09-18-23 District Update
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Welcome to the District update!
It has been great to see the engagement and excitement of students and staff the first few weeks of school and I know there is more great work ahead!
As I begin, I want to share an update we received regarding COVID-19 test kits.
While we were initially told school districts would not receive kits for the upcoming year, on the first day of school, the Governor’s Office notified school districts that COVID-19 test kits would be made available. We have ordered our test kits but have not received them yet.
We will continue to send COVID-19 exposure notifications home, which is consistent with our infectious disease protocol. However, test kits will not be able to be requested following an exposure but will be provided by the building nurse to individuals who present with signs and/or symptoms of COVID-19. It is important to note that the test must to be administered at home. Once we have received our allotment of test kits, we will send additional communication.
This week marks the start of homecoming for Williamsville North High School! I’m looking forward to seeing all the fun activities and themes that will take place – culminating with a big Friday night football showdown against Kenmore West. Williamsville East’s homecoming week gets started the week of October 2nd while Williamsville South’s kicks off on October 16th.
Speaking of athletics, while it is great to see the school pride our community has, filling the stands and cheering on our student-athletes and coaches, all spectators must adhere to District and athletic policy at all times. Violators may be subject to removal from the event. An additional communication was reiterating District athletic event expectations. There are also new signs around our athletic facilities as an additional reminder.
Thank you for your continuedd support of Williamsville athletics! We look forward to seeing you in the stands supporting the Flames, Spartans, and Billies!
Friday, September 15th marked the start of Hispanic Heritage month and we recognized Ellen Ochoa.
Inspired by Sally Ride, who was the first American woman in space, Ochoa began her pursuit to becoming an astronaut, applied to NASA three times, and was finally accepted into the astronaut training program in 1990. In 1993, Ochoa became the first Latina to go into space, and ultimately served on four space missions. As an astronaut, she logged more than 1,000 hours in orbit, and received the Distinguished Service Medal – NASA’s highest award.
She continued to work with NASA following her last space mission and went on to become the first Hispanic director – and only the second woman – to be named Director of the Johnson Space Center.
Be sure to watch the video project in the newsletter and on our social media channels to learn more about her impact!
As I wrap up, I want to share two important dates:
First, there is no school on Monday, September 25th for the Fall Recess.
Next, the first Community Forum will take place on Saturday, September 30th from 9 – 11:30 a.m. at Williamsville East High School. This is an opportunity for two-way communication with our stakeholders – students, parents, residents, and staff members - to talk about education-related topics. Members of the Board of Education will be on hand to listen, answer questions, and discuss the latest topics impacting Williamsville schools and public education.
We look forward to continuing to engage with you and seeing you at our events. Have a great week!