Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District

11/04/2020

***Statement from Sabatino Cimato, Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD Superintendent of Schools***

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified at Kenmore East High School, resulting in additional individuals being quarantined through the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) contact tracing process. Out of an abundance of caution, and in collaboration with ECDOH, I have made the decision for all Kenmore East students currently attending in-person instruction to transition to fully remote learning effective immediately. This affects those Kenmore East students currently participating in the self-contained special education programs.

This temporary transition to fully remote learning for Kenmore East will begin on Wednesday, November 4. This first day will remain an asynchronous day of instruction, consistent with the current hybrid/remote instructional plan. Synchronous remote instruction will begin Thursday, November 5 with all Kenmore East teachers also teaching remotely. We anticipate this shift to fully remote instruction for Kenmore East to extend through November 13, and to return to in-person instruction on November 16.

Please be aware that, in order to protect the privacy of those persons who have tested positive, we cannot release names or other personally identifiable information regarding these individuals unless advised by ECDOH.

The District has had ongoing communication with ECDOH. ECDOH will continue to conduct contact tracing and will reach out to anyone who may have had close contact with any individual who has tested positive. All individuals contacted are expected to comply with all instructions given by ECDOH, including any requirement to quarantine for a designated period of time.

It is important to understand that this decision was made out of an abundance of caution, and resulting from the sudden uptick in confirmed COVID-19 cases involving and/or impacting our Kenmore East community.

11/02/2020

Even though there will be no student attendance and no remote instruction tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 3) for the scheduled Superintendent Conference Day, meal distribution will still take place as scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hoover, Holmes, and Franklin on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

11/02/2020

Reminder: There will be no school tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 3) for the scheduled Superintendent Conference Day. There will be no student attendance and no remote instruction for all students.

10/30/2020

Mark your calendars! All Ken-Ton School District families are invited to take part in virtual parent information nights provided by Kids Escaping Drugs. These will take place Tuesday, Nov. 17 and Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. A Zoom meeting link will be posted to the district and school homepages the day of the event. More information can be found on the attached flyer.

https://www.ktufsd.org/cms/lib/NY19000262/Centricity/ModuleInstance/21976/FILE103020KidsEscapingDrugs.pdf

10/30/2020

Members of the Ken-Ton UFSD Adult & Community Education Department celebrated Ken-Ton High School Equivalency student Alyssa Johnson on Thursday, October 29. Alyssa earned her New York State High School Equivalency Diploma. She expressed to her teacher, Linda Gruber, how important it was that her grandmother, who has health concerns, saw her walk across the stage. Members of the Ken-Ton Adult Education team with the help of a few trusted SUNY Erie Pathways staff members quickly banned together and celebrated Alyssa's accomplishments in a private ceremony. Congratulations Alyssa. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

10/29/2020

Ken-Ton UFSD October 29, 2020 Parent Virtual Q & A

The virtual parent Q&A is about to begin in YouTube Live! All parents/guardians are invited to join and ask questions on any topic using the Chat feature. Access it here:

https://youtu.be/sEsrkDHMGxw

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING THE KENMORE-TOWN OF TONAWANDA UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION WILL CONDUCT A REGULAR MEETING in the KENMORE MIDDLE S...

10/29/2020

***LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS***

The deadline to submit a nomination for the first round of the new Community Connection Award is TOMORROW, Friday, Oct. 30. Please note that current staff and students are not eligible, as they are honored separately. This award is for any current/former parents, retired staff, volunteers, local officials, employers, alumni, business owners, and residents who have furthered or contributed to the betterment of the district and its schools, students, and staff. Submit your nomination at:

https://www.ktufsd.org/nominate

10/29/2020

Ken-Ton UFSD October 29, 2020 Parent Virtual Q & A

***TONIGHT'S PARENT Q&A***

The link to today's parent question-and-answer session is now posted in an on-screen alert (pop-up) on the district homepage at www.ktufsd.org and on the Parent Meeting page at www.ktufsd.org/Page/19184. You can also find it below. (In the event of technical difficulties, a new link may be posted.) The virtual meeting will take place today (Thursday, Oct. 29) from 5 to 6 p.m. via YouTube Live. It will follow the same format as previous sessions. Administrators will answer questions live on screen and in YouTube Chat on any topics. We hope you will join us! More information on the format and how to participate as well as recordings from all previous Q&A sessions can be found at www.ktufsd.org/Page/19184.

https://youtu.be/sEsrkDHMGxw

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING THE KENMORE-TOWN OF TONAWANDA UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION WILL CONDUCT A REGULAR MEETING in the KENMORE MIDDLE S...

