Sullivan West Central School District School Scene 2018

SCHOOL SCENE A Special Supplement to the Sullivan County Democrat

A look inside the Sullivan West Central School District SECTION S, DECEMBER 4, 2018 CALLICOON, NY

2S

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

OFFERING

SCHOOL VA ACCINE ES & SPORTS PHYSIC CALS

Catskill Regiona al Medical Group Primarry Care Whhethher your child needs a vaccin i e, sports physical, flu shot or just a general checkup, Catskill Regional Medical a Group primary care makes it easy.

Our Board-certified fam mily physicians and nurse practitioners are available to provide quality medical care for all of your school needs. With three convenient primary care locations in Sullivan County, choose Catskill Regional Medical Group p for excellent care, close to home.

And when you need Urgent Care, Catskill Regional Medical Group p has one in Monticello that’s open 7-days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with no appointment needed.

LIVINGSTON MANOR 36 6 Pearl Street Livvingston Manorr, NY 84 45-439-3579 CA ALLICOON 88 881 State Route 97 Ca allicoon, NY 84 45-887-5693 MONTICELLO 38 8 Concord Road Monticello, NY 84 45-333-6500 Urg gent Carre Open p dailyy, 8:0 00 AM - 8:00 PM

Visit catskillregionalmedicalgroup.org.

A memb er o f t he Gr e a t er H u d s o n V a l l e y H e a l t h Sy s t e m , one of the 2018 Wor ld ’s Mos t Ethic al Companies.

64191

“ World’s Mos t Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and mark s are regis tered trademark s of Ethisphere LLC.

DECEMBER, 2018

New Superintendent of Schools hails district’s excellence and climate STORY AND PHOTO

BY KATHY DALEY

T

his fall, Stephen Walker was energetically wielding a leaf blower in the yard at his new Hortonville home when the new superintendent of schools encountered a taste of friendly Sullivan County.

“People were honking and waving,” said Walker, who took over the reins this past July. “I love that small town feeling where everybody knows everybody and families have been raising kids for generations in one place.”

In his nearly five months on the job, Walker has witnessed and admired the “team mentality” of Sullivan West.

“There’s a real community mindset,” he said. “It’s all about ‘how can we pitch in.’ The kids are fantastic.

The staff is talented, committed, well-educated, with relationships built over the years. A high percentage who work here live in the community, and that’s not the case everywhere.”

The new schools chief shepherds a school district that educates some 1,100 students. He’s committed to visiting virtually every classroom ten times a year. “In the classrooms,” he said, “I sit and watch, take notes, contribute, ask kids “What are you doing and why?”

‘The kids are fantastic. The staff is talented, committed, well-educated, with relationships built over the years. A high percentage who work here live in the community, and that’s not the case everywhere.’

Stephen Walker Sullivan West Superintendent |

“This unit you are studying contributes to your broader goals,” he emphasizes to the students.

“Every interaction we have with students molds them,” Walker reflects.

Today’s kids have to be globally ready, have access to high-level technology, and play a robust role in their own learning, the superintendent said. Students need to learn to collaborate, problem solve, communicate effectively.

He’s thrilled with a new initiative this year that reflects where he wants the District to go.

At an all-weather outdoor setting

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

3S

There are Sullivan County kids who need Foster Homes today!

Do you live in Sullivan County?

Have extra room in your home and love in your heart?

We need your help, become a foster/adoptive parent today!

for learning, what is called the Forest School Classroom teaches elementary school children to employ the natural world and its wonders to study math, art, English, science and more.

“Forest School helps us to do what we have to do: to look at learning in new ways, preparing students for a world that hasn’t been invented yet, engaging kids, capturing their interest. Students are so excited to get a chance to go out there.”

Walker is also a great believer in creating community and recognizing the gifts of students and staff.

After the first week of school, he initiated, “Sullivan West Standout” for staff members who go above and

beyond. For profiles that appear on the District’s website and on Facebook and Twitter, colleagues nominate a fine individual, whether it be a caring food service worker or a helpful custodian or a teacher who gives her or his all. Each month, the Board of Education recognizes the heroes at a board meeting.

