Contributed photo Mr. Doyle, dressed as Abraham Lincoln, poses with students in Barbara Sush’s kindergarten/first grade class at the White Sulphur Springs Primary School. (Click for larger image)

WSS students study past presidents

LIBERTY — Every month, the students in Barbara Sush’s kindergarten/first grade class at White Sulphur Springs Primary School tackle a different unit of study as they make their way around American history. Most recently, the students examined past American presidents.

The students began the unit by having some parents build a log cabin, and then answered the question, “What is a President?” In addition, fathers of some students also dressed as many of the presidents under study. Mr. Burns, father to kindergarten student Brandon Burns, dressed as George Washington and Mr. Doyle, father to first grade student Eugene Doyle, dressed as Abraham Lincoln.

After researching the past presidents, students were then given the opportunity to ask Washington and Lincoln questions about themselves based on what they learned about the presidents.

Liberty band & jazz ensemble
go to Albany

LIBERTY — The Liberty Middle School (LMS) Band and Jazz Ensemble was selected to travel to Albany on Tuesday, March 19, to perform in the Empire State Plaza.

The performance is part of the “Music in our Schools Month” celebration sponsored by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). Over 25 parent chaperones will accompany the 88 fifth, sixth and seventh graders on the trip.

The concert program will take place in the lobby of the South Concourse of the Empire State Plaza and will consist of selections such as the Harry Potter suite, Jefferson County Overture, Legends of the Ghost Dance, March of the Patriots, God Bless America and America The Beautiful. The jazz ensemble will perform selections from Duke Ellington’s C-Jam Blues.

Senator John Bonacic and Assemblyman Jake Gunther are slated to attend the performance and will be presenting the groups with Legislative Resolutions from the NYS Assembly and Senate commending the LCS music program. After the concert, the students and chaperones will tour the New York State Capitol and Museum.

The Albany trip is funded by contributions and fundraisers and is estimated to cost approximately $5,000. The band is currently conducting a fundraiser, encouraging local businesses, foundations and private citizens to sponsor a band student for these positive educational, musical and social experiences. The cost for each trip is $20.00/student and donations of any amount are accepted.

Donations may be sent to: LMS Band “Sponsor a Band Student,” c/o Gary Siegel, Liberty Middle School, 145 Buckley Street, Liberty, NY 12754.

Additional fundraisers include a concert set for March 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the Liberty Middle School Gym. For more information, call 845/292-5400, ext.5117.

Tri-Valley plans reunion

UPPER DELAWARE REGION — Tri-Valley Central School’s Class of 1979 will host a “Mid-Life Crisis” reunion on the weekend of August 2, at Sea Mist Ammons Family Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

All class members are invited for a weekend of sun, surf, and reminiscing.

For more information, call 845/434-0392 or email bmurray@warwick.net.

Coalition films anti smoking commercial

MONTICELLO — The Sullivan County Tobacco Free Coalition and the Time Warner Production team came together to film a youth-oriented anti-tobacco commercial last month.

The piece was filmed locally, with one student’s Wurtsboro home and car included as a backdrop. Manufactured “smoke” and gas masks were used to strengthen the anti-smoking message.

The coalition is comprised of area students, whose message, “Smoking Stinks!” will be broadcast on MTV, Comedy Central and other youth-oriented cable channels.

Dragon tells anti-drug story at HHS

HONESDALE — Saltworks Theatre Company of Wexford will host an anti-drug presentation called, “I Am the Brother of Dragons” at the Honesdale High School Auditorium on Wednesday, April 3, at 6:00 p.m.

The five performers will explore the real-life relationships, conflicts and dependencies/addictions related to drug use, geared for high school audiences. The program will focus on disclosing the underlining causes and dispelling the myths surrounding drug and alcohol abuse.

This Saltworks Theatre Company appearance has been made possible with the assistance of 14 community associations, including The Together for Health Program (a partnership of Wayne Memorial Hospital and Wallenpaupack Area, Wayne Highlands, Western Wayne, Forest City Regional School Districts), Wayne County Family Center, Communities That Care, Wayne County YMCA, Wayne County Safe Kids, Wayne County Public Library, Take Action For Tobacco Free Youth, Wayne County Drug and Alcohol, Victims Intervention Program and Survivors Resources.

The performers will deliver a different program, “Three Long Days,” for Wayne Memorial Hospital’s annual “Together for Health” kickoff assemblies at four local middle schools on April 3 and 4. The focus of that presentation will be self-worth, respect for others and building character.

Seventh graders will have the opportunity to participate in a clinical assessment and choose to participate in an optional laboratory screening for a lipid profile and complete blood count. (Written parental permission is necessary).

For more information call 570/253-8422.