Update from Clarence CSD June 6, 2025

Dear Clarence School Family,

As the week comes to a close, I wanted to share a number that recently caught my attention—$100,000. That’s the estimated lifetime financial benefit of a single high school personal finance course. This finding is an important reminder that financial literacy doesn’t just prepare students for college or careers—it prepares them for life. Yet many teens still head into adulthood without a strong foundation in managing money, avoiding debt, or building credit. That’s why we’re especially excited to share a recent addition to Clarence High School. A live stock ticker is now on display in the corner of the front foyer, bringing real-time updates from global financial markets directly into school. Developed by the Academy of Business and Finance and paid for with a donation from the Clarence Rotary Club, the ticker reflects the District’s focus on helping students build confidence with financial concepts and explore potential careers in business.  We’re proud of the continued efforts to make financial literacy more accessible, more engaging, and more meaningful for students as they prepare for life after graduation.

Digital Device Information

For students to excel in school as well as in life, it is important that they learn to leverage the power that exists in digital devices. To ensure that all Clarence students have the needed access to technology, the District has supplied 1:1 school-issued devices in recent years. However, rather than collect the devices this spring, students will keep their Chromebooks during July and August and simply bring them back to school in the fall. Our Technology Department will ensure that all updates happen automatically, and the change in practice will help keep our kids learning and connected during the summer months. (Note: If your child will not be returning to Clarence in the fall, please make arrangements with your building office to return the device before Wednesday, June 25.)

Principals Take One for the Team

As the school year winds down, our elementary buildings have been filled with laughter, sunshine, and a few very brave principals. One ended up soaked in the Field Day dunk tank, another took a whipped cream pie square in the face, and a third was proudly turned into a human canvas during a Color Run. These moments of joy don’t just happen—they’re the result of leaders who are willing to jump in (sometimes literally) to make school a fun, memorable place for kids. We’re so grateful for our principals’ sense of humor, school spirit, and willingness to go the extra mile for their students. (And as your kids excitedly retell these stories at home, feel free to gently remind them that not every adult wants to be dunked, pied, or powdered. But for one magical week this spring, we’re glad ours did.)

Mike DelSignore Named to Clarence High School Wall of Fame

On Monday evening, longtime Latin teacher, tennis coach, and club advisor Mike DelSignore, was officially inducted into the Clarence High School Wall of Fame. During an evening ceremony, a plaque was unveiled in Mr. DelSignore’s honor, surrounded by family, friends, and school leaders. Mr. DelSignore served the district for 30 years and was known not only for his dedication to teaching Latin, but also for the energy and heart he brought to coaching tennis and advising student clubs. His ability to connect with students, support colleagues, and inspire a love of learning left a lasting mark on the Clarence community. We’re proud to recognize his legacy and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.

Students Reach Language Milestone

We’re excited to share that later this month, 75 students will graduate having earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. This honor is awarded to students who demonstrate strong skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language. The Seal of Biliteracy celebrates the richness of linguistic diversity, promotes the study of world languages, and supports the development of skills needed for success in today’s global society. Reaching this milestone is a remarkable achievement and reflects the dedication of our French, Latin, and Spanish teachers who have guided students toward this goal.

Project Creates Hurricane of Kindness

Every so often, we get a powerful reminder that kindness is more than just a nice idea—it’s something that can truly ripple out and make a difference. That reminder came last week when Clarence Rotary and our High School’s Interact Club came together to highlight the 25 student-led service projects that grew from their annual “Hurricane of Kindness” partnership. With just $50 each, our students turned small grants into big impact—from donating to children’s hospitals and rescue shelters to tackling issues like period poverty and inclusion in sports. The program started a decade ago, built on the idea that a single act can spark real change, and it continues to thrive thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club and the leadership of Mr. Schmidt. These projects show what happens when students are trusted to lead with heart, creativity, and purpose. We’re proud of their work—and grateful for a partnership that helps bring learning to life in such meaningful ways.

The Power of Moments

When thinking about this past week, I’m reminded of a line in one of my favorite books, The Power of Moments. When writing about the experiences that tend to stick with us, the authors note that “defining moments can be consciously created. You can be the architect of moments that matter.” From a Bisons game to the 8th Grade Picnic, a Chess Club competition to the 60th Annual Concert at Kleinhans Music Hall, our kids are doing some pretty cool things when they come to school.

Section VI Success

Please join me in congratulating our Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team on their Section VI Championship! We wish them the best of luck as they get ready to take on the Victor Blue Devils tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. right here in Clarence. Additionally, we’d like to recognize the following students as they continue in postseason competition.

• States for Boys Varsity Tennis: Marshall Harrishburg and Alexander Laspro
• States for Girls Varsity Golf: Kylie Dean and Tatiana Tutko
• State Qualifier Competition: Members of our Boys and Girls Varsity Track & Field Teams

Finally, we know that many of our families are observing Eid al-Adha. It honors the values of faith, charity, and community, and we wish a blessed and joyful Eid al-Adha to those who are celebrating.

Wishing you a safe and relaxing weekend, Red Devils.

Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools