Eldred School Scene 2020

TAKE ONE FREE

SCHOOL SCENE A Special Supplement to the Sullivan County Democrat

A look at activities in the Eldred Central School District

SECTION E FEBRUARY, 2020 CALLICOON, NY

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

2E

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FEBRUARY, 2020

The state of Eldred STORY AND PHOTOS

BY PATRICIO ROBAYO

‘It’s a nice little community. I like to see them every morning to give them a head start and put a face to the name.’

E

Lisa Marie Drewett Eldred Teacher’s Aide |

name,” said Drewett.

SROS

This is the school’s first year having School Resource Officers (SRO). The district has not one but two officers, At Eldred’s George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School, Jackie Fine’s third-graders play a game of checkers after finishing in-class assignments.

Go Eldred Yellowjackets!

(845) 858-2475

SPRINGHOUSE GARAGE

41 Fowler St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 www.alsmusicshopny.com

Auto Body Repair

School Scene ‘A look inside the Eldred Central School District’ Published by

Catskill-Delaware Publications, Inc. Publishers of the

(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723 February 4, 2020 • Vol. CXXVIX, No. 68

Used Band Instruments for Sale

64565

Barry Blaut Barryville, NY 12719 (845) 557-6333

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4E

You can rent the instrument, but you can own the memories....

AL’S MUSIC SHOP

14823

very morning, Eldred School District Superintendent Dr. John Morgano and staff stand outside the Junior-Senior High School to greet the students as they start their mornings.

“You can tell if something is wrong, just by looking at them. That’s the key to school safety,” said Dr. Morgano.

One by one, as the students leave the bus and start on their adventure of learning for the day, Dr. Morgano, Lisa Marie Drewett, a teacher’s aide, and Eldred’s Junior-Senior High School Principal Traci Ferreira would ring out a “Hello” or a “Good Morning” to the students.

“It’s a nice little community. I like to see them every morning to give them a head start and put a face to the

......................... We are eager to help you and your child experience the best in music education............................

Publisher: Co- Editors: Editorial Assistants: Design: Advertising Director: Assistant Advertising Director: Special Sections Coordinator: Advertising Coordinator: Business Manager: Assistant Business Manager: Telemarketing Coordinator: Monticello Office Manager: Classified Manager: Production Associates: Circulation & Distribution:

Fred W. Stabbert III Joseph Abraham and Matt Shortall Isabel Braverman, Margaret Bruetsch, Kathy Daley, Patricio Robayo, Richard Ross, Jeanne Sager, Ed Townsend Rosalie Mycka Liz Tucker Barbara Matos Susan Panella Lillian Ferber Susan Owens Patricia Biedinger Michelle Reynolds Margaret Bruetsch Janet Will Elizabeth Finnegan, Nyssa Calkin, Petra Duffy, Peter Melnick, Jessica Roda Taylor Lamerand, Anthony Bertholf, Phil Grisafe

FEBRUARY, 2020

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

KEEP IT LOCAL! •

• •

Keeping Jobs and Money in Sullivan County Residential Program... Roll-Offs...

Commercial... Special Clean-Ups

76427

• •

Sullivan County’s #1 Garbage & Recycle for Over 30 Years, Same Owner/Operator Competitive Pricing & Superior Service Servicing Local Communities throughout ALL of Sullivan County

Don’t Get Left On the Curb! Call Thompson Sanitation TODAY!

3E

4E

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2E

Sullivan Sheriff Deputy Officer Kevin Rogers and Deputy Officer Keith Stephenson.

This year, funding of $70,000 for the SROs was secured by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.

However, next year, Dr. Morgano stated that the district would need to find their own funding.

“It’s nice to be here. Everyone is really nice. They are a very close-knit school,” said Officer Kevin Rogers.

Taxes

In February 2019, the preliminary budget sought to exceed the tax cap and raise the tax bill by 4.9 percent.

This rise in taxes would have caused some district residents to lose their Property tax relief credit.

The credit is given to residents if their school district stays within the two percent tax cap, according to the New York State Department of Finance.

