Kensington High School (Buffalo, New York)

Kensington High School is a former high school located in Buffalo, New York. Named for the Kensington neighborhood it is located in, the building is located at 319 Suffolk Street in Buffalo. It currently serves as home to the Frederick Law Olmsted School at Kensington.[1]

Kensington High School
Address
319 Suffolk Street

Kensington

Buffalo
,
Erie
,
New York
14215

United States
Coordinates42°55′51.90″N 78°48′37.66″W
Information
TypePublic
MottoAegis Fortissima Virtus
(Virtue is the Strongest Shield)
Opened1937
StatusClosed
Closed2003
School districtBuffalo Public Schools
School number203
Grades9-12
Color(s)Green and Gold    
Team nameKnights
YearbookThe Compass

History

Kensington High School is one of three Art Deco buildings in the City of Buffalo.[1] The building was constructed in the 1930s and opened in 1937, operating for 67 years. The school was closed in 2003 due to a myriad of reasons including poor academic performance, a high concentration of students in poverty, the threat of take over from New York State, increasing student violence, as well as the school district's financial crisis.[1][2][3]

In the years that followed, Kensington housed adult GED and vocational classes, and was one of the locations for Buffalo's Opportunity Program, an alternative school service for suspended students,[1] as well as the temporary home of Hutchinson Central Technical High School while it was renovated from 2005 to 2007. It was later announced that the building would be the home for Olmsted High School. Olmsted was operated at Kensington from 2007 to 2010 before the building was renovated by LPCiminelli from 2010 to 2012. In Fall 2012, Kensington reopened to Olmsted students.

Kensington was also home to the Buffalo Academy of Science and Math, a small magnet high school, from 1989 to 1993 when it was moved to Riverside High School.[4]

Former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted in parenthesis

  • Mr. Thomas J. McDonnell1937-1947 (Assistant Principal - Grover Cleveland High School, passed away[5])
  • Mr. Charles J. Monan1947-1950 (Principal - South Park High School Annex, returned to teaching at South Park High School)
  • Mr. John M. Chassin1950-1955 (Vice Principal - Kensington High School, retired)
  • Mr. Garnett F. Roberts [interim]1955-1957 (Director of Center Schools - Buffalo Public Schools, retired)
  • Mr. Frank J. Kelly1957-1966 (Vice Principal - Kensington High School, retired)
  • Mr. Angelo J. Gianturco1966-1977 (Vice Principal - Grover Cleveland High School,[6] named Principal of City Honors School)
  • Mr. Rocco A. Lamparelli [interim]1977 (Supervising Principal - South Buffalo Public Schools, returned to position)
  • Mr. Gerald H. Hesson1977-1982 (Principal - Fillmore Middle School, named Principal of Buffalo Traditional School)
  • Mr. Stanley J. Wegrzynowski1982-1985 (unknown, named Director of Science Education for Buffalo Public Schools)
  • Dr. Richard A. Marotto1985-1986 (Vice Principal - Burgard Vocational High School, named Principal of Lewiston-Porter High School)
  • Mr. Mark L. Balen1986-1990 (Vice Principal - Seneca Vocational High School,[7] named Principal of Seneca Vocational High School[8])
  • Mrs. Yvonne Hargrave1990-1993 (Principal - Kensington Prep,[8] named Assistant Superintendent for Integration of Buffalo Public Schools)
  • Mr. Robert M. Barton1993-2001 (Principal - Buffalo Alternative High School,[9] named Principal of Seneca Vocational High School[10])
  • Dr. Eileen H. Czarnecki2001 (Assistant Principal - Grover Cleveland High School,[10] named Acting Principal of E.C.C. 90[11])
  • Ms. Geraldine Horton2001-2003 (Principal - Buffalo Vocational Technical Center,[10] school closed[2])