Walker expresses delight and admiration for his own Sullivan West predecessors, superintendents Dr. Nancy Hackett and Dr. Kenneth Hilton.

“It’s been a very well-run organization for a long time,” said Walker. “I’d like to analyze where it is that we can continue to grow, and go from being very good to great.”

66695

Superintendent of Schools Stephen Walker, with secretary and District Clerk Christina Kautz.

Walker previously served as Deputy Superintendent at Suffern Central School District.

Holiday Gift Certificates Available

YOUNGSVILLE GARAGE, INC. COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

• 24-hour Local and Long Distance Wheel Lift and Flatbed Towing • A/C & Transmission Service • Foreign & Domestic • Computerized Diagnostics • Computerized Wheel Alignments

(845) 482-5151 66185

13211

Scott Gaebel Route 52, Youngsville, NY

For more information call 845-492-7742, email joysellisucci@berkshirefarm.org or visit www.berkshirefarm.org

4S

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

Pre-K program welcomes 60 new four-year-olds STORY AND PHOTOS

BY KATHY DALEY

T

eachers Amy Favre and Danielle Meyer know the importance of pre-kindergarten.

Favre has served as kindergarten teacher for 17 years, and Meyer taught at a pre-school program in Monticello before signing on as a Sullivan West kindergarten teacher last year.

Both agree that pre-k learning is vital to little students getting off on the right foot educationally. “Last year in my kindergarten class, I noticed that half the class of 18 students had a really good (pre-k) experience,� said Favre.

The difference was clear: students who had pre-k in their past knew school routines, knew how to spell their names, how to hold a pencil, how to wield scissors. They did not

Teacher Amy Favre works with pre-kindergarten students, from left, Saive Caycho, Aubrey Vail, and Oliver Schumacher.

Where Futures Begin &D Dreams Are A Achieved A hi d!!

Sullivan B BOCES Offers Off fferss ... .. .

Career Car r eer & Te echnic chnic cal Education E d ucation Prog Prr ogrrrams ams Specialized Specialize e d EEd d a t ional Prog ducational duca Pro o grrram am ms & more e CTE: Culinary Program

Preparing stude ents of all ages for the glo obal economy.

65762

65274

Ad A dult ult & Con ntinuing nt t inuing EEduca d ucation a t ion

(845) 295-4000|scboces.org

Like & follow Like follow us at Sullivan County BOCES

DECEMBER, 2018

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

5S

BETHEL WOODS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Pre-kindergartner Lily Mall is one of 60 four-year-olds in the program taught by Danielle Meyer, above, and cohort Amy Favre.

‘Both teachers take on two separate groups of 15 fouryear-olds, teaching several hours of academics to the youngsters in morning and afternoon sessions.’ cutting with child-appropriate scissors and crafting with Play-Doh. Dramatic Play Center takes up another 40 minutes of the day, when kids learn high level thinking, problem solving, turn taking, and an enriched vocabulary by play-acting that they are astronauts or doctors or nurses.

What with the rotating “specials” of art, music, gym, computer time and library time, the days are full and rich for the four-year-olds.

“We have 60 children going into kindergarten with the skills they need,” said Favre, “skills that will give them an edge to be successful in kindergarten.

“They're doing phenomenally,” she said. “They’re going to be really well adjusted.”

Whaat insp pired feelss like.

Year e -round Bethel Woods o programs foster confidence and creativity in young people and give them outtlets for self expression. Drop-in s essions, weekend cla c ss es, and summer c amp-style t programs with creative outlets, including music, printmaking, photography, theater, and more—are all designed to inspire, educ ate, and empo e wer our kids kid to build b ild a b better tomorrow.

Learn more at B ethe elWoodsC o enter.org

) nonpr p ofit cultural organiza g B ethel Woods Center for the Arrts is a 501((c)3 ation that inspir p es,, educ ates,, and empowers individuals through the arts and hum manities.

65504

need to play catch up as did the youngsters without pre-k.

Education has made a real push, the teachers said, to start education with four-year-olds.

