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Update from Clarence CSD June 20, 2025

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Update from Clarence CSD June 20, 2025
Updated

Dear Clarence School Family,

We’re excited to share that adding a fourth School Resource Officer (SRO) has been a priority for both our Board of Education as well as for the Town of Clarence, and plans are in motion to make that a reality for the coming school year. At the same time, one of our current SROs, Officer Dave Dzierba, is retiring after years of dedicated service to our school community. We’re incredibly grateful for the relationships Officer Dzierba has built, the guidance he’s provided, and the steady presence he’s offered to students and staff alike. With his retirement and the addition of a new position, the Town is now looking to hire two SROs to join our team. While technically Town employees, our SROs play an essential role in our schools—building trust with students, offering informal mentoring, and supporting a safe, welcoming environment. If you or someone you know has a background in law enforcement and a passion for working with young people, we hope you’ll consider applying or sharing this opportunity.

Minibikes and School Policy

Recently, the Town of Clarence posted a public safety message about the growing use of illegal minibikes in places like Clarence Center—and we've experienced a handful of similar issues on our school grounds. As a reminder, riding motorized vehicles such as minibikes, ATVs, or similar vehicles on any school property is not allowed unless it's for an authorized school event. This includes evenings and weekends. We understand that some students may not realize they’re violating school policy, but these vehicles raise real concerns around safety, property damage, and respectful behavior in our shared spaces. We’re asking that families please talk with their children about making safe and appropriate choices, both in the community and on school grounds. We appreciate your partnership as we work together to keep our schools and neighborhoods safe for everyone.

Staying Safe in the Heat

With the heat wave coming late this weekend and lasting through early next week, we’re keeping a close eye on the forecast and doing what we can to stay cool in our mostly non-airconditioned buildings. Our Buildings and Grounds team is using fans, windows, and our ventilation system to bring in cooler air overnight. Additionally, at the elementary levels, our principals will focus on keeping kids hydrated as well as limiting the direct sun exposure they might experience by making smart adjustments to important end-of-year events.

Finally, because it will be a hot week for all Western New Yorkers—whether they are in schools, at home, or in different workplace settings—we wanted to pass along some safety tips from our District’s Medical Director.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Send your child to school with a re-fillable water bottle. 
  • Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Pull blinds in rooms and offices to reduce heat gain.
  • Take regular breaks when working or playing outdoors and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
  • If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
  • Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

Celebrating Safely in Style

This past Friday night, the Class of 2025 had an unforgettable Post Prom celebration at Urban Air. From bumper cars to laser tag, obstacle courses to trampoline basketball, this year’s event gave seniors a chance to celebrate in a safe, supervised setting. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our parents, community donors, and volunteers, students had the chance to win amazing raffle prizes like MacBooks, iPads, and a PlayStation 5. Additionally, every senior received a gift card, and three lucky students earned $200 PTO scholarships. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make the night possible.

On a related note, because many current High School PTO members have graduating seniors, the team is looking for new volunteers to help with the planning of Post Prom in future years. If you are interested joining the group or learning more, please email the PTO at chspto13@gmail.com.

A Quick Thanks and a Gentle Reminder

Thank you to everyone who has already taken a few minutes to share feedback on the upcoming changes to New York State’s cell phone policy. Your input is helping us shape guidelines that reflect the needs and values of our school community. If you haven’t had a chance to complete the survey yet, there’s still time—we’d love to hear from you in the next few days. Whether you have concerns, suggestions, or simply want to stay informed, your voice matters and will help us land on a thoughtful, balanced approach.

Making the Most of Summer in Our Community

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the events and partnerships that make Clarence special. If you’re working on your summer calendar, we hope you’ll keep the following in mind. Although they might not be offered directly by the District, they are chances to have fun in a community that values family, tradition, and togetherness.

  • Fireworks in the Park: Beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30, the event will take place at the Clarence Main Street Town Park and involve concessions, face painting, inflatables, and family friendly entertainment before fireworks at dusk.
     
  • Summerfest Family Fun Event: The Clarence Youth Bureau will be holding a Family Fun Event from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19. Stop by the Clarence Main Street Town Park for food, games, bounce houses, and a chalk competition.
     
  • Taste of Clarence and Cruise Night: From 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4, the event will involve food, vendors, classic cars, and entertainment. (And, if you’re someone who loves to sing, perform, or have fun in front of a crowd, consider auditioning for Clarence Idol!)
     
  • CSEF Fiesta Summer Fundraiser: The Clarence Schools Enrichment Foundation (CSEF) supports programs and projects in the District, and it will be holding its Fiesta from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9 at the Town Park Clubhouse. 

Bills Recognize Coach Layer for Outstanding Season

We’re thrilled to share that our very own Mark Layer has been named Girls Varsity Flag Football Coach of the Year by the Buffalo Bills for the Buffalo Region. Coach Layer, who led our team to the Regionals this season, was surprised with the news by Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir during a special video call. Coach Layer is not only a fantastic coach but also a truly exceptional person, and we couldn’t be prouder of this well-deserved honor.

Wishing you a safe and relaxing weekend, Red Devils.

Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools

PS: Want to smile as the week comes to a close? Check out this video from our second annual Senior Walk Through. What a great opportunity for the Class of 2025 to share laughs, hugs, tears, and high fives with former teachers as well as with current students.