sullivan west school scene 2015

SCHOOL

SECTION S, DECEMBER 8, 2015 • CALLICOON, NY

A look inside theSullivan West Central School District

A S p e c i a l S u p p l e m e n t t o t h e S u l l i v a n C o u n t y D e m o c r a t

SCENE

2S SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT DECEMBER, 2015

I w

r totcoy dt mnaw

:ot

.e memoht toe gW .e memoht toe gW

HARRISHARRIS

OONCALLIC LIVOON CALLIC ON MANOR LIVINGST

ya DmeaS Wsin-kalWWa

oaville Rusharris B68 H42 12774arris, NYH

8287791-845-

moru fos ywony klno ohe wnoemor sod flon hg ointiaf wd oeirTpuoral Gcideal Mnoigel Rilksatt C? Aneercn a sn ooiatmrofe inht

.erachtaleo hh tcaorppd aezalinosree phk tcag binginre br’ew

yraimrt pnellecxu eos yreffp ouoral Gcideal Mnoigel RilksatC.ytinmumor cuot in yhgi, reray ctalicepsi-td mulna

, eraf ck orowtes n’retneal Ccideal Mnoigel Rilksatf Ct oraPy milar fuod ynu ao, yrr,etneal Ccideal Mnoigee Rgnarg Oindulcine atidemo ims tseccd any agolonhced tecnavdm aort ffienel bilw

.bae ltis-nd ont anemtrapey dcnegremn eg aindulc, ineraal ccitirc

lonagielRliksatCere Ghf tr oebmeA mogetherT, Communityy,ealthierr eating a HCr

,leblaiav AAvstnmetnippoA.emolceW

ad e 97oute Ratt8881 S 12723oon, NYCallic

-5693845-887

eettrearl S36 P12758, NYY anorr,on MLivingst

845-439-3579

gor.pourGlacdieMmetsyh Stlaey Hellan Vosdur Hetae

3224

0

DECEMBER, 2015 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE 3S

Each time teenage tragedystruck, Scott Haberli would hearof it.

Haberli, Assistant Principal at Sulli-van West High School, grew up in Sul-livan County, and people know himand his family well.

“All my life, I've been approached inPeck's Market by people asking ‘Whatare we going to do about this?' when-ever a young person died in a carcrash or of drug or alcohol abuse,” hesaid.

Now, says Haberli, he doesn't haveto shrug his shoulders in sheer help-lessness.

As of October, a robust CommunityTask Force is up and running to brain-storm ways to help teens live out theirlives in safety and to put those ideasinto action.

“Our mission is to keep kids safe,”said Haberli, noting that not onlydrug and alcohol use will beaddressed, but also mental health,wellness and safe driving.

Galvanized after the drug-relateddeaths of former Sullivan West stu-dents Rebecca Pisall and DerrickClarke, the task force held its firstmeeting with over 30 people earnestly

pledging their support, said Haberli.“It was very moving,” he said.

Task force members include busi-nesspeople such as Dominique Jenk-ins of Matthew's on Main restaurantin Callicoon, District Attorney JamesFarrell, and numerous Sullivan Westteachers, administrators, staff andparents.

The group broke into committees tobegin to discuss how to access the lat-est research, how to get the messageout to kids, and how to keep the widercommunity informed.

Since then, the school district has

begun to take action.The Save-A-Life Tour of Grand

Rapids, Michigan arrived at SullivanWest to work with ninth graders,alerting them to the devastatingeffects of drunk driving and to drivingwhile distracted by texting. The pro-gram provided interactive drivingsimulators that allowed students toexperience the grim reality ofdestructive decision-making whiledriving.

School district enlistscommunity to helpsave student lives

STORY AND PHOTOSBY KATHY DALEY

School Scene: A Look at Activities in

Sullivan West Central SchoolPublished by

Catskill-Delaware Publications, Inc.Publishers of the

(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723

December 8, 2015 • Vol. CXXV, No. 50

Publisher: Fred W. Stabbert III Senior Editor: Dan Hust Editor: Carol Montana Sports Editor: Ken Cohen Editorial Assistants: Willow Baum, Kaitlin Carney, Kathy Daley, Alex Rau, Richard Ross, Allison Ruef, Jeanne Sager Advertising Director: Liz Tucker Advertising Coordinator: Sandy Schrader Advertising Representatives: Cecilia Lamy, Barbara Matos, Margaret Anderson Special Sections Coordinator: Susan Panella Business Manager: Susan Owens Business Department: Patricia Biedinger, Joanna Blanchard Telemarketing Coordinator: Michelle Reynolds Classified Manager: Janet Will Production Associates: Nyssa Calkin, Petra Duffy, Elizabeth Finnegan, Ruth Huggler, Rosalie Mycka, Tracy Swendsen Distribution: Bill Holmes

Sullivan West students use driving simulators that mimic the challenges and dire consequences of driving under the influence or whiletexting.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5S


landscapetrailers.comParts • Accessories • Landscape • Car Trailers, Cargo & Dump Trailers.

