Update from Clarence CSD February 27, 2026

Dear Clarence School Family,

If you ask five people what they think about state or national assessments, you’ll probably get six different opinions. That’s understandable, and it’s okay. Yet while these assessments can spark debate, at the end of the day, they are still important indicators of student learning and academic proficiency. At our most recent Board of Education meeting, our team reviewed instructional data from across the District with a clear focus on growth. We are always working to improve and refine our practices, but there is also a great deal to celebrate. The data reflects the daily effort happening in our classrooms, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight the following accomplishments: 

• Tied for highest % of students scoring proficient in Grades 3-8 ELA (Compared to all other Erie 1 BOCES Component Districts).
• Tied for 2^nd highest % of students scoring proficient in Grades 3-8 Math (Compared to all other Erie 1 BOCES Component Districts).
• Highest passing rate for all combined Regents Exams (Compared to all other Erie 1 BOCES Component Districts). 
• 88% overall proficiency rate for students taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

It’s important to emphasize that none of this happens by accident. These results are possible only when students, staff, and families are all pulling in the same direction—a reminder that when we work together, great things follow. Keep up the impressive work, Red Devils.

New York State Guidance on Safeguarding the Rights of Immigrant Students

In recent weeks, several students and families have reached out with questions about immigration enforcement. Like all of you, we are aware of what has been reported nationally and here in WNY. We also know this issue is complex, emotional, and often political. With that in mind, it’s important to emphasize that as a public school, our primary focus is the well-being of our students. New York State has provided written guidance for all districts to follow, and each of our buildings is staffed with talented mental health professionals who are ready to support any child who may be struggling. Because children respond to difficult issues in different ways, I also wanted to share a helpful article on talking with kids about distressing events in the news, along with a resource from the Psychological Association of WNY.

Calling All Future Kindergartners

We’re excited to announce that kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is now underway! If your child turns five on or before December 1, 2026, it’s time to secure their spot for next year. Parents can begin the online registration process by clicking this link, and kindergarten screening events are currently scheduled for Harris Hill Elementary School from March 30 to April 2, Ledgeview Elementary School from April 20-24, and Clarence Center Elementary School and Sheridan Hill Elementary School from May 4-8. Registering early helps ensure you receive all the important information about schedules and enrollment. If you have any questions, our friendly registration team is happy to help—just email registration@clarenceschools.org or call 716-407-9100. We can’t wait to welcome our newest Red Devils!

Science Olympiad Team Earns Spot in State Competition

Across a wide range of areas of study, students on our High School Science Olympiad team continued to demonstrate what is possible when curiosity, commitment, and hard work come together. Through months of preparation beyond the classroom, students have qualified for the New York State competition after a strong regional performance, earning top finishes in events that tested scientific knowledge, engineering design, and technical problem solving. This “academic track meet” reflects more than competition. It showcases teamwork, perseverance, and a genuine love of learning that extends well beyond the school day.

Coming Soon: High School Drama Club’s Production of 9 to 5 the Musical

Make sure to get your tickets for the High School Drama Club’s musical production of 9 to 5 the Musical that is coming up in a couple weeks. Performances will take place from March 12-14 in our High School Auditorium, and tickets can be purchased using this online site. If you have any questions about ticketing, please feel free to email ticketsales@clarenceschools.org directly. 

Invitation from Clarence Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association (SEPTSA)

To help ensure that all children receive the highest quality education in the least restrictive environment, Clarence SEPTSA exists to provide support, resources, information, and networking opportunities for parents of students with special needs. The organization meets on a regular basis, and members spend time exchanging information on understanding IEP and 504 plans, area programs, and the rights of parents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

If you are interested, Clarence SEPTSA invites you to attend its next meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on March 10 in the Harris Hill Elementary School Library. The meeting will focus on the process and advocacy involved with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Remembering the Holocaust and Standing Up to Hate

As part of their Holocaust studies, Middle School students recently heard from Dr. Rose Berkun, daughter of Holocaust survivor Grigory Shershnevsky. She shared her father’s story, who as a baby was rescued from Nazi oppression in Lithuania, and spoke about her family’s experiences moving to western New York from the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Speaking just before Mid-Winter Recess, Dr. Berkun emphasized the importance of remembering the Holocaust and standing up to hate. “Even though we may look different, and we may sound different, we are all human beings, and we have to respect each other,” she told students.

Red Devil Athletic Update

Although registration for Spring Sports has already begun, we still have a number of winter teams competing. We wish them the best of luck, and we would like to spotlight the following Red Devils:

• Our CASH (Clarence, Amherst, and Sweet Home) Varsity Girls Hockey Team on winning its first-ever Section VI Championship over Mid-Winter Recess.
• Ryann Berner on competing in States for Girls Varsity Wrestling yesterday.
• Kaius Mattoon, Trevor Mueller, and Zach Didas as they get ready to compete in the Boys Varsity Wresting State Tournament this weekend.
• Our Boys Varsity Hockey Team on making it to the Section VI Final at the KeyBank Center this Sunday.
• Our Varsity Rifle Team on earning a spot in the NYS Invitational/Regional Championship next weekend.
• Tyler Avalos, Carter Leach, Carter Mountain, Zack Priset, Jacob Putnam, and Nate Rott on making it to the Boys Varsity State Swim Meet next weekend.
• And, because “once a Red Devil, always a Red Devil,” congratulations to Clarence Class of 1996 Alum, Jason Rebrovich, on his promotion to Senior Defensive Assistant for the Buffalo Bills!

Finally, for our Muslim families, Ramadan is now underway—a month filled with prayer, devotion, expressing gratitude, and spending time with loved ones. It is also a period in which many older students and adults will fast from sunrise to sunset. If you are part of this faith tradition, please know that our school community is wishing you a generous and peaceful Ramadan. 

Wishing you a safe and relaxing weekend, Red Devils.

Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools
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PS: In case you missed it, our Co-Medical Director, Kelly Naab, was recently featured by WGRZ-TV as part of their Selfless Among Us series. Please join us in thanking Kelly for all her work in raising awareness about women’s heart health.