BOE Notebook: Bavlnka Sworn In As Trustee

Deanna Bavlnka, who was one of four candidates elected to the Three Village school board last week, was sworn in as a Trustee at Tuesday night's meeting at the North Country Administration Center.

The meeting began with district clerk Andrea Wilson swearing in Bavlnka, who will carry out the duration of Carol Leister's term, which runs through next June. Leister resigned from her post on February 28.

"I thought the meeting was very positive," Bavlnka said. "It was refreshing. I was proud to be there."

Among her primary concerns is the hiring of a new superintendent once Neil Lederer's term expires next June, as well as effective classroom instruction, promoting a healthy school environment, college and career readiness and "commitment to a coherent government." A Three Village resident since 1973 and Ward Melville High School graduate, Bavlnka has a son at Mount Elementary School as well as a daughter entering kindergarten in the fall.

"My husband, my parents, my friends and my neighbors have all been really supportive and helpful," Bavlnka said. "I definitely couldn't have done any of this without them."

In addition, fellow electees Inger Germano, Irene Gische and Jeffrey Kerman sat in on the panel but did not vote on issues. Their three-year terms will begin July 1.

Mount Fifth-Grader Honored in Poster Contest
Fifth-grader Julia Hu was recognized for being named the New York State winner in the 2011 SunWise with SHADE Poster Contest, in which children created imagnative posters that exhibited ways to prevent skin cancer and promote sun safety.

Hu's illustration was selected from roughly 4,000 entries in the contest, which were judged by the Environmental Protection Agency and the SHADE Foundation of America, a non-profit organization that promotes skin cancer awareness. Her poster will appear on the cover of the 2012 SunWise with SHADE Calendar.

SunWise teamed up with SHADE to form the contest nine years ago; since then, more than 100,000 students have taken part. Approximately 50 students in Cynthia Howard's health class created posters for the event.

Teacher Recognized For Performing Heimlich Maneuver on Choking Student
Doranne Metz, a third-grade teacher at Setauket Elementary School, received a standing ovation from the crowd for performing the Heimlich Maneuver on student Andrew Rubin on May 19 during dismissal.

Metz sprung into action when Rubin began choking on a bottle cap in the crowded bus circle area. The school's interim principal, Robert Harrington, read a letter that he had received from Mitch and Ann Rubin, the student's parents, on the morning after the incident occurred.

"We are so grateful but not at all surprised at the extraordinary care shown to Andrew at a time when it required it most," the letter said. It later stated "We'd like to commend you and your staff for the diligence and dedication shown for quickly intervening in what might have been a life-and-death situation."

In addition to Metz, five others who assisted in the effort, all of whom were applauded Tuesday night.

Revitalization of Three Village Community Nature Preserve in Works
Mount principal Nathalie Lilavois spoke of past, present and future projects related to the Three Village Community Nature Preserve, a 38-acre piece of land that is adjacent to the school.

Among the projects in progress are trails, learning stations, entrance plantings, benches and the development of related curriculum. The group also hopes to include fitness stations akin to those at Minnesauke Elementary School as well as widen, mark and line the trails.

"Speaking for all of us [on the board], we're so proud of this project," trustee Jonathan Kornreich said. "I think that it is a model for the best that the Three Village School District can be in what you're delivering for the kids, what you're delivering for the community and in creating an avenue for all staff members whose have [lent their] personal expertise, their passion and their time into making this something for all of us to share."

Work carries on despite an entry sign that was found defaced on Tuesday morning.