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.

November 23, 2016
SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE
Read the November 22, 2016 Superintendent Update for a Thanksgiving message, information on the Start/End Time Committee, a water testing update, and other topics. You can receive regular District information, updates and messages from Superintendent Dawn F. Mirand right in your inbox by signing up for the Superintendent Update. Visit www.ktufsd.org/superintendent to have your email address added to the mailing list or to view current/past updates.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT
Start/End Time Committee to Explore Options
A School Start/End Time Study Committee will begin meeting in December to explore alternatives to the current framework of start and end times and to make recommendations to the Board of Education. It will include parent representatives, and those interested in joining can email hlyon@ktufsd.org or pfanelli@ktufsd.org by Nov. 30. Click here to read the story.
Hundreds Participate in Survey Conversation
Approximately 1,500 participants have taken part in an innovative ThoughtExchange survey conversation. More than 4,000 comments were submitted during the "Share" step, and participants assigned approximately 100,000 stars to a sample of comments based on their priorities during the "Star" step. Next comes the "Discover" step. Click here to read the story.
Ken-Ton PE Teacher Earns Statewide Distinction
Heather Ratka, Physical Education Teacher at Hoover Elementary School, received an "Amazing Person" Award from the New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance for her contributions to advancing PE, health and wellness programs in the Ken-Ton School District. Click here to read the story.
Students Accepted Into Highly Selective Ensembles
Numerous students at Kenmore East and Kenmore West were celebrated for having been accepted into highly selective music ensembles. This included Conference All-State Chorus, which drew from the top students in NYS, and Senior/Junior High Area All-State Band, Chorus and Orchestra, which drew from the top students in WNY.  Click here to read the story.
Kenmore West High School Theatre Department to Present "A Christmas Carol" Dec. 2-3

The Kenmore West High School Theatre Department will present Charles Dickens' timeless holiday classic "A Christmas Carol" on Dec. 2 and 3 in the newly renovated auditorium. Productions will be Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. The production is directed by teacher Diana Gruninger with lighting by Chris Cavanaugh and a cast and crew of extremely talented Kenmore West students. Tickets will be $7 at the door. For more information, call the high school main office at 874-8401 opt. 5.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE SCHOOLS
Hoover Middle School Career Day
Hoover Middle School students had the opportunity to learn about approximately 40 different career areas from representatives of a variety of different businesses and organizations at the annual Career Day event. Click here to read the story.
Veterans Day at Lindbergh Elementary
Lindbergh Elementary gave an extremely warm welcome to veterans of the Armed Forces the day before Veterans Day, giving students a chance not only to learn about their experiences but also to honor them for their sacrifice. Click here to read the story.
Parents of Kenmore East, Franklin Middle Music Students Plan Barnes & Noble Book Fair to Support Programs

From Dec. 2 to 4, the Kenmore East High School Music Boosters and Franklin Middle School PTA will partner with Barnes & Noble on Niagara Falls Boulevard for a Book Fair to support music programs at both schools. Various activities will take place, proceeds from purchases will be donated to the music programs, and Saturday, Dec. 3 will feature a Teacher Appreciation Day with a special discount for educators. Click here for more information.
Olympic Gold Medalist Visits Edison Elementary
Emily Regan, a Western New York native who won the gold medal in the Women's Eight Rowing Final at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio as a member of the U.S. Women's National Team, visited Edison Elementary to speak with students about sportsmanship, perseverance, the sport of rowing, and her experiences in Rio.  Click here to read the story.
Franklin Middle Celebrates 'Remarkable Readers'
More than 100 students were celebrated through the Franklin Middle School "Remarkable Readers" Program, which encourages summer reading. The students all had a chance to participate in a special "Remarkable Readers Celebration" sponsored by the Franklin Middle School PTA with top readers honored. Click here to read the story.
Franklin, Hoover Elementary Donate Candy for Troops
In the days after Halloween, Hoover and Franklin Elementary students donated hundreds of pounds of their Halloween candy for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Each year, through Operation Gratitude, candy is donated to troops by Winning Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, matching each pound with a dollar donation to the school.  Click here to read the story.
Edison Elementary Wins Weather Machine Visit 
WKBW Channel 7 meteorologist Andy Parker paid a very special visit to Edison Elementary School on Oct. 31 to announce at an all-school assembly that the school had won an upcoming visit by the exciting interactive Weather Machine presentation. Edison was the top vote-getter through the month of October, winning them the visit.  Click here to read the story.
FMS Students Make Cards for Honor Flight Participants
When veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War returned from a special Honor Flight trip to visit war memorials in Washington D.C., they had special gifts waiting for them upon their return including cards from Franklin Middle School classes thanking them for their service and sacrifice.  Click here to read the story.
Kenmore East German Language Education Teacher Earns Scholarship to Attend International Conference

Peggy Lucero, German language education teacher at Kenmore East High School, earned a $750 scholarship from the American Association of Teachers of German to attend the National Foreign Language Conference in Boston in November. The international conference is hosted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and is an invaluable professional development opportunity that brings together thousands of foreign language education teachers to help their students become even more successful.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Lindbergh Elementary students demonstrate Wellness Room activities
Holmes Elementary families learn about reading/math programs at Parent Night 
Nurses from throughout Ken-Ton Schools take part in PD opportunity
Franklin Middle French class says "Merci Beaucoup" for veterans' service
Families enjoy a night of math and literacy games at Franklin Elementary
Franklin Middle students donate to Coats 4 Kids winter coat drive
KEN-TON IN THE NEWS
Curriculum, Modules Discussed at Board of Education Meeting:

Thanksgiving Message from Superintendent Mirand:

Empire State Development Announces Post-Huntley Funding Award:
Kenmore East's French Quarter Hounds:
Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District