Update from Clarence CSD December 20, 2024

Dear Clarence School Family, 

As we begin Winter Recess, I wanted to take the opportunity to extend our warmest wishes for a safe and relaxing Holiday Season. Whether your traditions include gathering with loved ones, traveling, or giving back, we hope the days ahead are filled with peace, joy, and cherished moments. Before encouraging you to lose your email password for the next few days, I did want to pass along a handful of highlights from this past week as well as our annual Holiday Card (thank you, Bella Levy!).

Just for the Record

December is always a busy month in schools and the past few days have been filled with many meaningful events. I’ll keep this Friday’s message brief, but I thought you’d be interested in learning more about the following Red Devil happenings. 

• Our Transportation Department was full of holiday cheer as our drivers and attendants enjoyed a generous spread from our Parent Teacher Organizations and Patty Reitz continued her tradition of crocheting hats for all the students on her bus run.
   
• We are excited to announce that the Family Support Center (FSC) has been awarded a $35,000 grant from the Garman Family Foundation administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. It will be used to support access to mental health interventions here in Clarence, and according to Mr. Evan Vahratian (FSC Coordinator), “the grant speaks to the importance of public-private partnerships in the Western New York community.”
   
• The creativity and entrepreneurship of students was on full display during the Middle School Makers Market on Tuesday evening. From baked goods, to 3D printed items, to handmade crafts, the event was the perfect opportunity to wrap up last-minute holiday shopping.
   
• High School students have been working with the Technology Department on building playsets for the District’s kindergarten classes. The playsets were out for delivery this past week and we will share more detailed information after Winter Recess!
   
• For the first time ever, Clarence hosted the first-ever Girls Varsity Wrestling dual meet. Our Red Devils beat the Orchard Park Quakers 29-6 with individual victories by Coco Munther, Ashley Cox, Heather Blatto, Anika Mattoon, and Ryann Berner.
   
• The spirit of giving is alive and well in Clarence this Holiday Season. From collecting quarters at Sheridan Hill, to gathering essentials for families at Clarence Center, to running a food drive in the Middle School (don’t we have the best teachers?!), our students have been demonstrating the value of generosity. 
   
• There have been holiday elves all over the place with the 3rd Annual Mascot Race at Ledgeview and Chestnut making his return to Harris Hill.
   
• Our High School Dance Club brought the holiday spirit to senior residents at Brompton Heights with a heartwarming performance.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah, Red Devils. Here’s to a New Year filled with fresh possibilities and shared success. See you in 2025!

Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools
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