December Message

Strategic Planning Calls for Commentary 
For many years the West Genesee Central School District has engaged in a reflective and goal-oriented review process which culminates in a Strategic Plan for Educational Improvement. You can view the 2019-20 Strategic Plan here. A critical component in the development of this plan comes from the feedback we receive from our staff, students, community, and parents. The Strategic Planning Team would appreciate a few moments of your time to tell them about our areas of strength and where we need to grow and improve. Please click here to complete the brief survey by January 24th.

Dance and Open Gym
Our next event will be Friday, January 24th from 6:00 -8:00 pm. DJ Dan Becker will be here to provide the music, and the gym will be open for pick-up basketball. Tickets are $5 at the door. Proceeds benefit our PTO.

December Message 
The snow is landing on the trees outside of my office window as I write this message…just so pretty! I have always felt that the CMS campus is the most tranquil school setting anywhere. No matter what window you look out of, no matter the season, we are surrounded by groves of trees and nature. I hope you and your children will enjoy the beauty of Central New York as we start our two week break in a few days.

Each year, in my December message, I share a reading list so that you have a few suggestions to choose from during the break. This year I wanted to pass on some titles related to the practice of mindfulness. This list was recommended in the Mental Health Education Literacy In Schools Comprehensive Guide. There have been many studies that show how children, particularly adolescents, can benefit from using some of these simple mindfulness habits. This article from the New York Times also has some wonderful resources for your family.

Affirmation Weaver: A Believe in Yourself Story, by Lori Lite
Angry Octopus: A Relaxation Story, by Lori Lite
Bubble Riding, by Lori Lite
Building Emotional Intelligence, by Linda Lantieri
Mindful Movements, by Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindfulness for Beginners, by Jon Kabat-Zinn
See Otter Cove: A Relaxation Story, by Lori Lite
Sitting Still Like A Frog, by Eline Snel
The Way of Mindful Education, by Daniel Rechtschaffen
The Wisdom Within, by Allison Morgan
The Boy and the Bear, by Lori Lite

Everyone here at CMS wishes you and your family a peaceful and restful break. I can’t wait to welcome your children back on January 6th!

We Celebrate Learning!
Beth
Follow us on Twitter @camillusmiddle

Important Dates 
Dec 23 - Jan 5 - Holiday Recess 
January 8 - Board of Education 7:00 pm @ HS LGIR
January 9 - 8th Gr. Parent/Guardian Night - 6:00 pm @ CMS LGI
January 10 - Wildcat Friday
January 20 - Martin Luther King Day - No School
January 21 - PTO Meeting - 6:30 pm @ HS LGI
January 21 - Talk w/ the Superintendent - 7:00 pm @ HS LGI
January 22 - Board of Education - 7:00 pm @ HS Library
January 24 - End of 20 weeks
January 24 - Dance & Open Gym - 6 - 8:00 pm
January 27 - Staff Development Day – No School 
January 28 - Begin 2nd Semester
January 31 - Report Cards sent home