Dear WCS Students, Families, Staff and Community Members,

I hope this note finds you well and enjoying this cold month of February. Fingers crossed we begin to experience more blue skies, sun, and warmer temperatures!

It is difficult to imagine that we are well into the third marking period of the 2024-25 school year and already planning for 2025-26! In the spirit of calendar conversations, please be certain to bookmark important dates noted below for upcoming events at WCS.

February Recess

School is closed February 17-21 for February Recess.

School will reopen for all students and staff on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Spring Recess

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

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

2025-26 Instructional Calendar

• 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.

Shared BOE Meeting with Marion Central School District

On December 6, 2024, the WCS Board of Education voted during a Regular Meeting of the Board to engage in a shared meeting with the Marion CSD Board of Education for the purpose of exploring a potential merger study with their district. There are several reasons why school districts might consider conducting a merger study. A merger study allows districts to explore the potential benefits and challenges of consolidating their resources and operations, and can provide valuable insights for making informed decisions about the future of education in our communities.

As such, a shared meeting of the WCS Board of Education with the Marion Central School District Board of Education has been scheduled for March 18 to discuss and explore a potential merger study. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the Boards of Education from both districts to come together, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and determine the best path forward as we consider the future of both educational communities.

What is a Merger Study?

A merger study for school districts is a formal process in which two or more school districts explore the potential benefits, challenges, and impacts of merging into a single, consolidated district. The study typically involves gathering and analyzing data related to a variety of factors, including:

1. Financial Considerations: Evaluating how combining districts would impact budgets, funding, staffing, and operational efficiency. This includes examining possible cost savings, increased funding opportunities, or any financial challenges that might arise from the merger.

2. Educational Quality: Assessing whether a merger could enhance or impact the quality of education provided to students. This includes analyzing resources, curriculum offerings, class sizes, extracurricular opportunities, and student support services.

3. Community Impact: Considering how the merger would affect the local communities, including changes to school culture, transportation, accessibility, and community involvement in the schools.

4. Logistics and Infrastructure: Reviewing the physical and administrative logistics of consolidating the schools, including facilities, staff distribution, and technology systems.

5. Legal and Governance Issues: Identifying any legal or governance hurdles, such as changes to school board structures, district boundaries, and compliance with state regulations.

The goal of a merger study is to gather enough information to make an informed decision about whether or not to move forward with a merger and to weigh the potential advantages and challenges of consolidating districts to improve educational outcomes, optimize resources, and provide long-term sustainability.

Who Decides on a Merger?

Merging school districts is a significant decision that can have wide-reaching effects on students, families, staff, and the surrounding community. As such, New York State requires community engagement, input and vote before a district(s) may move forward with a merger.

Key points about community involvement in merger decisions:

1. Public Hearings/Meetings: Public meetings or hearings where community members can provide feedback on the merger study and its potential outcomes are a facet of the merger study process. These meetings allow parents, teachers, students, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns.

2. Public Vote: A merger proposal requires approval through a public referendum or vote. This means the community ultimately decides whether the merger takes place.

3. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: States have specific legal processes that include public notice, discussions, and input before a merger can be finalized. This ensures transparency and allows community members to be part of the decision-making process.

While the BOE plays a key role in initiating and facilitating the merger process, this is a community decision. For more information, please review the SED resource: School District Reorganization, A Primer.

Save the Date

The shared meeting of the Boards of Education for the WCS and Marion school districts is scheduled for 6:00 on March 18 at the Sodus Central School District. All members of our school community are invited to attend and to be actively informed as we work collaboratively with Marion CSD on this potential pathway.

We are committed to keeping our community engaged and will continue to share updates as we progress in this process. Your support and participation will be crucial as we navigate this important discussion for the future of our students and schools.

WCS Hires School Business Official

The role of a business official in a school district is crucial for managing and overseeing the financial operations, budgeting, and fiscal policies that ensure the district runs efficiently. This individual is responsible for developing and managing the district's budget, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and managing resources to meet the educational needs of students. They work closely with administrators, school board members, and external stakeholders to make sure funds are allocated appropriately to support academic programs, facilities maintenance, and other critical services. In addition, they may oversee procurement, payroll, and financial reporting.

