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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.

March 3, 2017
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT
SleepOut Raises $7K+ for Families in Need
More than $7,000 and countless items have been donated through the 30th Jerry Starr SleepOut to support families in need. A meeting to discuss disbursement of the funds will take place Thursday, March 23 at 3:30 p.m. in the Kenmore West Faculty Cafeteria. Donations can still be turned in. For more information, contact [email protected] or 694-4492. Click here to read the story.
Many Students, Staff Recognized by BOE
Several outstanding students, faculty and staff were recognized by the Board of Education and Interim Superintendent Stephen Bovino at the February 14 Board meeting, including Kenmore East/Kenmore West support staff, Link Crew student leaders and faculty advisers, a member of the Technology Services staff, and the Kenmore East Chorus.  Click here to read the story.
Teachers Prepare for New Science Standards
With the ongoing implementation of the  Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Ken-Ton teachers took part in a day-long session with Paul Anderson, a nationally recognized science teacher and one of 10 YouTube "EDU Gurus." Ken-Ton teachers also took part in experiments using NGSS practices and built the longest-lasting and tallest structure as part of the "Marshmallow Challenge."
Stakeholders Encouraged to Take NYS Survey
The NYS Education Department is accepting public comments on potential "Indicators of School Quality and Student Success" to be used in determining school accountability under the Every Student Succeeds Act. All stakeholders are encouraged to take the survey so their voices can be heard. Responses will be accepted through Monday, March 20.   Click here for more information .
Kenmore West to Present "Legally Blonde the Musical" March 9-11
 
Kenmore West High School will proudly present "Legally Blonde The Musical" from Thursday, March 9 to Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kenmore West High School auditorium. Tickets are $8 pre-sale and $9 at the door. For tickets and additional information, contact the school at 874-8401.  This year's production features the talents of more than 80 students on stage, in the orchestra, and backstage under the direction of Philip A. Jarosz, with choreography by Cathleen Riso, vocal direction by Paul LaDuca, music direction by Kenneth W. Belote, and set construction by Russell LaManna. Click here for more information.
KEN-TON IN THE NEWS
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE SCHOOLS
NYS Sen. Chris Jacobs paid a special visit to Lindbergh Elementary to help students make Valentine's Day cards for veterans. Students did an amazing job creating and decorating cards that express their appreciation for veterans and their sacrifice and service.

Students in the Be the Change Club at Hoover Middle recently made Valentines to send to a local nursing home. The club, advised by teachers Kelly Bacon and Joi Chimera and open to all Gr. 5-7 students, is dedicated to spreading kindness across the school and community.

Students at Franklin Elementary School also used Valentine's Day as an opportunity to express their appreciation for the sacrifices and service of veterans of the Armed Forces. The students made Valentine's Day cards and brought in candy to share with local veterans.
Edison Launches Unique Initiative to Support SleepOut
Thanks to the generosity and caring of the Edison Elementary community, nearly $750 and enough food, clothing and other items to fill a car were donated for the SleepOut through the unique Links for Love/Links of Hope initiative. The chains were hung throughout the school, creating an impressive visualization.  Click here to read the story.
Wilderness Skills Expert Visits Science Class
Seventh-grade students at Franklin Middle had an extra fun way of learning about friction in science class with the help of a wilderness expert.  Denise Ashman Krause, author/wilderness skills expert, brought a multitude of wilderness tools to showcase and also provided a live demonstration of generating heat using friction.   Click here to read the story .
Lindbergh 4th-Grade Class Spearheads SleepOut Drive
William Foote's fourth-grade class at Lindbergh Elementary School hosted a school-wide food drive and a Hats for the Homeless fund drive to support the February 3 Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut. Through their outstanding efforts, 10 big boxes of food and $245 were donated for local organizations that help families in need.
Sledding Helps Reinforce Kindergarten Science Unit
Students in Karen Davies's kindergarten class had a great time learning about forces as part of a recent science unit. The class took advantage of the winter weather and used sledding during recess to reinforce the concepts of pushing and pulling. The unit is part of the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  Click here to read the story.
FMS Fitness Club Helps Students Stay Healthy
The Franklin Middle School Fitness Club is helping fifth- and sixth-grade students stay healthy and get fit. Twice a week, the 30 dedicated members of the school's Fitness Club stay after school and break a sweat participating in a series of cardiovascular and muscular endurance exercises.   Click here to read the story .
Xtreme Dunk Team Amazes at Edison Elementary
Thanks to efforts by the Edison Elementary School PTA and school community, students were treated to a spectacular show by the Xtreme Team on January 24 that featured amazing acrobatic feats and basketball dunks. The show was made possible thanks to all those who supported the recent Edison Elementary PTA fundraiser.   Click here to read the story .
47 Hoover El Students Run 1,278 Miles Through Mighty Milers Program
 
A total of 47 third- and fourth-grade students at Hoover Elementary School ran a combined 1,278 miles over the course of seven weeks as part of the Mighty Milers Program. Students greatly enjoyed the seven-week program, which promotes physical fitness and wellness, confidence, self-esteem, and goal setting. The program was  coordinated by physical education teachers Heather Ratka and Michelle Shea. Click here to read the story.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Lindbergh families have had the opportunity to enjoy family fitness nights. Each grade level was given an opportunity to participate in a fitness activity such as bowling, eye-hand coordination games like Battleship, and warm-up games like Over and Under. They also participated in wellness stations in the new wellness room.
Hoover Elementary has participated in a school-wide Kindness Challenge. Students name an act of kindness they can perform to benefit a classmate or other person, which are collected and shared on a Kindness Tree. Many students, including those pictured in Lisa Chiavaroli's class, completed all of the Kindness challenge QR code activities.
After weeks of practice, memorizing, and prop making, Larissa Gramza's third- and fourth-grade class at Franklin Elementary School presented "The Gingerbread Man" for the whole school. After performing a spectacular dance for the students, the teachers ended by "dabbing" much to the delight of the audience.
Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District