With all that as background, Sullivan West this year did some fancy footwork organizationally so that it could handle double the number of pre-kindergarten students as last year.

Now, 60 children are learning their pre-k skills, with Meyer and Favre as their new teachers.

“Because of our kindergarten experience, we know what they need to be successful,” said Meyer.

Both teachers take on two separate groups of 15 four-year-olds, teaching several hours of academics to the youngsters in morning and afternoon sessions. Critical to the success of the program, they said, is the work of teacher assistants Madalaine Ramo and Nicole Olsen and teacher aides Michele Crasa, Darleen Weyandt, Darlene Bingham, Karen Waldman, Merrie DeAveiro and Samantha Orcinoli.

The assistants and aides handle “structured playroom” time, when students learn through math games and alphabet puzzles and work on their fine motor skills by, for example,

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

Monthly meetings in the office of High School Principal Mark Plescia attract students such as, front row, Student Council Vice President Emily Gaebel, Senior Class Vice President Sydney Hermann, Junior Class President Ryan Cocher, Sophomore Class President Frank Decker, and Junior Class Vice President and Student Council Treasurer Nikita Parikh. Back row, from the left, are Freshman Class President Dylan Sager, Sophomore Class Vice President Daniel Hemmer, and Freshman Class Vice President Gavin Hauschild.

65614

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

41270

6S

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

7S

Teen leaders enjoy a new pipeline to the principal STORY AND PHOTOS

BY KATHY DALEY

T

he terrible school shooting in Parkland, Florida last February prompted Sullivan West High School officials to immediately organize small groups of students to hear and respond to their worries about safety.

Principal Mark Plescia then realized the value of continually meeting with student leaders and kicked off monthly meetings that profit both adults and kids.

“My question was, how do I tap into the kids?” said Plescia. “I try to be in the hallways, but I wanted to form a formal venue, with the guiding question being ‘How can we better prepare you for life after Sullivan West?’”

In October, the group took on the subject of academics. In November, it was student life.

“It gives the student leaders the opportunity to talk to classmates and come up with concerns and report back to me,” said Plescia. “I now have a direct line from students through the class officers.”

Like most high schools, Sullivan West benefits from a Student Council, which organizes and carries out school activities and service projects, and from the work of Class Officers for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Each month, some nine to twelve student leaders meet in Plescia’s office to share the concerns of the student body and to bring news back to their constituents.

“We are the students’ voice,” said Sydney Hermann, vice president of the senior class.

Students want more opportunities and direct teaching on the practice of public speaking, for instance. They also seek a more comprehensive understanding of what happens after high school and how a student optimally plans for that future right now.

A need for more courses in digital education and research prompted Plescia to discuss the ninth grade Digital Literacy class in place for the past two years.

Dylan Sager, president of the freshman class, said students are also seeking a stronger sense of school spirit, such as more pep rallies for sports.

Another issue is granting more freedom with respect to class trips like that of the senior class. Now a daylong outing, students want to be able to make that an overnight experience.

For Frank Decker, president of the sophomore class, and his teenage colleagues, the meetings with the principal are hugely valuable.

“It’s all about what we can do to make the school a better place,” Decker said.

A Community Bar & Restaurant Open from 12 noon to 10pm Wednesday - Monday – GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE – Located at 1 Depot Road, Cochecton, NY 12726

63795

e-mail: info@cochectonfirestation.com www.cochectonfirestation.com

67277

(845) 932-5141

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

8S

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

Learning leaps out of the classroom and into the woods STORY AND PHOTOS

BY KATHY DALEY

T

his school year, Sullivan West Elementary boasts a new outdoor classroom where kids sit on tree stumps and learn math, science, art and reading at the same time as they indulge their own curiosity and interests.

What’s called the Forest school classroom is carved out of the woods near the running track and adjacent to the student garden. Twenty-three tree stumps form a circle around a student-built stone fire pit. A huge parachute shelters the space, making it possible to go outdoors even in rainy weather.

“We’re going to try to go out as much as we can,” said teacher Susanne Mullally. “The whole faculty here is encouraged and excited.”

