Update from Clarence CSD January 9, 2026

Dear Clarence School Family,

This week, I want to start by highlighting something that makes us incredibly proud here in Clarence. In recent years, we have been developing a series of unified course offerings that bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities. Beginning with Middle School physical education during the 2023-2024 school year, the program has grown to involve High School physical education, a High School music class, as well as quarterly Middle School subjects like art, business, and Family and Consumer Science. The experiences give our students opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow together, and they are key to building friendships and discovering the power of teamwork. To get a glimpse of how every student can truly shine in Clarence, check out this brief video—you won’t regret it.

School Closures Related to Extreme Weather

Although it’s close to 60 degrees outside today, we all know we’re a long way away from Spring! With that in mind, I wanted to pass along a bit of information related to school cancellations involving extreme weather.

How do you decide whether to cancel or delay school? Deciding whether to cancel school is one of the most challenging calls we make. We want students in school whenever it’s safe, but in Western New York, weather can change quickly. When conditions are uncertain, we closely monitor multiple weather sources as well as consult with the local Highway Department, our Director of Transportation, and neighboring school districts.

I should also note that while weather in Clarence may sometimes be mild, we have more than 750 full- and part-time employees—many of whom travel in from communities across Erie County. In rare cases, a regional storm or travel bans elsewhere in the county can make it difficult for enough staff to get to school. While we hope this doesn’t happen often, there is always a possibility that a closure could be necessary due to travel bans or unsafe conditions affecting our employees.

How will I know if there is a weather-related cancellation or delay? If school is canceled due to weather, families will receive a notification through ParentSquare, and the information will be posted on our District homepage as well as our social media accounts. We will also share closure information with local TV and radio stations, including WBEN and Channels 2, 4, and 7. Depending on the situation, a decision may be made and communicated the night before or early in the morning when updated information is available. When a same-day decision is required, we work to notify families by 6:15 a.m. to allow time for any necessary childcare arrangements.

Clarence Alum Inspire Future STEM Leaders

Now in its third year, the Women in STEM Seminar continues to open doors for High School students and broaden their sense of what’s possible. Held on December 19, the event engaged about 60 students in a STEM course fair and nearly 45 students in a panel discussion with Clarence alumnae working in medicine, engineering, technology, research, and business. Graduates now at organizations such as Walt Disney World, Deloitte, Ford Motor Company, and the University at Buffalo shared practical advice about choosing pathways, finding mentors, overcoming challenges, and seizing opportunities. Organized largely by current students, the seminar also welcomed former student leaders back to campus, highlighting students learning from the past while empowering the next generation.

Clarence Students Find Success at Tech Wars Competition

On January 7, students from Middle School and High School attended the annual Tech Wars competition organized by local Technology Education teachers. Over 1,000 students from Western New York schools competed in dozens of design and problem-solving events, and the experience was a terrific opportunity for students to expand their understanding of what goes into engineering design. You can find additional information on our homepage, and we would like to extend our congratulations to all our Red Devil award winners!

Wall of Fame Nominations

To honor former members of our school community, our High School has established an Academic Wall of Fame. The program is designed to highlight individuals who have achieved distinction through professional, civic, or humanitarian service, and anyone may submit a nomination. 

If you know someone who stands out in one of the following categories, we encourage you to consider nominating them by February 1 by filling out this online form.

• Excellence in their chosen field
• Meritorious service to a humanitarian cause
• Significant contribution to the community

Wishing you and your family a wonderful start to the New Year—and hoping you enjoy the game this weekend. Go Bills!

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