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FAFSA UPDATE & FREE ASSISTANCE
It is very important for families of all high school seniors to start to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) forms. All families should complete this process, even if they are unsure of their post-secondary plans. Some families may believe they earn too much to qualify for financial aid, but this is often not the case. Additionally, student loans and other sources of financial support for college also require a FAFSA. That is why it is so important for families to complete these forms.
The Ken-Ton School District is once again offering free support to help families complete this process through our Family Support Center. Recent changes to the application process make it more important than ever for families to take advantage of this resource. Appointments are available on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5:30 and 7 p.m. They may be in person at the Family Support Center (255 Myron Avenue in Kenmore) or virtual via Google Meet. For either option, call 716-874-8510 to make an appointment.
Families need to be aware of the following updates regarding the FAFSA process:
- Every individual completing the form (such as students and parents/guardians) will need to apply for and receive an FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID first before completing the FAFSA. Families are strongly encouraged to create this ID ahead of time.
- Although the TAP form is now available, it cannot be completed until you have submitted the FAFSA form. The FAFSA is expected to be released by the end of December. However, families can get a head start now by securing their FSA ID and gathering all required documents and information.
- Unlike previous years, information from the FAFSA form will not pre-populate the TAP form, so this information will need to be entered a second time.
Those with questions are encouraged to contact our FAFSA initiative coordinators Michael Panepinto at 716-874-8402 ext. 22524 or [email protected] and Matthew Gourlay at [email protected] or 716-874-8404 ext. 21527. They have also prepared this helpful document which has detailed information about what families can expect.
Our goal is to make sure students receive as much financial aid as they are eligible for. Many families may be intimidated by the financial aid process, but it has been simplified in recent years especially for those who file their taxes electronically. Please continue to speak with your child and school counselor about post-secondary plans and scholarships available throughout our region as well as nationally.
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SCHOOL CONCERTS & HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
This time of year, there are many wonderful events taking place in the evenings such as concerts and holiday celebrations. These events offer the chance to experience the talents of our students, show them your support, and get into the holiday spirit. I encourage everyone in our community to take advantage and attend any events you can. You can find dates and times on our district and school Google calendars, which you can access at www.ktufsd.org/calendar.
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With winter weather upon us, I would like to highlight the importance of clearing sidewalks and crosswalks of ice and snow. Every day, thousands of children rely upon sidewalks throughout the district to get to and from their school building or bus stop safely.
We educate students about the importance of always using sidewalks and crosswalks. It only takes one small stretch of sidewalk that hasn't been cleared to result in a student walking in the street, which increases the risk of an accident taking place. This is especially true when slippery roads, diminished daylight, and reduced visibility from piled snow create conditions more dangerous for pedestrians.
It is important that property owners do not neglect their sidewalks and crosswalks and keep them clear of ice and snow. By doing this, you are performing a valuable service which helps keep our children safe.
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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! | |
Kenmore West Students Gather for Special Presentation on Making Their Senior Year Count | |
On Tuesday, I was joined by Board of Education President Matthew Chimera and Director of School Culture Dina Ferraraccio in leading a special presentation for seniors at Kenmore West High School. We encouraged the motto of "making their senior year count" and discussed the importance of making a positive impact at Kenmore West. We talked about the connections we've had with Ken-Ton over the course of our lives and how they can foster their own Kenmore West connections. We also discussed ways they can enhance school culture at Kenmore West. We focused on student leadership and how seniors can collectively have the deepest impact on culture. We will be providing the same presentation for Kenmore East and Kenmore Junior/Senior High School students. | |
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Franklin Middle School Student Awarded the NYS Senate Liberty Medal
Franklin Middle School sixth-grader Jayden Gersitz was recently honored by NYS Senator Sean Ryan and Assemblyman William Conrad for his quick thinking and willingness to go above and beyond following a medical emergency during an afterschool event. On Tuesday, May 9th, Jayden was riding his bike to a modified baseball game taking place at the field next to the Franklin Middle School Complex. A spectator at the game was experiencing a medical emergency at the time and Jayden’s uncle, who is a firefighter with the Kenilworth Fire Department, was in the process of responding. Learning of the situation, Jayden immediately took action to assist his uncle by racing his bike to his uncle’s car to retrieve a radio so that paramedics could be contacted. When paramedics arrived, they did not know the precise location and entered a different parking lot and field. Seeing this, Jayden hopped back on his bike and sped over to the paramedics in order to direct them to the right place. For his actions, Jayden was presented the NYS Senate Liberty Medal. You can read more about Jayden here.
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Franklin Middle School Students Video Chat With a 6th-Grade Class in Ukraine
Sixth-grade students in Franklin Middle School teacher Katelyn Greiner's class recently had the opportunity to video chat and interview another sixth-grade class in Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine. This was with the help of English as a New Language teacher Lesia Hyde, whose cousin teaches ENL in Ukraine. Students crafted interview questions about school life, academics, student culture, and hobbies, as well as what it's like going to school during the war. Volunteers asked/answered questions from each class and recorded their responses. FMS students were able to use the information from the interview to write about similarities and differences between both countries. This was a very humbling and exciting opportunity for both teachers and students alike.
