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A NEW MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES
On Wednesday, we were honored to welcome Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera, and other key partners to Kenmore West High School for an exciting announcement regarding a new county initiative aimed at addressing mental health challenges in students. Also joining us were Commissioner of Mental Health Mark O’Brien, Erie 1 BOCES District Superintendent Michael Capuana, Erie 1 BOCES Associate Director of Internal Talent and Leadership Development Jessica Karches, and representatives of different mental health agencies and resources. The purpose of the event was to announce the launch of a new app called Erie Path, which connects parents and caregivers with mental health and behavioral resources for school-age children and families.
The app allows families to find available programs and services for children/adolescents, access information that explains what young people may face, and explore practical strategies for helping children in their care. It was developed by Erie County in partnership with Live Well Erie and Erie 1 BOCES. It is now available for Android and iPhone devices and the content can be viewed in multiple languages. In speaking with Deputy County Executive Chimera, her goal was to continue to provide the significant number of children and teenagers facing mental health challenges an additional resource for services they may pursue. The Erie Path app will allow families to gain a better understanding of the issues or concerns they are facing and then identify a specific provider who can assist. This will be a tremendous resource for our families, linking them to a network of professionals who are here to help. You can learn more about the app on the Erie County website at www.erie.gov/eriepath.
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM
If you recall a few weeks ago, Sen. Sean Ryan was in our district talking about the importance of more schools qualifying for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Now that all schools are designated through the CEP program thanks to the hard work of our Director of Food Service Kim Roll and Food Service Department, all Ken-Ton School District families are eligible for discounts on broadband service and other benefits through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This includes a monthly discount of $30 toward internet service and a one-time $100 discount off the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or computer. The ACP is an initiative of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to expand access to broadband internet and was signed into law in 2021. Any families with children who attend a school that participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for free/reduced-price meals are eligible for ACP benefits. This means that any family with children enrolled in the Ken-Ton School District are eligible to receive these benefits because all 10 schools now participate in the CEP Program.
You can learn more about ACP benefits and how to apply at www.fcc.gov/acp. Additionally, Sen. Ryan's office is offering help to families who may need assistance securing the benefit during his "Mobile Office Hour" events for the remainder of the year. One will be taking place here in Ken-Ton at the Kenilworth Public Library (318 Montrose Ave.) on Tuesday, October 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
State Sen. Sean Ryan is currently searching for outstanding high school seniors from his senate district to recommend for national recognition through the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. He will be selecting two high school seniors and one additional senior who is enrolled in a career and technical education program. The students selected will receive a letter of recommendation from Sen. Ryan for this national recognition. Families are invited to apply to receive this recommendation. You can find more information and access the nomination form on Sen. Ryan’s website.
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CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, today we highlight Manu Ginóbili, a former NBA player who is considered to be one of the greatest shooting guards in league history and is credited with forever changing the game of basketball. Mr. Ginóbili was born in Argentina and began playing basketball at an early age. He spent the first part of his 23-year professional career playing in Argentina and Italy and was eventually drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, joining the team for the 2002-03 season. Before retiring in 2018, he went on to become a four-time NBA champion and two-time NBA All-Star. While playing with the Spurs, Mr. Ginóbili perfected and popularized what is known as the Euro step or two-step move, which has now become commonplace in American basketball. During his NBA career, Mr. Ginóbili continued to play as a member of the Argentina Olympic basketball team, winning a Gold Medal at the 2004 Olympics. He also played for a professional basketball team in Italy which won the EuroLeague Championship in 2001. He remains one of only two players in history who have won a EuroLeague title, NBA championship, and Olympic gold medal, three of the highest honors in professional basketball. He was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame last year.
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If you see something, say something! The Safe School Helpline is a convenient, confidential way for anyone to report information about any situation or concern that might affect safety at our schools. You can call the number any time of the day or night to report concerns about unsafe or potentially disruptive activities or situations including drug/alcohol abuse, weapons, harassment, bullying, or threats. There are also 24/7 mental health crisis counselors available to help students who are suicidal, bullied, or simply having a difficult time. All calls are confidential. You can contact the Safe Schools Helpline via phone at 800-418-6423 (800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359), via text at 614-426-0240 (then type TIPS), and via the web at www.safeschoolhelpline.com. This is a wonderful resource and we encourage students/families to take advantage of it. | |
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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Athletic Department Hosts First Extramural Bocce Event
The Ken-Ton School District Athletics Department hosted its first Extramural Unified Bocce event at Adams Field on Monday, October 2nd. Kenmore East and Kenmore West both fielded four-person teams as well as the Niagara Falls and Lockport school districts. The object of Bocce, which combines elements of bowling, horseshoes, and shuffleboard, is to get as many of the team's Bocce balls closer to a single smaller ball, called the pallino. The Kenmore East students were coached by advisors Kevin Moyer and Bob O’Connor and the Kenmore West players were coached by advisors Dan Hannon and Reuben Owens. We are proud of all the students who took part in this event!