We stock most brakes, tires and wheel bearings, etc. Embroidery & T-Shirt Screen Printing

We Fill Propane Tanks(845) 292-1467

Open Tues.-Sat. 9am-6pm

601 Harris Rd./Ferndale, New York 12734

25616

TRAILER SALES&ServiceLAVA TOWING & RECOVERY7873 State Rte 52, Narrowsburg, NY 12764cell (845) 665-9827

Bruce M GettelOwner24-Hr. Service Local & Long Distance

2375

7

WATER BORNEPAINT

FOREIGN and DOMESTICFULL AUTO BODY REPAIRS

THALMANN’SSERVICE CENTER

Locally Owned & Operated– Our Services –

Collision • Brakes • ShocksExhaust • AC Services

Bake Booth • Computer DiagnosticsComplete Fluid Flushes by BGAlignments with Car Aligner

Measuring System-- NYS Inspections --

188 Lake Street • Liberty, NY 12754CALL US TODAY!

845-292-4808

3419

2

• DWI

• Estate Planning

• Real Estate

• General Practice

• Workers Compensation

• Social Security Disability

William H. Chellis, Esq.ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW

PO Box 624, 27 Maple Ave., Jeffersonville, New York 12748

(845) 482-3405 [email protected]

13598

Kohler Lumber & Building Materials, Inc.Established 1907

On Sale NOWHeat Master Outdoor

Wood BurningStove Dealer

Stop Paying Oil BillsCompletely Stainless Steel

The Kubenik Family • Rte. 52, Jeffersonville, NY 12748(845) 482-5290 • 482-5117 • Fax 482-4270

Now’s the time to save 25% or moreon your energy bills

3489

9

Attic Blanket Blown-inAttic Insulation99¢ per square foot

Call for free estimatesTired of throwing

money away?Save at least 20% on

your energy costs

WE SUPPORT OUR

sullivan west bulldogs

WWW.PEPPINOSFAMILY.COMOPEN M-TH 11AM-9:30PMF-S 11AM-10PM • SUN. NOON - 9PM

Peppino’sFamily Restaurant & Pizzeria

Cateringfor All

Occasions

31 Main Street, Callicoon • Call for Take-out 845-887-6767

• Delicious Italian Cuisine• Gift Certificates Available

• Full Bar• Outdoor Seating

1404

5

3518

8

Youngsville

Dr. Joseph & Kerry Jo Nebzydoski & Family~ Small & Large Animals ~

Rt. 52 • Youngsville, NY 845-482-3330www.youngsville.myvetonline.comEmail: [email protected]

YVET-117090

Veterinary Clinic31

633

J. HUGHSONEXCAVATING INC.

- FREE ESTIMATES -Backhoe / Bulldozing

Driveways / Parking lotsRoad Construction

Sand & Gravel • Septic Systems• Sewer / Water / Electric Lines •

Demolition • Topsoil & Stone- We specialize in Ponds -

482-9826Jeffersonville

HUGH-098973

Jeff Sanitation Inc.– RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE SERVICE –Rubbish Removal - Dumpsters Available10, 15, 20, 30 & 40 yd. Rolloffs Available

P.O. Box 387Jeffersonville, NY 12748 (845) 482-0926

JSA

N-1

02089

HU

GH

-106043

13731

Mufflers • Brakes • Shocks

JUSTUS TIRE & ALIGNMENTOfficial N.Y.S. Inspection Station

Phone (845) 482-4815P.O. Box 294 • 4926 Route 52, Jeffersonville, NY 12748

19404

J E F F E R S O N V I L L EA N I M A L H O S P I T A L

Dr. Richard L. SchwalbDr. Moria L. Norris

Office Hours by AppointmentMon-Fri 8:30-5pm

Sat 9am-12pm

89 Schoolhouse RoadJeffersonville, NY 12748845-482-5500

1908

3

We are a group of dedicated professionals who strive to provide our patients withthe most up-to-date medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures. Our goal is toprovide this care compassionately in a friendly and personal setting. Come takea tour of the most state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in our area.

