Weekly Update from the Office of the Superintendent
Volume 2, Issue 8 (September 24, 2021)
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Ken-Ton Forward
As the school year progresses, our strategic plan, the "Ken-Ton Forward," is at the center of our efforts. First launched in 2018, the Ken-Ton Forward is a stakeholder-created living document that establishes a cyclical process as the foundation for continuous improvement. During the 2020-21 school year, we renewed our efforts to make the Ken-Ton Forward the center of all District planning and decision-making. It creates a blueprint for long-term improvement in academic success and social-emotional outcomes. It also positions the District for future growth and focused refinement while providing a flexible framework that is adaptable from year to year.
Our Ken-Ton Forward focuses on five core areas: Instruction for All; Technology; Social Emotional Health & Wellness; Finance, Safety and Operations; and Community Engagement. Throughout the year, I will highlight some of the many ways our staff is putting this plan into action. There are a multitude of initiatives underway which are grounded in the Ken-Ton Forward including the creation of our new Universal Pre-Kindergarten program at Hamilton, ongoing analysis of new innovative programming at the secondary level, implementing trauma-informed care practices District-wide, a historic expansion of instructional technology, and cultural awareness.
The graphic you see here encompasses all of the major components and concepts of the Ken-Ton Forward including the Vision and Mission of the District, major focus areas along with central goals (click here for the full-size view). It also shows the interconnectedness and overlap of all of our departments and the work being done in order to increase student achievement. It is important for everyone in our community to familiarize themselves with these priorities, as the implementation and success of the plan will be a community-wide effort.
Your Vote Matters!
The Tonawanda Community Environmental Benefit Program is making available up to $1 million in grants for projects that will improve the environment or public health in the Tonawanda area. The Tonawanda community will decide which projects are funded and all Ken-Ton residents are encouraged to vote at the website below (you can vote for up to 6 projects in Tier 1 and up to 6 projects in Tier 2).
We are so excited to see two Edison Elementary School projects as finalists in Tier 1: "Tree Planting and Beautification at Edison Elementary School" and "Thomas Edison Parent-Teacher Association Community Garden." Additionally, Ken-Ton Schools would be partners in the Niagara River Greenway Commission's "Building Stewardship and Strengthening Community Pride" (Tier 2) program.
It is so exciting to see these three projects included among the finalists. Please consider voting so your voice can be heard! You can vote until the end of the day this Sunday, September 26th at the following link: https://tonawanda.wishpondpages.com/
Financial Aid Night: Thursday, Sept. 30
The Kenmore East and Kenmore West Counseling Departments are teaming up to host a Financial Aid Night this Thursday, September 30th beginning at 6 p.m. in the Kenmore West Auditorium. This is a great opportunity for families to learn about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), Tuition Assistant Program (TAP), and the entire financial aid process. Katie Kocsis, Director of Financial Aid at Niagara University, will present on these topics followed by a question-and-answer session. All families with college-bound students are encouraged to attend. The application process is opening and this is highly recommended for families of current seniors.
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NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH |
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In this second week of Hispanic Heritage Month, we focus on Sonia Sotomayor, who made history as the first Hispanic American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Justice Sotomayor was born in 1954 to a working class family in New York City. Her parents lived in Puerto Rico and didn't meet until coming to America during World War II, eventually settling in the Bronx. Her father, who did not speak English and worked as a tool and die worker, passed away when she was just 9 years old. Inspired by her favorite literary character, Nancy Drew, and by her mother who placed great importance on the value of education, Justice Sotomoyer worked extremely hard in school. She applied to a selective high school in the Bronx that required an entrance exam and graduated as valedictorian in 1972.
Sonia Sotomayor had always wanted to become a lawyer and a judge ever since she began watching the "Perry Mason" television series as a child, and that's exactly what she did. She earned a full scholarship to Princeton University and received her law degree at Yale Law School. She initially worked as an assistant district attorney and then a lawyer at a prominent Manhattan law firm. In 1992, her dream of becoming a judge came true as President George H. W. Bush nominated her to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. In 1998, she was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and in 2009, President Barack Obama nominated her to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Not only is Justice Sotomayor a trailblazer who made history as the first Hispanic American on the nation’s highest court, but she is also an inspiration and a prime example of how hard work and perseverance are the keys to achieving dreams.
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RECOGNITION: FRANKLIN LITTLE FREE
FOOD PANTRY
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Today we recognize Carley Panepinto, Special Education Teacher at Franklin Middle School, and all those involved in a truly inspiring initiative to assist families in need in the community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Panepinto set out to create a “Little Free Food Pantry” outside the school that families in need could access at any time. She purchased the materials and enlisted the aid of a group of local Eagle Scouts (Ryland Schloerb and his father Don Schloerb along with his grandfather Don Schloerb Sr. and Dan Dahlke) who volunteered to help build the food pantry which stands along the sidewalk in front of the main entrance. With the help of her students and the Franklin staff, she has collected food items, raised money, and created an indoor stockroom to replenish the outdoor pantry, which is now available for families in the community. Ms. Panepinto is now in the process of creating a school club with her students, Addison Marshall, Isabella Montroy, Makayla Doll, Carter DuVall, Najhe Jones, Rickey Jones and Natalie LeVea, who have all volunteered to continue this work.
Ms. Panepinto and everyone involved in this project are a prime example of the Ken-Ton spirit of giving back and helping those in need in our community.
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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!
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