St. Luke’s representative discusses school programs at Panther Valley board meeting

Panther Valley School Board members recently heard an update from St. Luke’s about the health network’s adopt-a-school program.

Kerri Quick, St. Luke’s adopt-a-school program coordinator for Panther Valley School District, came to the board’s October meeting to speak regarding programs they offer within the district. The dental van was the first topic of discussion.

“The medical van, as you know, sees students without insurance from grades 6-12, but there’s another program we offer with that,” Quick said.

The dental van offers sexually transmitted testing, she said. Four years ago, the school board had decided not to allow the program.

“We would only test ‘at-risk’ students, such as students who have had multiple sex partners or whom engage in risky sexual activity,” Quick said. “But we support anything you decide.”

Most of the board had no recollection that the decision had taken place since some board members were not there four years ago. After receiving confirmation that it would be no extra cost, the board requested paperwork regarding the testing program.

No decision will be made until the board receives the details and comes to an agreement. The new contract will be signed by January 2020.

Quick also congratulated the Step-Up Panthers Program for its student involvement.

Step-Up Panthers is a program offering pro-social activities for Panther Valley students. They work on positive messaging and may have an opportunity to travel, Quick said.

We are thinking of taking them somewhere to get involved in the community but I’m not sure on your policy, she said.

The board was told there would be no cost to them as St. Luke’s would cover all transportation costs.

Wayne Gryzik, board member, asked Quick if anything could be done to inform the student body on the effects of vaping.

We can show the students a video or bring in specialists to discuss the subject with them, either during an assembly or individually, Quick said.

After Quick’s presentation, Gryzik had a comment for St. Luke’s hospital.

“I appreciate everything you do for our students, and I think the board feels the same way,” he said.