PMSB hears impressive Odyssey of the Mind presentation

by Pat Albano

A group of elementary students presented the Pocono Mountain School Board with what they learned from Odyssey of the Mind during the April 19 school board meeting. Odyssey of the Mind includes competition and scoring. Students make props and solve their own problems. Director Ronald Byrd remarked. “This is the best presentation this year and we have had many.” Board president Marion Pyzik commented, “ I did not see any nervous students at all and what a great job.”

Pocono Mountain School District Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Robison opened the meeting asking for a moment of silence for a student recently killed in a car accident.

In happier news, she noted West High School student artwork. She also mentioned the East High School cast and performance of Momma Mia along with their National Honor Society who recently held a Night of Science Ceremony. The Odyssey of the Mind team advanced to the world finals. The superintendent closed out her report stating, “There will be a pre-k summer session held for incoming kindergarten students…The focus will be on academics; appropriate classroom behavior and socialization, with snacks provided.”

West High School Student Council discussed the prom and their final blood drive and an upcoming 5K to be held at Danbury Park with all proceeds going to Big Brothers and Sisters.

The Weber Group recently completed a third-party audit of school district infrastructure and waterrelated problems. Critical areas include leaks and water problems in the gymnasium. The inspection generated a lengthy proposal of six critical areas within the school infrastructure. Additionally, the school needs 30,000 new bricks.

The work will require seven months to complete at a cost of $1.9 million. Financial Officer Joseph Colozza stated, “the district has a $7-million reserve available for this project.” Director Rusty Johnson added, “We have talked about this for years, and I make a motion to approve the $1.9 million,” which passed. Ronald Byrd and Ana Lopez were named voting delegates for the PSBA delegate assembly meeting.

US Service Academy Info Night set for students and parents

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) invites interested area high school students, their parents, and local educators to attend a U.S. Service Academy Information Night on Wednesday, May 10, from

6 to 8 p.m. at WilkesBarre Area High School. This informational event is designed to familiarize high school students with the application and nomination process for applying to four of the five

U.S. Service Academies.

“Each year, my office has the honor of nominating Northeastern Pennsylvania’s best and brightest students who possess a strong desire to serve their country,” said Rep. Cartwright. “These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity for our students to speak directly with representatives from U.S. Service Academies to learn more about the nomination process, as well as the rigorous academic and leadership training that these academies have to offer.”

Attendees can meet with staff from the offices of

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright, U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, along with representatives from The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, The U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, The Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. For more information, or to RSVP, call Tammy Aita at 570-341-1050.