Dear WCS Students, Families, Staff and Community Members,

As we step into March, we are excited to embrace the changing season and the promise of warmer weather ahead! The longer days and the arrival of spring bring a sense of renewal and energy to our school community. It's a time for fresh starts, outdoor activities, and an overall positive shift in the atmosphere.

Spring Recess

School will be closed April 14 - April 18 for Spring Recess.

School will reopen for all students and staff on April 21, 2025.

Shared BOE Meeting with Marion Central School District

The WCS Board of Education has scheduled a shared meeting with the Marion CSD Board of Education on March 18, 2025, to discuss exploring a potential merger study. The meeting will be facilitated by Lynne Rutnik, the WFL BOCES District Superintendent, who will guide the discussion on the NYSED Feasibility Study for Reorganization.

• Agenda Overview:

1. Presentation by Lynne Rutnik on the reorganization study
2. Open Discussion by Board members
3. Public Comment
4. Board Vote (as applicable)
5. Adjournment

• Public Expression: There will be time for public comment during the meeting.
• Livestream: We are working to livestream the meeting for both communities. Details will follow soon and be made available on the district website.

• Additional Info: Both districts have dedicated webpages with more info about the merger study.
• What is a Merger Study? A merger study evaluates the potential benefits and challenges of consolidating school districts, looking at factors like finances, educational quality, community impact, and logistics. The community will have a voice through public hearings and a final public vote.

Save the Date: The shared meeting is March 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Sodus Central School District. All community members are invited to attend and learn more about this potential pathway for both districts.

2025-26 Budget Update

As shared in previous communications, revenue projections have been established, providing a clearer understanding of the funds available for the next fiscal year. We are now focused on finalizing the expenditures across the three primary areas of our budget: instructional, capital, and administrative components.

Currently, we are working to close the gap between revenues and expenditures. Our goal is to ensure a balanced budget that supports our students’ needs while being fiscally responsible. We are committed to making thoughtful decisions to prioritize resources in ways that align with our mission and values. As part of this effort, we are examining naturally occurring reductions through attrition (retirement) and reorganization within facets of our operation.

In addition to written updates and BOE presentations, we will be releasing a video series to provide deeper insight into the budget development process.

Video Series:

• Video 1: "What is a Three-Part Budget?" (Available March 14)
  In this video, we explain the structure of the school district's budget, breaking down what the instructional, capital, and administrative components are and how they must factor into budget planning.

• Video 2: "2025-26 Budget: Revenues Anticipated" (Anticipated for Release, March 28)
  This video will provide a closer look at the actual revenue sources for the upcoming year.

• Video 3: "2025-26 Budget: Expenditures" (Anticipated for Release, April 14)
  The final video in the series will highlight the anticipated expenditures for the year, explaining how we plan to allocate resources across instructional, capital, and administrative needs.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gary Barno for his dedicated service as the interim Business Official for the school district over the last few months. His leadership and commitment during this time have been invaluable during this budget development cycle.

Moving forward, we are pleased to welcome Penny Johnston to the Williamson School District, effective March 17, as our permanent Business Official. Could not be more excited to have Penny join the team and look forward to the contributions she will make in guiding the district's financial planning and operations.

Please mark your calendars with these important budget development dates:

• April 9: Budget Workshop Before Regular Meeting of the BOE
• April 23: Budget Presentation to the BOE
• May 7: Budget Hearing and Meet the Candidate Night (6:30 PM)
• May 20: Annual Meeting: Uniform Statewide Budget Vote and BOE Election

We encourage all members of our community to stay engaged and informed throughout this important process. Your input and understanding are key to making the best decisions for the future of our students and our district.

Annual Election - May 20, 2025: Two Board of Education (BOE) Seat Vacancies

The Williamson Central School District will hold its Annual Election on May 20, 2025, for two Board of Education (BOE) seat vacancies. Petitions are now available at the District Office, located at 4184 Miller Street, Williamson, NY.

Petition Details:

• Hours: Petitions and candidate information can be picked up Monday through Friday, from 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. at the District Office.
• Deadline: Completed petitions must be submitted no later than Monday, April 21, 2025, by 5:00 P.M..

Board of Education Member Qualifications: To be eligible to run for the BOE, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be able to read and write.
• Have residency in the Williamson Central School District for at least one year prior to the election.
• Cannot be an employee of the Williamson Central School District.

Expiring Terms:

• Ashtyn Mohanlall: 3-year term, July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028.
• Jamie Sonneville: 3-year term, July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028.

