Dear Clarence School Family,
As the week comes to a close, I wanted to extend my thanks for a positive budget vote on Tuesday. Because of your collective support, our school community will continue to be a place where students can explore their interests and discover their passions. I would also like to congratulate our re-elected Board members, Michael Fuchs and Dennis Priore. They are both dedicated members of our governance team, and one would be hard-pressed to find Trustees who care more about our students, staff, and families.
While on the topic of school finance, I would also like to share a point of pride related to our Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations—Dr. Patti Grupka. A week ago, Dr. Grupka was honored with the “Outstanding Service Award” by the Western Chapter of New York State Association of School Business Officials. The distinction couldn’t have gone to a more deserving person, and we all benefit from Dr. Grupka’s fiscal stewardship here in Clarence. I should also note that at the same ceremony, Senior Oaklie Zdrojewski received a President’s Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Oaklie was nominated by teacher Brian Schmidt, and in her remarks, she highlighted all the opportunities that exist for students in our District.
Students Enjoy Jack Hesslink All-Elementary Track Meet
Congratulations to the more than 340 elementary athletes who participated in the 68th Jack Hesslink All-Elementary Track Meet this past week! The annual event introduces students to sprints, relays, high jump, long jump, and it creates lasting memories for our kids. For some great images of the All-Elementary Track Meet, check out this online album of pictures from our very own Michelle Layer.
Work-Based Learning Spotlight
When it comes to bridging the gap between classroom education and real-world experience, nothing does more to provide practical skills than work-based learning programs. To highlight some of the work-based learning opportunities that exist in Clarence, we would like to spotlight the work our students are doing with the Town of Clarence Youth Bureau and the Library. By replenishing and organizing children’s clothing for the Clarence Clothing Closet, our interns are making a difference in the community while building their own professional competencies.
Highlights from the Week
- Congratulations to our Varsity Girls Golf Team on winning the Section VI Title for the sixth consecutive year and remain undefeated. The team will soon take part in the NYSPHSAA Championships at The Edison Club in Rexford, and three Red Devils will play both individually and as part of the Section VI Combined Team.
- For the second year in a row, our Varsity Girls Flag Football Team brought home the Section VI Division I Title at Highmark Stadium after defeating a tough team from Jamestown. The team was joined by Dion Dawkins and Damar Hamlin for the postgame celebration, and our girls are back in action on Saturday for Regionals.
- Great work by members of our High School Rocket Team on finishing in 48th place in the country while competing at The American Rocketry Challenge for the first time in school history this past weekend.
- Kudos to our Mock Trial Team on finishing in second place in the New York State Bar Association Mock Trial Competition. This year was the team’s first appearance at the State Competition since 2017, and they did a fantastic job competing against the “best of the best.”
Once a Red Devil, Always a Red Devil
While the primary focus of our Friday messages is to highlight current students and staff, from time to time we think it’s important to share things involving our alumni community. With that in mind, we wanted to congratulate Lisa (Faxlanger) Fellinger on publishing her first book. Lisa sent copies to some of her former teachers noting how they had helped her achieve her goal of becoming an author, and her success is a reminder you really can do anything with a Clarence diploma.
Memorial Day Weekend
With Memorial Day Weekend about to begin, we hope you can find time over the next few days for family, relaxation, parades, and cookouts. More importantly, we also wanted to acknowledge that Memorial Day is an opportunity for all of us to honor the men and women who have given their lives while serving in the U.S. military. If you are looking for local opportunities to pay tribute to fallen heroes, I wanted to pass along the following information on the American Legion Memorial Day Parade here in Clarence:
- Presented by American Legion Post #838
- Monday, May 27, 2024
- Parade begins at Kraus Road (11:00 AM)
- Service at the Clarence Town Park, 10405 Main Street (12:00 PM)
While on the topic of Memorial Day, do you want to hear something that will hit you right in the heart? On Saturday, a handful of secondary trumpet players organized by one of our students—Noah Furminger—will be playing Taps at various locations around Town. The piece is commonly used as a sendoff for fallen service members, and the purpose is to remind our community about the meaning of Memorial Day Weekend. The musicians will not be making a big deal about their performances, but instead finding a powerful way to remind people about the sacrifices our service members have made for our freedoms.
Wishing you a safe and relaxing long weekend, Red Devils.
Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools
PS: Best of luck to our Girls Varsity Softball Team and our Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team as they get ready to compete in the Section VI Finals next week!