Using nature as a tool for teaching is relatively common, but the Forest school concept, which has worked for decades in Europe, encourages serious study all year round, encouraging the freedom for children to follow their own interests.

Learning in the great outdoors helps with attention spans and enhances critical thinking skills, according to studies. Stress, depression and the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often reduced when children spend time with nature.

“Bringing a class outside to use nature for learning is more motivating,” added Mullally. “Students become calmer when they have freedom to explore, and they become more involved.”

Mullally spearheads the project and is joined by teaching assistants Cathy

Fourth grader Jayden Daniels works on a project that combines tracking teacher-made animal footprints through the forest and adding up how many nuts the animal had eaten that year, which was data found on the footprints.

28238

Youngsville Veterinary Clinic Dr. Joseph & Kerry Jo Nebzydoski & Family

School Scene

‘A Look at Activities in the Sullivan West S.D.’ Published by

Catskill-Delaware Publications, Inc. Publishers of the

(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723 December 4, 2018 • Vol. CXXVIII, No. 50

64837

845-482-3330

www.youngsville.myvetonline.com Email: dr_nebzydoski@yahoo.com

31633

Rt. 52 • Youngsville, NY

YVET-117090

~ Small & Large Animals ~

Publisher: Co- Editors: Editorial Assistants: Advertising Director: Assistant Advertising Director: Special Sections Coordinator: Advertising Representative: 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, Autumn Schanil, Ed Townsend Liz Tucker Barbara Matos Susan Panella Kaitlyn Malzahn Lillian Ferber Susan Owens Patricia Biedinger Michelle Reynolds Margaret Bruetsch Janet Will Rosalie Mycka, Elizabeth Finnegan, Nyssa Calkin, Petra Duffy, Peter Melnick, Jessica Roda Linda Davis, Larissa Bennett, Anthony Bertholf, Phil Grisafe, Bill Brett

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

9S

Law Offices of William H. Chellis, PC

the properties of a circle.

“Then, once the principal (Rod McLaughlin) invited all the staff to consider ways of using the space for their classes,” said Mullally, “everyone began to have ideas: poetry classes,

JUSTUS TIRE & ALIGNMENT

first grade discovery sessions, fifth grade ecology, reading around the campfire.”

“When you use nature as a primary source,” she said, “the sky’s the limit.”

Inquire about the TSTT program and benefits.

Call or email to schedule a meeting with the TSTT team & consider partnership opportunities at your school!

Official N.Y.S. Inspection Station

Phone (845) 482-4815 P.O. Box 294 • 4926 Route 52, Jeffersonville, NY 12748 19404

Mufflers • Brakes • Shocks JEFFERSONVILLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Dr. Richard L. Schwalb Dr. Moria L. Norris Dr. Allen Wachter Office Hours by Appointment Mon-Fri 8:30-5pm Sat 9am-12pm

“More than 20 Years of Inspiring Our Next Generation of Teachers and Strengthening Classrooms and Communities through Mentorship and Scholarship”©

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

57205

89 Schoolhouse Road Jeffersonville, NY 12748 845-482-5500

Attorney and Counselor at Law Real Estate • Workers Compensation Social Security Disability General Practice • DWI 27 Maple Avenue, Jeffersonville, NY (845) 482-3405 • whchellis@gmail.com

67761

Opportunities for learning abound in every season at new outdoor classroom. Here, parent Caroline Baillie, who helped develop the Forest school concept at Sullivan West Elementary, works with the school's Science and Nature Club as they sip a warming drink around the campfire.

Founded in 1994 by Dr. Bettye H. Perkins, President & CEO, TSTT is a unique school based mentoring program that recruits and mentors culturally diverse and economically challenged high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching, provides financial assistance for students to attend college, and places them as teachers and leaders who will inspire and strengthen their communities.

845-295-4032 • www.tstt.org • sam.smith@scboces.org 6 Wierk Avenue, Liberty, NY 12754

66065

Hart and Liz Cormier. As the school’s AIS (Academic Intervention Service) math teacher, Mullally is on the front lines of finding creative ways to help kids learn. In Forest school classroom, students use nature’s tools –– sticks, branches, pebbles and “wood cookies” (little slices of wood) for counting, for example.