For more information on running for the Board of Education, please refer to the NYSSBA's Informational Guide: Running for the School Board. We encourage all eligible community members interested in contributing to our school district's future to consider running for a seat on the Board of Education.

Speaking of Which... Ex Officio Student BOE Member

We are pleased to share important information with the community regarding a new development for our school district. On September 5, 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Bill S.9018A/A.9855A into law, which amends the Education Law to require all school districts with high schools and BOCES to appoint at least one high school student as an ex officio, non-voting member of their boards. This law will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and is designed to foster civic engagement among students, providing them with an opportunity to have a voice in school policies and operations.

Role and Responsibilities of an Ex Officio Student BOE Member

In alignment with the new law, the Williamson Central School District Board of Education (BOE) will appoint at least one ex officio student member. The ex officio student member will serve a one-year term, beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The role of the ex officio student BOE member includes the following responsibilities:

• Attend all public meetings and hearings, sitting with the board members,
• Participate in other BOE activities and responsibilities, at the discretion of the Board,
• Not attend executive sessions or any meetings not open to the public,
• Not receive compensation, and
• Not have voting rights as a member of the Board of Education.

The elected student BOE member will additionally provide a brief monthly update to the Superintendent and the Board of Education, highlighting key issues or concerns from the student body.

Eligibility to Serve as an Ex Officio Student BOE Member

To be eligible for this position, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a member of the senior class.
• Have attended the high school for at least one year prior to their appointment.

Process for Selection

Current juniors interested in running for the Ex Officio Student BOE member position in 2025-26 will follow the below process for selection:

1. Notice of Interest: Interested juniors must submit a written notice of interest (via email) to the Superintendent by 3:00 PM on May 1, 2025.

2. Meeting with the Superintendent and Principal: Interested students must attend a meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, during 10th period in Room #1 at the High School. This meeting will provide further details about the role, time commitment, and election process.

3. Candidate Speech: Each junior candidate must prepare and deliver a brief speech articulating

   • Why they are running for the Ex Officio Student BOE seat, and
   • How they intend to represent the student body and give them a voice.

   These speeches will be delivered to the WCS student body on Monday, May 7, 2025, during Forum. Copies of the speech text will also be made available on the High School building webpage.

4. Student Body Election: The student body will vote on their candidate on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, which mirrors the date of our district’s Budget Vote and Annual Election. All students in grades 9-12 will have the opportunity to vote during the school day.

5. Announcement: The successful candidate will be announced end of school day on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

We are excited to offer our students this new opportunity to have a direct role in shaping the future of our school district. It is an important step toward fostering greater civic engagement and empowering our students to actively contribute to the governance of their educational experience.

We encourage all interested students to consider this opportunity and wish the best of luck to all potential candidates!

Thank you for your continued support, and let’s look forward to a wonderful month of March full of warmer days ahead! 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

Coming Soon: NYS ELA and Math Testing in Grades 3 - 8

School districts in New York State are required to annually administer tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics in Grades 3–8. The Grades 3–8 ELA and Mathematics NYS Testing Program has been designed by the state to measure student proficiency levels against grade-level New York Next Generation Learning Standards (NGLS) in ELA and Mathematics. Student proficiency on these assessments is captured in one of four performance levels:

• NYS Level 4: Students performing at this level excel in standards for their grade. They demonstrate knowledge, skills, and practices embodied by the Learning Standards that are considered more than sufficient for the expectations at this grade.
• NYS Level 3: Students performing at this level are proficient in standards for their grade. They demonstrate knowledge, skills, and practices embodied by the Learning Standards that are considered sufficient for the expectations at this grade.
• NYS Level 2: Students performing at this level are partially proficient in standards for their grade. They demonstrate knowledge, skills, and practices embodied by the Learning Standards that are considered partial but insufficient for the expectations at this grade. Students performing at Level 2 are considered on track to meet current New York high school graduation requirements but are not yet proficient in Learning Standards at this grade.
• NYS Level 1: Students performing at this level are below proficient in standards for their grade. They may demonstrate limited knowledge, skills, and practices embodied by the Learning Standards that are considered insufficient for the expectations at this grade.

WCS will administer NYS ELA Computer Based Testing (CBT) to all students in Grades 3 - 8 as follows:

• April 8-10: Grades 5-8 ELA Testing
• April 30 & May 1: Grades 3-4 ELA Testing
• April 30 & May 1: Grades 5-8 Math Testing
• May 12-13: Grades 3-4 Math Testing
• May 13: Grades 5 & 8 Science Testing

Notes:

• You may anticipate more specific information about the logistical aspects of New York State ELA, Math & Science testing in Grades 3 - 8 to be shared soon by respective building principals.
• Parents may access additional resources on the NYSED website to support better understanding of the NYS Grades 3 - 8 ELA, Math and Science assessments administered in our schools.