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Kenmore East Collects More Than 12,000 Cans of Food for Families in Need
The Kenmore East High School Student Congress sponsored the annual ‘Gobblin' Up Hunger’ campaign during the month of November which was once again a tremendous success. Through this effort, they were able to collect an astounding 12,000 cans of food for Kenmore East families and the school food pantry. Students donate items each year in the name of a particular member of the staff and the staff member with the most items donated is named Kenmore East’s “Biggest Turkey.” This year's Biggest Turkey was Spanish language teacher Tina Cavese, who had more than 6,000 cans donated in her honor, earning her the opportunity to wear a turkey costume the day before the holiday break.
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Hoover Middle School Holds First-Ever Turkey Trot
Students in Team 5-2 at Hoover Middle School had a wonderful time at the school's first-ever Turkey Trot! The event took place Tuesday, November 21st, the day before Thanksgiving recess. Students walked or ran around the Hoover Middle track four times (which equates to one mile) and then had the chance to enjoy cider and donuts afterwards. Team 5-2 teachers Wendy Cummins, Austin Barr, and Alexander Marcinelli are planning on making this an annual tradition.
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Kenmore West Technology Class Uses Autodesk Inventor to Create Unique Can Designs
Students in Kenmore West High School technology teacher Christopher Derrick's Design and Drawing for Production class were given a unique Thanksgiving assignment: creating their own 3D model of Kenmore West-themed cranberry sauce cans using Autodesk Inventor. Once they created their lifelike model of an aluminum can, they used ChatGPT-4 to generate images until they decided on five different can labels. During this process, the class discussed the limitations of ChatGPT-4 and how being able to incorporate AI technology into engineering and workflow is proving to be a tremendous benefit. Students who completed the assignment were given 3D-printed Blue Devil keychains that they printed on the Technology Department's new Prusa Mk4 3D FDM printers.
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Hoover Middle Students Make Delicious Smoothies With Blender Bike
Students of Hoover Middle School teachers Katie Corigliano and Jane Stevens recently had the opportunity to use the Food Service Department's “blender bike.” Gr. 5-7 students were able to earn a chance to make a delicious smoothie for themselves by passing five or more iReady lessons in the month of November. The students did a great job. Special thanks goes out to Natalie Meldrum, cafeteria manager at Hoover Middle, and the district Wellness Committee for the grant money for the bike and ingredients.
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Students in Kenmore West ‘Take a Look at Teaching’ Club Visit Buffalo State
Students in the “Take a Look at Teaching” Club at Kenmore West High School went to Buffalo State University on Monday, teaming up with teacher candidates at Holmes Elementary. The club is for students interested in pursuing a career as a teacher. It introduces students to various areas of the teacher profession and helps them to understand potential career choices, areas of certification, the college timeline/process, and more.
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Hoover Elementary Class Celebrates Friendship & Thanksgiving
Students in Hoover Elementary School teacher Samantha Page's classroom recently enjoyed a very special "Friendsgiving" celebration, which has now become an annual tradition in Room 118. The children wrote and shared cards expressing thanks to their friends and classmates then shared a lovely meal together. Students made their own placemats, turkey hats, muffins, and even butter. They also helped decorate the tables and used exceptional manners while enjoying their meal. It was a great way to show their gratitude for their friends.
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Kenmore West Students & Staff Take Part in Connect Life Blood Drive
Thank you to everyone who took part in Tuesday's Connect Life Blood Drive at Kenmore West High School. Approximately 30 students and staff donated blood, which means up to 90 lives saved right here in Western New York. Both high schools maintain a close partnership with ConnectLife, Western New York's only community blood center and federally designated organ, eye, and tissue procurement agency. Since 2010, the Ken-Ton School District has been responsible for collecting over nearly 2,000 units of blood through this partnership.
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RECOGNITION: AMELIA MACKINNON | |
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Today we recognize an outstanding student athlete who has made Ken-Ton extremely proud: Kenmore East High School 9th-grader Amelia MacKinnon, a member of the combined Kenmore East and Kenmore West Swimming Team.
Amelia recently competed in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Swimming and Diving Championships and placed 13th in both the 200 freestyle and the 100 freestyle. This is the second year in a row Amelia has qualified for the NYS Championships and she is the first Kenmore East swimmer to reach that level since 1996.
Just two weeks before, Amelia competed at the Section VI Championships at SUNY Fredonia. Not only did she qualify for the NYS Championships, but she also won first place in the 50 freestyle. Earlier, at the Niagara Frontier League (NFL) Championships, Amelia won first place in both the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle while the Devildogs - directed by Head Coach Nate Bourke, Associate Head Coach Anna Caci, and Assistant Coach Trish Penetrante - placed second overall. During the season, she broke three more school records including two she had broken the previous season.
We are proud of what Amelia has accomplished and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. Please join me in congratulating her for her outstanding achievements.
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Monday, December 4th
- 2nd Trimester Begins (Gr. K-4 & Big Picture)
Tuesday, December 5th
- Gr. K-4 Report Cards Posted on IC Parent Portal
Thursday, December 7th
- Elementary School Parent/Teacher Conferences (Evening Only)
Monday, December 11th
- Elementary School Early Release & Parent/Teacher Conferences (12:40 dismissal)
Tuesday, December 12th
- Board of Education Meeting (6:30 p.m. Kenmore Junior/Senior High School)
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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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