New Policy Allows Students to Pre-Register to Vote

Story by Jessica Burnett

      Interested parents gathered at the Florida Union Free School District Board of Education meeting on Thurs., Jan. 23 as the Board discussed new programs and policies.

      A new policy was approved that allows students ages 16 and 17 to pre-register to vote. It is now a requirement than an application to vote be handed out in schools in New York for the option for students to fill out. This new policy should increase the number of voters in the future.

      “They will be given an application in school and it is up to the child to send in that application if they feel they want to,” says Superintendent Jan Jehring.

Mindfulness in Learning at Golden Hill

      There was talk about “mindfulness in learning” at Golden Hill Elementary School. Principal Deborah Lisack explained that she tries to visit each classroom everyday and read a nice book to them. She brought in a book called Sticks, which is all about “never giving up.” Her main message to pass along to her students is to never give up and always keep going. She also explained that Mrs. Potter, the school counselor, “implements lessons monthly supporting being mindful.” This allows a nice and open-minded environment for the children.

Hidden Mischief

      On Wed., Jan. 29 an event entitled “Hidden Mischief” will take place in the S.S. Seward cafetorium, located at 53 N. Main St. in Florida. The event is a walk-through of a simulated teen bedroom searching for any drug references. This program is to help parents prevent their children from any drug exposure as they can easily get addicted.

Cyber Security

      Dana Castine, District Director of Technology, Math, and Science, spoke about cyber security and student data privacy. She emphasized that security for students is very important as one never knows who is out there.

Next Meeting

      The next meeting will take place on Thurs., Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the S. S. Seward Memorial Building, located at 51 N. Main St. in Florida.

Shown in the photo are members of the The Florida Union Free School District Board of Education.

Golden Hill Principal Deborah Lisack spoke to the Florida School Board about ‘mindfulness in learning’ & her daily visits to classrooms to read a book. Photo credit: Warwick Valley Dispatch/Jessica Burnett

Dana Castine, District Director of Technology, Math & Science, spoke to the Florida School Board about the importance of cyber security & protection of student data. Photo credit: Warwick Valley Dispatch/Jessica Burnett