Reed 1......................................................................STEVE JONES

Reed 2..............................................................LORRAINE JONES

Reed 3...............................................................KIRSTA RODEAN

French Horn...................................................MARK REYNOLDS

Trumpet.................................................................PETE MADSEN

Trombone...................................................................JOEL RUCCI

Drums/Percussion...............................................TOMMY DUFFY

Keyboard 1..............................................................KEVIN WANG

Keyboard 2...................................................THOMAS DeFISHER

Violin 1.....................................................................CYNTHIA HE

Violin 2.........................................................................KIM DERSE

Cello..............................................................AMY FRANKOVICH

Bass.....................................................................BRYCE NORSEN

On Saturday, March 8th, Williamson’s four Odyssey of the Mind teams competed in the Rochester Regional Odyssey of the Mind Competition held in Fairport. The seven-member teams, made up of students in grades 3-8, spent months preparing and creating solutions to a long-term problem. Teams presented their solutions through original plays complete with costumes, props, and scenery — all while staying within a budget and following specific guidelines.

In addition to their long-term problem performance, teams also participated in a spontaneous problem-solving challenge. With no prior knowledge of the task, they were asked to think quickly and creatively to solve either a verbal or hands-on problem in a matter of minutes — a true test of their teamwork and problem-solving skills!

We are proud of the hard work, collaboration, and imagination that each team demonstrated throughout the competition. Congratulations to all of our Odyssey of the Mind participants for representing Williamson with enthusiasm and innovation!

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 March arrives, we begin to transition to the last portion of the year. There are many events happening at the Middle School. Academically, our students are working to prepare for both the NYS tests, and potentially to take High School level courses. We offer Algebra, English 9 and Earth Science during 8th grade. These courses are credit bearing High School courses, and they count as credits towards graduation. In addition to 8th grade World Language, students could earn up to a maximum of four high school credits prior to their 9th grade year. To be considered for these courses, students must demonstrate a commitment to academics. We consider data such as grades, i-Ready scores, attendance, performance on NYS testing, and teacher recommendations.

Spring also brings with it a wide range of opportunities and events. Modified spring sports will be starting soon. Our new Athletic Director, Mr Rockow, is working with coaches and staff to make our fields and facilities ready to go! Within the building, our choirs and bands are preparing for the upcoming spring concerts. We have artists who also are submitting their artwork to the Wayne County Art Show! It is an exciting time at the Middle School!

Finally, our 8th grade class will be traveling to Washington DC this spring! This memory making event will include a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. Our students will have the opportunity to witness the moving ceremony of the changing of the guard. In addition, students will take a tour of the Capitol Building, choose a Smithsonian museum to visit, and walk on the National Mall. This trip is a highlight moment for many of our 8th graders. It is one of their favorite memories of their time in Middle School. We thank all of our chaperones for their willingness and dedication to make the trip happen!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email or call at (315) 589-9665.

Kathryn Taylor

Middle School Principal

Greetings from Miss Saxby ~ Williamson Elementary Principal:

March is coming in like a lion, but hopefully winter is ending soon. It has been great to have sunshine some days!

We have now made it through two marking periods here at the elementary school, but we still have more learning to do. Please continue to be in contact with your child’s teacher to check on their progress. Reading and practicing math facts at home are great ways to support your child’s learning.

We have some special events happening in the month of March:

• March 17th our 2nd-4th graders will attend an assembly featuring local Irish dancers.

• March 25th Bright Star Children’s Theater will be here doing two productions: one for UPK-1st and another for 2nd-4th.

We continue to focus on building school community here in the elementary school….our special day events are a wonderful way to cultivate school community and focus on our PRIDE philosophy!

Thank you for your continued support!

Miss Ellen Saxby

Williamson Elementary Principal

The Elementary School was filled with excitement as students and staff celebrated Read Across America Week from March 3-7!

The ELA Department worked hard to plan activities that promoted connection and a shared love of reading. Guest readers from around the district visited classrooms to share their favorite books, and buddy classrooms from different grade levels paired up for reading and book-themed activities. Displays in the hallways and signs outside classroom doors with staff book picks sparked curiosity and conversation.