Selected former assistant principals

Previous assignments and reason for departure denoted in parentheses

  • Mr. John Chassin1937-1950 (Principal - South Park High School Annex, named Principal of Kensington High School)
  • Mr. William H. Davenport1950-1952 (Assistant Principal - Fosdick-Masten Park High School, named Principal of East High School)
  • Mr. Abraham Axelrod1952-1955 (Assistant Principal - Bennett High School, named Principal of Lafayette High School)
  • Mr. Frank Kelly1955-1957 (Assistant Principal - Lafayette High School, named Principal of Kensington High School)
  • Mr. Louis T. Masson1957-1962 (Science teacher - Riverside High School, retired[12])
  • Mr. Wilber E. Unger1962-1966 (Science teacher - Lafayette High School, named Project Administrator of Buffalo Public Schools[13])
  • Mr. William Blomberg1964-1978 (Assistant Principal - East High School, named Assistant Principal of Riverside High School)
  • Mr. Alfred H. Rasp1966-1969 (Assistant Principal for Instruction - Lakewood High School, named Assistant Principal of East High School)
  • Mr. Charles L. Sodaro1968-1971 (Assistant Principal - Southside Junior High School, named Assistant Principal of Riverside High School)
  • Mr. Alfred H. Rasp1971-1978 (Assistant Principal - East High School, unknown)
  • Mr. Daniel J. Krzesinski1978-1987 (Assistant Principal - Genesee Humboldt Junior High School, named Assistant Principal of McKinley Vocational High School)
  • Mr. Thomas A. Cosgrove1978-1979 (Assistant Principal - East High School, unknown)
  • Mr. Fritz F. Hessel1979-1981
  • Mr. Daniel J. Geary1981-1984 (Assistant Principal - South Park High School, named Assistant Principal of Seneca Vocational High School)
  • Mr. Gary R. Lopez1984-1985 (Physical Education teacher - Buffalo Public Schools, named Assistant Principal of Riverside High School)
  • Mrs. Yvonne Hargrave1985-1987 (Assistant Principal - Campus West School, named Principal of Kensington Prep)
  • Mr. James J. Christmann1987-1989 (Assistant Principal - City Honors School, named Principal of Cheektowaga High School[14])
  • Mr. William J. Bell1987-1988 (Assistant Principal - McKinley Vocational High School, named Assistant Principal of Buffalo Alternative High School)
  • Mr. Gerald D. Pope1988-1992 (Assistant Principal - South Park High School,[15] named Assistant Principal of Kensington Prep)
  • Mr. Thaddeus F. Weselak1990-1997 (Assistant Principal - Kensington Prep, named Assistant Principal of Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts)
  • Mr. Jon G. Lyon1992-1993 (Science teacher - Buffalo Traditional School, named Assistant Principal of Grover Cleveland High School[16])
  • Mr. Daniel Krzesinski1993-1995 (Assistant Principal - Kensington Prep,[4] retired)
  • Mr. Gary Lopez1995[17]-1999 (Assistant Principal - Buffalo Public Schools, named Assistant Principal of Riverside High School)
  • Mr. Larry J. Hunley1999-?
  • Mr. James J. Pautler?-2002 (Electrical Vocational teacher - Seneca Vocational High School,[18] named Principal of Burgard Vocational High School)
  • Mr. Carlos J. Villarroel?-2002 (Spanish teacher - Kensington High School, named Assistant Principal of Grover Cleveland High School)
  • Mr. William A. Kresse2002-2003 (Assistant Principal - Musselman High School, named Assistant Principal of South Park High School)
  • Mr. Terence A. Jenkins2002-2003 (unknown, named Assistant Principal of Buffalo Traditional School)

