Update from Clarence CSD May 1, 2026
Update from Clarence CSD May 1, 2026
Updated
Dear Clarence School Family,
For many years, our District has provided transportation to after-school programs located within each student’s elementary attendance zone. Recently, we were approached by a group of licensed after-school providers to explore whether we could expand those opportunities for families. In response, our team took a close look at what might be possible. After reviewing routes, timing, and overall capacity, we identified a way to provide transportation for K–5 students to licensed after-school programs located within a manageable distance of their home attendance zones.
We want to be upfront—we know this approach will not meet every family’s needs. However, we believe it is a meaningful step forward that expands access while still staying within the limits of our Transportation Department. Because this is the time of year when many families begin planning for after-school care for next year, we wanted to share this information as early as possible. Our Transportation Department will provide a link to the 2026–2027 Alternate Pick-Up or Drop-Off Request form during the summer months. As long as after-school transportation is requested for five days per week, we will be able to provide transportation to the following licensed programs located outside of a student’s attendance zone.
(Note: If a licensed or non-profit after school program would like to be considered for out-of-attendance zone busing, they should submit their request in writing to Linda Forster—Clarence Director of Transportation.)
|
Attendance Zone School |
Grades K-5 Available After-School District Busing |
|
Clarence Center |
Clarence Center Preschool After School Program |
|
Harris Hill |
BrightPath After School Program |
|
Ledgeview |
BrightPath After School Program |
|
Sheridan Hill |
BrightPath After School Program |
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8)
With Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8) starting on Monday, I wanted to acknowledge the incredible professionals who shape our classrooms here in Clarence. Each day, our Red Devil educators bring skill, patience, and care to their work, creating experiences that stay with students long after the lesson ends. Their impact is something we should appreciate all year long. Next week simply provides a special opportunity to say it out loud. A kind email, quick note, or simple word of thanks can mean more than you know. We are incredibly proud of our Clarence educators, and we are grateful they have chosen to share their talents with our students.
And, while on the topic of appreciation, we’d also like to give a shout out to our Transportation Department. Tuesday was Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and our team safely transports close to 5,000 students to over 50 locations each day. They are the first and last educators many of our students see each day, and they play a critical role in our school community.
Clarence Students Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity
In New York State, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) exist to provide high-quality educational programming that would be too costly for districts to run alone. Over the past few days, we’ve been reminded that Clarence students are taking full advantage of these world-class opportunities. For example, Ethan Pinto finished second in the Industrial Motor Control competition at the NYS Skills USA Leadership and Skills Championships, and Natalie Brown was named Student of the Month at the Erie 1 BOCES Calspan Career and Technical Center. Additionally, during Teacher Appreciation Week, Emma Cerifko and Giuliana Bishouty shone in a presentation to regional school superintendents on the value of the Education Pathways Academy.
Students Sweep Top Spots at Junior Achievement Event
Our High School Stock Market Club swept the top three spots at the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge this past week. Competing against eight districts in a competition held at Erie 1 BOCES, the simulation mirrored 60 days of trading in 60 minutes. This success follows last year’s win, and it required rapid decision making, teamwork, and analytical skills. The club, part of the Academy of Business and Finance (AOBF), provides market experience, guest speakers, and career-focused learning aligned with NAF standards. The program continues to connect classroom learning with real-world financial decision-making opportunities for students.
Where Every Student Matters
On Wednesday, our High School hosted its second Unified Basketball game. Once again, it was something special to watch. The game itself was exciting, but what stood out most was how our students showed up for one another through encouragement, enthusiasm, and genuine care. Events like this continue to highlight the power of inclusion and belonging in our school community. The momentum is real, and our students are setting the tone as we grow Unified opportunities and continue building a place where everyone is valued and connected.
From Explore & More to Boston, an Art Show to an Art Partnership, it’s been another great week to be a Red Devil. Wishing you a safe, fun, and relaxing weekend.
Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools
Nominate Someone for a Red Devil Recognition
PS: I almost forgot—the High School PTO’s Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinner benefiting the Class of 2026 Post Prom Party is coming up in a couple weeks. Orders can be placed now, with pick-up on Tuesday, May 19 between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the CHS Concession Stand.