Good Afternoon Watkins Glen School Community!
I apologize for the length of this update as it has been a few months since my last communication.
As always, I hope this message finds you happy, healthy, and looking forward to spring.
Below are a few efforts to keep you in the loop on happenings in and around the WG school system.
PROPERTY VOTE UPDATE:
As a brief reminder, the Watkins Glen Central School District would like to purchase the property at the corner of 14th and Decatur Streets. As you may or may not know, the District once owned this parcel of land. However, it was sold to our neighbors, The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) for expansion. By purchasing the property, the District feels that we will be able to control what goes on that parcel of land. We believe that we can use it to provide our community with something that it needs or wants.
The District cannot purchase this piece of land without your approval. If the purchase is approved, I will host a public feedback session to gather input for its use.
Here are the details on the vote:
When: March 7, 2023, from Noon-8PM
Where: WGCSD Board of Education Room
Who Can Vote: Any District resident (U.S. citizen) who has resided within District limits since at least March 7, 2022, and is at least 18 years of age, or older on the day of the vote.
How: Electronic voting machine with paper ballots.
Absentee Ballots: Can be requested by contacting Renee Angle, District Clerk, at 607-535-3220
SECURITY UPDATES:
New Visitor Software and Protocols:
Beginning with the High School, the Watkins Glen Central School District will now be implementing an electronic visitor management system. By May 1, 2023, any visitor to the District Office, the High School, or the Elementary School will be required to present a valid ID to have a visitor badge printed out in real time to enter our campus during school hours. This system will alert the District if a visitor should not be on campus. The High School is piloting the software right now. Soon, this system will be utilized at all District entry ways.
Upcoming Lockdown Drill:
I want to inform you of an upcoming safety drill. This month our District will take part in a “live” lockdown drill. This will be our third such drill this school year. Here is what I mean by “live”: alarms will sound both inside and outside of our facilities. Emergency lights will flash inside and outside of our facilities, there will be increased law enforcement presence on campus, and students will be expected to practice all lockdown procedures, which includes hiding in their classrooms. As a reminder, prior to this year, pandemic protocols have limited our abilities to have “live” safety drills.
We want you to be aware that you will be hearing our lockdown procedures activated this week, and we want you to be able to talk to your children before and after the drill. Given events, both local and nation-wide, drills like this can activate a trauma response. If you or your child needs anything, please feel free to reach out to your child’s main office.
COVID-19 UPDATE:
We have seen a rise in COVID-19 infections over the last few months in both students and staff. If you have any questions regarding our COVID-19 protocols, please visit our COVID-19 website by following this link. We also have a significant amount at home tests available. Please call the appropriate main office if you need a test.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SURVEY:
Earlier this year, we opened the Technology and Learning survey because it had not been administered for several years. This initiative helps us measure our technological growth, and check whether the changes we are making at school have impacted learning. Our parent/family participation is too low for us to use the data, which is why I am asking for your help in gathering data.
Here is what you need to know.
This is a short survey and should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
The Technology and Learning survey can be accessed here.
WGCSD ATHLETICS:
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our winter student-athletes and coaches on a successful season. Additionally, do not forget to sign up for spring sports! We have a lot of great opportunities available for students of all ages and abilities!
SUMMER SCHOOL UPDATES:
Summer school planning is underway. Please be on the look out for more information.
That is all for now WG!
Have a GREAT week!
GO SENECAS!
Respectfully,
Kai D’Alleva
Watkins Glen Central School District
Superintendent of Schools