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The SchoolGram is the newsletter of the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda
Union Free School District. The SchoolGram is presented in
e-newsletter format for the convenience of readers and easy access on computers and mobile devices. Sign up to receive the SchoolGram in your inbox or view past editions
on the web at www.ktufsd.org/schoolgram. The special Budget Edition of the SchoolGram will be mailed to households in the spring.
February 6, 2017
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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT
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Board of Education Begins Superintendent Search Process
The Board of Education has begun the search process for the next Superintendent of Schools following the retirement of former superintendent Dawn Mirand. The Board is currently seeking community input to learn how members of the Ken-Ton School District community feel about the most important qualities, traits, skills and experience the next Superintendent of Schools should possess. All parents, staff, students, community members and other District stakeholders are invited and encouraged to take the survey which can be found
here. The survey will be available through Friday, February 10. All information regarding the superintendent search process will be posted under the "Superintendent Search" tab on the District website at
www.ktufsd.org.
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Stephen Bovino Welcomed as Interim Superintendent
In January, the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD welcomed back Stephen Bovino, who was appointed to serve as Interim Superintendent as the Board of Education searches for a new permanent Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Bovino retired in September after nine years as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.
Click here for the announcement and
click here for a message from Mr. Bovino.
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Assemblyman Schimminger Secures Big Picture Grant
Assemblyman Robin Schimminger recently secured $125,000 for the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD to renovate the Big Picture Program facilities in the former Kenmore Middle School building.
This innovative program helps students stay on track to graduate with their Regents Diploma through hands-on, project-based learning combined with specially designed classroom instruction.
Click here to read the story.
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German Exchange an Opportunity of a Lifetime
Each year, French, German and Spanish language students at Kenmore East and Kenmore West have the amazing opportunity to take part in international exchanges through the the district's World Language Education Program. One Kenmore West High School senior, Allison Rapp, reflects on the school's long-running German exchange and what it has meant for participating students.
Click here to read the story.
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Hoover Elementary Student, Staff Recognized
The Ken-Ton School District Board of Education recognizes outstanding students and staff at each regular Board of Education meeting. At the January 9, 2017 meeting, the Board recognized, from Hoover Elementary, student Charlotte Brach, nurse Rosanne Urbanski, special education teacher Michelle Gorman, and, from the Transportation Department, Michael Gailie, auto mechanic.
Click here to visit the Board Recognitions Page.
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Music Teachers Among JazzBuffalo Poll Winners
Approximately 25 musicians and performing groups in Western New York were distinguished as winners the 2016 JazzBuffalo Poll, and three are members of the Ken-Ton School District music faculty: Phil Aguglia, Laura Anderson, and Lisa Hasselback. A fourth Ken-Ton music teacher, E.J. Koeppel, is part of a performing group that was also honored as a runner-up.
Click here to read the story.
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Committee Seeks Ken-West Hall of Fame Nominations
The Kenmore West Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee is accepting nominations for the Induction Class of 2017.
Individuals may be nominated in three categories: Athlete, Coach/Administrator, and Honorary. To be eligible, athletes must be from the class of 2010 or earlier while coaches must be retired from the district for at least two years.
Click here for nomination information
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New Computer Course Teaches Contemporary Topics
Through the new Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science & Engineering course, students at Kenmore East High School and Kenmore West High School are gaining invaluable experience in a variety of high-demand computer skill areas such as mobile app design, website development, cybersecurity, and data analysis. It is the second year the program has been offered at both schools.
Click here to read the story.
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Erie County Association of School Boards Plans Workshop for Prospective Board Members on March 4
The Erie County Association of School Boards will host a free workshop for prospective Board of Education members from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Erie 1 BOCES Education Campus located at 355 Harlem Road in West Senca, Conference Room B1.
Click here for more information on this event. Those interesting in running for school board can also
click here for additional information.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE SCHOOLS
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Holmes Students Organize SPCA Pet Supply Drive
In December, Brittany Lis's fourth-grade class at Holmes Elementary made the decision to help out a local organization to give back to the community. Many of her students love animals and wanted to help the local SPCA serving Erie County. The class planned and organized a pet supply drive to collect supplies the SPCA needs to run the shelter successfully including blankets, pillow cases, paper towels, cat and dog food and pet toys. The students collectively designed fliers to post around the building and notices that were sent home to Holmes families. Lis's class also took part in making pet beds and toys. Holmes Elementary donated 15 big boxes of supplies to the SPCA. It was a great learning experience that was very fulfilling for all involved!
