Update from Clarence CSD January 10, 2025

Dear Clarence School Family,

In New York State, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) give school districts the chance to offer regional opportunities for students that might not otherwise be available. As a component district in Erie 1 BOCES, Clarence students can participate in a range of high school options—one of which being the New Visions Education Pathways Program. We are proud to share that Erie 1 BOCES recently highlighted the work of senior Emily Winger in this program at Buffalo State University. Emily is exploring the field of teaching, earning college credits, and setting herself up for success after graduation. To learn more about the different regional options available for high school students, check out this Erie 1 BOCES link or connect with your child’s school counselor.

Ledgeview Students Enjoy Hot Cocoa for Highmark Design

On Tuesday, Ledgeview students enjoyed hot cocoa after Mrs. Joelle Cavaretta, Mrs. Jill Leising, and Mr. Keith Kuwik won a gingerbread decorating contest featuring entries from all our elementary schools. The hot cocoa and cookies were generously provided by Mrs. Stephanie Savage. Be sure to check out their winning design of Highmark Stadium—it’s worth a look!

A-W-E-S-O-M-E: Jaydheep Rajaram Wins Spelling Bee

Eighth grader Jaydheep “Jay” Rajaram won the Clarence Middle School annual Spelling Bee by correctly spelling fordize, meaning to standardize for efficiency and mass production. Despite not knowing the word, Jay used questions and knowledge of word stems to piece it together. The competition featured 29 students and ended after 29 rounds, with Samuel Gibson as the runner-up, and Rose Reed, Kian Banifatemi, and Ava Ramachandran rounding out the Top Five. Jay will now take a regional qualifier test to pursue a spot in the Regional Spelling Bee in March, with hopes of advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

Clarence Public Library January Calendar

I wanted to share the January events calendar for the Clarence Public Library. We are proud to partner with community organizations, and Library Director Mooney and her team do so much to promote literacy, fun, and creativity in Clarence. The Public Library connects people and ideas, and we encourage you to participate in some of their exciting activities this month.

Western New York Invention Convention Informational Session

Speaking of the Clarence Public Library, tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. they will be hosting an informational session for the WNY Invention Convention. The group is committed to helping students in grades K-8 understand the importance of STEM, and they will be sharing information on how kids can compete in a free STEM challenge at the Buffalo Museum of Science on March 30.

Making All the Right Moves: High School Students Embrace Chess

The High School’s Chess Club has rejoined regional competition for the first time in over a decade, competing in the Upstate New York Interscholastic Chess League. The Chess Club has grown in popularity since 2021, fueled by student interest, casual games during study halls, and tournaments featuring both students and teachers. Participation is fostering a sense of community among students, and beyond competition, chess is helping students develop concentration, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.

Finally, we would like to extend a note of thanks to the Eastern Hills Sunrise Rotary, the Clarence Lions Club, and the Go To Girls for partnering with the Clarence Community Foundation on its Giving Project. Thanks to their combined generosity, they donated $4,000 in gift cards to our Family Support Center to support local kids and families.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend, Red Devils.

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

PS: Our Huskies and Lions sounded great at their concert last night! If you are looking to support our musicians here in Clarence, we hope to see you at an upcoming event.