Buffalo Public Schools

Occupational Training Center

2/1/2023

Greetings Parents,

In alignment with the district’s Strategic Plan, and specifically Goal #3 which shares a commitment for Safety, Security, and Wellness the district has purchased Evolv Scanners.  All scanners have arrived in the district and are scheduled to be installed in Buffalo Public schools in three (3) phases as follows:

• Phase 1 – High Schools (16) – January 2023 – February 2023 - Buffalo Culinary and OTC will go into effect on Friday, February 3, 2023

As students enter the school, they will immediately walk through the scanning device.  If the alert goes off as the student walks through the scanner, they will be respectfully and discretely as possible, asked to step aside for a resolution screening process, to be completed by School Security or identified School Staff; who have received specific information on how to conduct such screening.  Once cleared, students will proceed to class.  School Security should be notified by the School Clerk via radio when a student arrives late or visitors arrive so they can be scanned.  

Please know that the scanning process is necessary for the protection and safety of all in the learning community.  The wanding process may continue in addition to scanning at the discretion of the School Administrator and School Security.

Please feel free to share any comments or concerns you may have regarding this process.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation in the implementation of this new safety and security initiative.

Buffalo Public Schools Chief of BPS Security,

Ms. Barbara A. Lark

Transportation - Please know your child’s bus route when contacting the First Student Terminal – All the OTC Bus are in the 800 range of numbering – First Student Terminal – 716-894-4778

Parents are encouraged to download our bus tracking app, FIRSTview, to receive information about possible bus delays. Click here for more information 

Change of Address – Your first step is to contact the school clerk at 716-816-3250.  The clerk will be able to provide information about the documentation that is needed. 

The OTC Parent Group is developing an agenda for a January Meeting – You can email your questions to our school counselor – Mrs. Cilano – lcilano@buffaloschools.org or call 716-816-3250 to leave a message.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Wishing you good health and happiness in the new year,

Principal Vitale

Parent Portal - Please share this promotional link with parents and encourage them to connect to the parent portal https://vimeo.com/677946332

Portal Electronic Sign Up Form:

Do parents need help signing up?   If yes, send them the link below and ask them to fill out the form.  The form will go to the IC Second Support team. We will create the parent's portal account and email the parent their log in credentials. https://www.buffaloschools.org//cms/module/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=269

These are the point person for specific questions and requests –  

• Ms. Diez – handles change of address & phone numbers – messages to staff members. 
• Mr. Smith, Transportation Coordinator – yellow bus questions and requests – student drop off permissions. 
• Mrs. Lapham  – Travel training using the Metro System – Student Bus Passes. 
• Mr. Whiteside – Questions about the academic program and implementation of the student’s IEP. 
• Mrs. Jennings – Questions related to social work – community services and family involvement.  
• Nurse Anna – Medical questions – both personal and COVID related.    

Transportation Contact phone number - Click here 

Transportation Change Form -  Click Here