The Forest school project was a win-win from the start. It began with parent Dr. Caroline Baillie spending some time with Mullally as a student teacher. Hankins resident Baillie is a professor of engineering and a trained Forest School leader from the United Kingdom. Before long, she and Mullally were guiding math classes outdoors and began thinking about developing a real Forest school classroom.

“The buildings and grounds staff headed by Nicholas Tranchina were incredible, chopping trees for stumps and hanging parachutes,” said Mullally.

Students who felt unmotivated in their classes were assigned work developing the Forest school space as a reward and began to build paths.

Sixth graders volunteered their time to build the fire pit while discussing

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

10S

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

Making room for best behavior and enthusiastic learning STORY AND PHOTO

BY KATHY DALEY

I

t’s not always easy to be a kid, regardless of what social strata you come from.

With parents working, a child may be called on to care for younger siblings. In another household, a parent may lack good care-taking skills and not know how to support their child emotionally or academically.

“Instability at home can transcend subcultures,” says Sullivan West Elementary School psychologist Sheri Parucki.

At the elementary school, a committee of caring school professionals have just begun meeting to brainstorm ways to give all students the tools they need to succeed.

“We still have a low population of students with concerns,” notes Assistant Principal Kevin Carbone.

Yet, says first grade teacher Kylie Watson, “I want to help those kids who are really struggling.”

A number of initiatives are already in place.

Special Education teacher Bethany Adams explains that a “sensory room” helps her students get ready and prepared for learning. The room is specially configured to allow children to explore their environments through visual, auditory and tactile experiences.

“PeaPod” inflatables and a “squeeze machine” for deep touch stimulation both provide the calming effect so necessary for students to give their full attention to school work. The sensory room also offers play tunnels and swings that can be helpful for any student, not only those with disabilities, Adams said.

“For my class, we use it twice a day,” she noted.

Then there are those students who have difficulty regulating or managing their emotions occasionally or frequently.

Typically, a melt-down may stem from a student’s desire to escape or avoid classroom work, or from a desire to have some tangible item that they cannot have in the class-

At Sullivan West Elementary, a new committee meets to brainstorm ways to support good student behavior. They include, from back row, Deputy Jason Beebe, school resource officer, and Assistant Principal Kevin Carbone. Front, teachers Lauren Seko and Kylie Watson; school psychologist Sheri Parucki and teacher Bethany Adams. Not pictured: teacher Lisa Smith and parent Kara Parisi.

room. Or there might be medical issues at play, or the child might just be hungry.

For students who need to calm down in order to continue learning, the school offers a “de-escalation” room. Students who are upset, angry or tearful can go there to get away from the stimuli that upsets them. A quiet adult is present, verbalizing minimally, while the student takes time to breathe and slow down.

“The (over-all) goal is to teach them replacement skills, coping skills,” said psychologist Parucki.

Teachers give mini-lessons in self regulation, the group said. Then

there’s the added help from School Resource Officer Deputy Jason Beebe, who can provide assistance in calming a child who is acting out or shutting down.

Providing rewards for attempts at good behavior is also an important part of the school’s atmosphere.

The year-long Caught Doing Good campaign encourages students to be kind and helpful and also champions students for trying their best in academic achievement. Students get golden tickets for teamwork, integrity, kindness, a positive attitude and extra effort, said Assistant Principal Carbone.

In September, 186 students accepted golden tickets, and in October the number leaped to 250. Tickets go into grade-level jars and at the end of the week, a name is picked from each jar and that child gets a prize. Then, at the end of the month, tickets are counted and the student who gets at least seven tickets become “Student of the Month.”

And this year, fifth and sixth graders can earn the right to dine in pleasure.

For their good deeds, students are chosen to relax in a small seating area at lunchtime, away from the hubbub of the masses sitting at the long cafeteria tables. Bon appétit!

DECEMBER, 2018

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

11S

Learning about pandas when the search bar is your friend STORY AND PHOTO

BY KATHY DALEY

C

harlotte Schwartz is readying kids for their digital future. In her required course, Digital Literacy for ninth graders, “part of what I do is preparing kids for life outside school –– giving them the skills to navigate information on the web, deciphering what is real and what is fake,” she said.

