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Update from Clarence CSD June 9, 2023
Dear Clarence School Family,
As you know, Ms. Colleen Coggins will be joining the Brighton Central School District this summer after 11 years of exemplary service as our Clarence Center Principal. While Ms. Coggins will be leaving some impossibly big shoes to fill, we have spent the last two months recruiting, screening, and interviewing applicants who embody the leadership qualities which are “non-negotiables” for our Cheetahs:
- Maintains school spirit, traditions, and a sense of community
- Develops strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members
- Communicates clearly and regularly
- Approachable with a welcoming attitude towards students, staff, and parents
After completing our hiring process, I am excited to announce that we will be recommending Mrs. Heidie Buffomante for appointment as our next Clarence Center Principal. Mrs. Buffomante currently serves the Williamsville Central School District as the Assistant Principal of Heim Middle School. Before moving into the field of school administration, Mrs. Buffomante gained elementary teaching experience at Pinnacle Charter School K-8 where she worked with 3rd and 4th grade students. Receiving a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree at Buffalo State College, Mrs. Buffomante also earned a master’s degree and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from the University at Buffalo.
When I asked her about becoming the next Clarence Center Principal, Mrs. Buffomante remarked, “It will be a great honor and true privilege to serve the students, staff, and families. This moment is the intersection of my passion for elementary education with a desire to work at a school rich with traditions. I look forward to meeting and building meaningful relationships with each and every person in Clarence Center.”
I think you’re really going to like Mrs. Buffomante, and we would ask that you help us welcome her to Clarence when she officially begins her position on July 1, 2023. We will be partnering with our Clarence Center PTO on scheduling “Meet the Principal” events during the summer months, and we would encourage you to stop by to say hello if you are around.
Mr. Kevin Barrett Leaving Assistant Principal Position
After serving as a High School Assistant Principal in Clarence for the last 5 years, Mr. Kevin Barrett will be leaving the District to pursue career opportunities outside the field of education. For those of you who have worked with Mr. Barrett, you know that he is a school administrator who leads with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a strong sense of doing what is best for students. We thank Mr. Barrett for the many ways he has strengthened our school community, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors. As we move toward having a new Assistant Principal in place by August 1, we would ask that you consider sharing the opportunity with any certified individuals you know who might be interested in the position.
Digital Device Information
For students to excel in school as well as in life, it is important that they learn to leverage the power that exists in digital devices. To ensure that all Clarence students have needed access to technology, the District has supplied 1:1 school-issued devices in recent years. However, rather than collect the devices this spring, students will keep their Chromebooks during July and August and simply bring them back to school in the fall. Our Technology Department will ensure that all updates happen automatically, and the change in practice will help keep our kids learning and connected during the summer months. (Note: If your child will not be returning to Clarence in the fall, please make arrangements with your building office to return the device before Wednesday, June 21.)
The Power of Moments
Finally, while reflecting on this past week, I am reminded of a line in one of my favorite books, The Power of Moments. When writing about the experiences that tend to stick with us, the authors note that “defining moments can be consciously created. You can be the architect of moments that matter.” From Field Day at Sheridan Hill to a Revolutionary War re-enactor at Harris Hill, from a Clarence Center trip to the Buffalo Museum of Science to a school-wide math BINGO competition at Ledgeview, our kids are doing some pretty cool things when they come to school.
I’m looking forward to spending time with many of our High School students at Prom this evening, and I would like to extend a special note of thanks to our High School PTO for organizing a Post Prom event that is focused on both fun as well as safety.
Have a great weekend, Red Devils.
Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools
PS: Congrats to Emmett Forrestel and to our Girls Varsity Softball Team as they compete at the State level, as well as to our Section VI Championship Flag Football Team as our athletes get ready to play at Highmark Stadium on Monday! (Click here for time and ticket information.)