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 21, 2018
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT
Important Transportation Deadlines Approaching

Two important deadlines for Ken-Ton School District transportation requests are approaching:
  • Non-Public School Transportation (Deadline - April 1, 2018): State Education Law requires that any parents or legal guardians of students residing within a school district desiring to have their child receive transportation to a non-public school must complete one application for each student and submit the application prior to April 1. New residents after April 1 must submit a written request within 30 days after establishing their residency in the district.
  • Request for Alternate Transportation (Deadline - June 15, 2018): Parents and guardians requesting alternate pick-up/drop-off locations must submit their application prior to June 15. This must be done annually, even if your preferences remain unchanged. Requests must be for five days a week to the same location. Transportation will be provided to licensed daycare providers located within the school district; locations for child care purposes which are not licensed daycare providers will be restricted to the student's enrollment area.
You can find the Non-Public School Transportation and Request for Alternate Transportation forms on the Transportation Forms Page. Call the Transportation Department at 874-8611 for more information.
Students Win High Honors at Daemen College Art Exhibition
Three Ken-Ton high school art students won high honors and significant scholarship awards at the 49th annual All High Exhibition sponsored by the Daemen College Department for the Visual and Performing Arts: John Graber and Siana Parks from Kenmore East, and Eita Nando from Kenmore West. Click here to read the story.
Kenmore West to Present 'Les Misérables' March 8-10
Kenmore West High School will proudly present "Les Misérables" Thursday through Saturday, March 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This year's production features the talents of over 90 students on stage, in the orchestra, and backstage. Tickets are $9 pre-sale and $10 at the door. Click here to read the story.
31st Annual Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut
The 31st annual Ken-Ton Schools' Jerry Starr SleepOut was held Friday, Feb. 2, generating thousands of dollars and countless donations of items. A meeting will be held in the spring for the purposes of disbursing the thousands of dollars raised during the event. Media coverage of the event can be found on the Ken-Ton In The News Page.
Elementary Students Create Valentines for Veterans
State Sen. Chris Jacobs and his staff paid a special visit to Hoover Elementary to help students demonstrate their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of local veterans by creating hundreds of decorative Valentine's Day cards, which were then distributed to local veterans. Click here to read the story and see photos from the event.
Lindbergh Elementary Welcomes Guest Readers
Lindbergh Elementary School welcomed many special guests on Wednesday, January 31 to read to classes. Guests included teachers, staff and administrators from throughout the district, who read favorite books to the students. It was part of a three-week "Read to Achieve" program to promote a love for reading. Click here to read the story.
Board Recognitions - February 2018
Congratulations to the students and staff from Kenmore East High School who were recognized by Superintendent Stephen Bovino, Board President Dr. Jill O'Malley, and the entire Board of Education for the month of February: students Bethany Coates and Helen Huang, senior library clerk Peggy Ptak, and science teacher Ralph Critelli! Visit the Board Recognitions Page to learn more about these outstanding individuals as well as all those who have been recognized by the Board.
2018-19 School District Budget Process Underway

The 2018-19 Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD budget process is underway and all residents are encouraged to learn about the budget and vote on Tuesday, May 15 at Hoover Middle School. The time, date and location of budget work sessions and meetings as well as presentations, information about voting, and more can all be found at www.ktufsd.org/budget. You can also learn more about the budget process here: Understanding the Budget Process.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE SCHOOLS
Bulldog Harmony Dancers Promote Message of Kindness & Acceptance
The Bulldog Harmony Dancers, which are comprised of Kenmore East High School students with and without disabilities, recently brought their message of kindness and acceptance to Hoover Elementary School. Click here to read the story .
WBFO Features Kenmore East Music Class
Nick Lippa, a correspondent with WBFO FM 88.7, recently visited the classroom of Kenmore East High School music teacher Laura Jay to feature her work and that of her students. The class has been studying and exploring beloved film scores to promote an interest in and appreciation of classical music. Click here to find the story.
Ken-West Student Wins 'Best in Yearbook Photograph'
Kenmore West senior Jenna House was awarded a certificate from the UB Center for the Arts Student Celebration of the Visual Arts for Best in Yearbook Photography, as well as a gift certificate. Jenna took the photo, titled "Tackled!", at the homecoming game in October for the yearbook. Her photo was submitted by yearbook adviser Beth DeLano.
Lindbergh Students Treated to Fine Dining Experience
As part of the Lindbergh's Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) program which promotes character education and a positive school environment, one class won a special fine dining luncheon for demonstrating the most respect, manners, and positive behaviors in the cafeteria over a two-week period. Click here to read the story.
Students Get Inside Look at Law Enforcement Careers
School Resource Officer Scott Zenosky recently visited Kenmore East High School teacher Wendy Cox's Criminal Justice/Personal Law class as part of a unit on criminal justice and law enforcement careers. Zenosky spoke to the students about numerous topics important to anyone wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement. Click here to read the story.
'Links 4 Love' at Edison Supports SleepOut
The Edison Elementary community raised $723.50 through its second annual "Links 4 Love" campaign to support the Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut. Students purchased paper chain links for 25 cents which were all linked together into chains that were draped and displayed throughout the school. Click here to read the story.
Orchestra Students Participate in Master Class
On February 9, students of the Kenmore East Orchestra participated in a masterclass by cellist David Skrill. They took part in a scale clinic and observed a masterclass between Skrill and eighth grade Kenmore East cello student Katherine Lawson. Skrill is studying cello performance and pursuing his Master's Degree at the Eastman School of Music.
Lindbergh Families Enjoy Family Fitness Nights
Lindbergh Elementary families have been enjoying Family Fitness Nights. Students at different grade levels could bring a family member to learn about and experience the activities they are enjoying in PE and wellness classes, including hand-eye coordination games like Battleship, warm-up games like Over and Under, and sports like Cup Stacking.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
After performing at the Feb. 13 Board meeting, Ken-East band members presented a banner thanking the Board for its support of music in schools
Thanks to the Buffalo Curling Club, Hoover Elementary students had the opportunity to try out curling as part of their Winter Olympics celebration
Holmes Elementary School teachers enjoyed getting inspired at a faculty meeting on reading by playing with old toys from their childhood
Players from the Buffalo Bandits lacrosse team entertained students at a Holmes Elementary School "Stepping It Up" assembly
Franklin Elementary students performed their own version of "Stone Soup" after learning about the old folk tale and reading different versions
For completing acts of kindness, Robin Brydalski's third-grade class at Franklin Elementary were treated to a special "snow day" outside as their reward
Franklin Elementary students took part in a variety of activities to alleviate stress as part of the special Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Day
Sixth-grade students at Franklin Middle made baby blankets for the new Children's Hospital in Buffalo as part of a GenerationOn.org initiative
Hoover Elementary classes have enjoyed visits by instrumental students who have been traveling from class to class to give concerts on the go
KEN-TON IN THE NEWS
Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District