summer meals program, our students may receive food at other local schools as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food program. We've partnered with nearby districts that are able to provide FREE SUMMER MEALS for children 18 and under. Identification and registration are not necessary and there are no income requirements. For more information:

• Click here to see nearby sites, such as East Irondequoit and the City, and for dates/times
• Visit the FDA site
• New: Learn more about EBT funding for each child

MORE ON EBT
This annual food benefit program helps low-income families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer when kids might not have access to school meals. Most eligible children will automatically receive Summer EBT food benefits; however, some families may need to apply. Call 1-833-452-0096 for more information.

All programs below start July 6 and end Aug. 14 except East Irondequoit (ends Aug. 24) and the City of Rochester (starts June 29 & ends Sept. 4). The City also has a website (click here).

If you have questions specific to West Irondequoit, please email Food Services Director, Samantha Hartman at samantha_hartman@westiron.monroe.edu. If questions are specific to the site/location below, click on the flyer to visit their site.

West Irondequoit Community Education offers a variety of options for you and your family, and Summer registration is now open! Sign up for your favorite programs. See more via this link. Check out summer camp offerings, too! New this year: cheerleading, Sandlot Sports Camp, SmashBall (Intro to Volleyball), Tennis and Wrestling. Don’t miss out on the fun.

See the links below for camps and more:

View the catalog
Register here

We celebrated the 103rd commencement of Irondequoit High School on Sunday at RIT! Tap the video above to watch highlights. To watch the entire ceremony, click here.

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

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