Ron Bauer retires from teaching

By TED WADDELL
Posted 11/30/22

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — Long-time Sullivan West social studies teacher Ron Bauer has decided to close the classroom door, stepping down from his role after more than 55 years in the position. …

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Ron Bauer retires from teaching

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LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — Long-time Sullivan West social studies teacher Ron Bauer has decided to close the classroom door, stepping down from his role after more than 55 years in the position. He’ll remain as a coach and tutor.

The move was announced at the November member of the Sullivan West school board.

But that wasn’t the only news coming from the district during its meetings in October and November.

Highlights of the October 20 BOE meeting

Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Bressler noted that two staff members recently received recognition from the Mid-Hudson Study Council: Maureen Casey Bryant was honored with the organization’s award for excellence in pupil personnel services, while Donald Bertholf received the award for excellence in support staff services.

The Sullivan West Standout for the month was Sullivan County Sheriff’s Officer Markus Pratti, who is assigned to duty as the school resource officer at the elementary building.

“If you ask our students, Officer Pratti is one of the nicest adults you could meet,” said Bressler. “You can find Officer Pratti saying, ‘Good morning!’ in the drop-off line, walking the halls and coordinating kickball games on the playground.”

She cited an excerpt from his nomination form. “Officer Pratti is always ready to help out. Whether it is students, teachers or administrators, he offers his services... has taken the time to get to know students that need a positive role model in their lives, and is a great influence on them.”

He was praised for making the school a safe place to be.

On the topic of School Board Appreciation Week, October 17 through 21, Bressler said in part, “We have one of the most committed, involved and engaged school boards. I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued service to our school district... [board members] work hard as stewards of our taxpayers, and are strong advocates for school safety, educational programming and effective school policy.”

In closing, Bressler said of the recently approved proposition for the capital project, “On behalf of the board of education and myself, we would like to give our heartfelt thanks to the entire Sullivan West community coming out and supporting [the project].  It will help us keep our buildings safe and efficient.”

The project passed in October, 273 to 132.

Highlights of the November BOE meeting

Bressler commenced her report by noting that Nicole Olsen, a teaching assistant, was granted tenure after working in different roles in the district. Her job has included supporting classrooms, academic intervention support and, most recently, working in the pre-K program. She also served in the district’s modified sports program, coaching softball and soccer.

“Ms. Olsen’s goal is to help make students’ lives better however she can, even if it’s just for the day,” Bressler said. “She was nominated for being key in implementing early routines, being a calm person when students are in crisis, and for the flexibility of going to wherever she is needed to help... that constant calm force every day, instilling routines that are making our smallest Bulldogs more successful in school.”

The district, she said, “is fortunate to have such a hard-working individual here to make our students’ days better.”

It was announced that veteran instructor Ron Bauer has retired from the classroom after decades of teaching. He will continue to coach and assist in the weight room. He plans to volunteer as a tutor in the building.

“On behalf of the district, I want to thank Ron for his years of service. I’m sure we will continue to see him around daily supporting our kids, which he has always said is the best part of the job,” said Bressler.

In other news: on November 30, Kevin Carbone, assistant principal at the elementary school, held a parent workshop on cyber safety and awareness. High school principal Mark Plescia will lead the next parent conversation program on Thursday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the middle/high school library. Kai Murray, the district’s ENL teacher and native French speaker, spent some time co-teaching with Señora Tauten in foreign language classes. “Having the exposure helps promote all our foreign language programs. It was a great lesson to see happening,” Bressler said.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Sullivan West school board is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14 at the middle/high school library. For information, contact district clerk Christina Kautz at 845/482-4610, or email kautzchr@swcsd.org.

Sullivan West, Board of Education, Dr. Kathleen Bressler, Ron Bauer

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