In New York State, business official must possess a SDBL (School District Business Leader) certification to ensure the necessary expertise for navigation of the complexities of school finance and leadership.

As I shared in a recent ParentSquare communication on 2/12, the Williamson Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Penny Johnston as our next School Business Official. The WCS Board of Education appointed her to a probationary position effective March 17 during a Regular meeting of the Board on February 12, 2025.

Mrs. Johnston has demonstrated herself to be a reflective lead learner, a champion for students, learning and teaching, and a genuine source of positivity in her approach to building and nurturing relationships with all stakeholders. With over 20 years of experience in finance, Penny Johnston brings a wealth of expertise to the role. Most recently, she has served the last 2.5 years as District Treasurer for Victor CSD, where she assumed professional responsibility for management of budgeting, accounting, and reporting on a $103 million budget.

Prior to her service in Victor, Mrs. Johnston served 7 years as fiscal manager for Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES overseeing the finances for multiple districts. Mrs. Johnston also has 12 years experience in the private sector as a financial analyst. While conducting reference checks, supervisors provided consistent messaging about how capable, competent, talented and loyal Mrs. Johnston has been/is as a professional in the organizations she has served. Mrs. Johnston earned a Bachelor of Accounting from SUNY Oneonta, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport, and a Certificate of Internship towards SDBL Certification from SUNY Brockport.

When asked about becoming the next WCS Business Official, Mrs. Johnston commented, “I look forward to collaborating with the talented staff, students, and families to support the district's mission and contribute to its continued success. I am so grateful for this opportunity!” I am confident that Penny Johnston will serve as a humble, extremely capable and competent leader for the district.

The District invites members of the school community to meet Mrs. Johnston by scheduling a meeting with her at District Office or by attending an upcoming Board of Education meeting post anticipated start date of March 17.

Business Official Hiring Process Timeline

POSTING: January 10 - 27 (noon deadline)

VETTING OF CANDIDATES: January 27

ADMINISTRATIVE CABINET & SUPERVISORY SCREENING INTERVIEWS: January 30

STAKEHOLDER SEMIFINALIST COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS: February 4

FINALIST INTERVIEWS: February 7

BOARD OF EDUCATION APPOINTMENT: February 12

Screening Interview Committee Members

Bridget Ashton

Kelly Colling

Karen Hoody

Rachel Liberatore

Patrick Poirier

Ellen Saxby

Rob Snyder

Kate Taylor

Tina VanStrien

SemiFinalist Interview Committee Members

Cohen Burggraaff: Student

Angela DeFisher: Parent, BOE

Jennifer Delehanty: Payroll

Kelly Dixon: Admin Assistant to Superintendent

Kat Gaziano-Skerrett: Accounts Payable

Rachel Liberatore, Assistant Superintendent

Nancy Miller: MS Teacher, WFA

Anastacie Okoronkwo: Student

Vicky Pascarella: Director of Transportation

Dieurinise (goes by Jenny) Piris: Student

Patrick Poirier: Director of Facilities

Bryon Rockow: MS Assistant Principal

Ellen Saxby: ES Principal

Katie Sensebach: Parent and ES TA, WFA

Tiffany Skerrett: Parent and HS Clerk, CSEA

Sadie Stoffel: Student

Rob Snyder: HS Principal

Rainee Tilkins: MS Teacher, WFA

Tina VanStrien: Director of Food Service

A special thank you to all members of the interview committees for their dedication and contribution to the process. The analysis and intersection of confidence ratings, reference checks and consideration of salary obligation to arrive at this hiring recommendation.

2025-26 Budget Development

As we continue with the development of the school district's budget for the upcoming year, we wanted to share an update on the current status of the process.

At this stage, the 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 diligently 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. We will continue to provide updates as things progress and look forward to sharing additional budget updates with you soon.