Highlights of the week included First Grade’s annual "Dress as a Book Character Day", where students paraded through the hallways bringing characters to life, and Journey Bear’s mystery storybook buddy was revealed each day through fun clues during morning announcements.

To extend the celebration at home, students also participated in a take-home reading choice board activity, encouraging families to share in the joy of reading. It was a memorable week filled with stories, imagination, and a shared love of literacy!

Sprouting Success: Springtime Tips for Enhancing Literacy

As the days grow longer and the weather warms, spring provides a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate not only nature but also our students' love for reading and writing. Spring is a season of renewal, making it an ideal time to explore new strategies that can support student literacy growth. Whether students are reading their favorite books, engaging in creative writing, or participating in interactive activities, spring offers plenty of ways to enhance literacy skills. Check out a few creative and practical ideas to help students grow during this season:

1. Outdoor Reading Time

Spring’s inviting weather is perfect for reading outdoors. Reading outside can make the experience feel fresh and exciting. Organize a "Reading Picnic" or a "Story Walk," where students can read a chapter or a book featuring themes of nature, growth, or renewal as they stroll through a designated outdoor path. This change of environment helps students feel more connected to the world around them while fostering a love for reading in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.

2. Creative Spring Writing Prompts

Spring is a season bursting with sensory experiences—flowers blooming, birds singing, and fresh breezes blowing. Use these experiences to spark creativity in your students' writing. Offer writing prompts that tie into the season, such as:

• "Describe your perfect spring day in nature."

• "Imagine you are a flower blooming in the garden—what do you see, hear, and feel?"

• "Write a poem about how the world wakes up in spring."

These prompts allow students to tap into their senses, develop descriptive language, and experiment with different types of writing, including poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

3. Gardening for Literacy

Why not combine literacy with hands-on experiences? Encourage students to plant a small garden. As they observe the plants growing, they can write about their experiences in nature journals. This activity ties literacy with the life sciences, helping students practice descriptive writing, recording observations, and making predictions. Additionally, students could research the plants they are growing and write informational pieces or reports about them.

4. Interactive Book Reviews

Encourage students to review the books they’ve read this spring. Rather than writing traditional reviews, let them get creative with it! They could make a video review, create a poster, or even design a “book trailer” to recommend books to their peers. Sharing thoughts about books helps students strengthen their comprehension, communication, and persuasive writing skills.

Spring is a time of growth and change, both for the environment and for our students. By incorporating seasonal activities into literacy instruction, parents/guardians can tap into the natural excitement and energy of the season, making reading and writing more engaging. As students continue to explore, read, and write this season, they will not only enhance their academic skills but also deepen their love for learning.

Take a Break Cafe is giving students hands-on experience in cooking, customer service, and money management! From brainstorming recipes to handling orders, this student-led initiative is helping them build confidence and independence. Read the full story and view the photo gallery here: https://bit.ly/3FBY0va

Day of Caring Opportunity for Wayne County

Save the date for the second annual Day of Caring in Wayne County! The Spring Fling Festival/Day of Caring will be held on April 5, 2025 offering a wide variety of health and human services to Wayne County residents.

This is a FREE event, open to everyone, at the Lyons Community Center on Saturday April 5, 2025, from 9am-3pm. Some of the services that will be offered include:

• Educational opportunities regarding a variety of health and human service matters

• Vision and hearing screenings

• Mammograms

• Narcan training and supply

• Safe Child ID applications

• Assistance with DSS applications

• Opportunities to learn about day care and school programs

• Family- friendly activities including and Easter Egg hunt and face painting

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.

Cybersecurity Tip:

Here is a Youtube link for Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online by CISA : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgd-osFId00

Summer Planning:

We will have more news to follow in one of the upcoming newsletters surrounding the Chromebook collection for this Summer. Stay tuned!

SPRING ALLERGY AWARENESS: Keeping Kids Healthy This Season

Spring is upon us and so are seasonal allergies! It is a beautiful time of year, but for many children, it also means sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy noses caused by seasonal allergies. Allergies are often confused with colds, but there are key differences. Colds usually come with a fever, body aches, and last about a week, while allergies cause ongoing sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes but no fever. If your child’s symptoms last more than two weeks and happen around the same time each year, allergies may be the cause.

To help reduce exposure to pollen and other allergens, keep windows closed on high-pollen days, use air purifiers indoors, and check daily pollen counts before outdoor activities. Encourage children to wash their hands, change clothes, and even shower after playing outside to remove pollen. Washing bedding weekly and using allergy-proof pillowcases can also help. If your child needs allergy medication, talk to their doctor about the best options.