This year, residents instead will see a nine to 12 percent decrease in their

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FEBRUARY, 2020

‘This year, residents instead will see a nine to 12 percent decrease in their tax bill with the Millennium Compressor station now on the tax rolls.’

tax bill with the Millennium Compressor station now on the tax rolls.

Furthermore, the school district recorded its first net surplus year in a long time.

Most recently, the New York State Comptroller listed the district at moderate fiscal stress for the 2019 school year.

While that ranking is not best, it’s an improvement from the 2018 school year when they were listed as being in significant fiscal stress.

Eldred School District Superintendent Dr. John Morgano, left, along with Lisa Marie Drewett, right, a teacher’s aide, and Sullivan Sheriff’s Deputy Officer Kevin Rogers greets the JuniorSenior students every morning as they walk into the school.

Vo olunteer efforts secured a Sullivan Renaissance Overall Best Showing of Flowers Aw ward in the To own of Highland.

F Begin Where Futures & Dreams s Are Achieved!

VOLUNTEER O FOR A COMMUNITY PROJECT Sullivan Renaissance e offers opportunities for volunteers of all ages. If you need community service for school, church group, honor society y, scouts or 4-H, time spent with Sullivan Renaissance may help you fulfill your requirements.

S ullivan Su u BOCEES Of Off Offers fffers fers... .. .

Ca rreer eer & Technical Edu E d uca u a t ion Prog ucation Prr ogrrrams ams Specialized Speciali i z ed Educa E ducatio a ti onal Prog Prr ogrrrams ams

Sullivan Renaissance also offers paid summer internships and college scholarships.

76002

845.295.2445

SullivanRenaissance.org

& mor more re

CONNECT

#sullivanrenaissance #lovelivesullivan

CTE: Construction Technology Program

76253

MAKE A DIFFERENCE SUPPORT YO OUR COMMUNITY LOVE WHERE YO OU LIVE

Ad A dul ult l t & Con Continuin n tinuin ng EEducat d ucation att ion

Preparing students of all ages for a glo obal economy

(845) 295-4000 | scboces.org

Like & follow us at Sullivan County BOCES

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FEBRUARY, 2020

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

Chromebooks

In the 21st century, students are more connected to technology than ever before and students at George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School and the Junior-Senior High School are using Google’s Chromebook laptop in class. When they enter the ninth grade, they will receive a new Chromebook.

“For me, it is part of every teacher’s toolbox,” said Ferreira.

The students use the laptop for certain activities in the classroom and homework after school.

According to Ferreira, Chromebooks, in her experience, are less susceptible to viruses and malware.

Ferreira says there has to be a balance with technology in the classroom when using them every day.

Eldred School District Treasurer Caleb Russell said that Chromebooks count as a textbook, therefore, they count towards receiving state aid.

Funding for the Chromebooks comes from the Smart Schools Bond Act. In order for the school to receive

Eldred School District Superintendent Dr. John Morgano, with one of the new SROs for the Eldred School District, Sullivan Sheriff’s Deputy Officer Keith Stephenson.

funding for the purchase of the Chromebooks, the district needed a

five-year plan.

In that plan, the district needed a

5E

replacement program in place to deal with obsolete and damaged laptops.

The entering ninth-graders will all get new Chromebooks at the JuniorSenior High School, and students will keep their Chromebooks for their entire school career, keeping them when they graduate.

After five years, the school would not have a use for the Chromebooks and would need to dispose of them.

Now the laptops will have a second life after high school and can still be used for years for basic web browsing and writing.

Initially, the district was going to replace 20 percent of the laptops every year, but said they would end up buying more laptops then were needed, thus using up the available funds faster.

Russell said with this replacement system, the number of laptops he needs to purchase is based on the number of incoming first-year students and a few extra to have on hand for repairs or damage.