District Safety Video

At Williamson Central School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. To better support community awareness around our approach to District Safety, the district has collaborated with our WFL BOCES Public Relations team to produce and now share a District safety video which briefly describes our approach to the below facets of district safety:

DASA

TAP App

Safety Drills

Education Law 2-D

Procedures in Safety

TIG Consortium

Reunification Process

Building Safety Committees

Communication

District Safety Team

We hope that you may take a few minutes to watch the video and to learn how we work together to ensure a safe and prepared school community.

February 2025 District Newsletter

Our February District Newsletter contains numerous highlights, pertinent updates and information about upcoming events/activities. Please read on to learn more about and celebrate the accomplishments of students, to hear about current events and to bookmark dates of future happenings at WCS! Be certain to scroll further for honor roll acknowledgements, HS play date/time, Indoor Track Sectionals date/rime, a message from our Athletic Director, and so much more!

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. We are so grateful to work in partnership with you in advocacy of all of our students!

Warmest regards,

Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Williamson Central School District
4184 Miller Street
Williamson, NY 14589
Bashton@williamsoncentral.org
#WilliamsonPROUD

At WCS, we are steadfast in our resolve to engage in continuous improvement and to secure optimal outcomes for all of our students. We want each and every Marauder to have equal access to learning, opportunity, and life's chances for success.

The Board of Education acts officially to create a shared vision for the future and to establish direction for the district to achieve highest levels of student performance. As such, the Board of Education has provided the direction and vision for the short and long term work in front of us as a district, as outlined in the below Essential Objectives document below.

More information about the 2025-26 school budget will be shared as the budget picture becomes clearer in the weeks to come. In the meantime, please mark your calendars with these important budget development dates:

• March 4: Budget Presentation to BOE
• April 9: Budget Workshop Before Regular Meeting of the Board
• April 23: Budget Presentation to BOE
• May 7: Budget Hearing and Meet the Candidate Night (6:30 PM)
• May 20: Annual Meeting: Uniform Statewide Budget Vote and BOE Election

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work towards positioning the Williamson Central School District for a successful 2025-26 school year.

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.

High Honor Roll: 94.50-100.00

Honor Roll: 89.50-94.50

Merit Roll: 84.50-89.5

Congratulations to the below students for earning High Honor Roll Status for the 2nd Marking Period! (name, grade, GPA)

• Watson, Caiden 9 97.68
• Kramer, Hailey 9 97.06
• Bohannon, Brianna Rose 9 95.64
• Burns, Brendon 9 95.58
• Zwierlein, Dylan 9 95.46
• Lagoner, Isabella 9 95.38
• Alexander, Georgie 9 95.17
• VanLare, Jaxon 9 95.14
• Tuper, Devin 9 94.77
• Gilman-Shuler, Zoie Anne 9 94.53
• Ahern, Braelynn 9 94.5
• Ishler, Michael T 10 97.86
• Petrosky, Andrew Joseph 10 97.12
• Storey, Brayden 10 96.87
• VanLare, Joseph 10 96.57
• Allen, Grant Shipley 10 96
• Wagner, Ryan 10 95.92
• Watson, Madison 10 95.85
• Bendschneider, Owen 10 95.38
• Gasparri, Ruth 10 95
• Alexander, Ellie 10 94.92
• DeFisher, David N 10 94.64
• Groesbeck, Renee 11 100.29
• Kuhl, Katherine 11 98.81
• Martinez, Ronan 11 98.5
• Atwater, Faith 11 98.42
• Lindner III, Larry 11 98.05
• Burns, Benjamin 11 97.96
• Burggraaff, Cohen 11 97.83
• McVey, Aidan 11 97.8
• Brandt, Nathan Douglas 11 97.77
• Schmeelk, Lauren 11 97.75
• McArthur, Lia E 11 96.97
• Retzer, Alyssa 11 96.55
• Shaver, Breanna Lynne 11 96.38
• Igler, Logan Russell 11 95.97
• Comstock, Courtney 11 95.91
• Brown, Maya 11 95.83
• Ames II, Justin Robert 11 95.73
• Schmeelk, Natalie 11 94.97
• Abrams, Emma Jean 12 99.81
• Storms, Rhett C 12 99.38
• Thornton, Chase Andrew 12 99.33
• Fernaays, Kendall 12 99
• Campbell, Kate Melissa 12 98.71
• Foss, Emily Miranda 12 98.27
• Allen, Devin Warren 12 97.78
• Mendoza, Ashley Dayanette 12 97.25
• Alexander, Ethan 12 97.05
• Nuessle, Madison Olivia 12 96.86
• Byron, Blake Peter 12 96.75
• Webster, Victoria Karise 12 96.47
• Arteaga-Martinez, Moises 12 96.44
• Seen, Brooke 12 96.11
• Niles, Timothy Wayne 12 95.8
• Bobowski, Easton 12 95.52
• Begy, Riley Devon 12 95.4
• Murray, Audrey 12 95.38
• Robbins-Decker, Lillie Elizabeth 12 95.22
• Casanzio, Michael Anthony 12 94.75
• Verbridge, Molly 100
• Towne, Travis Casper 100
• Atwater, Alana 99.5

