Dear Clarence School Family,  

On Tuesday, May 16, all qualified residents of the Clarence Central School District will have the opportunity to vote on the 2023-2024 school budget as well as in the Board of Education election. To ensure that individuals have the information they need to make informed decisions, we will be mailing home paper copies of our “2023 Annual Report to the Community” after our Budget Hearing this coming Monday.  The document provides detailed information on revenue sources, anticipated expenditures, and program highlights from our Red Devil community. We would encourage you to call or email if you have any questions, and we hope you will take time to vote on May 16 from 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. in our High School Gymnasium.

All-Elementary Track Meet

Each school district has its own distinct culture that is made up of unique beliefs, rituals, symbols, and ceremonies. Here in Clarence, a tradition that makes our school community special is the Jack Hesslink All-Elementary Track Meet. Since 1957, the event has given students in grades 3-5 the chance to compete in different track events, and it is likely the longest annual districtwide elementary track meet in Western New York. We would like to thank our Physical Education Department for organizing the event, and we hope you will consider stopping by the Clarence Stadium at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, to cheer on our students.

Update to Visitor Management System

As you know, we use a visitor management system that enhances school security by reading a visitor’s driver license (or other approved state issued ID), comparing information to a database, and alerting school administrators if a match is found. Once cleared through the system, a visitor badge is produced that includes the date, the time, a photo, and the name of the visitor.

I wanted you to be aware that we recently upgraded our visitor management system. Because we were not able to transfer the saved data from one system to the other, we will need to re-scan identification cards for all individuals stopping by during the school day. If you could remember to bring your driver license or ID card the next time you are visiting, our safety monitors will make sure you are set with our new system.

Volunteer Recognition Dinner

This past Wednesday, we held our annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner to thank the organizations committed to enriching the educational experiences here in Clarence. Whether they are focused on fundraising or advocacy, organizing events or expressing appreciation, the individuals being recognized embody what is possible when parents and educators work in partnership with one another.

In particular, I would like to congratulate Mrs. Micaela Lauer on receiving the Jean Ellen Mayer Community Service Award. The honor is given each spring to a volunteer who recognizes the importance of service, and no one works harder than Micaela to ensure our kids have world-class opportunities in Clarence. From her service as Harris Hill PTO Co-President, to starting Go To Girls, Inc. with a group of friends during the pandemic, Micaela consistently goes above and beyond to make our community a special place to live, work, learn, and play.

Graduation Information

As we move into May, our Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony is just around the corner. If you are the family member of a senior, please note that graduation this year will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24. The location for the ceremony will be the Clarence Stadium, and our High School Administrative Team will communicate additional detail in the near future.

Hoping you can get outside to enjoy (finally!) the warmth and sunshine this weekend.

Matt Frahm 
Superintendent of Schools