Providing Quality Dentistry for the entire family, includingcosmetic dentistry, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures,

and we are a preferred provider of INVISALIGNOffice hours by appointment

Dr. Maureen Whipple

Offices atOne Fairchild Pl.Monticello, NY 12701(845) 794-6423

206 N. Gregory Street20 Gregory Street, Cal(845) 887-6423Callicoon, NY 12723

2099

1

www.drwhippledentistry.com

20 Gregory Street,

PAUL D. SALZBERG, M.D.

Our patients are very important to us.

Serving the local community and beyondfor over 30 years

Directions: SR 97 north, 1.5 mi. from blinking light in Callicoon.Brick Building, second from Holy Cross Church

845-887-61129741 State Route 97, Callicoon, NY 12723

MEDICARE & MOST MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED

PLEASE TAKE NOTICEOF OUR NEW HOURS:

Mondays 8:30am-NoonTUESDAYS 8:30AM-NOON, 1PM-4:30PM

Wednesdays 8:30am-NoonThursdays 10am-Noon, 1pm-6pm

Fridays 8:30am-Noon

Board Certifi ed in Family PracticePediatric through Geriatric Medicine

Certifi ed in GeriatricsA hometown doctor where you’re more

like family than a patient

3498

7

“They learned how a driver's reactiontime slows down as blood alcohol risesand how hard it is then to manipulate acar even on simple turns,” Haberli said.

The students also experienced theeffect on driving of a person attempt-ing to read and respond to text mes-sages. As they were “driving,” a beepwould go off, and they had to read thetext and answer it, Haberli said.

“They experienced the car headingright off the road,” the assistant princi-pal said.

The District also asked Lynn Baron,community educator for the CatholicCharities Recovery Center in Monticel-lo, to speak at Parent-Teacher Confer-ence night about the signs and symp-toms of drug and alcohol abuse andhow the teenage brain is affected byusing such substances.

Baron also spoke to students aboutthe Great American Smokeout, anationwide event in November organ-ized by the American Cancer Society.The Smokeout challenges smokers toquit and alerts them and others to thehealth dangers of smoking. Tobaccouse remains the single largest prevent-able cause of disease and prematuredeath in the United States, according

to the ACS.At their next meeting, scheduled for

Thursday, Dec. 3, task force memberswill address strategies for educatingadults to the signs of kids in trouble, aswell as ensuring that teens know whoto turn to for help or how to advocatefor a friend who may be abusing drugsor alcohol.

The young people must understand

that help is near. “We have to do a good job of letting

kids know that they can come to us,”Haberli said.

What will stop student tragedies?“The answers are not going to come

until we do the work,” said Haberli,“until we devise concrete plans for thesafety of kids and then implementthose plans. That is our purpose.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3S


Sullivan West Assistant Principal Scott Haberli leads a newly-organized Community TaskForce to come up with ways to keep students from the dangers of drugs, alcohol and unsafedriving that can cause accidents and deaths.


N inth grader Nathaniel Edwardsis a hands-on learner, andRobotics class helps him

understand the inner workings oftoday's technologies like iPhones,iPads and laptops.

Twelfth grader Charles Nystromplans to go into electrical engineer-ing in college, and Robotics class is a

step in that direction, he says. “Robotics ... it's our new genera-

tion, a new thing,” reflects fellow stu-dent Calvin Heaney. He's working inclass on a shoe box-sized robot thatlooks like a tractor but that “knows”how to follow an oval-shaped blackline on a white background.

“You know,” said Calvin, a ninthgrader, “today people get out of col-lege, can't find jobs and end up work-ing at Starbucks. But that's not what Iwant. There are a lot of tech jobsopening up and Robotics is a part ofthat.”

Sullivan West High School teacherLionel Billard notes that robots areused today for assembly line work infactories and are expected toattract more manufacturingjobs onto U.S. soil in fieldssuch as engineering, designand technical work.

Robots are also proliferatingin situations that are danger-ous or onerous for humans –for example, in cleaning toxicwaste, defusing bombs orsomething as simple butannoying as mowing grass orvacuum cleaning a floor.

