Dear Clarence School Family,

I just wanted to express my gratitude for taking the time to pass along feedback in our website survey last week. We had 159 individuals complete the survey, and their responses highlighted the particular importance of having accurate, easily accessible content in the following areas:

• Calendar
• Student Information Systems (e.g. Parent Portal)
• District/School News
• Student Enrollment Forms

Additionally, 55 members of our school community provided thoughtful written responses on how to make potential improvements to our existing platform. The suggestions were very much appreciated, and our team is working on a handful of improvements that should be up and running a few weeks from now. 

Invitation from Clarence Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association (SEPTSA)

To help ensure that all children receive the highest quality education in the least restrictive environment, Clarence SEPTSA exists to provide support, resources, information, and networking opportunities for parents of students with special needs. The organization meets on a regular basis, and members spend time exchanging information on understanding IEP and 504 plans, area programs, and the rights of parents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

If you are interested, Clarence SEPTSA invites you to attend its next meeting from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6 in Conference Room C of the High School. (Located in the Special Education Office.) To help parents and caregivers better understand the habilitation, pre-employment, and employment services available for students after graduation, the meeting will also feature a presentation by Michelle Stebbins–an Intake Specialist from People Inc.

Weather Related Information

With the cold and wind this week, a handful of parents have reached out with questions about how low the temperature has to drop for school to close. While there is no definitive law or regulation covering the subject in New York State, most health experts have established a “Real Feel/Feels Like” temperature of -25 degrees (25 degrees below zero) as the benchmark used for closing schools. (It is also important to remember that most districts usually consider the number of walkers they have when making a final decision.) If you are interested in reading a bit more about winter weather and extreme temperatures, I might encourage you to review the “Wind Chill Chart” from the National Weather Service or the  “Winter Weather" resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Most importantly, however, I wanted to emphasize the fact that you always have the authority to determine whether or not you feel it is safe for your child to attend school. We ask that you use your best judgment during the next six weeks of winter (thanks, Punxsutawney Phil), and that you make sure your child is warmly dressed for school when chilly temperatures come our way.

Middle School to Present “Music Man, Jr.”

If you are looking for something to do next Thursday (5:30 p.m.), Friday (7:00 p.m.), or Saturday (7:00 p.m.), please consider attending our Middle School’s production of “Music Man, Jr.” The show is said to be “a story filled with wit, warmth and good old-fashioned romance,” and it will give our students a chance to showcase their musical talents in front of the community. More information can be found on our website, and you can reserve tickets by calling and leaving a message on the box office machine (716-320-4895).

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. However, for major musical and drama events, it is necessary for seniors to call and reserve seats in advance. 

Bright Spot

Every now and again, it’s nice to highlight a real “Bright Spot” at #ClarenceProud as a reminder of all the good things that are going on in our school community. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend our annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony. The event was organized by Mrs. Fleming–our fantastic NHS Advisor–and it honored a great group of students who have demonstrated excellence in Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. As an added bonus, those in attendance had the chance to hear an engaging keynote address from Mr. Brooks who challenged students to live the values of NHS in all of their future endeavors.

Bundle up, stay safe, and enjoy the weekend, Red Devils.

Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools

PS: Congratulations to our Girls Varsity Bowling Team on going 12-0 this season and locking up its 4^th consecutive League Championship!