47811

74522

EXTENSIVE COPY CENTER AUTHORIZED FEDEX & UPS SHIP CENTER Now Selling Bissell Commercial Vacuums

6E

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FEBRUARY, 2020

Marie K. Devore, D.M.D. GENERAL DENTISTRY 10265

Evening Appointments Available

• We Welcome New Patients • 3411 SR 97 Barryville, NY 12719

(845) 557-8500

Rock Salt & Ice Control Sand

Sand & Gravel • Filter Sand • Mason Sand • Bank Run Crusher Run • Round & Crushed Various Stone Sizes

434-6628

Eldred Junior-Senior High School Principal Traci Ferreira

DELIVERY AVAILABLE

Meet the new staff

BOX 27, ROUTE 42, WOODBOURNE, N.Y. 12788

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY PATRICIO ROBAYO

ELDRED’S JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL TRACI FERREIRA

A

79996

76444

RT 42 BEHIND TOWN BARN

fter establishing her roots in North Carolina, Traci Ferreira made her way to the northeast and has arrived in Eldred to become the new principal of Junior-Senior High School.

She has only been on duty since October 2019, and in that short time, has already fallen in love with the community.

“I am having a lot of fun. If I am not having fun, then I am in the wrong profession,” chuckled Ferreira.

She has been impressed by the caliber of the students she’s encountered at Eldred thus far, from seniors volunteering their time with the Salvation Army at Walmart to the many different organizations and

clubs that they’re a part of.

Equally important, she was impressed by the cohesiveness of classes and the willingness of Eldred’s teachers to give up their own time to work with the children.

“It’s refreshing,” she added.

Ferreira has been an educator for 25 years and received her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University, and her Master’s from Hofstra University.

She taught middle and high school social studies and in 2001 made her way up the northeast corridor and began to teach in the Nyack Union Free School District until 2017.

She then earned a degree from Rutgers University in Educational Leadership and Administration.

Ferreira said she is looking forward to the prom and graduation season in Eldred and seeing the children grow from young children to young adults.

“You can truly see a transformation,” said Ferreira.

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FEBRUARY, 2020

ELDRED’S GEORGE ROSS MACKENZIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST VANESSA MCWILLIAMS On a given day, the new Eldred School Psychologist, Vanessa McWilliams, can be seen greeting students as they enter the building to start the new day or meeting with a student for counseling.

She meets with students that are either mandated or when a teacher, family member, guardian, or student reaches out to her over concern of a student.

When she is not counseling, she administers the evaluation test for entering elementary school students.

“It’s to see if the student has a weakness in any of their academic areas or social skills,” said McWilliams.

She is also part of the intervention team program with other teachers in the school. The group meets once a week to discuss students’ learning journey and who might be struggling academically.

McWilliams says some measures can be put in place that can help the student grow.

Eldred George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School Psychologist Vanessa McWilliams

With mental health becoming a national topic, McWilliams feels she can be that middle ground between home and school on issues that might arise.

“I talk a lot with parents and work

with the kids on skills that they can use here in school,” said McWilliams.

Sometimes, problems in the student’s personal life bleed into the classroom. In that case, McWilliams said she provides names of agencies and informs the student and parents or guardians about resources that are outside of the school.

Furthermore, McWilliams says she visits the classrooms every other week for about 30 minutes.

In those visits, McWilliams goes over a variety of topics with students ranging from bullying and other best practices in the school.

McWilliams said she follows the Choose Love curriculum that focuses on courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion in action.

In her short time with the school, she said, “This is a really good school with good kids. They love learning.”

McWilliams earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Pace University, majoring in Psychology. She received her Masters in Psychology from Mercy College. She also has passed the Praxis exam and is now a Nationally Certified Psychologist.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9E

7E

FREE TAKE ONE

SCHOOELNE SC crat Demo ounty ivan C e Sull to th t n e m upple cial S A Spe

tivities A look at ac entral ed C in the Eldr District School

E SEC TIO N 202 0 FEB RUA RY, NY CAL LICO ON,

On the Cover Top: George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School Music Teacher, Sara Simon-Shult with the Elementary School All-County Chorus.

Inset: Cayden McCaw takes time from his assignment to give us a smile.

Bottom: George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School students are hard at work in Jackie Fine’s Third Grade class.

Immediate Career Opportunities!

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference?

Are you tired of your current job? Would you like to have a flexible schedule?

