Following an announcement from gov. Andrew Cuomo that school would remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, David C. Bills, superintendent of schools for the West Genesee Central School District shared the following information:
Today, in the daily press conference that provides information and resources, NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo announced school building closures with remote learning to stay in place for the remainder of the academic year. It is a decision that is consistent with ongoing communication and is based on our safety and grounded in data gathered from health professionals and medical experts. Governor Cuomo applauded the efforts of all NYS residents as having “changed reality and reversed the spread” of COVID-19 Coronavirus. He stated that “our actions today determine the number of people sick tomorrow.”
This recent announcement continues an unprecedented time when we must remain diligent in our efforts regarding health and safety. This includes social distancing, appropriate attire to include masks, and following guidelines from New York State and Onondaga County authorities.
We are involved in exploring parameters and creating plans for eventual reentry (also referenced as “reimagine”) to our schools. This will be done with local, regional, and state-wide communication. We are in the early stages of this planning and will keep everyone apprised of the progress as we move forward.
This communication comes with a repeated reminder of the resources that have been made available.
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@
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.
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@
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.
Mental Health
Along with remaining physically safe and practicing the strategies above, please be aware of needs for emotional support and ongoing mental health. Please see information on our website and information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (samhsa.gov), and the Onondaga County Mental Health Services.
Our District Mental Health Team will continue to meet and provide resources for students, families, and staff throughout the coming months.
This is a continued time of extraordinary circumstances of unprecedented magnitude. Our partnership and support of one another has always been a strength and has never been more important. That is where I find hope. We have great belief, conviction, and care within our community. Together, we create “Wildcat Hope”.
David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools
West Genesee Central School District