By taking these simple steps, we can help students stay comfortable and healthy this spring! If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s school nurse. Learn More Here

New York State Public Health Law (PHL) § 613, requires schools to inform families about influenza (flu) and the benefits of flu vaccinations. Please take a moment to refer to the October District Newsletter for detailed information or refer to the following:

• CDC - Flu
• Parents - Fight Flu CDC

COVID-19

If your child has symptoms associated with COVID-19 and/or tests positive for COVID-19, Williamson Central School District follows CDC recommendations for respiratory viruses,
Students can return to school when they meet the following criteria:

• Exhibit significant improvement of symptoms

AND

• Are fever free for at least 24 hours without taking fever reducing medications

Consult with your child’s school nurse if you have any questions.

We appreciate and thank you for following these CDC guidelines so that we can keep our schools healthy!

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to learn how healthy eating helps us feel our best. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins gives our bodies the fuel they need to stay strong and energized. Drinking plenty of water, limiting sugary drinks, and staying active are also important for good health. Small changes, like choosing healthier snacks, cooking at home, and reading food labels, can make a big difference over time. Good nutrition supports a healthy heart, strong bones, and a better mood. This month, let’s focus on making smart food choices and building healthy habits that last a lifetime!

Learn More About National Nutrition Month Here

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to learn about and raise awareness for brain injuries. A brain injury can happen in many ways, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury. It’s important to wear helmets while biking, skating, or playing contact sports to help protect our brains. If your child has a concussion or any head injury, make sure to get them checked by a doctor and follow the doctor’s advice on rest and recovery. Please also contact your child’s school nurse. Understanding brain injuries can help keep everyone safe and healthy. Let’s work together to protect our brains!

Learn More About Brain Injury Awareness Month Here

In honor of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), NYS OASAS, the NY Gaming Commission and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) are encouraging everyone across New York State – individuals, agencies and communities alike – to come together to seek understanding to reduce gambling harms.

Problem gambling can impact individuals and families, including young people. This month, we encourage parents to:

• Learn the signs of problem gambling in youth and adults.

• Have open conversations about responsible decision-making.

• Know where to find resources for prevention and support.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available.

Click Here for More Information and Support

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!

Bethany R. Moore, RN BSN

High School Nurse

Nurse Coordinator

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

Dear Williamson CSD Families,

Spring sports season is right around the corner! To participate in Varsity, JV, and Modified sports, all student-athletes must be registered on FamilyID before the season begins.

📅 Spring Sports Start Dates:
🔹 Varsity & JV Sports Begin – Monday, March 17th
🔹 Modified Sports Begin – Monday, March 24th

🏅 Spring Sports & Coaches:

🏃‍♂️ Track:
🔹 Varsity: Coach Van Hoover, Coach Alexander
🔹 Assistant: Coach Comstock, Coach Klemmer
🔹 Modified: Coach Oliver, Coach DeFisher

⚾ Baseball:
🔹 Varsity: Coach Bouwens
🔹 JV: Coach Thomas
🔹 Modified: Coach France

🥎 Softball:
🔹 Varsity: Coach Fillmore
🔹 Modified: Coach Vitalone

🎾 Tennis:
🔹 Varsity: Coach Ferland
🔹 Modified: Coach Yaskow

🏈 Girls Flag Football:
🔹 Varsity: Coach Coon
🔹 Assistant: TBD

📢 How to Register: Click the link below to complete registration on FamilyID before the first day of practice! FamilyID Registration Link

🏆 Coaches will provide additional details regarding tryouts, practice schedules, and expectations.

📣 Parent Meeting: Be on the lookout for an upcoming announcement with the date and time for a Spring Sports Parent Meeting. This will be a great opportunity to meet the coaches, review expectations, and ask questions.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s coach or the athletic office. We’re looking forward to an exciting and successful season!

Saturday, March 29th – Fairport High School

1 Dave Paddock Way, Fairport, NY 14450

Girls game: 2:00 pm - Boys Game: 4:00 pm

ADVANCE TICKETS ARE $5.00 AND WILL BE $6.00 THE DAY OF THE GAMES.

The purpose of the Games is to showcase the talents of the area’s best high school basketball players while raising money for the Rochester Ronald McDonald House and families in need. It’s always an excellent experience for the Players and Cheerleaders to play the Sport they love while learning how they can help and impact others in their community.