Immediate opportunities available for: • Direct Support Professionals (DSP) • Assistant Resident Managers • Residence Managers

• Community Habilitation Specialist • Job Coach • Registered Nurse • Program Managers

• Clinical Positions • Administrative Positions • Respite

Look what CRVI has to offer: • Free pension plan • Generous paid time off • Tuition reimbursement

• Employee Referral Program • Training and development • Flexible work schedule

Visit us at crvi.org to view all of our current openings or contact us at HR@crvi.org or call 845-695-2501.

420 Schutt Road Extension Middletown, NY 10940

www.crvi.org

76905

• Medical, dental and vision insurance • Free long term disability • Free life insurance

8E

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FEBRUARY, 2020

s l l i k s Cat e ke On ke Tak Free Fr

N F C e 18O

L I SPARING 20199 N T D E

Volum 8 er Numb

Youonfegssionals Pr

S

ELES

ery m o ho u n t c PRIC

e in th

A unty n Co an l va Sulli rat moc Dem tion publica 18 AY, 20 MA

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FEBRUARY, 2020

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7E

ELDRED’S JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER LAURA MOON

Moon has been teaching for seven years. She believes she’s found her niche in the teaching world at Eldred.

She started her teaching career in Rockland County, instructing Biology at Spring Valley High School for three years.

Afterward, she began working at the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE), specializing in biology.

Moon said her experience in New York City was a positive one and helped her learn new ways to help students.

After a year, she returned to the Hudson Valley as a Special Education Biology teacher for the MonroeWoodbury High School.

When looking for her next challenge, Eldred caught her eye.

She said the moment she drove up for an interview, she fell in love with the area instantly, and it felt like home.

She is currently teaching eighth grade Special Education and ninth grade Special Education Biology.

Moon soon fell in love with the staff.

“They are phenomenal,” said Moon.

“Without knowing who I was, they wanted to take me under their wing and make me part of their family, without any judgment.”

She always wanted to find a school that was there for their students and were present and wanted to build the community.

“That’s Eldred,” said Moon. “This is what the school is about, that kids are number one. The students are phenomenal.”

In a couple of months that Moon has been there, she said she is impressed with the level of respect that students show to the staff and other students.

Another feature Moon says that she loves in Eldred is the class size she now has.

The smaller classes, according to Moon, create a more one-on-one teaching experience with her students.

Moon attended SUNY New Paltz for her undergraduate study and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Adolescent Education 7-12.

Moreover, Moon received her Masters of Science degree in Special Education at City College of New York.

ELDRED’S JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHER ERIN TUCHOLSKI After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry grades 7-12 and Adolescent Education grades 7-12, Tucholski worked as a long- term substitute for the 20182019 school year.

Moreover, she has worked as a paraprofessional at Orange-Ulster BOCES. “I love the small school community that they [Eldred] have,” said Tucholski. “Since it is my first year teaching, I reach out and get a lot of help from all the different staff.”

Even though Tucholski is from Long Island, she has fond memories of coming to the Catskills as a child.

“All the students are very nice and welcoming to me,” said Tucholski.

Chemistry can be one of the harder subjects Tuckolski admits, and by doing demonstrations in the classroom with everyday objects, Tucholski feels she has been able to connect with the students.

When Tucholski decided to become a Chemistry Teacher, it was because of her own Chemistry Teacher in High School, that was her inspiration. “I always wanted to be a teacher, and when I took her class, she made chemistry an easy subject for me, and I loved that. I wanted to be her, and that’s why I wanted to be a Chemistry Teacher.”

Tucholski hopes that she can pass on that passion for Chemistry to her students.

She is looking forward to learning more about the district as the school

72098

Eldred Junior-Senior High School Special Education Teacher Laura Moon

9E

Eldred Junior-Senior High School Chemistry Teacher Erin Tucholski

year goes along. Helping out with the Student Council, she said, is helping her learn more about the school and community.

“I really enjoy it here,” added Tucholski.

10E

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE STORY AND PHOTOS

BY PATRICIO ROBAYO

W

ith every school year, fresh new faces enter the school as freshmen, and in four short years, life changes, and they become seniors.

Many of the Eldred seniors will be graduating in 2020 with plenty of college credits.

And in fact, for the first time this year, the district will be offering the SAT test.

Previously, students would have to travel to other districts for the exam.

Let’s meet the seniors!