“I also teach them how to use resources now for their other classes,” she added.

In English class, for example, students might find themselves reading a novel and then creating a book “trailer” like Hollywood does to push upcoming movies. A book trailer might include pictures, music and text, said Schwartz, who is also a seventh grade English teacher.

She also touches on how students should present themselves online so as to provide the best possible profile for interested colleges or prospective jobs.

“Be positive, I tell them. Share your extra-curricular activities. Yes, you should have a social media presence, but you need to ask yourself, ‘am I presenting myself as I really am?’”

In class, Schwartz prompts students to click on NOVELny, a data base provided by the New York State Library, which is part of the New York State Education Department in Albany.

Available to all New York residents with a driver’s license or public library card, the rich databases are accessible to students through their school.

NOVELny connects people to information usually available only in a library, which means it is topnotch, said Schwartz. “It’s scholarly versus general magazine information,” she added.

Also used is the SIRS Issue Researcher, which provides analysis and opinions on hundreds of leading issues from alternative education to the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

In Schwartz’s Digital Literacy class, several clicks of the mouse may intro-

Charlotte Schwartz teaches students to research and decipher what is fake and real in the world of information. At far right is student Tariq Gambari flanked by Mason Berlingeri. Their teacher graduated from SUNY Cortland with a B.A. in English/Language Arts Teacher Education and from SUNY Buffalo with a masters in library and information science.

duce students to the Roaring Twenties for history class, where they learn about everything from Wall Street to flappers, jazz and Hollywood. One online research paper fascinatingly included 21 eyewitness reports on life in the U.S. in the 1920s.

Students learn what “peer reviewed” articles means: articles written by experts and then reviewed by several other experts in the field before the article is published in order to insure quality. Students can also experiment with picking a spe-

cific topic, choosing a viewpoint and then finding articles to reflect that angle.

Kids also use the database ProQuest for scholarly journals, newspapers, reports, working papers, and other sources of information for their work in science, English, history and so on.

The other day, Schwartz was prompting her class through research on animal cells. Kids clicked on “exploring nature,” and then began to get excited about what they were finding.

“The search bar is your friend,” emphasized Schwartz, who has taught at Sullivan West since 2014.

Talking out loud, ninth grader Tariq Gambari sat side by side with fellow student Mason Berlingeri and found himself avidly interested: “Types of pandas?” said Gambari, staring into the computer screen. He clicked quickly. “Give me that panda!”

And the computer did, turning up images of the beautiful bear with the black patches around her eyes as she climbed a tree in China.

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

12S

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

Kids psyched on a course about people, behavior, the brain STORY AND PHOTO

BY KATHY DALEY

W

hen someone asks teacher Patrick Donovan to define psychology, he answers simply: “It’s about you.”

Donovan, who has taught history at Sullivan West for 13 years, this year teaches Advanced Placement Psychology. A first for Sullivan West and likely the first in the county, the

THALMANN’S

AP course is hugely popular across the U.S. “A lot of kids are very interested in psychology,” said Donovan. “And a lot want to major in it.”

TV has had a boosting effect on that interest, particularly shows like CSI, where a dedicated group of forensic investigators who are expert in criminal psychology try to solve crimes.

“Kids watch the show and say ‘that’s cool, maybe I can do that,” Donovan

Locally Owned & Operated

SERVICE CENTER

Foreign & Domestic AUTO REPAIR & SERVICE and Complete COLLISION REPAIR & BODY PAINTING G

Brakes • Shocks • Tires Exhaust • AC Services Computer Diagnostics Alignments • Transmissions Regular Maintenance Certified NYS Inspection Station CALL US TODAY! 845-292-4808

‘A lot of kids are very interested in psychology and a lot want to major in it.’

Patrick Donovan Sullivan West Teacher |

Students will work on projects such as making a music video on the brain, or creating a children’s book on the brain.