Billard's Robotics class isoffered to ninth through 12thgraders as a half-year electivewhere “students learn pro-gramming, inputs and outputsof different systems, and howto solve problems in today'ssociety,” the teacher said.

The newest robot in the fam-ily is the District-purchasedPhantom 3 drone, a kind of fly-ing robot that takes videos andphotographs from up in theair. About a foot high, thedrone is a slim, white contrap-tion with four propellers and acamera attached to it.

“The plan is to use the dronein many subject areas,' saidBillard, “in technology class, inscience to study aerospace, in musicto create a music-backed video ofschool facilities and in the

Audiovisual Club, where the videowill be edited.”

Drones are most famously used bythe military. For example, this year sofar, the CIA has used drone strikesagainst Pakistani terror sites 15 times.

Like the drones with inauspiciousreputations, the one at Sullivan Westcan be remotely controlled or canhover in place autonomously.

The next step for Billard will be todesign drones for different purposessuch as to carry a rope to a personstuck in a flood so the victim can betowed to safety.

In the meantime, robotics studentsvalue their exposure to math, engi-neering, physics, and logic as theylearn hands-on science skills linkedto the real world.

“Making stuff is so cool,” saidCharles Nystrom. “You do the work,make changes here and there tomake it more efficient, you changemeasurements. This is one of mymost enjoyable classes of the day. I goto classes, eat lunch and then fly adrone.”

Student Calvin Heaney tinkers with his orig-inal robot, which is able to circle around ablack line inscribed on a white poster.

In Robotics class, High School studentsCharles Nystrom, Nathaniel Edwards andCalvin Heaney learn about mechanicaldevices programmed to perform tasks.Here, they study the District's drone, a kindof flying robot that takes photos and videosfrom the air.

At the high school: Robots anddrones and students, oh my!

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KATHY DALEY


SHOP ONLINE at www.callicoonsupply.comRte 17B • Callicoon, NY • 845-887-4804

For all your Hardwareand

Building Supplies . . .

CALLICOON SUPPLY INC.

Open 7 Days a Week

17385

BOOM TRUCKService Available

Breakfast & LunchCall-in Orders Welcome

(845) 482-3211 Route 52, Youngsville, NY

3519

7

Fast Service with Easy AccessWe’ll get you In & Out in NO TIME

3527

9

Choose & Harvest or Fresh Cut

Christmas TreesWreaths • Sprays • Garlands

Come in and visit...

The Christmas ShoppeOpen Daily 9am to 8pm

Ornaments, Tree & Wreath Accessories, Local Fudge & Maple Syrup, Christmas Decor & More

Open Daily 9am to 8pm151 Rapp Rd., Rte. 17 West, Exit 103, Monticello, NY • 845-794-8596

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express

Celebrate

The Season!

YOUNGSVILLE GARAGE, INC.COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

• 24-hour Local and Long DistanceWheel Lift and Flatbed Towing

• A/C & Transmission Service • Foreign & Domestic• Computerized Diagnostics • Computerized Wheel Alignments

(845) 482-5151Scott Gaebel

Route 52, Youngsville, NY

13211

Holiday Gift Certificates Available

��

��Options for All Ages:

Career Building ~ College Prep ~ Online Courses ESOL Instruction ~ HS Equivalency Diplomas

Where FuturesBegin & DreamsAre Achieved !

(845) 295-4000www.scboces.org

��

10823

NEW WORKMASTER™ VALUE COMPACT TRACTORS.

RUGGED, RELIABLE, SMOOTH & SMART.

The new WORKMASTER™ 35 and WORKMASTER™ 40 compact tractors are built to tackle your tough chores, from loading and mowing to rotary cutting and clearing snow. And, these tractors come standard with smooth, comfortable operation and great visibility. Best of all, the WORKMASTER Series compact tractors go easy on your wallet, making them a very SMART choice.

• Rugged cast-iron construction

• Reliable, effi cient, 3-cylinder 33- or 38-hp engines

• Comfortable seat, uncluttered platform

• Choice of transmissions with easy forward/reverse shuttling

• Boomer™ Guard5 best-in-class 5-year limited warranty*

* Offer valid only on tractors purchased from an authorized New Holland dealer.

L I M I T ED WARR A N T Y

© 2014 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affi liates. New Holland is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affi liates.

