Kenmore West School Newsletter
December 7, 2023
Mission
To develop knowledgeable, principled, and compassionate young adults through academic, personal, and occupational experiences in preparation for an ever-changing global landscape.
Vision
Everyone belongs at Kenmore West High School.
Values
We value safety, community, and engagement.
Administrative Team
Principal's Message
We hope everyone is enjoying the start of the holiday season. We are truly excited about the school year and appreciate all of the wonderful work our students and staff are doing at Kenmore West!
This is an important time for our students and families to reflect on the first 14 weeks and to determine if any adjustments need to be made to support improvement. A few of the major school priorities that are highlighted in this newsletter are:
- Attendance
- Community Building/Soft Skills/Conflict Resolution
- Learning/Engagement
As a faculty and staff, we are here for all of our students and families. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your student's learning success and social development.
We wish you all the very best in this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Mr. Johnson
Ms. Lambert
Assistant Principal
Students: Grade 8
Mrs. Cappuccio
Assistant Principal
Students: Grades 9-10
Dr. Grandits
Assistant Principal
Students: Grades 11-12
We commend all of our students who achieved academic excellence and earned placement on the honor roll!
- Second Honors: 90.0 - 92.99 GPA
- First Honors: 93:0 or higher GPA
Please click this link to view our first quarter honor roll students!
Please join us as we celebrate the following students who received the "Best of West" Student of the Month award! The criteria for student nominations include: Trustworthy, Lending a helping hand, Respectful, Team Player, Independent, Integrity, Passion for Excellence, Encouraging/supportive to peers, Advocate, Reliable, Leader among peers, Responsible, Tries their best, Inclusive of others.
Each honoree was awarded a certificate along with a breakfast reception sponsored by our Home School Association! Click the link to see this month's Best of West honorees!
2024-2025 Student Course Request Process & Timeline
Electives Expo (Modified Schedule) – November 30
- The 2023 Electives Expo took place on Thursday November 30.
Teacher Recommendations
- Grades 8 - 11: December 4-15
School Counselor/Student Meetings
- Grade 11: Begin December 18
- Grade 10: Begin January 8
- Grade 9: Begin January 29
- Grade 8: Begin February 12
Course Change Deadline - June 14, 2024
IMPORTANT:
All course selections for the 2024-2025 school year will be finalized by March 1, 2024.
Limited schedule changes will be permitted up until May 31, 2024.
No schedule changes or course drops/adds will be permitted after June 14, 2024.
*Course change requests will not be accepted after June 14, 2024 because the master schedule must be finalized. This process requires section balancing and ensuring staffing is assigned appropriately to meet the needs of our students and school.
21st Century Skills for Success & Happiness
The Ken-Ton Advisory Board frequently meets with area business owners who
partner with our district and the Ken-Ton Academies. The business owners noted that new
applicants need the following skills and attributes in order to be successful:
● Written Communication Skills – How to write professional letters, resumes, and email communications
● Verbal Communication Skills – Eye contact, speaking clearly, learning language of the industry, telephone communication skills
● Manners & Social Etiquette – Please, thank you, respectfulness, conscientiousness, caring, attentiveness
● Organization Skills – Physical organization, planning, decision making, productivity
● Soft Skills – Communication, collaboration, teamwork, positivity, work ethic, adaptability,
reflection, creativity, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills
The faculty and staff at KW are working very hard to model and teach these soft skills in the classroom and throughout the school day. We encourage families to find ways that they can support the development of these skills at home. By partnering together, we strive to ensure all of our students develop the skills needed to find success and happiness in their lives.
2023-2024 School Improvement Plan & Progress Monitoring
Over the summer, we used data from our Satchel Pulse surveys and School Improvement Plan (SIP) results to guide the improvement planning process for the 2023-2024 school year. Please see below a list of the SIP goals and our progress this school year.
Instruction for All Students Goals:
- Goal 1: School-Wide ELA
- Goal 2: School-Wide Math
- Goal 3: School-Wide Graduation: Ensure all students are earning 5.5 academic credits or more per year and being successful on all mandated New York State Assessments.
Social Emotional Health and Wellness Goals:
- Goal 4: Community Circles, Blue Devil Connection Days, Community Building Weeks: Improve student soft skills and conflict resolution skills.
Goal 5: Active Supervision/Behavior Incident Decrease in Common Areas: Increase student praise for positive behaviors and correct negative behaviors. Develop student soft skills.
Goal 6: To reduce chronic absenteeism of Grade 8-12 students by 7% or more compared to 2022-2023 school year.