Before long, they will learn about landmark psychological research like the 1971 Stanford Prison Project. In that study, 24 male students were selected to take on randomly assigned roles of prisoners and guards in a mock prison. The point of the study was to determine whether brutality among guards was due to sadistic personalities or had more to

63892

188 Lake Street • Liberty, NY 12754

said.

This year, 15 juniors and seniors are engaged in this scientific study of how humans think, feel, learn, interact, perceive and understand. A multifaceted discipline, psychology focuses on the two critical relationships in human behavior: one between brain function and behavior, and one between the environment and behavior.

College students majoring in psychology can go on to serve as therapists, teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, clinical psychologists and forensic psychologists, Donovan pointed out.

“A lot of math and science is involved in beginning of the year,” he continued. “It’s very, very detailed.

Students have to know a great deal of information.”

Now, they are leaning about sensation and perception, about hearing, vision, smell and taste. They will move on to consciousness, studying sleep stages and dreams.

Dr. Maureen Whipple Providing Quality Dentistry for the entire family, including cosmetic dentistry, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and we are a preferred provider of INVISALIGN Office hours by appointment

65184

20 Street, 206Gregory N. Gregory Street Callicoon, 12723 20 GregoryNY Street, Cal (845) 887-6423

64738

www.drwhippledentistry.com

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

do with the prison environment.

Donovan’s three-credit course is run through the College Board, and students take the AP exam in May. Most colleges will accept AP psychology as fulfilling the core education requirement for a general psychology class. “AP Psychology looks good on a student’s transcript,� adds Donovan. “It shows the student went above and beyond.�

13S

Donovan himself graduated from Tri-Valley High School in 1999 and went on to earn his degrees at SUNY Cortland and SUNY New Paltz. He taught at Livingston Manor and Fallsburg school districts before signing on at Sullivan West. “There are great kids here, a great community,� said Donovan. “I love teaching. To me it’s not a job –– it’s fun and rewarding. I get paid to be a kid!�

COCHECTON SELF STORAGE LLC

7 6 )V_ ŕ Ž :[H[L 9V\[L *VJOLJ[VU 5L^ @VYR (845) 932-5140 (845) 932-8232 fax Frank and Kasey Kratz 6^ULYZ JVJOLJ[VUZLSMZ[VYHNL'`HOVV JVT

T HERE’S NOT HING DIF F ICULT A B OU T I T.

In his AP Psychology classroom, teacher Patrick Donovan displays a cognitive development project, that is, a huge cut-out figure of himself at various stages in acquiring knowledge and understanding.

A NE W WORLD DEM A NDS NE W HOLL A ND. A Boomer™ compact tractor is the deďŹ nition of ease. Controls are intuitive, your visibility is unmatched, and both the ROPS platform and cab are large and clutter-free. Boomer tractors continue to be the ultimate power tool for homeowners, rural lifestylers, landscapers, farmers, municipalities, and anyone who needs reliable per formance in a maneuverable, comfor table package g .

You’re going to like what you see!

Glasses Get your new glasses faster than ever with our craftsmanship from the onsite optical lab.

Made custom Glasses are made right in our office for quality Onsite assurance and quick turn around.

• Easy-to-use transmissions: shuttle-shift or 3-range hydro with cruise control • Fuel-ef ďŹ cient power and an emissions system that is completely automatic • The peace of mind of the Boomer Guard6 six-year r limi m ted warranty* • Simple routine maintenance and easy-to-switch implements and attachments Learn more about these 35- to 55-HP tractors at w w w.newholland.com/na

Comprehensive Eye Examinations • Diabetic Eye Exams Testing for Glaucoma, Cataracts and Macular Degeneration Eye Emergencies • Foreign Body Removal Dry Eye Treatment

Fosterdale Equipment Corp.

