Update from Clarence CSD November 22, 2024

Dear Clarence School Family,

Over the past few weeks, we have shared information about our December 10 Capital Project Vote through Friday messages, on our website, via social media accounts, in the Clarence Bee, and through a printed newsletter. A handful of people have reached out with questions, and more than anything, individuals have asked why schools seek voter approval for Capital Projects as opposed to simply completing the needed work. It's a great question and I wanted to offer some context.

In order for schools to provide safe and appropriate learning spaces, aging facilities need repair and improvements on a regular basis. By completing construction and renovations in a voter approved Capital Project, districts qualify for Building Aid reimbursements from New York State. The bottom line? If our Capital Project is approved by voters on December 10, New York State will cover approximately 67% of the cost, allowing us to move forward with a plan that is tax-neutral for Clarence residents.

We invite you to learn more about our proposed Capital Project on our website, and we encourage you to vote on December 10 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the High School Gymnasium.

Middle School Set to Welcome New 7th Grade House Principal

We are excited to announce that Mr. Chris Kilmartin has been appointed as our new 7th Grade House Principal. Joining us from the Starpoint Central School District, where he is currently a 4th grade teacher, Mr. Kilmartin is a positive, thoughtful, student-centered educator, and we look forward to having him join our team on January 2.

8th Graders Explore the Power of Being Upstanders

This past week, our 8th graders participated in an impactful learning experience through the Mobile Museum of Tolerance. This first-of-its-kind resource in Western New York, the Mobile Museum presented multimedia lessons on the Holocaust, propaganda, and the lives of Miep Gies and Sophie School—two individuals who resisted Nazi oppression. Our students had the opportunity to talk about how small actions can counter hate, and they reflected on their responsibility to stand up for what is right.

TIES Seeking New Participants

For just over a year, we have partnered with TIES (Together Including Every Student), a program that helps children and young adults with developmental disabilities participate in extracurricular and community activities. This has been a valuable experience for participants as well as for volunteers, and we invite you to visit our Student Support Services website or check out this great video to learn more.

Balancing Athletics and Music Builds Student Success

There is a great saying that, “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” For many of our students, success stems from involvement in both athletics and music. Juggling multiple activities teaches our Red Devils time management, teamwork, and communication skills while at the same time exposing them to diverse experiences. To support this, our Athletic Department and our Music Department work closely together, and research supports the benefits that come from a well-rounded school experience. To learn more, check out this article on our homepage.

Educators Presented with Red Devil Recognitions

On Monday evening, Joseph O’Scier, Michael Kelley, Cherisse Fortunato, Lauren Streit, and Sara Blanchard received Red Devil Recognitions for demonstrating hard work, respect, kindness, and compassion. Each of the recipients are extraordinary educators, and they make our school community a special place to teach and learn. If you know someone who lives, learns, works, or serves in the Clarence Central School District, we invite you to nominate them for a “Red Devil Recognition” by filling out this digital form.

Students Recognized at SUNY Buffalo State

A pair of our students, Ryan Czopp and Emily Nicholson, were recently recognized with the Horace Mann K-12 Student Award presented at SUNY Buffalo State’s Annual Recognition Awards Reception of the Exceptional Education Department on Thursday, November 14. The award honors K-12 students with disabilities and celebrates the achievements of children and youth with disabilities. Ryan and Emily make us #ClarenceProud, and we offer both of them our congratulations on their well-deserved awards!

Clarence Chamber of Commerce Seeking Award Nominations

We pride ourselves on maintaining positive partnerships with community organizations, and for years, the District has been a member of the Clarence Chamber of Commerce. Serving more than 300 member businesses in and around Clarence, the Chamber operates with a focus on providing the programs, resources, and connections that businesses need to succeed. Because of our association with the Chamber, we wanted to pass along the nomination link for its Annual Awards which will be presented on March 20, 2025. Nominations must be received by Friday, December 13, and the Chamber would like to highlight the fact that it will have an “Educator of the Year” category for the second year in a row.

Finally, please join me in wishing our Boys Varsity Volleyball Team the best of luck as our athletes travel to the Albany Capital Center this weekend to compete in the State Championship Tournament!

Have a safe and relaxing weekend, Red Devils.

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