Spectators play a vital role in fostering sportsmanship in high school athletics. Their behavior can influence the atmosphere of a game, impact athletes' performances, and set a standard for what is acceptable in youth sports. Here’s how spectators can contribute to a positive and respectful environment:

1. Model Respectful Behavior

• Cheer positively for all athletes.

• Avoid booing, taunting, or engaging in negative chants.

• Treat officials, coaches, and opposing fans with respect.

2. Encourage Athletes Without Excessive Pressure

• Focus on effort and improvement rather than just winning.

• Avoid criticizing players for mistakes—let coaches do their job.

3. Follow School and League Policies

• Adhere to codes of conduct for spectators.

• Respect decisions made by referees, even when disagreeing.

4. Set a Good Example for Young Fans

• Remember that younger athletes and students are watching and learning.

• Demonstrate patience and composure, especially in tense moments.

6. Report and Discourage Unsportsmanlike Behavior

• Speak up if you witness inappropriate behavior in the stands.

• Support efforts to remove disruptive spectators if necessary.

By embracing these principles, spectators can contribute to an environment where high school athletics focus on teamwork, respect, and personal growth.

There has been an uptick in unsportsmanlike behavior from spectators throughout Section V. Please review the NYSPHSAA spectator policy.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has established a spectator sportsmanship policy to promote positive behavior during interscholastic events. Spectators are encouraged to "Be Loud, Be Proud, and Be Positive." Negative comments and inappropriate behaviors are addressed through a structured protocol:

1. First Warning: Spectators are directed to refrain from negative comments or actions.

2. Second Warning: A personal discussion is held with the spectator(s) to reiterate NYSPHSAA's expectations and inform them that continued misconduct will lead to removal from the event.

3. Removal from the Contest: If negative behavior persists, the spectator(s) will be asked to leave the facility. Play will be halted until they comply.

Spectators removed from an event must complete the NFHS Parent Credential course or serve a one-game suspension before attending future interscholastic events. A certificate of completion from the course should be submitted to the school's athletic department. Depending on the severity or recurrence of the behavior, NYSPHSAA and the respective Section may become directly involved.

beaconk12.org

For more detailed information, you can refer to the NYSPHSAA Handbook.

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)

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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.

Elementary Food Service Updates: Sarah Nesci has joined the Williamson Elementary School Food Service Team! Sarah comes with many years of food production and food service experience. She has 2 children in the Elementary School, Dominic (3rd Grade) and Mya (2nd Grade). We are so happy to have her join our team. Welcome Sarah!

Great Job Elementary Food Service Team! Out of our 3 schools, Breakfast Meal Participation has been the highest in the Elementary School this school year. 60-65% of our Elementary School Students get breakfast each day! AMAZING!

Middle School Food Service Updates: Special Thank you to Mr. Rockow for truly showing his appreciation to our Middle School Food Service team! Earlier in the school year, Mr. Rockow reached out to Tina VanStrien and asked if he could surprise the Middle School Food Service Team with a gift of appreciation. On Friday, March 7th, he brought in a team of volunteers to take over the Middle School Lunch Service for the day, and gave the Middle School Food Service Team his credit card so they could go out for lunch. What a surprise it was! Patti Kiesinger, a ServSafe Food Safety Certified team member oversaw meal service to ensure food safety and meal guidelines were followed. Thank you so much Mr. Rockow for setting this up, and for the team that came to help him! See pics below.

Williamson High School Food Service Updates: Within our district, Lunch Participation is highest in our High School Kitchen! On average, 71-76% of our High School Students get lunch from us each day! That is truly something to be proud of!

High School Kitchen Staff Updates: Since the start of the school year, Michelle Whipple, High School Kitchen Manager has taken on the added role of Food Service Operations Manager for the district. This is to assist our Food Service Director (Tina VanStrien) so that she can also oversee Marion Central School District and Boces Wayne Technical Career Center's food service programs. Michelle helps with the procurement of food, produce, and supplies, and facilitates school related catering events. She also helps oversee the day to day activities of our district, ensuring everything runs smoothly, from food preparation to customer service. Thank you for all your hard work Michelle!

The High School Food Service Team won the Costume Contest this year! They dressed up as condiments! Thank you to all the students that voted!

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

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.
• GoGuardian also enables the district to monitor student usage 24/7. When Beacon detects that a student is browsing content related to Self-Harm or Suicide, a notification will be sent to users in order of the Escalation List up to five times or until an action is taken on the alert card. Disclaimer: Regardless of school monitoring specific to reference of self harm, it is simply not possible to catch all activity. Parents maintain responsibility to supervise their children’s use of devices.

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.

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.

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