August 2024

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

It is an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of Depew High School. I am excited to join this outstanding school community. I hope that this letter finds you enjoying the final few weeks of summer as we prepare to welcome you back on September 4th.

The 2024-2025 school year will be my 26th year in education. I have spent the past 20 years serving the students and families of the West Seneca Central School District as both a math teacher and assistant principal. My journey in education began as a math teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools where I spent 5 years, followed by 13 years teaching in West Seneca at both their Alternative Learning Center and East Senior High School. The past 7 years I have served as the assistant principal of West Seneca East Senior High.

One of the reasons I chose to apply for this position is that both of my parents are graduates of Depew High School, my dad in ‘67 and my mom in ‘68. I spent quite a bit of time in Depew at my grandparents' homes during my childhood.

I would like to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year with some important information below. The first day of school is Wednesday, September 4th. On the first day of school, students will follow their day 1 schedule.

With the new school year quickly approaching, there are some important items to keep in mind:

Bussing –Our busses will drop off and pick up in the front of the building.
For those families who have not completed and returned their transportation letter that was sent in July, your student is NOT scheduled for bussing. If interested, the transportation letter can be found on our district website at Transportation | Depew Union Free School District (depewschools.org)
Parking Lot –To decrease congestion at peak times in the morning and at dismissal, we request that if students can’t take the bus that they are dropped off or picked up in the marked lanes in the back lot only. Please follow the direction of the monitors in the parking lot. Student safety is a priority.
Athletics, Clubs and Events – There will be a late bus that departs at 3:15 Monday through Thursday.
Student Schedules – are available on the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Please be advised that students are not permitted to request a schedule change unless there is an error or omission in the schedule. Only under these conditions can a schedule change be made.
Students who need their schedule corrected: please email your counselor describing what the error or omission is. If you prefer to meet with your counselor in person, please call the Counseling Center at (716) 686-5069 to schedule an appointment.

Mr. Cintron: lcintron@depewschools.org

Mr. Bushey: gbushey@depewschools.org

Mrs. McEwen: kmcewen@depewschools.org
Mrs. Malczewski: kmalczewski@depewschools.org
Report Cards and Progress Reports - You will be able to view your student’s progress reports and daily grades on Parent Portal. Hard copy report cards will be mailed home at the end of each quarter.
Attendance – Please know that attendance is of utmost importance and we strive to make our school welcoming, engaging and fun. Chronic absenteeism is defined as 10%, which is 18 days a year or just 2 days a month.
Code of Conduct – Please visit our district code of conduct which contains our dress code at Code of Conduct | Depew Union Free School District (depewschools.org)
Safety – Making our school safe is our top priority. Please know that all visitors must show their driver’s license or government issued identification and sign in at the Security Desk in the main foyer.
Chromebooks – Students will receive their Chromebook on the first day of school, September 4th in their first period class. If a student did not return their device or charger at the end of last year, they will be notified at that time.
Harkness, Potter Road and New Visions Students – an important informational document was mailed to homes.
2024-2025 Parent-Student Handbook will be uploaded to the Depew High School website.
LOOKING FOR: Parent Representatives – We are looking for parent members for our Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO), Comprehensive District Education Plan (CDEP) committee and our Shared Decision-Making Team (SDMT). Please know that participation in any of these collaborative groups ensures that parent and community voices are represented in the overall decision-making process.

Finally, I am greatly looking forward to working with you this year. I am so proud to be the principal of such an outstanding school community and I pledge that we will continue to work to be the best we can be. As always, please contact me at (716) 686-5091 with any concerns that you may have.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer and I cannot wait to see you on September 4th.

Sincerely,

Paul Renzoni
Principal