Fosterdale Equipment Corp.3137 Rt. 17B, Cochecton, NY 12726

845-932-8611

2458

1

STORY AND PHOTOSBY KATHY DALEY

At first glance, the pre-kinder-garten classes look like noth-ing more than a bunch of cute

4-year-olds bouncing, leaping anddashing.

But, say the children's teachers,there's method behind the motion.

“Running, jumping, crawling,dancing makes more neurons in thebrain, makes more brain connec-tions,” says pre-k teacher LisaHoffmann. “It makes learning andremembering easier.”

Brain research reveals that move-ment is important for every agegroup, but that the brain-body con-nection is easier to achieve in pre-kindergarten where jumping in placeis socially acceptable, Hoffman saidwith a smile.

Pre-kindergarten is all about move-ment in other ways as well.

“The rigor of the kindergarten pro-gram has changed,” said SullivanWest's second pre-k teacher JennyO'Brien, “and the [State EducationDepartment] expects more in termsof academics. Pre-kindergarten doesnow what kindergarten used to do – itprepares our youngest children forlearning.”

Hoffmann and O'Brien, accompa-nied by teacher aides DarleenWeyandt and Darlene Bingham, han-dle two classes of pre-kindergartners,32 children in total.

Each May, the District tests all chil-dren who apply for pre-kindergartenand then chooses the students whoseresults show them most in need.

“We take the students who wouldbenefit the most,” explained SusanBarsky, assistant principal of the ele-mentary school. “We take the lowerkids and build them up.”

For 11 years, the District has paidfor its one pre-k class out of the oper-ating budget. This year, thanks to astate grant, a second class wasoffered, making acceptance possiblefor all children who applied.

For many of the little students, it'stheir first experience with teachersand groups of children. Gradually,they learn how to stand in a line andhow to follow instructions. In theircheery classrooms, they learn socialskills such as how to share and what itmeans to take turns.

Through play and hands-on learn-ing, they work on their receptive lan-guage skills, that is what they hearand understand, and on expressivelanguage, which is how they commu-nicate to others.

By means of what would seem likeplay, they learn fine-motor skills. Forexample, small fingers learn how tohold a pen or a pair of scissors bymeans of manipulating Play-doh.

Unlike fine-motor skills, whichwork the small muscles of the hands,gross-motor skills work the largemuscles of the body. Students needthose skills to participate in class-room activities that require bodycontrol, such as walking into acrowded room or sitting to listen to astory.

Hoffmann and O'Brien say gross-motor skills get a work out throughmarching, dancing, running, climb-ing – anything using the arms andlegs.

“They're learning and having fun atthe same time,” said O'Brien. “It'slearning through fun.”

Children have fun with buildingblocks and connecting wheels. Theyplay with sand and with water, devel-oping eye-hand coordination as theypour and sift, continuing work ontheir small muscle control.

Four-year-olds are curious andobservant, and it's not long beforethey begin to learn some basic mathskills like counting aloud. “We usegames, puzzles and manipulatives toenhance their skills,” said O'Brien.

Before long, they are learning tomatch, sort and classify, and discov-ering sequences and patterns.

There are classroom read-aloudsand book discussions and the time-honored “show and tell” thatenhances students' speaking and lis-tening skills.

Phonemic awareness activitiesintroduce children to the ability tohear, identify, and manipulate indi-vidual sounds in spoken words.

By means of music and poetry, theylearn to recognize the letters thatmake words and to make their num-bers. For example, the class chants asit writes the number “3” by saying inlittle sing-song voices: “Around thetree, around the tree, that's how wemake a 3!”

They also experience, as mucholder kids do, the thrill of leaving theclassroom for the “specials,” whichare music, technology, library, art and

physical education.The teachers say there's never a

dull day in pre-k.“I love working with children,” said

Hoffman. “I get real joy out of elicit-ing that excitement of learning,which they all naturally have.”

The skills of the Sullivan West pro-fessionals are reaping rewards thatare quantifiable, says AssistantPrincipal Barsky.

“We screen the students a secondtime at the end of the school year,”Barsky said. “The jump in their scoresis 80 percent. It's off the charts.”


Teacher Lisa Hoffmann, at right, and teacher aide Darleen Weyandt get their pre-kinder-garten class up and moving, and the kids love it.

Teacher Jenny O'Brien points out thattoday's pre-kindergarten work is cruciallyimportant in ensuring that children are aca-demically and socially ready for kinder-garten.

