David C. Bills, superintendent of schools in the West Genesee Central School District shared the following information after it was announced the PAUSE period for new York would remain in effect through May 15 and schools would also remain closed for this same period of time.

Today, in the daily press conference that provides information and resources, NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the extension of the current “PAUSE” period through May 15, 2020. It is a decision that is based on our safety and grounded in data gathered from health professionals and medical experts.

While it is truly disappointing to be apart, we should all remain diligent in our efforts regarding health and safety. This includes social distancing, wearing appropriate attire to include masks, following guidelines from New York State and Onondaga County authorities, and practicing strong habits of hygiene including hand washing.

The following are resources that have been made available in the past weeks. I encourage you to avail yourself of organizations and opportunities available that include those from the West Genesee CSD.

Food

We will continue a delivery system for those requesting and receiving support. The District is still accepting requests. For inquiry or sign-up, please contact WGfoodservice@westgenesee.org. For information and updates on food distribution, click here.

Child Care

If you are a parent or caregiver who needs child care, particularly serving children of essential workers, please complete this parent need for child care survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HSNNYJ.

Based on the information you provide about your job, employer, number of children, and financial need, the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) may be able to help you find the child program you need. It may be a challenge to find child care due to COVID-19 related program closures, however the staff members at OCFS are trying their best to support families to find the high quality child care that they need.

Learning

The approach of instructional delivery will continue to include asynchronous learning, landing pages of learning experiences, and in-time connections through technology. Click here to access the Online Learning Portal.

If you are in need of technology support please contact: wgtechhelp@westgenesee.org.

Also, please see a variety of resources through links found on our website westgenesee.org found within “Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)”; letters, surveys, specific resources by topic, help lines, and information from Health Departments.

There are “silver linings” that accompany the difficulties of the current pandemic while maintaining the priority to the health and safety of everyone. Namely, the care from neighbors, the symbols of appreciation, and the communication of hope that is seen in so many ways. It has always been there, but is needed from and for each of us at this time. I am proud to be a part of this community, even when we are apart.