LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — The message was clear: If your child is sick, keep them home.

That message was coupled with other of many simple health remedies and delivered on December 14 at the Sullivan West Central School District monthly school board meeting.

The health message comes from the state, superintendent Dr. Kathleen Bressler said, via a joint letter from the New York state departments of education and health asking school districts to continue to be diligent in regard to student health.

“A host of respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSS and COVID-19, have taken hold in our state and in most of our communities,” the letter stated. “These viruses, while often manageable, can cause serious outcomes, especially for children.”

The departments recommended that everyone stay up to date on vaccines, including flu and COVID-19; wash their hands often, using soap and hot water, for at least 20 seconds at a time; sneeze or cough into your elbow; stay home when sick or symptomatic; and wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when in public indoor spaces.

“While we are not mandated to wear masks, we do want those who wish to, or have their children do, to feel comfortable doing so as it is a personal decision,” Bressler said. “We have seen a rise in RSV, the flu, and COVID in the past month, and continue to monitor these cases. Most important to us is that if your child is sick, please keep them home.”

There was uplifting news too. Sheri Meyer was named the Sullivan West Standout for the month. She has been a teacher at the former Delaware Valley Central School District and the current Sullivan West District for more than 30 years. Her current position is split between teaching business and handling technology support.

“When asked how this split happened, she said she used to just support technology at Delaware Valley, and then she just continued helping until it was made formal over the years,” said Bressler. “She is a self-taught woman, and her effort and skills are recognized by our staff.”

News roundup

• The school board announced an Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) plan to combine wrestling teams with the Eldred Central School District.
• The board voted to accept $5,000 from Sullivan 180 as part of the Empowering a Healthier Generation grant. It will be placed in the special aid fund, and will be used at the elementary school to support the Miss Kendra program.
• Krystal Herbert and students from the e-sports club made a presentation to the board.
• The board announced that Bressler will attend the NYS Council of School Superintendents 2023 winter conference in March in Albany, NY.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Sullivan West school board is set for Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 7 p.m. For more information, call district clerk Christina Kautz at 845/482-4610, ext. 3000, or email kautzchr@swcsd.org.