Moving around a lively class of 4-year-olds at Sullivan West


��

�

��

�� !" ��#��$ � �%$�&��'%#��#�� !"#��(��#� ��(��)#

ShopLike aGeniusShopLike aGenius

Back-to-SchoolSchool SuppliesArt Supplies

ComputersMultifunction PrintersSales & Service

Furniture

1973

3

KRISTT COMPANY

Your local source forAll Your School & Art Supplies!

Hours of operation: Monday thru Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM

WWW.KRISTT.COM

Our main place of business:Kristt CompanyMonticello Location

369 Broadway, P.O. Box 548Monticello, NY 12701845-794-6639

863 Main StreetHonesdale,PA 18431

570-253-9011

Our branch offi ce:Kristt CompanyHonesdale Location

CATSKILL DERMATOLOGYSteven J. Fishman M.D. • Board Certifi ed in Dermatology

Member of The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

www.catskilldermatology.com110 Bridgeville Rd., Monticello, NY 1997 Route 17M, Goshen, NY

845-794-3030 845-294-6123

Biologics For Psoriasis • Surgical/Non-Surgical Skin Cancer/Mole TreatmentsIPL/Laser For Blood Vessel/Hair Removal � Botox For Sweating � Blulight For Acne & Sun Damage

ACNE, WARTS, SKIN ALLERGIES, MOLES & GENITAL WARTS

All New Aesthetic & Laser CenterVisit Our Website

For More Information

All disorders of Skin, Hair & Nails

Mount Sinai Medical Center -Assistant Clinical ProfessorZECHARIA LIND RPA-C

LOREE ANN STANTON RN, HT

2122

8

Children spend a substantialpart of their lives asleep. Infact, in early childhood, the

developing brain seems to needmore time asleep than awake. Thisunderscores the importance ofsleep to the overall well-being of achild. Teenagers need between 8.50and 9.25 hours of sleep each night –much more than commonlybelieved.

Adolescents and older childrenmay suffer from lack of sleep simplyby not sleeping an adequate num-ber of hours, or they may lack good-quality sleep.

With the typical school and after-school activities, homework andevening activities (e.g., TV watchingand Internet involvement), a lotgoes on in the older child’s life. Addweekend social obligations and,perhaps, a job, and you have arecipe for sleep deprivation.

Late bedtime hours are not, how-ever, due solely to these activities.With the onset of puberty, adoles-cents begin to experience a delay inthe “phase” of their biological clock.As a result, they fall asleep later inthe evening, which makes it moredifficult for them to wake up in timefor school.

In fact, the timing of the release ofthe sleep hormone, melatonin, isdelayed. No wonder then, despitebeing sleep deprived, adolescentscannot seem to fall asleep earlier in

the evening, even if forced to theirbedrooms.

Although the scientific literatureon childhood sleep disorders isadvancing rapidly, gaps remain inthe delivery of this knowledge to theend user: the child. For instance,only about half the physicians whocare for children address sleep-related issues in their clinics, andwell-trained pediatric sleep special-ists are still a rarity.

Dr. El Zarif is a physician withOrange Regional Medical Groupand is a member of the AmericanCollege of Chest Physicians (ACCP),American Thoracic Society (ATS),American Academy of SleepMedicine (AASM) and the SleepResearch Society (SRC). He can bereached at 845-333-7575.

For more information visitwww.orangeregionalmedicalgroup.org

Back to school, back to sleep

Dr. Samer El ZarifBoard-certified in Internal, Pulmonary

and Critical Care Medicine, Orange Regional Medical Group

“Teenagers need between 8.5and 9.25 hours of sleep eachnight – much more thancommonly believed.”

“. . . Only about half the physicians who care for

children address sleep-related issues in their clinics . . .”


STORY AND PHOTOS BY KATHY DALEY

The start of an August workingretreat for Sullivan West admin-istrators invited all 12 District

leaders to paddle kayaks down the rif-fles, rapids and calm pools of theDelaware River, from just south ofCallicoon to Skinners Falls.

The watery kickoff to a day of inten-sive work planned by Superintendentof Schools Dr. Nancy Hackett mightserve as an apt metaphor for whereSullivan West Central School Districtpositions itself, that is, pulling togetherin a focused direction through the tur-bulent waters of the educational land-scape.

COMMON CORE? NO SWEATComparatively speaking, the ruckus

over implementation of the CommonCore – the learning goals for what stu-dents should know and be able to do ateach grade level – hasn't hit SullivanWest.