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Meet the seniors From the left, Kylie Robertson, Jissela LaBuda, Gabriella Del Rio, Elijah McGrail and Jordan Reed.

Eldred, he said, “It’s a small school, and you really get to know your classmates, you bond with them, and you feel part of a family. Everyone here is a part of the school.”

Brenna Knibbs

Joseph Haas Joseph Haas

Joseph Haas is not only a student, but like most seniors, they have plenty of after school activities that keep them busy. Only, for Haas, it involves trucks, water and fire.

Haas is a third-generation firefighter at the Yulan Fire Department, and during the Democrat’s visit to the school, Haas got the call for a fire. He rushed out to see about a possible structure fire.

“I try to make it to every call. The manpower shortage is a real issue around here. I am an interior firefighter and became one at 16,” said Haas.

“I do it because I love helping my community. That’s why I joined the army. It’s the best way to do it,” said Haas.

Haas is also part of the Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the EMS core with American Legion and will be taking his EMT class soon.

Haas said after he graduates in June, he will be joining the National Guard and will be starting his 30-week job training before coming back and starting school at John Jay College.

When Haas looks back on his years in

FEBRUARY, 2020

Being a lifelong Eldred School District student, Brenna Knibbs said that one of her favorite things about the school is its size.

“The school is just amazing because we are so small, we’re able to help each other so much,” said Knibbs, adding that it also gives them a lot of opportunities.

Knibbs is involved in Track, Soccer, and Cross Country, and she is a part of Key Elements, SADD, and is on the National Honor Society.

“My plans most likely will be going to Siena College in the fall for environmental studies, and I was also accepted into the Siena’s law program,” said Knibbs.

By taking law courses at Siena, Knibbs said she only has to do three years at Albany Law in the future.

“I want to be an environmental lawyer,” said Knibbs.

Having lived her whole life in the

Brenna Knibbs

Sullivan Catskills and being surrounded by nature has had an effect on her.

“I love the environment, and it makes me so sad to see like it’s slowly dying away,” said Knibbs.

Her passion for the earth sciences came after attending Ms. Padua’s science class.

“I loved it, and I just wanted to learn it all,” said Knibbs.

Jissela LaBuda

Like Knibbs, senior Jissela LaBuda also appreciates the small class size that Eldred offers, giving them more one-on-one opportunities.

LaBuda has played in a variety of sports in her Eldred School life and is also part of SADD, Interact, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and is a Senior Class Officer.

LaBuda has applied to colleges and is waiting to hear back. She wants to be a biology major and also study pre-dentistry. She is not leaving sports behind, as she hopes to play basketball collegiately.

Kylie Robertson

Kylie Robertson also appreciates the small school feel at Eldred. “It provides a lot of opportunities to gain a closer relationship with our peers and our teachers.”

Robertson has played Varsity Soccer, Softball, and also is a Senior Class Officer, in Honor Society, and the New Alpha Theta Honors Math Club.

She has already applied to 11 colleges, and she said the teachers at Eldred has been helpful during the application process.

“It really helps us to be set up to become successful,” said Robertson.

She is not sure what her major will be in college, but she knows it will be in the medical science field.

Once in college, she plans to become an EMT for more hands-on training in the medical field.

Elijah McGrail

Elijah McGrail has spent his time in Eldred playing varsity sports, like soccer and basketball, and is also involved in the theatre program and the New Alpha Theta Honors Math Club.

After graduating, McGrail won’t be going to college right away; instead, he will be embarking on a nine-month adventure with the World Race: Gap Year.

According to Elijah, he hopes to receive discipleship and help at the locations he travels to.

The World Race is a nine-month mission trip that goes to places like Ecuador, Guatemala and Nepal, and McGrail will be joining 20 to 50 other people from around the world.

After the adventure, McGrail plans to attend college at either Boston University, Georgia Tech or the University of Florida.

He says that he is thankful for the new school administration in the past years that has made the district better, according to McGrail.

Jordan Reed

Jordan Reed has played in a variety of sports during his time at Eldred. After graduating, he has his sights set on SUNY Brockport to study business.

He plans to keep busy during the summer by playing rugby, track or football.

