CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023! | |
Big Picture Program graduation at Kenmore Middle School on June 16th. | |
Kenmore West High School graduation at Kleinhans on June 24th. | |
Kenmore East High School graduation at Kleinhans on June 24th. | |
CAPITAL PROJECT SUMMER KICK-OFF | |
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On Tuesday, June 20th, I was joined by Board of Education members, district personnel, news media representatives, and local/state officials at Edison Elementary to celebrate the construction work taking place through the Capital Project. This event marked an exciting milestone as we kick off a busy summer of construction and look forward to the continued transformation of school district facilities. As part of the ceremony, a steel beam was signed by Edison Elementary fourth-grade students and it will now be incorporated into the structure as a symbol of their lasting legacy to the school.
Attending the event were Kenmore Mayor Patrick Mang, Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger, Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera, Erie County Legislators Michael Kooshoian and John Bargnesi, State Senator Sean Ryan, and Peter Stuhlmiller representing Assemblyman William Conrad. We also had current/incoming Board of Education members and representatives of the district's architectural and construction partners, Campus Construction and Clark Patterson Lee. The fact that we were all gathered together was a testament to the collaboration and partnership that exists in this community.
During the ceremony, we focused on the continued revitalization of Ken-Ton, which is already an amazing place to live and raise a family. Our partnerships with the town, village, and county/state representatives will make it even better. We reflected on what has been accomplished over the past few years and the amazing work taking place through the Capital Project. We also discussed what is on the horizon, including information about a new capital project proposal that we are developing. As we have discussed before, Lindbergh Elementary will be the priority in our next capital project, but we will also be considering the future of Kenmore Junior/Senior High School and Hamilton Elementary as the focus on our instructional programming continues.
Yes, you read that right: Kenmore Junior/Senior High School, not Kenmore Middle. We recently learned that the NYS Education Department has approved our application for a BEDS code for the school. This designates the building as an independent school for the first time since 2016 with Kenmore Junior/Senior High School as the building’s new name. As some of you may know, that was the building’s original name when it opened in 1924. With the expansion of the Big Picture Program to include seventh grade, it is now a junior/senior high school just as it was when it first opened its doors. Next year, the building will also house our exciting new Crossroads and Virtual Homebound Instruction Academies which will provide new pathways for students on the road to graduation.
This is a turning point for our community and more is coming. You can watch a video recording of the June 20th celebration by clicking here.
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With summer break finally upon us and children home from school, this is a great time to get back to the basics on summer safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides these basic safety tips for families this summer:
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Fireworks Safety: Families should attend community fireworks displays run by professionals rather than using fireworks at home. Additionally, fireworks that are often thought to be safe, such as sparklers, can reach temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can burn users and bystanders.
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Bug Safety: If possible, eliminate stagnant water on your property, such as bird baths, buckets, and tires. Check that your window screens are tightly fitted and repair any holes to keep bugs out of the house. Use insect repellents containing DEET when needed to prevent insect-related diseases for children older than 2 months of age. When outside in the evenings, cover up with a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and socks to prevent mosquito bites. Check hair and skin for ticks at the end of the day.
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Playground Safety: Inspect the playground first to make sure it is safe for children. Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part. Never allow children to attach ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment. Make sure your children remove helmets and anything looped around their necks. Make sure slides are cool to prevent children's legs from getting burned. Do not allow children to play barefoot on the playground. Parents should always supervise children on play equipment.
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Bike Safety: Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head and covers the forehead, not tipped forward or backwards. The strap should be securely fastened with about 2 fingers able to fit between chin and strap. The helmet should be snug on the head, but not overly tight. Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Children should never ride at night.
You can read more about these topics and other summer safety topics at healthychildren.org.
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SCHOOL & DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS | |
Each week, we will highlight some of the exciting things taking place in the district. Be sure to follow the Ken-Ton School District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@ktufsd) for more school highlights! | |
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Staff Participation in Buffalo Corporate Challenge - On the Rise
The Ken-Ton School District was well represented at this year's Buffalo Corporate Challenge. The event took place at Delaware Park on Thursday, June 15th and brought together thousands of runners from throughout Western New York for a 3.5-mile race to benefit a local non-profit organization. Approximately 80 Ken-Ton School District teachers, support staff, and administrators participated in the event, making this year's team one of the biggest in years. The Corporate Challenge provided an opportunity to support the district's focus on improving employee health/wellness, promoting physical activity, and fostering a positive district culture. The district's participation in the event would not have been possible without the generous support of the team's sponsors, which included Hodgson Russ, U.S. Employee Benefits, Altaris, Vista, Harris Beach, Lippas Mathias, Independent Health, and Campus Construction. Click here to view photographs from the event.
