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.

April 30, 2018
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT
2018-19 Budget Information

The Budget Hearing for the 2018-19 Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District budget will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 at the Kenmore Middle School Building, 155 Delaware Road, in the new Community Room. The Budget Vote & Board of Education Election will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 15 at Hoover Middle School (use the Sheridan Drive entrance and Door #14 for easy access). The special Budget Edition of the SchoolGram will be mailed to all school district households in early May. You can download it and find all other budget information online at www.ktufsd.org/budget .
Family, friends and colleagues of the late Brian Dugan will celebrate his life and legacy with the annual Brian Dugan Memorial Scholarship Road Race on Friday, May 18. For details about the race, visit www.briandugan5k.com .
Summer Music Registration Underway
Registration is underway for the Ken-Ton School District summer music program, which will encompass beginner music lessons and ensemble opportunities for band and orchestra students. All programs will take place at Kenmore East. The enrollment deadline is June 15. There is a $50 fee for each program, and Ken-Ton students will receive a free instrument for the duration of the program. For more information, visit www.ktufsd.org/SummerMusic .
Ken-Ton Staff Present 'Viva Las Kenton!'
On April 14 and 15, Ken-Ton Staff Productions presented "Viva Las Kenton!" This faculty and staff variety show featured the talents of more than 50 teachers, staff and administrators, and brought hundreds of people to Kenmore West High School to raise money for scholarships for Kenmore East/Kenmore West students. Click here to learn more about the event and click here to see photos from the show .
New Community Room Unveiled
The Ken-Ton School District has proudly unveiled its new Community Room at the Kenmore Middle School Building, located at 155 Delaware Road. The new Community Room is now the venue for all Board of Education meetings and provides a state-of-the-art space for meetings, staff development, distance learning, and other educational opportunities. Click here to read the story .
Ken-Ton Earns Music Ed Distinction
For the eighth year in a row, the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD has been among a tiny fraction of school districts nationwide to receive the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation in recognition of its outstanding K-12 music programs and commitment to music education. Click here to read the story .
3 Students Tour Europe With GBYO
During spring recess, Isabella Eberle from Kenmore West High School and A.J. Neubert and Mara Volle from Kenmore East High School had the opportunity to travel to Europe as part of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the students who had the chance to perform in spectacular venues and visit areas that are significant in the history of music. Click here to read the story .
3 from Ken-Ton Honored at WNYESC Awards Banquet
Three from the Ken-Ton School District were among the Western New York Educational Service Council (WNYESC) Awards of Excellence recipients: Lisa Cross, Michael Kollmar, and Sandy Terrance. Each year, WNYESC honors exceptional teachers, support staff, administrators and Board of Education members at its annual Awards for Excellence Banquet, which took place April 25. Click here to read the story .
Board of Education Forum: Saturday, May 12

All members of the Ken-Ton School District community are welcome and invited to attend a community forum with members of the Board of Education and Superintendent Stephen Bovino on Saturday, May 12 beginning at 9 a.m. The forum will take place at the Kenmore Middle School Building, 155 Delaware Road, in the new Community Room. Guests are encouraged to come early so as to not miss part of the discussion. The forum is designed to provide parents, residents, staff, and any other members of the school district community a chance to ask questions or discuss issues of their choosing.
Board Recognitions: Edison Elementary School

Congratulations to student Kellan Graham, speech pathologist Linda Sternin, and school nurse Joanne Cascio, all from Edison Elementary School, who were recognized by Superintendent Stephen Bovino and the Board of Education in April! You can read more about these outstanding individuals and all others who have been recognized by the Board on the Board Recognitions Page .
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE SCHOOLS
Kenmore West Class of 2020 to Host Vendor Fair on May 12

