The SchoolGram is the award-winning 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 .

February 7, 2020
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT
Voters Approve Proposed Capital Project; Construction to Begin Next Year
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, voters approved the proposed Capital Project by a vote of 1,082 to 328. Pictured here are Mrs. Carpenter from Lindbergh Elementary and her granddaughter Victoria encouraging voters to vote "yes" on the proposed project. You can learn more about the project at www.ktufsd.org/CapitalProject . Construction is expected to begin in spring 2021 and conclude in 2024.
'Links 4 Love' at Edison Elementary Raises $900+ for Feb. 7 SleepOut
The Edison Elementary School community came together to raise more than $900 for the 33rd Annual Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut, which takes place Friday, Feb. 7, through the school's third annual "Links 4 Love" initiative. Children and staff bought paper links for 25 cents each, which were then used to make colorful paper chains. Click here to read the story .
TTPD, Paramedics Team Up with District to Make Schools Safer
The James V. Ryan Paramedic Foundation, Town of Tonawanda, and Ken-Ton Schools are collaborating to ensure that school staff are trained to provide lifesaving medical care in the event of an emergency. On Feb. 6, the James V. Ryan Paramedic Foundation donated 60 practice tourniquets to the Ken-Ton School District as part of this collaboration. Click here to read the story .
AD Brett Banker Awarded Dr. Rusin Award for Supporting Girls Hockey
As the Western New York Girls Ice Hockey Federation closes out its 10th year, Ken-Ton School District Athletic Director Brett Banker has been awarded the Dr. James Rusin Memorial Award. The award was established to honor the late Dr. Rusin and recognize those like Banker who have worked hard to advance the sport of girls ice hockey. Click here to read the story .
Journalist, KW Alumnus Leif Reigstad Interviewed for Netflix's 'Cheer'
You may recognize a familiar face in the new Netflix docuseries “Cheer,” which explores the sport of cheerleading while focusing on one of the top cheerleading teams in the country. Kenmore West High School alumnus Leif Reigstad was interviewed for the series last June and appears in one episode of the six-episode docuseries. Click here to read the story .
Ken-East, Ken-West Both Win 1st in 2 Events at WNY Physics Olympics
Kenmore East and Kenmore West students performed exceptionally at the 2019 Buffalo State College Physics Olympics, with both schools placing first in two separate events. A team from Kenmore East won first place in the egg drop event while a team from Kenmore West won first place in the plane-making competition. Click here to read the story .
Ken-East's Gabi Vasi Signs Intent to Play Softball at Division II School
We are proud of Kenmore East High School senior Gabi Vasi who has signed her intent to play softball at Division II school Gannon University in Erie, PA. Gabi represents the elite among high school athletes who move on to compete at the college level. She was celebrated at a signing ceremony at Kenmore East High School on Friday, Jan. 17. Click here to read the story .
'Carley's Closet' Provides FMS Students with Fun Place to Shop for Free
Following in the spirit of the Ken-Ton Closet and Kenmore West High School’s “Freestyle” store, Franklin Middle School recently opened a new caring closet, "Carley's Closet," named for teacher Carley Panepinto who has taken the lead on organizing the closet and styling Franklin students. It's a fun, comfortable place for students to shop for free clothing, shoes, and accessories. Click here to read the story .
School Libraries Provide Community Access to 'Cameron's Collection'
School libraries are providing community access to Cameron’s Collection as part of the Ken-Ton Forward initiatives. Created in collaboration with the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, Cameron’s Collection provides guidance on sensitive issues for students, parents, and teachers. They are available digitally 24/7, allowing readers’ access to what they need anytime and on their own devices. Click here to read the story .
January 2020 Board of Education Recognitions

Congratulations to all those who were recognized at the January Board of Education Meeting: from the Big Picture Program at the Kenmore Middle School Building, student Pierce Moline, senior clerk typist Kari Piazza, and 401 advisor Stacey Pritchard. You can read more about these outstanding individuals and all those who have been recognized by the Board of Education on the Board Recognitions Page .
KEN-TON IN THE NEWS
County Legislators Lisa Chimera, Kevin Hardwick honor Edison Elementary student Nyla Moore for ‘Warm Hugs for the Homeless’ initiative:

First female Oscars conductor to use baton made by Kenmore East Band Director, international baton maker Phil Aguglia:

TTPD, District recognize donation of practice tourniquets by J.V. Ryan Paramedic Foundation:

Voters approve proposed Capital Project:
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE SCHOOLS
Hoover Middle School Honors Geography Bee Champion, Runner-Up
Congratulations to Hoover Middle School seventh-grade student Aiden O’Malley, the champion of this year’s Geography Bee, and sixth-grade student and runner-up Owen Johnson. The competition represents the first round of the National Geographic Bee. To be successful, students must know a great deal not just about geography in the U.S. but globally as well. Click here to read the story .
Hoover Elementary Wins WKBW Ch. 7 Weather Machine Contest
WKBW Channel 7 meteorologist Andy Parker paid a special surprise visit to Hoover Elementary on Wednesday, Jan. 22 to announce that Hoover Elementary has won the Ch. 7 Weather Machine Contest. Thanks to a dedicated effort by parents, families, teachers, staff, and others in the Hoover Elementary community, Andy Parker will return at a later date with his beloved Weather Machine. Click here to read the story .
Holiday Memories, Praise-a-Pal Initiative at Lindbergh Elementary
December was a very special month at Lindbergh Elementary School as the entire school community came together to celebrate the holidays and create memories that will last a lifetime. Click here to read the story . Lindbergh Elementary's Trauma-Informed Committee has also launched a new incentive called Praise-A-Pal to empower students. Click here to learn more .
'Future Bulldogs' from Edison Pay Visit to Ken-East Boys Basketball Game
Chris Robey and the Future Bulldogs Basketball Club from Edison Elementary recently went to watch the Kenmore East Basketball Team take on the Grand Island Vikings. The students were able to tour the Bulldogs locker room, meet the coaches and players, and play a 10-minute game during the varsity half-time. One student was featured on WKBW Ch. 7 after hitting a three-pointer. Click here to read the story .
HMS Students Use Computer Skills to Create Cards for Meals on Wheels Clients
Hoover Middle School seventh-grade students in Melissa Brania's 21st Century Skills class used their computer skills this holiday season to make holiday cards for clients of the Ken-Ton Meals On Wheels. The students really enjoyed making the cards and spreading holiday joy to people in our community.
Franklin Middle Students Share Love of Reading With Elementary Classes
Seventh-grade students in Julie Moore's and Denise Grandits' ELA classes at Franklin Middle School recently spent the day reading to a variety of elementary classes during their Winter Spirit Week. The students enjoyed reading to the elementary students or having the elementary students read to them. Click here to read the story .
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Students in Ms. Pelligra's 21st Century Skills class had a blast learning how to use green screen technology. After researching an inventor, students used WeVideo to create, edit, and produce a video highlighting key facts about that individual. Pictured here is seventh-grader Gianluca Collana's project.
Last month, Ms. Rajski's class at Franklin Elementary completed a fun unit entitled "Candy Cane Science." They conducted different experiments with candy canes, worked on making predictions, and used candy canes to measure. They also enjoyed taste tests of different types of candy canes.
Edison Elementary students in Amanda Eichinger’s first-grade class had a great time on Friday, Jan. 31 reading with Boys Varsity Basketball players from Kenmore East High School. Click here for video of senior Isaiah Price with Edison students Liam Haynes and Carter Palmieri reading and discussing a Dr. Seuss favorite.