Congratulations to the below students for earning Honor Roll Status for the 2nd Marking Period! (name, grade, GPA)

• Johns, Madison 9 94.46
• Shaver, Chase 9 94.29
• Forrest, Sawyer 9 93.8
• Harmon, Jordan 9 93.6
• Thornton, Kayley Grace 9 92.75
• Kotvis, Austin 9 92.62
• Suwyn, Melanie Elaine 9 92.21
• Leaty, Austin 9 91.87
• Schmitt, Teagan 9 91.4
• Abdunnasir, Adam H 9 90.56
• Scuderi, Dennis 9 90.5
• Orr, Aleya 9 89.82
• Stubbings, Eli K 9 89.69
• Hain, Abigail 10 94.38
• Wahl, Ryan 10 93.74
• Lewis, Silas Boyd 10 93.48
• Johnson, Isabella R 10 93.08
• Rowley, Landon Michael 10 92.18
• Ostertag Sniders, Mallorie Louise 10 92
• Palmer, Liliana Hope 10 91.69
• Porchea Jr, Nathaniel Moses 10 90.32
• Stephan, Jacob 10 90.2
• LeBerth, Jesse Alexander 10 89.67
• Vos, Patrick C 11 94.22
• Wurtz, Myles 11 94.17
• Colfer, Laura Renee 11 94.07
• Genge, Leah 11 94.07
• Byron, Brett 11 93.8
• Zuniga, Kaleb Misael 11 93.47
• Mitchell, David John 11 93.25
• Bearce, Olivia Grace 11 92.64
• Kotvis, Joshua 11 92.35
• Watson, McKenna 11 91.92
• Morgan, Abigail Rose 11 91.54
• Saint Fleur, Aisha M 11 90.75
• Governor, Hannah Katelyn 11 90.6
• O'Neil, Brianne Christine 11 90.52
• Schreiber, Arthur Norman 11 90.35
• Jones, Trinity 11 89.6
• Ketchum, Danielle 12 94.4
• Brack, Emma 12 92.75
• Rucci Jr, Joel 12 91.95
• Vasquez Morales, Magali 12 91.63
• Jacobs, Lillyian 12 91.26
• Ayala, Xzavier Manuel 12 90.67
• Harrison, Dillon 12 90.58
• Wiegert, Logan 14 93.5
• Schumacher, Hannah 14 90

Congratulations to the below students for earning Merit Roll Status for the 2nd Marking Period! (name, grade, GPA)