Community Building Circles & Weeks (Goal 4)
A community building circle is a structured process of communication that brings people together and helps participants connect with a mindful appreciation that honors the uniqueness of all those involved. Relationship building is the primary focus through sharing personal stories and is the foundation of all community building circles. It is a process that can be used in any setting and gives equal voice to participants and values the contributions of all. When all essential elements of the community building circles process are followed and a safe environment is established, the benefits are many and include:
- A deeper appreciation of commonalities and differences
- Respect and caring for all
- Deeper connections and a sense of belonging
- A process that nurtures any expressed emotion
- Problem solving and decision making through consensus
- A foundation for resolving conflicts and repairing harm
All students have been scheduled into a Blue Devil Connection period that meets only on Blue Devil Connection Days. During Blue Devil Connections periods, students engage in community building circles.
Community Building Weeks (Goal 4)
September 7-8 ✅
Blue Devil Connections Day/ 8-12 Community Circle: September 7 & 8
September 11-15 ✅
Blue Devil Connections Day/ 8-12 Community Circles: September 13
Welcome Back Dance, September 16 (CLOSED)
October 16-20 ✅
Spirit Week - STUCO
Blue Devil Connections Day & Link Crew: October 18
Homecoming Pep Rally & Fall Fest Event, October 20
Homecoming Parade, Game, & Dance, October 21
November 15 ✅
Blue Devil Connections Day/ 8-12 Community Circles: November 15
December 4-8
Spirit Week - STUCO
Blue Devil Connections Day & Link Crew: December 6
Tinsel Ball, December 9
January 29-February 2
Blue Devil Connections Day & Link Crew: January 31
Pink Out Dance, February 2 (CLOSED)
February 14
Blue Devil Connections Day/ 8-12 Community Circles: February 14
March 11-15
Blue Devil Connections Day & Link Crew: March 13
March Madness/Spring Slam, March 15
April 15-19
Blue Devil Connections Day & Link Crew: April 16
May 20-23 (Memorial Weekend)
Blue Devil Connections Day/ 8-12 Community Circles: May 21
Senior Walk, May 28
June West Fest Day/ TBD
Foundations (Goal 5)
Description:
- An approach to behavior that is proactive, positive, and instructional.
- Includes all aspects and individuals in a school.
This school year, we have focused on the following priorities:
- Active Supervision (Continuous, Scan, Interact - CSI)
- Hallway Neighborhoods
- Lunch/Cafeteria
The goals of this initiative are to:
- Help to shape the behavior and expectations of the school.
Provide opportunities to praise positive behaviors and correct negative behaviors in a timely manner.
Model and teach soft skills.
Attendance Initiative - Every Student, Every Day! (Goal 6)
Dear Kenmore West Families,
School attendance is one of the most important predictors for student success in school. We are asking for parent and family support and assistance with this important matter, as it is essential to student learning, academic achievement, and engagement in our school community. Student attendance is also important for teaching and fostering personal responsibility for success in school, work, and life.
Many of our students maintain excellent attendance. There are, however, concerning trends in attendance that are being seen at Kenmore West, regionally, and nationally. School attendance is qualified by the following:
School Daily Attendance
Attending every school day that a student is well and not sick
Arriving at school by 7:30 AM
*Please note that the school breakfast closes daily at 7:35 AM.
*As the weather becomes more inclement, we encourage students to adjust their schedules to ensure they leave for school earlier.
Attending the entire school day unless legally excused
Class Attendance
Attending all classes (academic classes, study halls, lunches)
Attending classes on-time (before the bell rings)
Avoiding unnecessary and excessive time out of the classroom
Chronic Absenteeism is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as being absent from school 10% or more of the school year (click link for more information). The New York State Education Department monitors this benchmark for all schools, as students who are chronically absent are at higher risk for learning deficits and not graduating.
IMPORTANT: A student who is absent 18 days of school in a school year of 180 days is considered chronically absent.
SIMPLE CHECK: If a student is absent 2 or more days every month, The U.S. Department of Education considers them to be chronically absent for the school year.
CLARIFICATION: Being absent for a serious illness for a 3-5 day period of time 1-3 times during the school year (3-15 days) does not result in being considered chronically absent. We all experience serious illnesses periodically that prevent us from being able to attend school/work.
PARENT SUPPORT: At times, parents call school and request that their student be released early from school or arrive late to school for the following reasons:
Lack of preparation for a class
Avoiding assignments/tests
Nothing is happening at school
Modified school/special school program
Teacher is absent/substitute
All of these reasons are considered unexcused absences. Everyday matters and is important for your student’s success and learning.
MESSAGE: Periodic/sporadic and unnecessary absences add up quickly and negatively impact learning and engagement in school. Students should only be absent from school for serious reasons.
