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Weekly E-Newsletter from the Superintendent of Schools
Volume 3, Issue 6 (September 30, 2022)
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UPDATE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | |
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SAFETY & SECURITY
As you know, safety and security remains our top priority. As we continue implementation of new initiatives enhancing security in our schools, it is critically important to reevaluate school procedures ensuring we are operating in the safest manner possible. We must also learn and adapt as situations occur, as was the case this week.
In the coming weeks, families can expect to see changes to various school procedures focusing on creating additional layers of safety in our buildings. Examples include but are not limited to, how students are released during the school day and manner in which we conduct school dances. These are not the only procedures we may reexamine in the coming weeks but are two areas you should expect to receive additional information on soon.
Modifying procedures such as these can be a challenging process. Change can be difficult, especially when it involves long-standing protocols the community is used to, but it is necessary to keep our students as safe as possible.
These efforts to fine-tune school procedures will complment the other safety/security initiatives taking place in our schools. These include:
- More secured single points of entry with shatter-resistant glass
- Installation of new state-of-the-art video camera systems
- Door hardening
- Badge requirements and new internal procedures
- A renewed partnership with the Town of Tonawanda Police Department to find innovative ways to keep schools monitored and safe
- Metal detector wands for all buildings
- Our continued partnership with Altaris, a nationally known consulting company that specializes in K-12 school security
We continue to examine the feasibility of weapons detection systems in our district as well as an increased security presence where appropriate, recognizing that we must maintain a warm and inviting culture for our families while focusing on our shared priority of safety and security. I appreciate the cooperation of our entire community as we continue to implement these initiatives, which will facilitate a safer, more secure Ken-Ton.
FAMILIES CAN NOW COMPLETE MEAL APPLICATIONS ONLINE
We are excited to announce that, for the first time, Ken-Ton School District families can now complete their Free/Reduced Price Meal Application online. You can complete this process on a computer or mobile device, making it much easier to complete the form than ever before. You can access the electronic form here.
We strongly encourage all families to complete their application if they have not done so already. Please note that this application must be submitted each year. Completing the application ensures individual eligibility for certain state and federal programs as well as additional school funding.
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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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Kenmore East Celebrates Homecoming
On Friday, September 23rd, students, staff, and members of our Ken-Ton community came together for Kenmore East's annual Homecoming game. The evening began with a tailgate at the DFK pavilion where fans were able to enjoy snacks, play games, and get ready for the big game. The Kenmore East football team was supported by our varsity cheerleaders, junior Bulldog cheerleaders, Kenmore East band, Kenmore East students, and numerous families, staff, and community members. Click here to view photos.
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Ch. 7 Features Ken-Ton
Farm-to-Table Program
The Ken-Ton School District was extremely proud to see Edison Elementary School teacher Nicole Zugelder featured by WKBW Channel 7 on Tuesday for a story about the district's Farm-to-Table program. This initiative, spearheaded by Ms. Zugelder and Director of Food Service Kim Roll, is providing fresh produce and learning resources for students of all ages. Click here for the story. Ms. Zugelder also highlighted the upcoming Harvest Festival which will take place Thursday, October 20th at Edison Elementary School. The event is open to all school district families. The event will include games, crafts, vendors, food trucks, taste tests, and a free harvest bag for every family! Click here to read more about the event.
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Hoover Elementary Students Join Buffalo Bills for Play 60 Kick-Off
On Tuesday, Hoover Elementary was one of several schools invited to Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park to take part in the Play 60 Challenge kickoff event. The Buffalo Bills, in partnership with the Independent Health Foundation and the Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association, hosted this event to encourage kids to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. A total of 26 elementary students in Grades 3-5 represented Hoover at the field. The students toured the Bills' home locker room to start the day and were able to meet and ask questions with Bills players AJ Epenesa, CJ Brewer, Shaq Lawson, Tommy Sweeney, and Quintin Morris. Click here to read the story.
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RECOGNITION: PATRICK HUNTINGTON | |
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This week, we recognize Patrick Huntington, a member of our Buildings & Grounds Department who was inducted into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame on September 14th.
Mr. Huntington is a 1997 graduate of Kenmore East High School and is recognized as one of the greatest baseball players in the school's history. He joined the varsity team midway through his freshman year and immediately jumped into the starting lineup. He played the most varsity baseball games in school history. While a student at Kenmore East, he batted .556 his senior year. He led the team to a Niagara Frontier League title and he also earned the rare honor of Western New York Player of the Year and was named to the All-New York State Team. He was also a talented defenseman for the Kenmore East Ice Hockey Team, which finished 20-3-2 his senior year. He was inducted into the Kenmore East High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.
After high school, Mr. Huntington went on to attend Erie Community College and Northwood University in Michigan. Patrick has been a maintenance mechanic for the district for 23 years.
Please join me in congratulating Mr. Patrick Huntington for this outstanding achievement.
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CELEBRATING CUSTODIAN/BUILDINGS & GROUNDS APPRECIATION DAY | |
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National Custodian Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on October 2nd and the Ken-Ton School District is using this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of our entire Buildings & Grounds (B&G) staff!
Led by Tim Ames, Director of Facilities, and Assistant Director John Wille, our B&G Department supports our faculty and staff by maintaining a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment in all buildings. They are the first school district personnel to arrive at our buildings each day and the last ones to leave, sometimes remaining on site for 24 hours. The staff includes custodians, cleaners, grounds workers, laborers, maintenance mechanics/helpers, motor equipment operators, painters, stationary engineers, support staff, a carpenter, electrician, plasterer, and plumber. Through the specialized expertise of our B&G Department, we are able to do a great deal of work in-house, which results in considerable savings.
Thank you to all members of our Buildings & Grounds staff for all that you do, all day every day!
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CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH | |
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This week for Hispanic Heritage Month, we highlight an extremely talented local artist named Victoria Pérez, whose work has helped broaden the public’s understanding and appreciation of Latino heritage and culture.
Ms. Pérez was born in Puerto Rico and moved with her family to Buffalo when she was 9 years old. She earned a degree in musical theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She went on to become an accomplished actress, director, and educator in both New York City and Buffalo. Ms. Pérez has been nominated for the Buffalo Artie Awards 10 times and was the recipient of the award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2010. She is active in numerous theater and arts organizations. She is also the artistic director and co-founder of Raíces Theatre Company, which is identified as the only theater company in Western New York dedicated to developing, nourishing, and producing modern and original works that explore the Latino experience. The Spanish word “raíces” means “roots,” which is exactly what the organization seeks to preserve for Latino culture.
Ms. Pérez recently co-wrote and starred in the Raíces production of "Isleña." Directed by her sister Maria Pérez Gómez, "Isleña" is a one-woman show that reflects Ms. Pérez’s own life experiences. The show tells the story of a woman who was uprooted from Puerto Rico to join her extended family in Buffalo at the age of 9 and, more than 30 years later, is finally able to return home and confront her past.
Ms. Pérez’s work, and the work of Raíces Theatre Company, has been instrumental in preserving Latino culture here in Western New York. You can learn more about this organization here.
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Visit www.ktufsd.org/calendar to access website calendars and Google calendars with
up-to-date event information for the district and each of its schools.
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- Friday, October 7th:
- Early Dismissal Drill (all schools dismiss 15 minutes early)
- Monday, October 10th:
- Columbus Day Holiday (no school; district offices closed)
- Tuesday, October 11th:
- Board of Education Meeting (6:30 p.m. in the Kenmore Middle Community Room)
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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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