A Step Toward Normalcy
This past Monday, we were so excited to see all Gr. K-4 students return to school for five-day attendance. It was a very special day as 1,990 students returned to our five elementary schools. For many, this was the first time they were able to see some of their friends and classmates in more than a year. This was the first time since March 2020 that elementary school teachers had all students together in their classroom.
Everyone's hard work and collaboration paid off. The return to five-day attendance for our youngest students went very well. Thank you to our teachers, administrators, support staff and families for everything you did to make this possible. Our families are to be commended for not only putting their trust in us but for being an integral part of the team that enabled this to happen.
As I said last week, this was a very important step toward returning to normalcy, but we still have a long way to go. We are continuing to plan short-term and long-term strategies to address the learning loss caused by this pandemic. There are challenges ahead but we will have the will to confront them and the wisdom to do it together.
ECDOH Vaccination Clinics
Earlier this week, we shared information with Kenmore East and Kenmore West parents regarding vaccination clinics organized by the Erie County Department of Health for students and their families. The clinics will take place tomorrow (Saturday, May 1) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McKinley High School in Buffalo, Erie Community College (ECC) North Campus in Williamsville, and ECC South Campus in Orchard Park. You can find additional details and links to register on our website at www.ktufsd.org.
At these clinics, ECDOH personnel will administer the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine for those age 16 and 17 and the Moderna vaccine for those age 18 and above. Remember, the Pfizer vaccine is currently approved for those age 16 and up and the Moderna vaccine is approved for those age 18 and up. ECDOH noted that students/families who get their second dose on schedule (May 22 for Pfizer and May 29 for Moderna) will be considered “fully vaccinated” by early- to mid-June, since one is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose. This would be in time for many proms, graduations, and other summer events. This will be important for many families because of new rules that require attendees to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.
The clinics will be prom-themed with an assortment of giveaways (items include mugs, water bottles, gift cards and electronics) for high school students in attendance. For those age 16 and 17 who will not have a parent/guardian present, they must bring proof of identity (such as a school ID, learners permit, social security card, passport, etc.). They must also bring the completed NYS COVID-19 Immunization Screening and Consent Form if the parent/guardian cannot be contacted by phone to provide consent.
Teacher Appreciation Week
What teachers have accomplished this year is simply amazing. Next week, communities across the country will observe Teacher Appreciation Week, and the timing couldn’t be better. In a normal year, the appreciation for the incredible work of our teachers should not be limited to just one week in May. Teachers are responsible for providing students the instruction and support they need to graduate and be successful in all of their future endeavors. They also support the growth of the whole child and become an integral part of their lives. This year has proven that the work of our educators is something that should be celebrated and appreciated year round.
This has been an extremely difficult year for all, and as we have come to expect, our teachers stepped up to the challenge. Their deep focus on student success led teachers to completely change the way they educate and engage. They never wavered. They did whatever it took to ensure continued academic progress.
I invite everyone in our community to find at least one way to show your appreciation for teachers next week. You can reach out just to say thank you, send a note or message to your child's teacher noting the growth you have seen or the important role they play in your child's life. Encouraging children to say thank you and to tell their teacher what they mean to them often creates the memories that last a teacher their entire career.
I witness every day that the Ken-Ton School District has some of the very best teachers. They are innovative, dedicated, hard working, compassionate, and caring. It is an honor to serve as your Superintendent and to work alongside such outstanding professionals. On behalf of the Ken-Ton School District, it is my privilege to share my heartfelt gratitude for the work you do and the difference you make in our children's lives!