PARENT ATTENDANCE RESOURCES: All parents have access to their students daily school and period attendance records. This information can be accessed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If a parent needs technical assistance with accessing this information, please visit the the Kenmore West website under the resources tab and tech support page: https://sites.google.com/ktufsd.org/infinite-campus
My message is coming to you out of genuine concern for all of our students and the school community. We want and need our students at Kenmore West every day.
Together and in partnership, we can ensure all of our students reach their full learning potential and develop into responsible young people. Thank you for your support.
Attendance Initiative - Chronic Absenteeism Trend Data
As you can see from the chronic absenteeism trend data, since the pandemic we have been making improvements. Our School Improvement Plan Attendance Goal is to reduce our chronic absenteeism rate by 7% or more from the 2022-2023 rate.
Daily school attendance is important because there is a direct correlation to:
- School Culture
- Learning/Academic Success
- Social/Emotional Wellbeing
- Connection to School
- Graduation
We greatly appreciate everyone's help and commitment to ensuring students are here and on-time every day!
CHRONICALLY ABSENT: A student being absent 2 or more days every month.
How to be ready for school on time
Please ensure students are in school by 7:30 AM
We encourage all students and families to review their course credits and New York State Examinations grades to determine if your student is on track for graduation. Please contact your School Counselor if you have any questions or need assistance.
Ken-Ton Weekly Connection 12/1/23:
It is very important for families of all high school seniors to start to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) forms. All families should complete this process, even if they are unsure of their post-secondary plans. Some families may believe they earn too much to qualify for financial aid, but this is often not the case. Additionally, student loans and other sources of financial support for college also require a FAFSA. That is why it is so important for families to complete these forms.
The Ken-Ton School District is once again offering free support to help families complete this process through our Family Support Center. Recent changes to the application process make it more important than ever for families to take advantage of this resource. Appointments are available on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5:30 and 7 p.m. They may be in person at the Family Support Center (255 Myron Avenue in Kenmore) or virtual via Google Meet. For either option, call 716-874-8510 to make an appointment.
Families need to be aware of the following updates regarding the FAFSA process:
- Every individual completing the form (such as students and parents/guardians) will need to apply for and receive an FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID first before completing the FAFSA. Families are strongly encouraged to create this ID ahead of time.
- Although the TAP form is now available, it cannot be completed until you have submitted the FAFSA form. The FAFSA is expected to be released by the end of December. However, families can get a head start now by securing their FSA ID and gathering all required documents and information.
- Unlike previous years, information from the FAFSA form will not pre-populate the TAP form, so this information will need to be entered a second time.
Those with questions are encouraged to contact our FAFSA initiative coordinators Michael Panepinto at 716-874-8402 ext. 22524 or mpanepinto@ktufsd.org and Matthew Gourlay at mgourlay@ktufsd.org or 716-874-8404 ext. 21527. They have also prepared this helpful document which has detailed information about what families can expect.
Our goal is to make sure students receive as much financial aid as they are eligible for. Many families may be intimidated by the financial aid process, but it has been simplified in recent years especially for those who file their taxes electronically. Please continue to speak with your child and school counselor about post-secondary plans and scholarships available throughout our region as well as nationally.
Important Dates
Community Building/Spirit Week......................................................December 4-8
Blue Devil Connections Day/Community Building Circles...............December 6
Community Club Holiday Party...........................................................December 9
Tinsel Ball.............................................................................................December 9 (7:00-10:00 PM)
Orchestra Concert................................................................................December 14 (7:30 PM)
End of 15 Weeks...................................................................................December 15
Chamber Ensemble Performance @ Boulevard Mall.........................December 16 (11:00 AM)
Holiday Band and Jazz Band Concert.................................................December 18 (7:30 PM)
Holiday Choral Concert.........................................................................December 20 (7:30 PM)
Winter Recess........................................................................................December 23-January 1
IB Registration Night for Sophomores & Parents................................January 10 (7:00 PM)
Home School Association Meeting in Library......................................January11 (6:30-7:30 PM)
Martin Luther Kind Day..........................................................................January 15
Shared Decision Making Team Meeting..............................................January 17
January Regents Exams.......................................................................January 23-26
End of Marking Period 2........................................................................January 26
Blue Devil Big Band - Music is Art Festival............................................January 27
Beginning of Marking Period 3..............................................................January 29
Community Building/Spirit Week...........................................................January 29-February 2
Blue Devil Connections Day/Community Building Circles....................January 31
Pink Out Dance........................................................................................February 2 (7:00-10:00 PM)
The complete school calendar is available on the school website (click link).
Ways to Stay Informed!
Kenmore West High School
Website: https://www.ktufsd.org/Page/620
Location: 33 Highland Avenue, Buffalo, NY, USA
Phone: (716)874-8401