Update from Clarence CSD January 30, 2026

Dear Clarence School Family,

We’re excited to share that beginning next school year, our High School will be launching a Leadership Academy. Opening another meaningful pathway for students to grow, explore interests, and prepare for life after graduation, next year’s ninth graders will have the opportunity to join the academy’s inaugural class by enrolling in its first course, Effective Communication, along with other elective options. The Leadership Academy is a three-year program designed to build practical skills students can apply in the classroom, throughout the High School, and in the broader community. Students will complete required coursework in grades 11 and 12 while also selecting electives that reflect their strengths and interests. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting opportunity, we invite you to watch this brief video or contact our Guidance Office.

Information Regarding Cold Weather Closures

With the cold and wind this week, a handful of parents have reached out with questions about how low the temperature has to drop for school to close. While there is no definitive law or regulation covering the subject in New York State, most local school officials use a “Real Feel/Feels Like” temperature of -20 degrees (20 degrees below zero) as the benchmark used for closing schools. (It’s also important to remember that most districts consider the number of walkers they have when making a final decision.) If you are interested in reading a bit more about winter weather and extreme temperatures, I encourage you to review the “Wind Chill Chart” from the National Weather Service or the “Winter Weather: Before, During, and After” resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Work That Supports Student Learning and Safety

If you—or someone you know—has ever thought about an opportunity as a Cleaner, Custodian, Maintenance Mechanic, or Laborer, we encourage you to consider joining our Buildings and Grounds Department. This dedicated group takes pride in caring for six school campuses across 230 acres and nearly 900,000 square feet, all in support of student learning. Our approximately 60 staff members help welcome more than 4,000 students each day, providing expertise that is essential to maintaining safe, clean, and efficient learning environments. Our school community offers health benefits, paid vacation, NYS Retirement, and the chance to work with a great team doing meaningful work. If you’re interested, visit the Job Opportunities section of our website.

Middle School to Present Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical JR.

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the Middle School’s production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical JR. The musical opens with a 5:30 p.m. performance on Thursday, February 5, followed by 7:00 p.m. shows on both Friday and Saturday evenings in the Middle School Auditorium. All general admission tickets are $8.00 and must be purchased online.

96 High School Students Inducted into National Honor Society

On Thursday evening, we inducted 96 new members into the Clarence Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). Demonstrating excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Character, Service, and Leadership, the students joined one of the most well-respected co-curricular organizations in the country. The induction ceremony was organized by NHS Advisor, Mrs. Fleming, and it featured a thoughtful keynote address by Ms. Brittani Mroz.

High School Earns Silver Status on AP Honor Roll

We’re proud to share that our High School has earned Silver Status on the College Board’s Advanced Placement Honor Roll. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding access to rigorous coursework while supporting students to succeed. Many of our graduates take at least one AP exam, earn qualifying scores for college credit, and thoughtfully spread AP experiences across multiple years. This achievement speaks to the hard work of our students and the dedication of our teachers, counselors, and families who support them every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about AP and other course options available to students, I invite you to visit the Scheduling and Courses section of our website.

Save the Date: Clarence Community Foundation to Host “International Day of Sharing”

On March 7, our partners at the Clarence Community Foundation will be holding an “International Day of Sharing” at Cedars Venue (2040 Wehrle Drive). The event will provide a sense of connection, education, and celebration related to the various cultures that exist in our community, and more information can be found on their website or by visiting their social media accounts.

Finally, please join me in congratulating the following Red Devils on being named Section VI/All-WNY Scholar Athletes for the Fall 2025 season: 

• Andrew Cappellucci, Boys Soccer
• Blake Langlotz, Boys Volleyball
• Jennifer Wild, Field Hockey
• Jarred Redford, Football
• Emily Priset, Girls Cross Country
• Katie Johnson, Girls Soccer
• Sydney Silverstein, Girls Soccer
• Ellen Weiss, Girls Tennis

Here’s to hoping that Punxsutawney Phil predicts early spring next week. Have a safe and relaxing weekend.

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

PS: Hot of the press—congratulations to our CASH Varsity Hockey Team on their 2025-2026 Federation Championship! It’s the first time the team has won the Federation Championship in its 15-year history, and we wish our girls the best as they get ready for Sectionals.