Giving of Ourselves

While sitting in an English class earlier in the week the following quote was posted on the Promethean Board as part of the warm-up activity to activate student thinking: 

 "Someday you will find out that there is far more happiness in another's happiness than in your own"

This was a terrific way to start the lesson and connect to the theme of the story, 'The Gift of the Magi', which students read and analyzed during class. But beyond the nuts and bolts of the lesson were the incredible connections that students made between the story and the real world. People giving of themselves and taking joy in the happiness of others is a principle that we should all strive to live by. I want to take an opportunity to share some of the ways that our West Genesee Middle School community has given their time and energy in an effort to support and bring happiness to others.

 

Make A Wish: On Friday December 21, 18 students from the cast of "Yes Virginia" presented Macy's and Make-A-Wish with over 400 letters to Santa on National Believe Day. Because it was National Believe Day, the value of the letters double and the West Genesee community donated over $800 to Make-A-Wish! The students were able to perform a few numbers from the show for the shoppers at Macy's, helping to spread the message of "Yes Virginia" and Macy's - BELIEVE - and to show the power of a Wish!

Student Council Candy Cane Sales
Our student council sold candy canes during our lunch periods over the last few weeks and raised $600. (that's a lot of candy canes!) With the money we were able to purchase gift cards to help out eight WGMS families in need and hopefully help make their holiday season a little bit brighter. The entire student population was involved in this effort and all had bright red tongues to prove it!

Yahtzee!! Having fun at Game Club.

Teacher Time

Our teachers continue to give their time and energy to our students in a variety of ways outside of the school day. The many sports, clubs, and activities that occur at West Genesee Middle School are too many to even begin to mention. It is our students who benefit from these opportunities and we greatly appreciate the efforts of our staff to make them possible.

As we head into the new year I want to wish all of you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy 2013. Thank you for your continued involvement and support. Together we continue to improve and make West Genesee Middle School a very special place. It's going to be a great year to be a Wildcat!

Continued Success,
Steve Dunham