The Kenmore West High School Class of 2020 will host a Vendor Fair on Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission will be $2 and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Kenmore West High School is located at 33 Highland Parkway and the Vendor Fair will take place in the new gym. The Vendor Fair will be a fundraiser for the Class of 2020 and will support different activities including a fun and safe event on Prom Night. Those interested in being a vendor may register by contacting [email protected] by May 2.
Ken-East to Host 7th Hall of Distinction Induction Ceremony
Kenmore East and the Kenmore East Alumni Association will conduct the seventh Hall of Distinction Induction Ceremonies on Saturday, May 12 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. This year’s inductees include Mark Brylinski, David Glor, Jeff Glor, Rich Glor, Michael Groden, Dan’l Lewin, Lisa Manz-Dulac, and Jeff Mueller. Click here to read the story .
2 Major Events for Ken-East Band
This has been a big year for the Kenmore East band program with two more major events coming up: its April 30 Invitational Concert with special guest William H. Jones, and a performance at the May 5 Association of Concert Bands Convention with composer Robert W. Smith. The past few months have been busy; events have included visits by numerous prominent musicians, educational collaborations, and a trip to New Orleans along with the Kenmore East Orchestra. Click here to read the story .
EPIC Recognizes Lindbergh Elementary for Holiday Donations
The Lindbergh Elementary PTA was presented with an award from EPIC – Every Person Influences Children – to acknowledge and thank the school, PTA, and students for collecting winter clothing items every holiday season for more than 10 years. These items were distributed to close to 1,000 WNY parents and children that EPIC serves through its various family support programs. Click here to read the story .
Ken-East Junior Wins Honorable Mention at UB WNY Student Exhibition
Amanda Groat, an 11th-grade student at Kenmore East High School, recently won high honors at the 2018 Western New York High School Exhibition hosted by the University at Buffalo Department of Art. The exhibit, entitled “Future,” was on display from February 12 to March 16 at the Department of Art Gallery at UB’s Center for the Arts. Works were submitted by students’ art teachers. Click here to read the story .
Hoover Middle Students Participate in Reading Bingo Challenge
At Hoover Middle School, some fifth- and sixth-grade students participated in a Bingo Reading Challenge. Students had to read at least 25 books during a 6-week period and fill their Bingo Boards with titles of biographies, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels. Click here to read the story .
Exciting Opportunities for Kenmore East Orchestra Students
Kenmore East Orchestra students have been able to take part in many different exciting opportunities including a master class with a world-class violinist and a collaboration with Buffalo String Works. You can follow the Kenmore East Orchestra by visiting their new Facebook page at facebook.com/kenmoreeastorchestra . Click here to read the story .
8th Grader Wins State Essay Contest
Tiffany Simpson, an eighth-grade student at Kenmore East High School, recently won high honors as part of the Lions Club International Peace Essay Contest. Tiffany won first place at the local, regional and statewide level and her essay is now a contender in the international contest as well. The theme of Tiffany’s essay was fostering peace by treating each other fairly, not judging people, not bullying others, and appreciating the differences in people. Click here to read the story .
Franklin Middle Celebrates Olympics
While the Winter Olympics were taking place, Franklin Middle School students participated in a reward assembly with a Winter Olympics theme. "Kindness Around the World" and throughout the building was the message. Opening Ceremonies included a procession by homeroom representatives carrying different countries' flags, as well as a reading of the "Olympic Oath" by all students. Participants also competed in different challenges that required cooperation, communication, and honesty.
Adapted PE Travels to Holiday Valley for Winter Activities
During the winter, the Adapted Physical Education Department traveled to Holiday Valley Ski Resort for its annual skiing and snowshoeing field trip. Thanks to the trained volunteers at Holiday Valley, several students of various abilities were given a two-hour ski lesson using adaptive equipment. Click here to read the story .
LaRoach Named 'Community Champion'
Rebecca LaRoach, school counselor at Hoover Middle School, was one of five professionals honored as a “Community Champion” by PreventionFocus New York. This prestigious award is given to only a handful of people each year. LaRoach, who has partnered with PreventionFocus to provide special programming for students, was honored alongside the other award recipients at a special event on March 22.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Board of Education members take a ride with school bus driver Roseanne Chidester to various district buildings as part of a series of board visits to schools
Lindbergh Elementary vocal music teacher James Holden named Buffalo State College Music Department's Music Educator of the Year
Matt Wilhelm, record-breaking BMX competitor, leads an anti-bullying assembly at Franklin Middle School where students learn how they can be heroes
KEN-TON IN THE NEWS
Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD | 716-874-8400 | [email protected] | www.ktufsd.org