• Mendoza Aguilera, Bryan 9 89
• Craft, Alexander 9 88.86
• Schembri, Juniper Adele 9 87.67
• Bond, Gracey Ann 9 86.64
• Giglio, Natalie 9 86.5
• Zuniga, Kaidan Mikhail 9 86.18
• Saint Fleur, Mary M 9 86.18
• Jarnot, Anthony 9 85.82
• Gould, Katharine 9 85.62
• Aguilera-Rangel, Camila 9 85.17
• Sonneville, Carter 9 85.07
• Lowery, Kaden M 9 84.73
• Brooks, Magdalene 9 84.67
• Dysinger, Marshall 10 89.42
• Oathout, Olivia 10 89.29
• Putnam, Paige 10 89.08
• Silliman, Anna 10 88.92
• Campbell, Zion 10 86.7
• Swarthout, William 10 86.65
• Buck, Ava 10 85.46
• Cowgill, Blake Donald 10 84.58
• Hillegeer, Caiden 11 88.82
• Stoffel, Sadie Lynn 11 88.67
• Piris, Dieurinise (Jenny) 11 88.62
• Jones, Connor Thomas 11 88.47
• Otero, Aidan 11 88.47
• Verbridge, Halle Morgan 11 88.09
• Frank, Marley Aura 11 87.33
• Hoody, Ryne 11 86.46
• Purcell, Julianne Marie 11 86.25
• Ryan, Jonathan Fisher 11 85.5
• Zarcone, Stephen 11 85.27
• Harrell, Isaac Anthony 11 85.13
• Shults, Dakota 11 84.8
• Jackson, Mariah 11 84.7
• Storey, Madyson 11 84.67
• Stringer, Riley 12 89
• Alexander, Javon 12 88.88
• Burnett, Patience 12 88.22
• Tousey, Edward S 12 88.17
• Goodness, Johnathon 12 87.5
• Hanmore, Sabrina Marie 12 86.43
• Burns, Jaiden Jacob David 12 85.09

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 part of our continuing efforts to address our students' academic needs, the Middle School uses i-Ready to support students. Each year, we administer an i-Ready benchmark to assess skills in both reading and math. Reading assesses five distinct skills: phonemic awareness, phonological awareness,high frequency words, vocabulary and comprehension. Math also assesses a set of sub-skills which include: number operations, algebraic thinking, measurement and geometry. We use these tri-annual benchmarks to monitor progress and determine programming for our students.

In addition to monitoring progress (which informs us of a student's approximate grade level skills) we also utilize i-Ready to progress monitor our students. After our benchmark assessment is complete, the staff analyze the students' sub-skill abilities, and tailor their teaching (particularly in our AIS classes) to address any deficits. Once lessons are designed around addressing the specific need, it is the goal to improve the skill.

The i-Ready program is an invaluable tool. It helps us gauge any student’s area of need, and allows our teachers to focus and target their instruction. We continue to utilize this tool to maximize our students’ learning and success!

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 9315) 589-9665.

Kathryn Taylor

Middle School Principal

Happy February!

It’s amazing how quickly this year is moving along. As we enter this important stage of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and share some key reminders to support our students’ success.

The second semester is a crucial time for growth and learning. Our dedicated teachers are working tirelessly to prepare students for the next level, and we need your support to make this a productive and impactful time for everyone. A key factor in student success is consistent attendance. When students attend school regularly, they benefit from uninterrupted instruction, achieve higher scores on assessments, and develop positive social and emotional skills that will serve them well in the future.

Recently, we’ve noticed an increase in students arriving late or leaving early. While occasional absences are sometimes unavoidable, frequent tardiness and early checkouts can disrupt not only your child’s learning but also the flow of the classroom. These interruptions make it harder for students to stay on track and reach their full potential. Let’s work together to ensure every child is present, on time, and engaged for the full school day whenever possible. By fostering these habits now, we can help set the stage for lifelong success.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making our school a place where every student can thrive. Your support makes all the difference in creating a strong and supportive learning environment. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Bryon Rockow

--

Bryon Rockow

Assistant Principal

Williamson Middle School

It has been a snowy and chilly winter so far, but February also brings enjoyable events for our elementary students. Read about some of these special events below….

Global Play Day – we will celebrate this day of “play” on Friday February 7th. Students will be able to engage in play activities throughout the day, in addition to outdoor playtime. A big thank you to PTSA for providing the students with a special treat on this day!

Other upcoming special events:

• 100th Day of School

• Valentine’s Day

• Read Across America Day

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

New York State Assessments: Important Information & Tips for Preparation

With spring quickly approaching, so is the time for NYS assessments—a crucial period for students and parents alike. These standardized tests play a significant role in evaluating academic progress, making it essential for families to stay informed and prepared. Understanding the assessment schedule and knowing how to support your student can make a big difference in their confidence and performance.

