Update from Clarence CSD November 15, 2024

Dear Clarence School Family,

Next week, our High School students will be performing Peter Shaffer’s play “Amadeus.” First presented in 1979, the show explores themes involving rivalry, genius, and ambition as it delves into the lives of two renowned composers—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. The show opens on Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Auditorium, and it runs through Saturday, November 23. Tickets can be purchased by clicking this link, and we hope you will consider coming out to support our students as well as to enjoy an evening of live theater. 

We would also like to highlight something called the Golden Age Pass. If a Clarence resident is 60 years of age or older, they can obtain a pass by visiting the District Office which is located at 9625 Main Street. The pass entitles the holder to attend most school-sponsored plays, musicals, concerts, and sporting events free of charge. (Note: If anyone has questions about tickets or the show, they are invited to email them to ticketsales@clarenceschools.org.)

Capital Project Public Hearing Scheduled for Monday

A couple days ago, you should have received a newsletter in the mail regarding our proposed capital project. Tax neutral and reflecting a preventative, proactive approach to maintaining school facilities, the scope of the work focuses on safety, functionality, and the overall experience of students, staff, and visitors. While the capital project vote will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10 in the High School Gymnasium, we will be holding a Public Hearing this coming Monday evening in the Middle School Auditorium. If you have questions, feedback, or if you would simply like to learn more, we invite you to stop by the Middle School Auditorium at 6:00 p.m.

Information on Weather Related School Cancellations

Well, after an unseasonably warm fall, it looks like storm systems will be bringing cold temperatures, high winds, and snow to areas east of the Rockies next week. While we are still technically more than a month away from the start of winter, I thought I would use the weather report as a reason to share information on school cancellations.

•         How do you decide whether to cancel or delay school?

Closing school is one of the most difficult decisions we have to make. While we want our students in school each day, the reality is that we live in Western New York and the weather can change very quickly. Decisions to cancel or delay school are made very carefully, and only after consulting weather resources, local highway departments, our transportation supervisor, and area school administrators. 

•         How will I know if there is a weather-related cancellation or delay?

In the event of a closing or a cancellation, we will send out a notification using ParentSquare, and we will also post the information on our school homepage as well as our social media accounts. In addition, the information will also be communicated via Buffalo TV and radio stations. (WBEN, Channels 2, 4, and 7.) To give parents enough time to make needed childcare arrangements, we will try to communicate cancellation decisions as close to 6:00 a.m. as possible. 

Why School Counselors Matter for Our Kids

Because the world of Student Support Services can be filled with acronyms and terms that aren’t widely used outside of K-12 education, we are going to be highlighting different components of our team each month. This November, we wanted to share this 1-page graphic with the names, titles, and contact information for the school counselors in each of our buildings. In short, the individuals support kids in a range of meaningful ways. Whether they are helping students work through a stressful situation, apply to college, or learn more about potential careers, our school counselors provide safe spaces where learners can talk about what’s on their minds. They are key to building positive school cultures, and we would encourage you to contact a school counselor if they can ever be of assistance.

Clarence High School Educator Sean Murray Named Master Teacher

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Sean Murray on being named to New York State’s Master Teacher Program. After a decade in industrial engineering, Mr. Murray entered teaching to make a positive impact and to share real-world insights in courses like Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Production Systems in Wood. As a Master Teacher, Mr. Murray will engage in professional development and peer mentoring over the next four years, and he will no doubt bring much of what he learns back to his students in Clarence.  

While on the topic of STEM, if you have kids in elementary school and you’re looking for something fun to do this evening, please consider stopping by the Science Night from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the High School Cafeteria. The evening will involve more than 20 hands-on stations, and the presenters are all STEM students from the University at Buffalo.

Finally, best of luck to our Red Devils who are still competing in Regional and State Competitions this fall! We couldn’t be prouder of how they represent our school community, and we wish them well in the days ahead.

•          Boys Cross Country: State Meet in Queensbury on November 16
•          Boys Varsity Soccer: State Semifinals in Middletown on November 16
•          Girls Varsity Soccer: State Semifinals in Cortland on November 16
•          Boys Varsity Volleyball: Regional Championship in Rochester on November 16

Wishing you a safe, fun, and relaxing weekend.

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

PS: You don’t have to make it to the State Cross Country Meet to participate in the 2nd Annual Turkey Trot! This 1-mile run and wellness walk on Saturday, November 23 begins at 11:00 a.m. (registration is at 10:30 a.m.) at the High School stadium. The recommended entry fee is 5 non-perishable food items to benefit the Clarence Food Pantry, and individuals can register by clicking this link.