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Lindbergh 4th Graders to Present "Jungle Book Kids"
At 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, February 9 and 10, Lindbergh Elementary School will proudly present Disney's "The Jungle Book Kids." The musical production has involved all fourth-grade students at Lindbergh Elementary, who have worked together since September to bring the beloved story to life.
Click here to read the story.
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FMS Students Donate Items for Refugee Families
Thanks to the hard work of students and staff at Franklin Middle School, school supplies, household items, and winter gear were donated to the International Institute of Buffalo which supports refugee families who have relocated to Western New York.
Nearly 100 seventh graders supported the effort.
Click here to read the story
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Business Ed Showcased in Mannequin Challenge Video
The Kenmore West High School Business Department students and staff did an outstanding job showcasing the many learning opportunities in business education courses through a Mannequin Challenge video. The video was produced by business teachers Jim Mendola, Joe Leone, Melissa Brania, and Randy McPhee.
Click here to watch the video
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Hoover Middle School Hosts Geography Bee
On Friday, January 13, Hoover Middle School held its annual Geography Bee for sixth and seventh graders. Congratulations to seventh-grader Zachary Terry, first-place winner, and seventh-grader Conner Walker, runner-up.
The competitions represented the first round of the National Geographic Bee.
Click here to read the story.
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Kenmore West Student Places 1st in Art Contest
Eita Nanda, an 11th grade student at Kenmore West High School, won first place in the Grade 9-12 division of the WNY United Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse 2017 Healthy Choices Art & Poetry Contest.
Eita was honored during an event at the Hamburg Fairgrounds in December along with other award recipients, families, and educators.
Click here to read the story
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Students Win Chance to Be 'PE Teachers for the Day'
As part of the PBIS program at Lindbergh Elementary School, students are able to put in the "Lindbergh Lindy" tickets they earn to win a grand prize for each month. Third graders Abigail Green and Caleb Thermidor won the grand prize for December: a chance to be physical education teacher for the day.
Click here to read the story.
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Kenmore West Students Attend Theater Conference
Kenmore West teachers Diana Gruninger, Beth Delano, Michelle Hocking and Dana Giglia took 32 Theatre students to the NYS Theatre Educators Association conference, joining 800 students from 60 schools across the state for learning, exploring and fun with Theatre Arts. The students finished the conference by becoming lifelong student members of NYSTEA.
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Kenmore West Earns Grant from Educational Alliance Program
Kenmore West High School is grateful to be receiving a $500 grant from the ExxonMobile Educational Alliance Program to enhance math and science programs. Each year, ExxonMobile stations across the U.S. are able to nominate schools in their neighborhood for the grant. Kenmore West was nominated by the Mobile station on the corner of Colvin Boulevard and Sheridan Drive. The Educational Alliance Program has funded more than $27 million for the advancement of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs at schools throughout the U.S.
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Hoover Elementary kindergarten teacher Jill Kinney's class dazzled an audience of 75 staff, family members, and administrators with a very special "Holiday Happenings: Holidays Around the World" concert that gave the audience insight into cultural celebrations from across the globe.
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ECC horticulture teacher Tom Mitchell, a parent of a student in teacher Lisa Chiavaroli's class at Hoover Elementary, visited to teach students how they can assemble live evergreen centerpieces. In addition to what they learned about evergreens, each student made a centerpiece to take home.
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Before winter recess, fourth-grade students at Franklin Elementary School who are involved in the K-Kids club helped spread the joy of the holiday season by bringing cards and cookies to residents of a neighboring nursing home. They also entertained with favorite holiday songs!
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Students at Franklin Elementary have been learning about many ways families and different cultures come together to celebrate by exploring
Holidays Around the World! In December, students were able to learn about St. Lucia's Day (Sweden), Los Pasadas (Mexico), Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.
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In December, students of the
Kenmore East Tri-M Music Honor Society visited Lindbergh Elementary to perform holiday music and demonstrate what each
instrument is all about. They also
presented a concert to residents of the Vive Shelter, a shelter for refugees on the east side of Buffalo.
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On Dec. 23, a special visitor came to Holmes Elementary for the school's annual holiday sing-along, and then proceeded to visit students in their classrooms. Santa read from his book of good boys and
good girls, providing students with a magical holiday experience.
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Progress continues on schedule at Crosby, Kenmore West athletic fields:
Board of Education begins superintendent search process:
New Project Lead the Way computer class:
Assemblyman Schimminger secures funding for Big Picure Program facilities:
30th Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut:
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