The District was prepared.“Five years ago, teachers and I had a

sense of the way the state was moving,even before the Common Core wasput in place,” said Elementary SchoolPrincipal Rod McLaughlin.

Gradually, the school began aligningits curriculum, which is the detailedplan for what students must learn andhow they will learn it, with the NewYork State Learning Standards thatwere already in place.

“We aligned year by year so that thecurriculum would be seamless fromone grade to another, pre-kinder-garten through sixth grade,” saidMcLaughlin.

The elementary school then began“curriculum mapping,” constructingyearly calendars of the student skillsand knowledge of content expected inthe core areas of English Language Artsand math.

“We then transitioned our reportcards to be standards-based as well,”McLaughlin recounted.

A few years later, when the state tran-sitioned to the Common Core, “we justadapted what we were doing,” theprincipal said. “When the CommonCore came out, a lot of people had tomake great swings, but we were aheadof the game. It made life here a lot less

chaotic.”Still, the Common Core does make

significant demands, one of which isits expectation that all children willhave access to pre-kindergarten class.

SECOND PRE-K ADDEDWith research revealing that pre-

kindergarten affords children theopportunities to learn and practice thesocial-emotional, problem solving,and academic skills they will needthroughout their school years, SullivanWest aggressively sought a state grantto expand its program for four-year-olds.

“We went to State AssemblywomanAileen Gunther and asked her to helpus fund a second pre-k section,” saidSuperintendent Hackett.

Gunther found the needed funds,$150,000, and the second section is upand running.

“Our teachers (Lisa Hoffmann andJenny O'Brien) are passionate, andwe're so proud of our kids,” Hackettsaid. “Our Board is very supportive ofpre-k, and after this year, we'll look tofund it with state aid if we can, or elsewe'll build into the budget.”

NEW AT SCHOOLSchool opened this year by welcom-

ing new High School Principal Mark

Plescia. A seasoned administrator,Plescia worked as principal at theFallsburg and Hyde Park school dis-tricts.

“The kids and faculty have embracedMark,” said Hackett with enthusiasm,“and he works well on our team ofadministators.”

Other new hires this year wereSchool Resource Officer Jack Harb ofthe Sullivan County Sheriff's Office,and Kai Murray as the District's firstEnglish as a Second Language teacher.

Murray worked as a bilingual teacherfor 10 years in New York City beforearriving at Sullivan West in September.

“I identify with the English as aSecond Language student popula-tion,” he said, “because I was born andraised in Europe where the majority ofpeople are multilingual. It's rewardingto observe how quickly ESL studentsacquire English.”

Three of Murray's students areChinese speaking, and the rest comefrom Puerto Rico, the Philippines,Mexico and El Salvador.

“It's an interesting schedule becauseI teach from kindergarten to 11thgrade,” Murray said. “One day I'mteaching phonetics and the next I'mexplaining the variable group in amold spore experiment, but I love itbecause it keeps me on my toes.”

Newcomer Deputy Sheriff Jack Harbis also making his presence known.

“He's everywhere,” said Hackett.“He's at emergency drills, at recess, inthe cafeteria, and he's doing presenta-tions on cyber bullying.

Harb is thrilled with his new post.Writing for the District's newsletter, heshared that he had once thought ofteaching math, so that working in edu-cation is right up his alley.

On the horizon for the District thisyear is start of design work on the $3million project approved by voters inOctober: new elementary school ath-letic fields and sidewalks and stairs.

Hackett noted the District is alsofocused on finalizing both a newteacher evaluation plan and a five-yearlabor contract for teacher assistants,teacher aides, custodians, clerical staffand buildings and grounds workers.

It's all about caring and commit-ment at the District, which was recog-nized for excellence by U.S. News &World Report in 2015.

“My entire faculty and staff is dedi-cated and works hard each and every-day,” the Superintendent said. “Andthe people of this district are dedicat-ed, family centered and have theirchildren's best interests in the fore-front. That's what it's all about – peo-ple and community.”

All that’s new, great and smart at Sullivan West School District

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Hackett takes part in a teaching moment with second grader Nancy Lin and new English as a SecondLanguage teacher Kai Murray.

Afew months ago, the mother ofa student at Sullivan West Ele-mentary School confided to

teacher Sheila Schultz that her childwould rather attend Garden Club thango trick or treating.

