Update from Clarence CSD April 25, 2025

Dear Clarence School Family,

As the week comes to a close, I wanted to share an important story from Sheridan Hill that highlights our District’s ongoing commitment to reading and literacy. Each day, Principal Jenna Arroyo reads a different book to a different class of elementary students. As part of her “Book a Day” program, Mrs. Arroyo finds meaningful ways to both introduce her students to new ideas as well as to encourage their love of learning. For example, in a recent session Mrs. Arroyo read The Bear and the Piano to third graders, giving them a chance to explore themes like perseverance and friendship. Principal Arroyo’s efforts are just one example of the great work happening in our buildings, and we look forward to seeing what books she picks from now until the end of the school year!

(Speaking of reading, we hope all our Ledgeview Lions will consider attending Family Literacy Night on Friday, May 2, from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by our Ledgeview PTO, and it will be an evening filled with reading, fun, and engaging activities.)

Strategic Planning Survey Reminder

Just a quick reminder that our Strategic Planning Survey will be open and accepting responses through next Friday. The survey contains a mix of multiple choice and short response questions, and we’d love to hear from as many students, staff members, and parents as possible. The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete, and it provides opportunities for participants to provide input on things like academics, communication, school safety, and student support.

Drive Like Your Kids Live Here

Yesterday, law enforcement officers around the State participated in something called “Operation Safe Stop.” During “Operation Safe Stop,” many police officers spent time on school buses as well as in marked and unmarked cars monitoring selected bus routes with a history of illegal passing complaints. Drivers who passed buses with flashing red lights were issued tickets and their violations were reported to a central command post. The occasion was an important example of how schools work hand in hand with local law enforcement to keep kids safe, and it was a reminder for us all to stop when we see red school bus lights flashing. As we move forward, please know how much we appreciate your continued commitment to helping us safely transport our students to and from school.

Educators Presented with Red Devil Recognitions

On Tuesday evening, a number of individuals received Red Devil Recognitions for demonstrating hard work, respect, kindness, and compassion. Each recipient is an extraordinary educator who helps make our school community a special place to teach and learn. If you know someone who lives, learns, works, or serves in the Clarence Central School District, we invite you to nominate them for a “Red Devil Recognition” by filling out this digital form. 

Red Devils Shine in the Spotlight

Great things are happening in Clarence, and we’re proud to celebrate the people behind them. Recently, three of our Red Devils were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments. Their stories are reminders of the talent, heart, and dedication that define our school community, and we ask that you join us in congratulating Coach Layer, Co-Medical Director Naab, and junior Brody Kaufman. 

• Coach Mark Layer on being selected Coach of the Week for Girls Flag Football by the Buffalo Bills.
   
• Co-Medical Director Kelly Naab on being named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Buffalo Woman of Impact Winner for 2025.
   
• Brody Kaufman on using his emergency preparedness training to help bring an imperiled kayaker to safety while traveling during Spring Recess. What an amazing story involving a High School student who is also a volunteer with the Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Company.

Finally, if you’re looking for something fun to do on Sunday, consider checking out the UB Robotics Day 2025. The event is open to the public, and it will involve research demonstrations, programming activities, fun hobby-drone flying, and more. We’re lucky to have UB in our backyard, and it looks like a really engaging event.

Have a great weekend, Red Devils. (And if you’re a Cheetah heading to Clarence Center’s Western Night this evening, good luck staying on the famous bronco!)

Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools
Nominate Someone for a Red Devil Recognition