As students prepare, consider the following practices:

• Encourage students to stay positive and concentrate on their own goals

• Support healthy routines - students need adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition

• Help students practice relaxation techniques to manage stress

• Support effective test-taking strategies

• Encourage active learning

• Communicate with teachers to remain informed about your student’s progress

Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES offers Family University events virtually for students, families, school staff and other supportive adults. Sessions provide an opportunity to learn and grow on a variety of topics including transition options, financial aid, understanding benefit options, therapeutic behavioral supports, and graduation pathways. Together we can learn from the information shared, as well as from the support of others.

These events are open to anyone who could benefit from attending. Be sure to check ParentSquare for monthly Family University registration information!

Looking ahead to March

Employment Conference – Employment and YOU!

• Date: March 3rd – 6th

• Free, Virtual Event

• Varies topics at lunch time and evening.

• Hosted by URMC & Westchester Institute for Human Development

• Target Audience: Students, Families, School or Agency Staff or other supportive adults

STEPS2: Socializing to Enrich Participation and Support Health Education for Young People with I/DD

• Health Education Initiative for students with I/DD on nutrition, physical activity and sexual education

• Dates:

• March 4th (7pm – 8pm)

• March 14th (12pm – 1pm)

• Presenter: CUNY SPH – STEPS 2 Team

What are Community Schools?

Community schools are schools that partner with local resources to provide additional support for students and families in an effort to improve student achievement and create a better learning environment for students. Through our partnership with Wayne County Community Schools, Williamson CSD is committed to developing collaborative programs centered to help young people and families learn, grow, and thrive.

We invite you to visit our Community Schools page HERE on our district website. This site will:

• Highlight local Health and Wellness opportunities to benefit residents.

• Provide access to more information about our Marauder Pantry, Marauder Closet, vision & dental resources and on the spot response to individual needs.

• Supply contact information for our Community Schools coordinators, Erin Rowley and Lisa Ryan.

What is the Wayne County Systems of Care?

The System of Care is a valuable resource maintained by the Wayne Behavioral Health Network. Click HERE to access an integrated network of county agencies working together to improve coordination of services and initiatives for local residents. You can also click HERE to access a printable resource guide or visit our Community Schools website for more information.

Supports included but not limited to are:

Basic Needs

Bereavement and Grief

Childcare Centers

Employment

Family Support

Legal Services

Mental Health Support

Social and Senior Services

Veteran Supports

And so much more!

Thank you for being a valued part of our community. We’re always working to provide you with the best tools and content! Please reach out with any questions or if you are in need of help with these resources.

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 Tips to Remember:

• Use Strong Passwords: Combine letters, numbers, and symbols for more security.

• Be Careful with Links: Avoid clicking on unfamiliar or suspicious links in emails.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Where possible, use 2FA for added security.

• Update Software Regularly: Make sure all apps and systems are updated to protect against vulnerabilities.

STAYING ACTIVE IN THE WINTER

Keeping children active during the winter months is important for their overall health and well-being. Regular physical activity not only strengthens their muscles and bones but also supports heart health and boosts mood. Even when it's cold outside, there are many ways to keep kids moving and having fun.

• Outdoor Activities: Don't let the chilly weather keep your family indoors. Bundle up in warm layers, including hats, scarves, and gloves, to stay comfortable outside. Enjoy activities like building a snowman, making snow angels, or going sledding. These fun exercises help children stay active and enjoy the winter season.
• Indoor Fun: When it's too cold to play outside, create opportunities for movement indoors. Turn on some music and have a dance party, set up an obstacle course using pillows and chairs, or play active games like "Simon Says." These activities can keep your child engaged and physically active inside the house.

By encouraging both outdoor and indoor activities, you can help your child stay active and healthy throughout the winter months. Remember, short bursts of activity throughout the day can be just as beneficial as longer sessions. Keep it fun, and your child will look forward to staying active, no matter the weather!

• 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!