Administration

Year Superintendent Principal Assistant Principal
1937-1938Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1938-1939Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1939-1940Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1940-1941Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1941-1942Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1942-1943Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1943-1944Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1944-1945Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1945-1946Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1946-1947Robert PabstTom McDonnellJohn Chassin
1947-1948Robert PabstCharlie MonanJohn Chassin
1948-1949Robert PabstCharlie MonanJohn Chassin
1949-1950Robert PabstCharlie MonanJohn Chassin
1950-1951Ben WillisJohn ChassinBill Davenport
1951-1952Ben WillisJohn ChassinBill Davenport
1952-1953Parmer EwingJohn ChassinAbe Axelrod
1953-1954Parmer EwingJohn ChassinAbe Axelrod
1954-1955Parmer EwingJohn ChassinAbe Axelrod
1955-1956Parmer EwingChassin/Roberts*Frank Kelly
1956-1957Parmer EwingGarnett Roberts*Frank Kelly
1957-1958Joseph MenchFrank KellyLouis Masson
1958-1959Joseph MenchFrank KellyLouis Masson
1959-1960Joseph MenchFrank KellyLouis Masson
1960-1961Joseph MenchFrank KellyLouis Masson
1961-1962Joseph MenchFrank KellyLouis Masson
1962-1963Joseph MenchFrank KellyWilber Unger
1963-1964Joseph MenchFrank KellyWilber UngerBill Blomberg
1964-1965Joseph MenchFrank KellyWilber UngerBill Blomberg
1965-1966Joseph MenchFrank KellyAl RaspBill Blomberg
1966-1967Joseph MenchAngel GianturcoAl RaspBill Blomberg
1967-1968Joseph MenchAngelo GianturcoAl RaspBill Blomberg
1968-1969Joseph MenchAngelo GianturcoCharlie SodaroBill Blomberg
1969-1970Joseph MenchAngelo GianturcoCharlie SodaroBill Blomberg
1970-1971Joseph MenchAngelo GianturcoCharlie SodaroBill Blomberg
1971-1972Joseph MenchAngelo GianturcoAl RaspBill Blomberg
1972-1973Joseph MenchAngelo GianturcoAl RaspBill Blomberg
1973-1974Joseph MenchAngelo GianturcoAl RaspBill Blomberg
1974-1975Joseph MenchAngelo GianturcoAl RaspBill Blomberg
1975-1976Eugene RevilleAngelo GianturcoAl RaspBill Blomberg
1976-1977Eugene RevilleGianturco/Lamparelli*Al RaspBill Blomberg
1977-1978Eugene RevilleGerald HessonAl RaspBill Blomberg
1978-1979Eugene RevilleGerald HessonDan KrzesinskiTom Cosgrove
1979-1980Eugene RevilleGerald HessonDan KrzesinskiFritz Hessel
1980-1981Eugene RevilleGerald HessonDan KrzesinskiFritz Hessel
1981-1982Eugene RevilleGerald HessonDan KrzesinskiDan Geary
1982-1983Eugene RevilleStan WegrzynowskiDan KrzesinskiDan Geary
1983-1984Eugene RevilleStan WegrzynowskiDan KrzesinskiDan Geary
1984-1985Eugene RevilleStan WegrzynowskiDan KrzesinskiGary Lopez
1985-1986Eugene RevilleRick MarottoDan KrzesinskiYvonne Hargrave
1986-1987Eugene RevilleMark BalenDan KrzesinskiYvonne Hargrave
1987-1988Eugene RevilleMark BalenBill BellJim Christmann
1988-1989Eugene RevilleMark BalenJerry PopeJim Christmann
1989-1990Albert ThompsonMark BalenJerry Pope
1990-1991Albert ThompsonYvonne HargraveJerry PopeThad Weselak
1991-1992Albert ThompsonYvonne HargraveJerry PopeThad Weselak
1992-1993Albert ThompsonYvonne HargraveJon LyonThad Weselak
1993-1994Albert ThompsonBob BartonDan KrzesinskiThad Weselak
1994-1995Albert ThompsonBob BartonDan KrzesinskiThad Weselak
1995-1996Albert ThompsonBob BartonGary LopezThad Weselak
1996-1997Jim HarrisBob BartonGary LopezThad Weselak
1997-1998Jim HarrisBob BartonGary Lopez
1998-1999Jim HarrisBob BartonGary Lopez
1999-2000Jim HarrisBob BartonJim Pautler
2000-2001Marion CanedoBob BartonJim PautlerCarlos Villarroel
2001-2002Marion CanedoCzarnecki/HortonJim PautlerCarlos Villarroel
2002-2003Marion CanedoGeraldine HortonBill KresseTerence Jenkins

Famous Alumni

Kensington Prep

Kensington Prep
Address
1409 East Delavan Avenue


Buffalo
,
Erie
,
New York
14215

United States
Information
TypePublic
Opened1987
Closed1993
Grades9

From 1987 to 1993, Kensington High had a satellite school, "Kensington Prep" for its ninth graders, in an effort to provide a structured atmosphere for its freshmen and attract more Caucasian students.[19] The school was located at the former Archbishop Carroll High School at 1409 East Delavan Avenue, and offered enriched programs in mathematics, sciences, and computers.[20] The school was closed in 1993, and 9th graders returned to Kensington.[21]