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Board President Chimera Inducted Into NYS High School Softball Hall of Fame
Board of Education President and former Kenmore West softball coach Matt Chimera has officially been inducted into the NYS High School Softball Hall of Fame. President Chimera was honored alongside several other inductees during a recent event in Herkimer, NY. He spent 25 years as head coach of the Kenmore West varsity softball team, leading them to 11 Niagara Frontier League championships, four Section VI titles, three Far West Regional titles, and one New York State Championship (2002). The majority of his teams were also recognized for their work off the field, earning several NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete Awards for maintaining a team grade point average of 90 percent or better. President Chimera was also a teacher in Ken-Ton’s innovative Big Picture Program and one of the program’s founders. He has previously been inducted into the WNY Softball Hall of Fame and was selected as the NYS Coaches Association Softball Coach of the Year during the 2016-17 school year.
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Ken-Ton Athletes Named NFL & Section VI All-Stars
The spring sports season has concluded for our Ken-Ton athletic teams and several athletes were named All-Stars in recognition of their accomplishments on the athletic field by both Section VI and the Niagara Frontier League (NFL). A total of 57 Kenmore East and Kenmore West student-athletes were named to the NFL All-Star first, second, or third team in the following sports: baseball, softball, boys tennis, boys track and field, and girls track and field. Additionally, 13 Kenmore East and Kenmore West student-athletes were named to the Section VI All-Star first, second, or third team in boys lacrosse and girls lacrosse. You can view the full list by clicking here.
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FMS Students Make ‘Warming Cozies’ for Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels
Throughout the school year, the Franklin Middle School Sewing Club has been meeting every other Tuesday to sew “Warming Cozies” for the Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels Program. Warming cozies are fleece blankets that help keep warm meals insulated during the program’s delivery to the many residents who utilize the program throughout the community. This year, the group sewed over 30 different cozies. “These students are serving our Ken-Ton community in a very powerful and satisfying way by helping our neighbors in need,” said Amy Donn, district FACS coordinator. “They relied on the sewing skills they learned while taking FACS Class and spent time making them during their academic support period.” This year’s club consists of four dedicated seventh-grade students: Madison Christ, Mackenzie Vetter-Higgins, Annabella Walerowicz, and Cameron Reed. The club was started last Fall.
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Kenmore East Student Travels to Washington D.C. for Capitol Building Artwork Unveiling
Kenmore East student Ava Valkwitch recently traveled to Washington D.C. to see her artwork displayed nationally at the U.S. Capitol building. Ava was named the winner in an annual contest that honors artists across the country. Her artwork entitled “Reinstein Woods in Bloom” was chosen as the winning piece for Congressman Brian Higgins’ district during a ceremony last month. Her piece was chosen by judges for her “proficiency in shading and color layering.” Ava’s piece is currently hanging in an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol, where it will remain for an entire year. Ava and her family were flown out to Washington D.C. to see the exhibit in person and were honored during a reception in the Capitol Visitor Center on June 20th.
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64 Students Earn NYS Seal of Biliteracy
A total of 64 students from Kenmore West High School and Kenmore East High School students have attained the NYS Seal of Biliteracy. These students were recognized for their hard work and achievements in one of three languages: French, German, and Spanish. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The intent of the Seal is to encourage the study of languages, to identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, to provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission and placement, to prepare students with twenty-first century skills, to recognize the value of language instruction, and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
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Hoover Elementary Students Enjoy Jungle-Themed Field Day Celebration
Friday, June 9th was a fun day for Hoover Elementary School students in Grades K-4 as the school held its annual Field Day celebration. This year's event featured a jungle theme with hallways decorated by each grade level based on a particular jungle animal and jungle-themed music playing throughout the building as students entered for the day. Students had the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including a noodle race, bounce house, and martial arts. Lunch consisted of fresh watermelon slices and a hot dog fresh off the grill cooked to perfection by none other than Principal Mike Huff!
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Kenmore West Seniors Gather for ‘Senior Sunset’ Event
On Thursday, June 22nd, Kenmore West High School seniors gathered for a very special event: the Senior Sunset. It began with students gathering on the soccer field at 7 p.m. then enjoying each other's company until the sun set at 8:58 p.m. This was the second time the school has held this event. The event was free and featured pizza, snacks, refreshments, ice cream, and lawn games. For Kenmore West seniors, it was one of the last times they would be together before Graduation Day two days later.
