Dear Clarence School Family,

Each week, I try to highlight some of the good things our students and staff are doing here at school. While they often involve awards, athletics, and the arts, this Friday I wanted to talk a bit about another word that begins with the letter A—accountability. In this case, I mean the accountability status reports that were recently released by the State Education Department (SED) as part of its obligations to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Without getting into too much detail, ESSA requires each state to collect evidence ensuring that all students—regardless of race, income, zip code, disability, home language, or background—are learning at a high level. For example, in New York, SED analyzes data involving test scores, graduation rates, and drop-out statistics in order to assign districts different designations for groups and subgroups. Here in Clarence, I am pleased to report that each one of our ratings based on information from the 2021-2022 school year earned us accountability designations of “Local Support and Improvement” (LSI).

So, what does this mean for us? Well, because LSI is the highest possible designation, it means we don’t have to hit the “panic button,” develop any mandated improvement plans, or have our funding threatened. Instead, because high performing organizations routinely “practice the philosophy of continuous improvement,” we will simply use the data to further improve our programming here in Clarence.

(One final note—keep up the great work, Red Devils. High academic achievement does not happen by accident, and the designations are a direct result of our students, staff, and families all pulling in the same direction.)

High School to Present “The Producers”

If you are looking for something to do next Thursday, Friday, or Saturday at 7:00 p.m., please consider attending our High School’s production of “The Producers.” The show is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, and it won a dozen Tony Awards (including “Best Musical”) back in 2001. More information can be found on our website, and tickets can be purchased by calling 716-407-9050 or by emailing an order to TicketSales@clarenceschools.org.

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. 

Family Support Center Named Organization of the Year

Please join me in congratulating our Family Support Center (FSC) on being recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as its “Organization of the Year” last night. The FSC is staffed by three outstanding educators (Evan Vahratian, Penny Glena, and Joy Davey), and it works with local partners to provide Clarence students with resources related to mental health, food security, support groups, and medical needs. If you would like to learn more about our FSC, please check out its newly designed website or reach out directly to Evan, Penny, or Joy for further information. 

Additionally, I'd like to extend a quick “shout out” to Anna “Moon” Schwartz. Moon was a finalist for the Chamber’s “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” award, and it was pretty cool to see her onstage with a talented group of nominees.

What’s Happening at School

What else has been happening at #ClarenceProud? Well, I’m glad you asked! Check out some of the great things taking place in our buildings, and please know how much we appreciate your trust and support.

• Clarence Center students listened to Ms. Coggins read More than a Peach at Morning Program last Friday—a book with important messages about language, community, inclusivity, and empowering young people
• A handful of our Harris Hill musicians began practicing with their peers from other schools as part of All County
• A number of our favorite Ledgeview Lions came to school looking pretty sharp for “crazy hair day”
• Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Jerozal (Elementary School Counselor), kids at Sheridan Hill had the chance to learn and talk about potential careers. The lesson included readings, songs, and presentations, and it gave students a chance to learn more about careers in nursing, urban planning, and the electrical trades
• Clarence Middle School students took 2nd place in the Western New York Science Quiz Bowl Regional 
• The following 8 High School National Honor Society members qualified for the 2022-23 National Community Service Award

Honor 40 Hours of Service/8 Activities

Jazmin Gomez
Clay Longo
John Florentino

Merit 25 Hours of Service/4 Activities

Mitchell Gsell
Hannah Farley
Sydney Tsin
Rachel Bibler
Erica Guenther

Hoping this finds you safe, healthy, and well.

Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools

PS: Don’t forget to “spring forward” this weekend. It might seem hard to believe, but Sunday is already the start of daylight saving time.