10/28/2020

***Ken-Ton School District Families***

A total of 400 free USDA Farm-to-Family Produce Boxes will be made available for pick-up by any families today (Oct. 28) from 4 to 6pm! They will be available on a first-come/first-served basis in the rear parking lot of the Hoover complex (enter on Sheridan Drive). A very special thank you to our Food Service Department and the wonderful volunteers of Ken-Ton Cares who are assisting with the distribution!

10/28/2020

***Ken-Ton School District Families***

A total of 400 free USDA Farm-to-Family Produce Boxes will be made available for pick-up by any families today (Oct. 28) from 4 to 6pm! They will be available on a first-come/first-served basis in the rear parking lot of the Hoover complex (enter on Sheridan Drive). A very special thank you to our Food Service Department and the wonderful volunteers of Ken-Ton Cares who are assisting with the distribution!

10/26/2020

It is as important as ever for families to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) application process! For those who need help navigating the financial aid application process, FREE assistance in completing these important forms is being offered at the Family Support Center, located at 255 Myron Avenue, Kenmore.

In-person and virtual appointments are available Monday and Wednesday evenings. Call 874-8510 to make an appointment, and see the FASFA/TAP Completion Initiative attachment (at the link below) for details and for important information on what to do before your appointment.

https://www.ktufsd.org/cms/lib/NY19000262/Centricity/Domain/1/FILE102620FAFSAAssistance.pdf

10/23/2020

***IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR BOCES CTE FAMILIES***

Bus transportation for high school students attending BOCES CTE programs at the KenTon Center only will change beginning Monday, Oct. 26. The following links will take you to each school's information.

For Kenmore East:
https://www.ktufsd.org/cms/lib/NY19000262/Centricity/Domain/51/KEBusSchedule.pdf

For Kenmore West:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LpDDnsFIrJzzuWkVVcKVDlgTdlqD0rOkRvZ2UbN_vWg/edit?usp=sharing

10/22/2020

***There is still time to nominate a member of the community for the new Community Connection Award! The deadline for nominations for this 1st round is next week Friday, Oct. 30. Submit your nomination at www.ktufsd.org/nominate

The Community Connection Award will be awarded monthly to any member of the Ken-Ton School District community who has furthered or contributed to the betterment of the district and its schools, students, and staff. Nominations will be accepted quarterly, and award winners will be notified and announced. Each award will be presented at a monthly Board of Education meeting. Any member of the Ken-Ton School District community is eligible to be nominated including, but not limited to, parents/guardians of current or former students, retired staff, volunteers, local officials, employers, alumni, and residents. (Staff and students will be distinguished separately.) More info at:

https://www.ktufsd.org/nominate

10/21/2020

Kenmore West Bookstore Apparel 2020

Purchase your Kenmore West High School gear including shirts, pants and hats here (sale ends October 25):

https://kwbookstore2020.itemorder.com/sale

Online ordering for Kenmore West Bookstore Apparel 2020 ends on Sunday October 25th, 2020 (11:59pm EDT)

10/21/2020

Yesterday evening, we were so excited to recognize the talents of nine student artists, their art teachers, and our dedicated Board of Education members at the annual Student Artist Reception and Board Appreciation Night! As we observe NYS School Boards Recognition Week, this annual event gives us the opportunity to celebrate the importance of art in our schools and the critical role our Board of Education plays in the governance of the school district.

Congratulations to our nine talented student artists: Brynn Karan, Giovanni Cartone, Joseph McMillen, Alison Williams, Isaak Gilds, Callie Torchia, Suaad Yahya, Devon Cudmore, and Catherine Alverson, and thank you to our five Board members: President Matthew Chimera, Vice President Andrew Gianni, and Trustees Lesley Battaglia, Jennifer Morrow, and Dr. Thomas Reigstad. Thank you also to all of our art teachers for making Ken-Ton one of the BEST districts in all of WNY for art education! More info and photos at:

https://www.ktufsd.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=21332&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=42408&PageID=1

10/21/2020

Congratulations to all of those who were recognized by the Board of Education and Superintendent Cimato at last week's meeting! From Edison Elementary School: Student Braelynn Miller, Teacher Susan Hirsch, and Library Clerk Debbie Reynolds. From Franklin Elementary School: Student William VanDyne, Teacher Rebecca Thompson, and Teacher Aide Kirsten Hoffman. You can read more about these outstanding individuals, and all those who have been recognized by our Board of Education, on our Board Recognition Page:
https://www.ktufsd.org/Page/17179

10/15/2020

Ken Ton High Schools FA Night - 9.30.20

Free assistance for families in filling out the 2021-2022 FASFA and TAP forms is being offered at the Family Support Center, located at 255 Myron Avenue, Kenmore. Appointments are available Monday and Wednesday evenings. Call 874-8510 to make an appointment, and see the FASFA/TAP Completion Initiative attachment at the link below for important information on what to do before your appointment.