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Franklin Middle Students Engineer Their Own Nutrition Bar for Science Unit
Seventh-grade students in Lisa Valle's class at Franklin Middle School recently completed a unique engineering project for their metabolism unit. Students were assigned to act as food engineers. They were challenged to read an RFP (request for proposal) and then create a nutrition bar that met the metabolic needs of patients and rescue workers for a disaster relief company. Thanks to a fundraiser through Donors Choose, the class received nearly $500 in donations to purchase ingredients to make their nutrition bar recipes. What a great example of science in action, part of the new NYS Science Learning Standards!
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RECOGNITION: COLLEGE-BOUND ATHLETES | |
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Last week, we were proud to recognize the following Kenmore East High School student athletes who have signed their intent to compete at the college level next year:
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Carmela Capizzi, Acrobatics & Tumbling, SUNY Buffalo State
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Andrew Helms, Lacrosse, Genesee Community College
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Ryan Kates, Golf, Niagara Community College
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Henry Morris, Track & Field, St. Bonaventure
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Sidney Morris, Track & Field, SUNY Buffalo State
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Derek Pine, Hockey, Niagara Community College
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Tamias Ramsey, Baseball, Erie Community College
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Jane Reilly, Softball, SUNY Geneseo State
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Daniel Reinhart, Track & Field, SUNY Brockport State
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Emily Schirrmacher, Acrobatics & Tumbling, SUNY Buffalo State
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Tyler Skura, Baseball, Erie Community College
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Kaelynn Weber, Bowling, Medaille College/Niagara University
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Jacob Willard, Bowling, Muskingum University
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Braden Yiengst, Club Hockey, Canisius College
These students were recognized at a signing ceremony led by Director of Athletics Brett Banker and our coaches. These students represent the elite among high school athletes who move on to compete at the college level. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, fewer than 6% of high school athletes are accepted into NCAA Divisional Programs. (Kenmore West student athletes were recognized in the June 16th edition.)
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RECOGNITION: LESLEY BATTAGLIA &
JENNIFER MORROW
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This week, we recognize two individuals who are leaving our Board of Education: Vice President Lesley Battaglia and Trustee Jennifer Morrow. Vice President Battaglia and Trustee Morrow were both elected in May 2020 to serve a three-year term on our Board of Education. Over the past three years, their leadership has helped guide the district through numerous challenges and bring us to where we are today as a community. Over the past three years, they volunteered countless hours in service to the students, families, and staff of our district. They advocated on behalf of our community, attended many meetings and events, visited schools, interacted with community members, and much more.
Both Board members served this district with distinction. Earlier this month, Vice President Battaglia and Trustee Morrow were both recognized at the Erie County Association of School Boards (ECASB) Annual Dinner for their dedication and service. We were proud to see Vice President Battaglia earn the ECASB Shining Star Award and Trustee Morrow earn the ECASB Rising Star Award. These distinctions were a tribute to their commitment to ongoing learning, service, and advocacy.
We are deeply appreciative of their contributions and tireless service to our community. On a personal note, their contributions to Ken-Ton helped me to grow as your superintendent more than they will ever realize. Please join me in recognizing Vice President Battaglia and Trustee Morrow for their outstanding work and wishing them well in their future endeavors.
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RECOGNITION: TILYNN ROBINSON &
MARIA COLOSIMO
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We are extremely proud to recognize two members of the Class of 2023: Tilynn Robinson from Kenmore West High School and Maria Colosimo from Kenmore East High School. Tilynn and Maria served this past year as our Student Representatives on the Board of Education. They also helped coordinate and lead the District Leadership Council. This initiative brings together student leaders from all of our middle and high schools to share best practices, provide feedback, encourage student leadership, and foster district-wide connections. Please join me in congratulating Tilynn and Maria for the outstanding job they did representing our students on the Board of Education! | |
During the summer, the Ken-Ton Weekly Connection will not be published on a weekly basis. Summer editions will be published as needed to keep our community informed of important updates and developments. Have a great, safe summer! | |
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Thank you for reviewing this information. As always, we remain Ken-Ton Proud, Ken-Ton Strong, and Ken-Ton Moving Forward!
Sabatino Cimato,
Superintendent of Schools
For previous editions of the Ken-Ton Weekly Connection, visit
www.ktufsd.org/connection
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