District Superintendent Michael Cipolla told board members a meeting had been held recently at which members of the school community participated in a focus group regarding the athletic complex.

“We are grateful for their time and feedback,” he said.

Cipolla said the district remains committed to gaining as much feedback from the school community as possible, He reminded the board and members of the public that a project of this size takes a considerable amount of time.

“We’re going to stay the course and continue to move forward,” he said. “We appreciate your patience along the way.”

Pictured is WACS’s ball field (top), and the track field (below). Submitted photos

Cipolla also updated the board on district security measures. Board member Tom Tarpley thanked the district for the safety measures and the speed with which they were put into place.

“Our goal is to have a quality educational environment, but also a safe environment,” he said.

In another matter, board president Wendy Dyment asked members to help establish a meeting date for the BOCES annual meeting. Component districts are asked to choose April 11, 12 or 13, she said.

“We have our board meeting on April 11,” she said, “so we can utilize that date.”

The board agreed with Dyment and voted for April 11.

Dyment reminded board members that Board of Education Recognition Week is October 17-21. Cipolla then addressed the board and presented each member with a small gift.

“In recognition of our board members, WACS would like to present you with a pin,” he said.

“This is a welcome surprise,” Dyment responded. “Thank you very much.”

Dyment also spoke to the board about a request from the village of Westfield to waive Use of Facilities Fees for the recreational department. Board members voted unanimously to waive the fees for this school year.

“The Village of Westfield Rec Department will be able to conduct their programs and use our facilities,” Dyment said.

Board members also accepted the resignation of Spanish Teacher Monica Annis, effective September 26. Annis has served the district for 9.5 years.

In other business, Secondary Principal Corey Markham reported that “our eighth graders returned from Gettysburg and Washington, DC. Everyone has spoken very highly of their time there. This was a great opportunity for our students.”

Markham also told board members that Dan Martin took a group of students to the Annual Western New York Construction Career Day that was held last week at the Operating Engineers Training Center in Lake View, N.Y.

“It was a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to the building trades,” he said.

Markham also noted that fall sports regular season is coming to a close, with playoffs starting the week of October 24.

“As one season ends, another begins,” he said. “Sign-up for winter athletics is now open.”

Elementary Principal Dr. Mary Rockey provided board members with current state Education Department and iReady test data. She shared diagnostic baseline data in both math and ELA, and provided state test data for the 2021-22 school year for third, fourth and fifth grades.

Rockey also told board members that “Our resource officer is providing several trainings to elementary children inclusive of bike safety, safe street crossing, Halloween Safety and others.” She also noted that several grades are going to the Chautauqua Children’s Safety Education Village this month.

Director of Curriculum Molly Anderson reported that Next Generation Standards in ELA and Math are in full implementation. Tarpley asked when the district will get the results from the Next Generation Learning Standards and Anderson replied that it will be in June.

Anderson also talked about the Panorama Social Emotional Learning survey which will be given to students in third through 12th grades this fall. At its core, social emotional learning focuses on students’ fundamental needs for motivation, social connectedness, and self-regulation as prerequisites for learning.

During the board member commentary, Phyllis Hagan commented that the district is doing very well with security.

“Not to pat ourselves on the back, but I think we’ve done a good job with school security.”

She also reminded everyone that the Pirates of Penzance annual dinner theater will be held on November 11 and 12.

Board member Deanne Manzilla noted that she is pleased the district is able to welcome parents into the building.

“I am thrilled to hear that we are encouraging parents to be in the building,” she said. “It’s fantastic to hear about dinner theaters and other things that bring the community together.”