https://www.ktufsd.org/cms/lib/NY19000262/Centricity/Domain/1/FAFSA%20TAP%20Completion%20Initiative.pdf

If you are interested in learning more about the FASFA/TAP forms and completion process, you can watch a recording of the recent Financial Aid Night. Access it here: https://youtu.be/-hb0zHcTuls

Ken Ton High Schools Financial Aid Night - 9.30.20

10/14/2020

Any Kenmore West and Hoover Middle Gr. 7-10 students/parents who are interested in learning more about the Kenmore West High School IB (International Baccalaureate) Program are encouraged to take part in the virtual IB Information Night on October 15. IB, a challenging two-year curriculum, is the best college preparatory program available, leading to an internationally-recognized diploma. More information can be found here and on the attached flyer:

https://www.ktufsd.org/cms/lib/NY19000262/Centricity/Domain/668/KW%20Ib%20night.pdf

10/13/2020

Thank you to all of our students, families, and staff for a wonderful first full day of school for our Gr. K-1 Group A students and our Gr. K-12 self-contained special education classes!

10/09/2020

The Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (ITTIC) is partnering with the Ken-Ton School District to offer free monthly 45-minute virtual support sessions for any parents, guardians and caretakers in the Ken-Ton School District. The topic of the second session is Simple Ways to Manage Stress in the Moment.

There are four different times available: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13; 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20; and 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. You can click the link on the attached flyer to complete the registration process.

Additional information and links to the registration forms can be found on the attached flyer, which has been sent to parents via email.

10/08/2020

***PARENTS, GUARDIANS & FAMILIES***

Erie County has been working with local childcare organizations, providers, school districts and community organizations to create Virtual Learning Support Centers (VLSCs). These are supervised programs that children can attend on the days that they are designated to complete their school work remotely. The two documents at the link below include information regarding the Virtual Learning Support Centers, which are funded through Erie County Live Well Cares Act Child Care Funding. This includes childcare providers for each school district including Ken-Ton as well as eligibility.

https://www.ktufsd.org/Page/19335

10/08/2020

Resources

Digital safety has always been extremely important, something our students begin to learn at a young age. Now more than ever, it is critical that students know how to be safe at all times when using a computer, smartphone, tablet, gaming console, or any other device. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has created excellent resources for children, teens, parents, families, and the community, which you can find at the link below. Please consider sharing, and thank you for your support!

https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/resources#tipsheets

Written for tweens, teens, parents, educators, and law enforcement, these tip sheets offer guidance on navigating digital safety.​

10/08/2020

Transitioning to hybrid learning at Lindbergh Elementary

WKBW Channel 7 joined us yesterday at Lindbergh Elementary School as we welcomed our Gr. K-1 Group B and self-contained special education classes for orientation! Check out the story here:

https://www.wkbw.com/rebound/keeping-you-safe/transitioning-to-hybrid-learning-at-lindbergh-elementary

Teachers are welcoming back their students to help them transition to the hybrid learning model, which will start next week.

10/07/2020

Another wonderful orientation for our Gr. K-1 "Group B" hybrid students and our Gr. K-4 self-contained special education classes! Our teachers, staff, and administrators did an amazing job at welcoming so many of our students back to school, and our students did an amazing job learning all of the new safety procedures that will help them stay healthy and safe. We can't wait for Tuesday, Oct. 13, which begins the phase-in of hybrid instruction and marks the first official in-person day of school!

10/01/2020

For all parents who will be utilizing district-provided bus transportation beginning Oct. 13:

The Transportation Department has learned that, as schools begin phasing in a hybrid schedule on Tuesday, Oct. 13 (with Gr. K, Gr. 1 and Gr. K-4 self-contained special education classes), My Stop will be temporarily out of service and will not be able to be utilized to identify the bus location or arrival time. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We will continue to work with the service provider and will notify parents when the My Stop service is able to be resumed. More information can be found on the My Stop page at www.ktufsd.org/MyStop.

10/01/2020

Community Recreation Survey

The Town of Tonawanda Youth, Parks & Recreation Department is conducting a survey of town residents on questions related to community recreation. The survey may be completed through Nov. 1. You can find it here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/totcommunitysurvey20

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

09/30/2020

Holmes Elementary School was very excited to welcome back so many students earlier today for the first orientation day for Gr. K-1 and self-contained classes!

09/30/2020

Our teachers, administrators, and staff did such an amazing job welcoming back so many of our elementary school students for today's Gr. K-1 & Gr. K-4 self-contained special education orientation! And our students did such an amazing job learning and following all of the new safety procedures which will help them stay healthy and safe. We can't wait for the first day of school for all of our Gr. K-1 and self-contained hybrid learners on Oct. 13!