Update from Clarence CSD April 24, 2026

Dear Clarence School Family,

If you were at the Choirs in the Rounds Concert last Thursday, or the High School Orchestra Concerto Concert this week, you know that our school community has a world-class Music Department. And, as it turns out, we’re not the only ones who think so. Once again, we’re proud to share that Clarence has received the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from the NAMM Foundation. The award recognizes districts that demonstrate a commitment to making music accessible to all students, and it highlights the benefits that come from participating in chorus, orchestra, and band. (I should also note that this coming Tuesday, we will be celebrating the retirement of Mr. Tom Stroth at the Middle School Spring Band Concert. Mr. Stroth is a legend here in Clarence, and we invite you to help honor his remarkable career of 39 years of service to the District.)

Keeping Every Seat Filled

With prom and graduation season approaching, the New York State Police have launched their annual “No Empty Chair” campaign in partnership with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. This statewide effort focuses on preventing tragedies by promoting safe driving habits among teens during a high-risk time of year. Through education and increased enforcement, the goal is to reduce crashes and ensure every student reaches these milestones safely. Each day this past week has had an enforcement theme, and we ask that you take a minute to talk with your child about making safe, responsible choices while on the road.

• Monday, April 20 – Underage Drinking and Impaired Driving
• Tuesday, April 21 – Seatbelt and Child Restraints
• Wednesday, April 22 – Cell Phone Use and Texting
• Thursday, April 23 – Operation Safe Stop (school bus safety)
• Friday, April 24 – Speeding in School Zones

Future Business Leaders of America

Congratulations to Advisor Brian Schmidt and the High School students who recently competed at the New York State Future Business Leaders of America's 2026 State Leadership Conference in Rochester. Arden Jalal finished 4^th in Job Interviewing, and Vedhanth Chakravarti finished 5^th in Economics. Vedhanth Chakravarti, Dylan Wolfley, and Fabia Zahra took 6^th place for Financial Planning, and Megan Ippolito finished 6^th in Business Law.

Students Band Against Bullying

Since 2012, schools from the area have banded together in a performing arts competition focused on the theme of “dignity.” Designed to raise awareness about bullying-related issues as well as to empower youth, the event is a way to support bullying prevention and intervention efforts across Western New York. While Clarence is a regular participant in Band Against Bullying, this year we are especially proud that Middle School student, Charles Procopio, finished runner up after being mentored by Josh Vacanti, a former contestant on The Voice.

While on the topic, I also wanted to reinforce the fact that bullying is not a rite of passage. Rather, it’s an unwanted form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally or repeatedly causes another person harm. To help ensure all students are safe and protected while at school, New York State passed the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) more than a decade ago. DASA outlines a set of measures that must be implemented in schools, and it gives very specific guidance on identifying experts in all buildings who are trained in how to handle bullying related issues. To review information on our DASA Coordinators, our Report Form, and our BOE Policy, I wanted to pass along a link to the following page on our website. Additionally, because school isn’t the only place where bullying can occur, I thought some parents might find value in these resources from GreatSchools and the American Psychological Association.

Four Individuals Presented with Red Devil Recognitions

On Tuesday evening, Nabil Safwan, George Brown, Kylie Zsebehazy, and Robert McKeehan received Red Devil Recognitions for demonstrating hard work, respect, kindness, and compassion. The recipients are each extraordinary individuals, and they 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, there’s still time to nominate them for a “Red Devil Recognition” before the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close.

Whether you’re spending this evening taking in a show at Harris Hill, reading a good book at Ledgeview, or riding the bull at Clarence Center, we hope you have a great start to the weekend.

Go Sabres!

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

PS: Student artists from the High School joined students from across the area for the Kenan Center's Storrs All-High Art Exhibition. Students who shared their work include Ben Hereth, Ella Andres, Mia Mitri, Ava Jerome, Myles Mauzey, William Harrison, Scarlett Ivanick, Veronica Olejniczak, Katelynn Cox and Ileana Morgado. Great job, Red Devils!