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VOLUME 26, NUMBER 18
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March 11–24, 2022
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Read Across America and other programs make busy month at PMSD by Patrick Albano
board member stated—“currently tied.” The West High School Make The Pocono Mountain a Wish Fund hopes to raise School Board held its regu$4,000 at the next fundraiser lar meeting on March 2 at scheduled for March 9. Robison the Swiftwater Campus. With finished her report, discussing board chair Marion Pyzik Odyssey of the Mind competiabsent, Randy Johnson as tion, a creative problem-solving president pro-temp called the program for all grades, to be meeting to order. held on March 3. Team memSuperintendent Dr. bers work together to solve Elizabeth Robison mentioned long-term problems and presstudents who dressed up ent solutions. for “Read Across America.” Board member Joseph Also mentioned was Clear Collazo gave an update on Run Intermediate School’s Charter and Cyber School program called “Trout in the stating, “expenditures have Classroom.” This program increased and currently at offers students of all ages $9.5 million with $12.7 million a chance to raise trout in a projected for fiscal year 21-22. classroom setting and then This reflects a slight decrease release them in a nearby of students in the program stream or river. The program from 725 in January to 714 for is funded by a grant. February.” Robison continued, “SwiftRepresentatives from St. water Elementary raised Luke’s Physician Group were $853.75 for a worthy cause.” on hand to give a presentation She also noted, “the district of the YESS program. YESS is supported a modified version of the Winter Olympics during a Behavioral Health Program for Children and Adolescents. physical education classes, where students learn the most The program provides individual evaluation, assessment, important thing is not just in and therapy for students to wining.” Robison mentioned the West “reduce disruptive behavior, provide social skills and preHigh School Robotics’ particvent trauma and truancy.” ipation in the Lehigh Valley Individual therapy is offered on competition and that the weekdays and is non-intrusive “West High School basketball with a minimal interruption team won the district comof student’s day.” “Students petition and was competing tonight against Northampton.” must be willing to participate, and families must consent for When Robison asked, “does students under age fourteen.” anyone know the score,” one
St Luke’s stressed, “no student is turned away based on lack of insurance or ability to pay.” “To date YESS has conducted over 24,536 visits and treated over 2,000 patients.” Board member Ron Byrd questioned whether the program supports Medicaid with another Board member asking whether medical professional could provide “crisis response” and both told no. St Luke’s did state, in those instances, YESS will provide referrals. When it was time to recognize visitors, one community member stated he is a bornagain Christian and wanted to know why there are not bibles in the library or a Christian Club formed. He stated, “you are being bought off and this school has an agenda.” Mike Penn, former Mt. Pocono mayor, also had several questions for the school board on students, curriculum, and policy. One final comment from Randy Johnson praised executive director Dr. Kathleen Smith for her service, stating, “She is a professional and very direct. Thank you for coming back out of retirement to retire again… Our community owes you a profound respect. We will miss you.” Other Board members echoed Johnson’s sentiments. Johnson then made a blanket motion for the remaining agenda items to be approved.
Up, Up and Away by Lori R. Cooper
Yuliya Churikova had owned a truck business for 10 years when she had her first son. She wanted to have a beautiful balloon decoration for his first birthday but the prices were too high. She decided to watch YouTube videos, buy balloons and keep working to make the decorations she had pictured in her head. Her friends started asking her to make balloon arrangements for birthday parties and posted pictures on social media, gaining more attention.
After her second son was born it was difficult to run the truck company and she found herself getting more involved in making balloons for various events. “Booms Balloons” in Albrightsville was born after the birth of her now 3-year-old daughter Arina. She no longer owns the trucking company, as this hobby has turned into a career. The balloon arrangements have become larger and more complex. She tried many techniques and products until she found what worked best for See BALLOONS, page 4