Update from Clarence CSD March 7, 2025

Dear Clarence School Family, 

If you’ve ever had a teacher who’s made a lasting impact on who you’ve become, you know the importance of having talented educators in our schools. Fortunately for us, Clarence has long been a place filled with teachers who do far more than boost academic achievement — they inspire curiosity, connect with kids, and help students build the confidence they need to chase their dreams.

That’s why recruiting and retaining outstanding educators is one of the most important things we do as a district. And it’s something we could use your help with.

As we move into the spring hiring season, we already know that we’ll have openings across several grade levels and subject areas. While we prepare to thank an incredibly talented group of retirees for their years of service, we are also focused on replacing their expertise with educators who are hardworking, innovative, creative, and caring.

If you know someone thinking about a career in education — or maybe someone ready for a change —we hope you’ll encourage them to visit the “Careers” section of our website. Even if they’re not currently job-hunting, sometimes a gentle nudge is all it takes to spark a new career.

Recognizing Hard Work and Achievement in Clarence

We’re proud to announce the three students with the highest grade point averages in the Class of 2025. Consistently demonstrating hard work and academic excellence, Gemma Hacker was named Valedictorian, Laura Kreher Salutatorian, and Adriana Colafranceschi earned the third-highest rank. Along with their classroom success, these Red Devils have been involved in a variety of school activities while supporting one another throughout their years in Clarence. The District will share more about these impressive graduates, along with other top students, in a special Graduation Newsletter over the summer.

High School Drama Club’s Production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Make sure to get your tickets for the High School Drama Club’s musical production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame a couple weeks from now. Performances will take place from March 13-15 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.  There will also be a free dress rehearsal on Tuesday, March 11 at 5:00 p.m. for members of the Clarence Senior Center. The dress rehearsal involves general seating and does not require a ticket.

Music in Our Schools Month

March is Music in Our Schools Month, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the role that music plays in our school community. Whether it’s band, chorus, orchestra, or general music classes, these experiences help students build creativity, confidence, and lifelong memories. We’re so fortunate to have talented, dedicated music educators who bring these opportunities to life each day. Please join me in thanking our music faculty for their expertise, and check out the following links for more information on recent experiences our students have had with musicians from Akron Middle School as well as SUNY Fredonia. 

2025-2026 School Calendar Approved

On Monday evening, our Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 school calendar. If you are starting to think about planning for future trips or childcare, you can access the document by clicking this link.

Sixth Graders Shine at Living Wax Museum

Kudos to our 6^th graders in the Middle School for bringing history and pop culture to life during their annual Living Wax Museum. Students selected famous figures to research, then dressed in costume to share what they learned with classmates and families. The event highlighted student creativity, research skills, and enthusiasm as they portrayed everyone from historical icons to modern celebrities.

Mentorship Program Supports Student Growth and Goals

Last week, students in the Academy of Business and Finance (AOBF) met with professional mentors from the community. Coming from fields such as finance, healthcare, law, and education, the mentors provided support regarding communication skills, internships, career options, and real-world insights. For those who aren’t familiar with the AOBF, it’s a three-year program that blends classroom learning with the hands-on experiences needed to prepare students for success in higher education as well as their career fields.

Co-Medical Director Named a 2025 Woman of Impact

We are proud to share that Kelly Naab, PNP, has been nominated as a Woman of Impact for 2025 by the American Heart Association. In addition to serving as the District’s Co-Medical Director, Nurse Practitioner Naab is a stroke survivor who is passionate about education, awareness, and advocacy when it comes to heart health and wellness. Interested individuals can support Kelly’s campaign by making a donation, shopping at Brand Bar (8420 Transit Road) between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, or learning more about the warning signs of strokes and heart attacks by clicking here.

International Day of Sharing

If you’re interested in food, crafts, music, and fellowship, please consider stopping by the International Day of Sharing tomorrow from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sto Lat Event Center (4475 Transit Road). The event has been organized by the Clarence Community Foundation, and it celebrates the different countries and cultures that are represented in our corner of the world.

Finally, best of luck to Ryan Burger, Ricky Curiel, Andrew Gulde, Thomas Roty, Anthony Danielson, and Isaac Cannizzaro as they travel to Staten Island for the Indoor Track and Field State Championships!

Have a great weekend—and don’t forget to “spring forward” since Sunday marks the start of daylight saving time.

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

PS: Do you love pizza and supporting a good cause? Well, we hope you will consider participating in the Clarence Elementary PTO’s Day at Pesci’s on March 10 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Every single penny of sales (not just profits) will go to supporting our Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) at Clarence Center, Harris Hill, Ledgeview, and Sheridan Hill.