The overarching theme of the morning was that all of us need
to start doing a better job of listening to people. And not just listening to
what they say. We often listen to others in an effort to form a response to
what they say, but we really need to all do a better job of listening to
understand. We need to listen with our eyes, listen with our ears and listen
with our hearts. As we start to listen to people and develop a true
understanding of their perspective and how they feel, we start to build empathy.
That is incredibly powerful. And that results in more students and adults
standing up and speaking up when we hear, see or feel that something isn’t
right or when someone needs help. We are making a difference and our students
are stepping up more than ever.
Friday Night Hoops
On Friday night we had a PTA sponsored school dance and 3 on
3 basketball tournament. It was a terrific evening and a great opportunity for our
students to be active and have some fun on a Friday night. Yes, it is possible to have fun without
looking at a screen! We had 27 teams participate in the basketball tournament
and an equally large group of students in the cafeteria dancing and jumping
around to DJ ‘J9’, one of our physical education teachers who volunteered her
time. I am very appreciative of the great turnout of volunteers who helped make
this night a success. We had parents, teachers and former students involved in
chaperoning, refereeing and doing anything else we needed. As a school community we will continue to
create opportunities for our students outside the scope of the school day.
Family Fun Night
Next Friday, November 7th is our annual Family
Fun Night at West Genesee Middle School. As we have done the last several
years, our West Genesee Middle School staff will be playing basketball against
some of our Camillus First Responders representing the Camillus Police, local
fire departments and WAVES ambulance. Doors open at 6:30 PM and we jump it up
at 7:00 PM. The good news is that emergency responders are actually playing in the
game should anyone, like the building principal, need emergency assistance.
This has evolved into a wonderful community event to not only bring our
parents, students and staff together, but also to recognize and thank the men
and women that help to protect and keep all of us safe. We hope to see all of you
next Friday.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our
students and staff.
Continued Success,
Steve Dunham
@Sdunhamwgms