'PTUFSEBMF &RVJQNFOU

Dr. Maegan Sauer, OD

(845)  482-2425

4895 St. Rt. 52, Jeffersonville, NY 12748 • www.EyesOnMainSt.com Mon. by Appointment • Tues. & Thurs. - 10 am - 7 pm • Wed. & Fri. - 9 am - 5 pm • Sat. - 9 am - 1 pm • Sun. - Closed

67400

64730

Fashion Optical • Contact Lenses

3U C $PDIFDUPO /: 3137 Rt. 17B, Cochecton, NY 12726 IUUQ XXX GPTUFSEBMFFRVJQNFOU DPN

845-932-8611 • www.fosterdaleequipment.com

*Including 2 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus an extra 4 years of powertrain protection. Š CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. “New Hollandâ€? is DMVEJOH ZFBSregistered T PG CVNQFS UPin CVthe NQFSUnited DPWFSBHF States QMVT BO Fand YUSB many ZFBST PGother QPXFSUScountries, BJO QSPUFDUJPO owned ÂŞ $by /) or *OEVlicensed TUSJBM "NFSJDto B -CNH -$ "MMIndustrial SJHIUT SFTFS WFN.V., E i/FX )P MMBOEw JT B USBEFN SFHJTUFSFE JO UIF 6OJUFE 4UBFor UFT BOA E New N B O Z a *Otrademark its subsidiaries orBSLafďŹ liates. “Equipped PUIFS DPVOUSJFT PXOFE CZ PS MJDFOTFE UP $/) *OEVTUSJBM / 7 JUT TVCTJEJBSJFT PS BGmMJBUFT i&RVJQQFE 'PS " /FX 8PSMEw JT B USBEFNBSL JO UIF 6OJUFE 4UBUFT BOE NBOZ PUIFS DPVOUSJFT PXOFE CZ PS MJDFOTFE UP $/) *OEVTUSJBM / 7 JUT Worldâ€? aS trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or afďŹ liates.

TVCTJEJBSJFis T P B G m M J B U F T

14S

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

RICHARD A. ROSS | DEMOCRAT

Sullivan West volleyball had a great Senior Night, not only because they honored their seniors but they did so with a win. Sullivan West seniors, from left, Renee Wyss, Victoria Strumphler, Karlee Spath, Chanlyn O’Sullivan, Uma Bullock, Emma Hess, Victoria Arnold, Grace Gaebel and Kira Duggan.

Solid fall campaign for the Bulldogs

BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM LAKE HUNTINGTON –– The 2018 fall campaign is in the books for all Sullivan County schools. The Bulldogs had solid seasons across all varsity sports. Here’s some extra photos from the year.

RICHARD A. ROSS | DEMOCRAT

SW’s Nile Puerschner represented the Bulldogs in the Exceptional Senior Game in Newburgh last month. Here he breaks through the line to tackle Rondout Valley running back Austin Wells. The Bulldogs did not make the playoffs in 2018 but remained competitive throughout the year and always presented a tough challenge to their opponents. This included taking the fight to the eventual Eight-Man champion Tri-Valley Bears on Homecoming, losing only by four (22-18).

RICHARD A. ROSS | DEMOCRAT

Royalty! As is tradition a Homecoming King and Queen are selected at the marquee football game. The 2018 Sullivan West Homecoming King and Queen was Joseph Joyce-Turner and Sam Becker.

JOSEPH ABRAHAM | DEMOCRAT

The Sullivan West Girls Soccer team had an amazing year, upsetting S.S. Seward in the Class C semifinals, before losing in a competitive contest with Millbrook in the ‘C’ title game in Middletown. Pictured here is Jessica Schwalb in their first game of the year at Fallsburg.

RICHARD A. ROSS | DEMOCRAT

The Sullivan West Boys Soccer team honored their seniors earlier this fall on a night where they’d defeat Class B Chester. From left, Ben Sherman, Evan McCombs, Joseph Joyce-Turner, Dylan Jungblut Mercado, Kyle Reimer and Will Siegel. Missing from the photo are Brandon Decker and Jed Wiseman.

RICHARD A. ROSS | DEMOCRAT

Sullivan West’s Evan Herbert shows off his athleticism in a meet against Livingston Manor.

DECEMBER, 2018

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

15S

845-887-5200 scdemocratonline.com

Gift a Sullivan County Democrat Subscription...

Save 50%!

GiftADemocrat_FullTab2018

SULLIVAN WEST SCHOOL SCENE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2018

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

16S