“Fortunately, Garden Club meets onFridays, and Halloween this year wason Saturday, so she didn't need to misseither one,” said Schultz with a grin.

The elementary school in Jefferson-ville boasts no fewer than nine after-school clubs, enriching children'sexperiences and allowing them toboost their social skills as well.

GAINING GARDENING TOOLSSchultz's three-year-old Garden

Club is supported not only by the Dis-trict but also by Cornell CooperativeExtension and Catskill Mountainkeep-er.

Students learn about healthy eating,where their food comes from, workingwith others, soil and composting andmaintaining the school's garden.

Garden Club meets every Fridayfrom September to November, andthen every Friday from April to June.

“First we introduce children to thegarden, tools, behavior expectationsand the chores involved in working thegarden,” said Schultz. “We water and

weed the beds and introduce com-posting.”

As the school year moves on, stu-dents harvest the growing tomatoes,tomatilloes, peppers and onions andmake soup and salsa. With October asFarm to School Month, the RuralHealth Network and Sullivan Renais-sance sponsor a chef to speak at theclub's meeting.

As winter approaches, the studentsremove the plants that would beaffected by frost. They compost andlayer straw on the beds – ready forGarden Club gear-up in springtime.

NATURE-ALLY SPEAKINGSuzy Mullally and Kelly Erlwein, co-

advisors for the school's Science &Nature Club, point out that the regularschool day doesn’t concentrate on“just for fun” types of things but thatclubs can – with an educational piecehidden at times.

Topics change with the seasons inthe Science and Nature Club. About 20students from grades 4 through 6 meetonce each month to hike in the woodsand on the school’s nature trail, oftenaccompanied by their nature journals.Or they go snowshoeing looking foranimal tracks. They've planted seedsand acorns, performed experiments,

and had a variety of outside profes-sionals give advice.

The club receives a good deal ofcommunity support from local volun-teers and from the Sullivan CountyAudubon Society, Upper DelawareChapter of Trout Unlimited, NationalPark Service, Delaware HighlandsConservancy and local governments.

“Environmental stewardship isimportant, and our club has beenresponsible for planting milkweed forthe disappearing monarch popula-tion, among other things,” said Erl-wein.

“Having students who repeatedlysign up from 4th, 5th and then 6thgrade help us to know how muchthey’re enjoying the club’s activities,”adds Mullally.

RUNNING FOR FUNWhen the weather cooperates, Sara

Jahrling is outside on Tuesday and

Thursday afternoons, supervisingrunning form, stretching, coordina-tion, team building, sprinting, hillwork-outs and mid-distance pacing.

As advisor to the 31 fourth throughsixth grade students in the elementaryschool's two-year-old Running Club,teacher Jahrling loves her after-school“job.”

“The students learn to work as ateam, how to compete and to be goodsportsmen,” she said.

“Every time the running club meets Iam reminded why I do it,” Jahrlingadded. “I’m happy to help gain interestin our future cross country and trackteams. Watching the students growthrough the season is uplifting. Thereare a handful of students who are notstrong runners and I’m starting to seetheir stamina increase. To see themhaving fun, working together, improv-ing their running – that’s what it’s allabout!”


CALL NOW! 845-292-8810w w w. p t a n d c h i r o p a i n r e l i e f . c o m 12

021

Student Xaria Sennett picks strawberriesfrom school garden, one of the great delightsof Garden Club members.

Winter hikes on the nature trail behind Sulli-van West Elementary reveal the beauty of theseason and fascinating animal tracks. Teach-ers Kelly Erlwein and Suzy Mullally co-advisethe Science & Nature Club.

The wild world of after-school science, gardening and running STORY AND PHOTOS

BY KATHY DALEY


The Essential Plan• Monthly premiums are either $0 or $20 a month based on income

• Low out-of-pocket costs with no deductible - the plan starts paying for your health care right away

• Free preventive care like checkups and screenings

Enroll ALL YEAR LONG starting November 1, 2015!

1-888-FIDELIS fideliscare.orgTo learn more about applying for health insurance including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY Stateof Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

Offered by Fidelis Care and available through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace

Questions? Call 1-888-FIDELIS for more information or to meet with a Fidelis Care Health Benefit Representative.

Comprehensive Coverage:

Doctors and Hospitals Close to Home:

How do I Qualify?

3098

2

sullivan west school scene 2015

Documents