Former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted in parentheses

  • Ms. Yvonne Hargrave1987-1990 (Assistant Principal - Kensington High School, named Principal of Kensington High School)
  • Ms. Barbara A. Schnell1990 (Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services - Buffalo Public Schools, named Interim Principal of Hutchinson Central Technical High School)
  • Mrs. Doris H. Erickson1990-1991 (Principal - South Park Prep, retired)
  • Mr. Gerald H. Hesson1991-1992 (Principal - Buffalo Alternative High School, retired)
  • Mr. Gerald D. Pope [interim]1992-1993 (Assistant Principal - Kensington High School, named Assistant Principal of Buffalo Traditional School)

Former assistant principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted in parentheses

  • Mr. Alfred H. Rasp1987-1989 (Assistant Principal - Burgard Vocational High School, named Assistant Principal of Seneca Vocational High School)
  • Mr. Thaddeus Weselak1989-1990 (Guidance Counselor - Burgard Vocational High School, named Assistant Principal of Kensington High School)
  • Mr. Daniel Krzesinski1990-1993 (Assistant Principal - McKinley Vocational High School, named Assistant Principal of Kensington High School)

Administration

Year Superintendent Principal Asst. Principal
1987-1988Eugene RevilleYvonne HargraveThad Weselak
1988-1989Albert ThompsonYvonne HargraveThad Weselak
1989-1990Albert ThompsonYvonne HargraveThad Weselak
1990-1991Albert ThompsonDoris EricksonDan Krzesinski
1991-1992Albert ThompsonGerald HessonDan Krzesinski
1992-1993Albert ThompsonJerry Pope*Dan Krzesinski

References

  1. Olmsted seniors' homecoming brief, bittersweet. (2012, June 22). The Buffalo News. Retrieved from http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/buffalo/article914899.ece
  2. Simon, P. (2003, April 17). Kensington high will close after this year. The Buffalo News, p. A1.
  3. Simon, P., & Warner, G. (2003, April 18). School's closing halts a proud legacy. The Buffalo News, p. A1.
  4. Hammersley, M. (1993, September 6). Changes in store for Buffalo schools . The Buffalo News, p. TRK
  5. McDonnell, P. (2012, November 1). The Frederick Law Olmsted school at Kensington-Buffalo's other art deco building. Retrieved from http://www.buffalorising.com/2012/11/the-frederick-law-olmsted-school-at-kensington-buffalos-other-art-deco-building.html Archived 2012-11-16 at the Wayback Machine
  6. Angelo J. Gianturco , Ex-principal in Buffalo district - March 1, 1921 -- Aug. 28, 2009. (2009, August 29). The Buffalo News, p. D5.
  7. Cardinale, A. (1997, August 31). Mark Balen's latest coup nets school board catbird seat. The Buffalo News, p. C1.
  8. Hammersly, M. (1990, August 8). Fisher will head school board. The Buffalo News, p. TRK.
  9. Racz, G. N. (1995, January 15). Great Expectations: Robert Barton's grand vision for Kensington High. The Buffalo News, p. E1.
  10. Sapong, E. D. (2001, November 23). Kensington High blames principal for woes. The Buffalo News, p. C2.
  11. Simon, P. (2002, July 23). Charter school plan poses fiscal concern. The Buffalo News, p. B1.
  12. Louis T. Masson, science author, educator. (1992, August 28). The Buffalo News, p. DEATH.
  13. W. e. unger, u.s. school aide, dlies . (1967, July 15). The Buffalo Courier-Express. Retrieved from http://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers 21/Buffalo NY Courier Express/Buffalo NY Courier Express 1967/Buffalo NY Courier Express 1967 a - 0643.pdf
  14. Cheektowaga principal is schooled in computers . (1989, July 22). The Buffalo News, p. C6.
  15. Uncrowned community builders. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://uncrownedcommunitybuilders.com/person/jerry-pope
  16. Jon G. Lyon, Retired Buffalo School Principal. (2011, September 28). The Buffalo News.
  17. Heaney, J. (1995, August 24). City schools hire firm in job. The Buffalo News, p. B5.
  18. Heaney, J. (1998, June 8). Troubled students - school lacks tools to handle behavioral problems. The Buffalo News, p. A1.
  19. Hammersley, M. (1992, July 31). Board member backs school consolidation. The Buffalo News
  20. Hammersley, M. (1991, September 20). Slaying spurs search for answers at school. The Buffalo News, p. A9.
  21. Hammersley, M. (1993, September 6). Changes in store for buffalo schools. The Buffalo News
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