Gabriella Del Rio

Even though Gabriella Del Rio is only a junior, she already is working on her future after Eldred.

In her time in Eldred so far, she is on the Student Council, National Honor Society, and PBIS. She is already preparing for college and will be taking her SATs this year and will be working on her academic portfolio this summer.

“I will be all set for next year,” said Del Rio. She will also be volunteering at the hospital and the senior citizen’s home.

She hopes to enter either John Hopkins University or the University of Pennsylvania.

Del Rio said one of my favorite memories thus far has been the teacher-student volleyball tournament.

“That kind of bonding outside of the classroom, I enjoy that,” said Del Rio.

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FEBRUARY, 2020

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

11E

Home School Liaison STORY AND PHOTO

BY PATRICIO ROBAYO

A

nthony Del Villar is no stranger in the hallowed hallways of the Eldred School District. He has been working for the district as a contracted security guard for nine years, and this year, he has a new role.

An initiative that was sparked by Eldred Superintendent Dr. John Morgano, Del Villar is now the district’s new Home School Liaison, and he is helping to make sure students stay in school.

“Right now, we have 415 fewer absences then we had at this time last year,” said Del Villar.

Before the school year began, Del Villar reviewed the list of students who were absent more than 15 days last

year and met with them at the beginning of this school year to go over why they were missing classes and find ways to improve.

Dr. Morgano said choosing Del Villar for the job was a natural choice, since he has been in the district for so many years and the students already have a relationship with him.

“I know these kids, I know them for a long time, and I know a lot of their parents so I can call them up and see what is going on,” said Del Villar.

A retired NYPD officer, Del Villar, regularly meets with those students throughout the year to make sure they stay on track.

Having the students in the classroom is not only crucial for students’ higher learning, but their attendance helps with the school’s finances.

Eldred’s Home School Liaison Anthony Del Villar

According to Dr. Morgano, if the district falls below 95 percent attendance, they will begin to lose state aid.

Using data from the Civil Rights Data Collection from 2015-16, the United States Department of Education said

over seven million students missed 15 or more days of school.

“Between the two schools, we have great numbers. I am more than happy,” said Del Villar.

Kick-start your day!

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY PATRICIO ROBAYO

The school learned that George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School qualified to expand its free breakfast program, not only to the students who were eligible in the past, but now to all students.

However, the school soon had to figure out how to feed over 200 children in the morning and get them to their classes on time.

Over the summer, Eldred’s George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School Principal, Scott Krebs, and Eldred’s Food Director, Jill Decker, visited Middletown High School to see how they handled their free breakfast program.

What they found was that Middletown was handing out breakfast in a bag to the students in the morning as they walked in.

“It was impressive,” said Decker.

Eldred used that example and created the “Kick-Start Your Day” breakfast

The students as they enter George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School are happy to receive their breakfast to kick-start their day.

Milk cartons are ready to be handed out to the students of the George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School.

program instead of having the children go to the cafeteria.

Krebs said during a typical lunch day, it can take up to two hours to feed all the students.

Funding for the program comes from State and Federal Aid based on the number of students that qualify for a free breakfast reduced lunch.

So now, every morning students receive a breakfast bag that has a drink, breakfast bar, cheese stick, fresh fruit, and other fun breakfast items.

Decker says sometimes the students

receive a hot breakfast of pancakes and waffles.

Parents and guardians can still feed their children breakfast before they reach the school, and according to Decker, the students can use it as a mid-morning snack.

Decker said last year between September and January, they served 3,000 breakfasts, but with the new program, they have served 14,000 breakfasts already.

“All the kids have been receptive and the teachers too,” said Decker.

ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FEBRUARY, 2020

TRANSPOR RTING THE MOS ST PRECIOUS CARGO Our drivers go above and beyond when it comes to the safety of our passengers.

Each year, Rolling V drivers are responsible for the safe transportation of more than 7,000 school children. School is back in session, so please remember to drive carefully – it could be your child on a bus nearby!

To learn more about our commitment to providing safe transportation for the children in our community, y, visit rollingv.com/parent-portal

To join our winning team, visit rollingv gv.com/recruitment

845-434-0511 www.Rollin gV.c om

65298

12E