AMERICAN HEART MONTH

February is Heart Month, a special time to learn about keeping our hearts healthy. A strong heart helps us feel good and have energy for the things we love. Teaching our children heart-healthy habits now can set them up for a lifetime of good health.

Simple daily actions can make a big difference. Encourage your child to eat more fruits and vegetables, play actively each day, and choose water over sugary drinks. These habits help keep their hearts strong. By making these healthy choices together, we can support our children's heart health now and in the future!

Learn More About American Heart Month Here

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, a time to focus on keeping our kids' teeth healthy. Good dental habits help prevent cavities and keep smiles bright. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss daily. Regular dental check-ups are also important to catch any problems early.

Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can protect your child's teeth from decay. Instead, offer healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and water. Teaching these habits now will help your child maintain a healthy mouth as they grow. Let's work together to keep our children's smiles strong and bright!

Contact your child’s school nurse with any questions or if you need a referral for a dentist. We are happy to answer any questions and help you to get the dental health care that your child needs!

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to learn about healthy relationships for our teens. Dating violence can include hitting, yelling, or controlling behaviors. It's important to talk with your teen about what makes a relationship healthy, like respect and trust.

Encourage your teen to share their feelings and listen to them carefully. Let them know they can come to you if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable in a relationship. By keeping open communication, we can help our teens build safe and loving relationships.

DID YOU KNOW…

Learn More About Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Here

EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK

February 24 - March 2, 2025 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week, a time to learn about eating disorders and how they affect people. Eating disorders are serious health problems that can impact anyone, including children and teens. They involve unhealthy thoughts and behaviors about food and body image.

As parents, it's important to talk with your child about healthy eating and body positivity. Encourage them to share their feelings and listen carefully to their concerns. If you notice changes in their eating habits or attitudes toward their body, seek help from a healthcare professional. Early support can make a big difference in recovery.

Learn More About Eating Disorders Here

HEALTH SCREENINGS

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

Athletic updates for Jan/Feb

The winter season is winding down, and sectionals are quickly approaching! The following are essential updates from the Athletic Dept.

Results:https://results.yentiming.com/2025/indoor/02-08-25-WFL-Champ.htm

Swing into Spring! Spring Athletic sign-ups are right around the corner!

JV/V Athletics Start Date March 17th, 2025

Modified Athletics Start Date March 24th, 2025

Spring Sports Offered

• Varsity, JV, Modified Baseball
• Varsity Softball, Mod A Softball (7-9th Grade)
• Varsity, Mod Track & Field
• Varsity Girls Flag Football
• Varsity Boys Tennis, Mod A Tennis (7-9th Grade)

Family ID will be opened 30 Days before the practice start date.

https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/williamson-central-school-district-athletics

Marauder athletes recently attended a Section V Leadership Training workshop on recognizing and coping with Mental Health in Athletics.

Sportsmanship and Spectators

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.

Chain of Contact

Coach --> Athletic Director --> Building Principal --> Superintendent --> Board of Education

There may be times when you have questions or concerns about your child's participation in athletics. Please be certain to use this chain of command so that you can receive a timely response from the staff member that is most directly involved in the situation.

When approaching a coach about an athletics concern, parents/guardians are encouraged to exercise the "24 hour rule" and to request a meeting or phone call outside of the practice/athletic competition environment.

As you move further along the chain of command, the staff is less directly involved and usually needs time to research the situation before they can give you an answer. If you do not hear back from the person you have contacted within 24 hours, it is time to move along to the next level of the chain. We do not expect your questions or concerns to go unanswered for a long period of time.

We all look forward to a wonderful school year with few complaints. Please note that compliments or acknowledgements of positive events can be directed to everyone along the chain. All of us appreciate hearing that there is something good that has happened!

Andy Kritall, Athletic Director
(315) 589-9621

• 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

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)

The Free & Reduced Application is on our website along with menus and other pertinent information. To access the Food Service website for the Williamson Central School District, do as follows:

• Click Departments, then
• Click on Food & Nutrition Services.

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

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.

ELA - April 30/May 1

Math - May 12/13

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