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Hoover Middle Teacher Selected to Journey Aboard Ocean Research Vessel
Hoover Middle School seventh-grade teacher Melisa Dettbarn will soon be joining 11 other science educators from across the U.S. on a journey from Iceland to Amsterdam aboard the JOIDES, a research vessel capable of studying the ocean floor. The team is part of the International Ocean Discovery Program, a global marine research collaborative which is dedicated to advancing understanding of Earth's history and development. The JOIDES can drill into the ocean floor deep underwater, gathering core samples and collecting measurements. Through this work, scientists are able to develop a better understanding of everything from climate and oceanography to plate tectonics and continental drift. Not only will students have the chance to interact with Mrs. Dettbarn during the voyage, but her work will be the catalyst for new educational experiences for her classes. Click here to read the story.
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Kenmore West to Host IB Information Night
The Kenmore West International Baccalaureate (IB) Program will host an IB Information Night on Thursday, October 12th at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. It's for families of students in Gr. 7-10 who may be interested in learning more about the IB Program, a rigorous two-year college-level program. IB students can earn substantial scholarship awards and the IB diploma is highly valued in college admissions across the globe. Click here to learn more about the IB Program.
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Board Members Visit Edison Elementary
On Wednesday, members of our Board of Education enjoyed their second school visit of the year with a stop at Edison Elementary. Each school visit begins with a meet-and-greet so Board members can get to know the staff followed by a walk around the building. Board members along with Superintendent Sabatino Cimato, Principal David King, and other school/district administrators had a wonderful time seeing the great work of our students and staff up close. They also toured the new addition and other areas of the school which are under construction.
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Ken-Ton Welcomes German Exchange Students
Over the past two weeks, the Kenmore East and Kenmore West communities have welcomed a group of exchange students through this year’s German Inbound Exchange. Through this program, a total of 15 German students from Franken Gymnasium, a high school in Zülpich, Germany, stayed with Ken-Ton students and their families for 10 days of fun and friendship. The German students enjoyed seeing downtown Buffalo, Buffalo State College, the Albright Knox Art Gallery, Niagara Falls, Fort Niagara, Letchworth State Park, and more. Through this partnership, Kenmore East and Kenmore West German language students will be traveling to Germany in spring 2025, where they will also stay with families for 10 days which will include educational field trips to Cologne, Bonn, Aachen, Maastricht, and Berlin.
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Hoover Middle Hosts Student vs. Staff Kickball Games
Students and staff alike had a blast at a special event outside Hoover Middle School on Friday, September 29th. The school hosted a fifth-grade, sixth-grade, and seventh-grade students vs. staff kickball game in the soccer field. It was a wonderful way for students to come together as a class and engage in some friendly rivalry with their teachers. Students were randomly selected for the game by entering Dragon Scale tickets, which they earn for demonstrating excellent character and promoting a positive school environment, into a drawing. Three lucky students also won a “Back To School” gift card to 5 Below. The day started strong for the students as sixth-graders defeated the teachers in the first game but staff members came roaring back against fifth- and seventh-graders, winning the series 2-1.
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Lindbergh Students Earn a Ride Home in a Firetruck
Congratulations to two very lucky Lindbergh Elementary students who earned a ride home in a firetruck earlier this week! Second-grade student Bennett Rick in Amy Beth Grosofsky's class and kindergarten student Merideth Teall in Dana Kates' class both earned a chance to win the experience by demonstrating good character and promoting a positive school environment. Merideth's sister, Norah, also had the opportunity to travel with them. The trip was coordinated by the Elwood Fire Department, which provides fire coverage for much of Lindbergh's attendance zone including the school itself.
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Hoover Elementary Students Enjoy Apple-Themed Activities
Samantha Page's kindergarten class at Hoover Elementary School recently enjoyed activities aligned to Ken-Ton's Farm to Table Program. This month's theme is apples and Mrs. Page asked her students to bring in different varieties of apples from home. Students had fun as a class tasting the three different colors of apples then voting on their favorite and making a class graph. They also made delicious homemade applesauce and had the opportunity to to taste it as well.
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National Coaches Day takes place today and this is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the outstanding work of our coaches and assistant coaches. We continue to be proud of the achievements of our teams/athletes and coaches are the driving force behind these successes.
Coaches are responsible for organizing teams, planning practices and training, inspiring athletes to work together, and helping their players hone their skills. Most importantly, our coaches motivate players to be the best they can possibly be, not just on the field of play but in the classroom as well. It is not a coincidence that some of our best teachers are also coaches. The care and concern our coaches have for our students is evident in everything they do.
It takes a lot to be a coach: a deep understanding of the game, the ability to lead, patience, and much more. The work of our coaches often remains unseen, yet they are the driving force behind the successes of our teams and athletes. Just like classroom teachers, our coaches continue to hold our students to a high standard that they live up to time and time again. We are extremely fortunate to have such outstanding coaches and assistant coaches at the helm of our athletic programs. Please take this opportunity to say thank you for the amazing work they do for our athletes.
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Monday, October 9th
- Columbus Day Holiday (No School)
Tuesday, October 10th
- Board of Education Meeting (6:30 p.m. at Kenmore Junior/Senior High School)
Monday, October 16th - Friday, October 20th
- School Board Recognition Week
Tuesday, October 17th
- District Artist Reception & Board of Education Recognition
Friday, October 20th
- Kenmore West Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (5:30 p.m. Banchetti by Rizzo's)
Saturday, October 21st
- Kenmore West Homecoming & Kenmore East vs. Kenmore West Football Game (2 p.m. Crosby Field)
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We will not publish a Connection the next two weeks. The next edition of the Ken-Ton Weekly Connection will be published on Friday, October 27th. | |
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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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