YOUTH ON THE GO
The Rondout Valley Central School District came together on Friday, June 3, for its inaugural Special Olympics event.
More than 60 students from each of the district’s five schools participated in the day’s festivities, which celebrated community, collaboration, and school spirit. The event kicked off with an opening ceremony and a parade, which was supported by the New York State Police, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, amd the Accord and Kerhonkson fire departments.
Throughout the day, student-athletes competed in a variety of track and field events, ranging from metered dashes to long jumps and ball tosses. Participants were assisted by volunteers from the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society, as well as students from the Intermediate School and many staff members.
The event was spearheaded by Rondout Valley District-Wide Physical Therapist Carlos Perez, who said it was a smashing success. “The student-athletes lead our district by example and hard work,” he said in a press release. “The amazing weather along with all of our spectators, including parents, students, and staff, created an electric atmosphere that was enjoyed by all. It was a truly memorable event.” Perez added that he is thankful to school district Occupational Therapist Paul Scarpati for all of his support in the planning and execution of the event.
Helping to make the Special Olympics a success was Infinite Care (Ten Broeck Center and Golden Hill) and Kiwanis Club of Kingston for donating snacks and water, Hudson Valley Impressions for contributing shirts and ribbons, and Timely Signs for providing the medals.
School district Director of Pupil Personnel Services Megan Braren expressed her pride over how the school community came together for this event. “It was an inspiring day at Rondout Valley,” she said. “Everyone — from the talented students to the devoted staff members — put forth a huge effort to make it a success. I am looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for the Special Olympics at Rondout Valley!”
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The Junior Achievement program is continuing to grow at Highland Elementary School, thanks to a long-standing effort by the Highland Rotary Club.
Junior Achievement is a nationwide program designed to inspire young people and help prepare
them to succeed in work and in life. The program helps students acquire the knowledge and skills they need to plan for their futures and make smart academic and economic decisions.
The Junior Achievement lessons presented to the school’s students focus on the areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. The curriculum is taught by Rotarians and other community volunteers who are recruited by the service club. Living up to their motto of “service above self,” the Rotarians volunteer to visit classrooms each week for five weeks to teach students through presentations and hands-on activities. All lessons are aligned with federal and New York state learning standards and are tailored to each grade level, kindergarten through fifth.
“The lessons are practical and fun, and are delivered in an age-appropriate way that really helps students understand the concepts that are being taught,” Holly Brooker, a volunteer who is both a Rotary member and a Highland parent, said in a press release.
Brooker, who has been teaching a kindergarten
class basic financial literacy concepts such as “wants” versus “needs,” earning, and saving, was involved in Junior Achievement as a high school student and then worked part time for the nonprofit organization after graduating from college. She says the experience has had a positive impact on her life, and she is happy to see the elementary school program thrive in Highland through the strong partnership with the Rotary.
In fact, the Junior Achievement program at the school has grown so significantly since being introduced 20 years ago that it is now being taught in nearly every classroom in the building. Steve Laubach, the Rotary’s membership chairman and the group’s former president, attributes the program’s success in large part to the steady support of Highland administrators and faculty.
“We are extremely appreciative of Superintendent Joel Freer, Principal Matt Darling, and all of the teachers for helping to keep the momentum going and allowing us to expand the program over the years,” Laubach said in the release. “The kids love it, and the volunteers love it. It’s a win-win!”