ALLEGANY, N.Y. — An update on lead testing of water at schools in the Allegany-Limestone Central School District, as well as a presentation by the physical education and health department were among topics discussed at Tuesday’s board of education meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan reported the school district resubmitted water samples from the elementary school following earlier reports of elevated levels of lead at the campus earlier in the school year. She said the results from the second samples submitted haven’t been received yet.
“As soon as we get those, we’ll be reporting them,” she said, noting the second samples were taken under the guidelines of a new process of collecting.
“It was a little bit tough figuring that out, but it was done,” she said.
The district had been informed that lead levels were elevated at the elementary school from water tests taken at the beginning of the year, as well as at the middle-high school from tests taken several weeks ago. All water outlets suspected of higher lead levels were shut off immediately to students and staff until the issue can be corrected. Water testing had been done in all buildings in response to recent state legislation mandating the measure.
In other matters, the board heard a presentation from physical education/health department teachers Todd Hopkins and Martha Torrey.
The two teach students in grades seven through 12 and provided information on classes and activities offered to youngsters. Hopkins said health topics discussed with students this year have included opioid addiction due to the current epidemic found in society today.
The health program also provides CPR training for students, as well as certification, thanks to the acquisition of mannequins last year.
Torry said the physical education department also received $3,000 worth of new archery equipment this year through the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Following the presentation, Torrey and Hopkins were asked what their current concerns are for students. Torrey replied that the students’ lack of communication skills and increased immobility, both likely caused by the increased use of computers and electronic devices.
“I always tell them ‘Get outside and get some fresh air,’ and they say ‘We’re going to play video games,’” Torrey shared. “We’ve got our core group of kids who are athletes, but I worry about (the others) and what will happen to them later on in life” with excessive technology replacing physical exercise.
When asked what their wish lists are for the department, Hopkins said he would like to purchase a couple of walking desks, which are desks set up on treadmills.
“Walking desks are expensive, but I think they would be really cool,” Hopkins said, noting the specialized desks cost between $2,000 and $3,000.
“It would be really good to get (the students) to constantly move” while reading material or during other stationary activities, he added.
Hopkins said standing desks would also be a nice addition for his program.
“This would be good, because kids are sitting behind the desk all day long,” he said. “If they could stand up and shift their feet a little bit” it might students who have concentration issues or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Geelan said the district will look into grants that might be available for funding the purchase of the desks.
