Byron-Bergen earns state grant

For the fourth consecutive year, the Byron-Bergen Central School District has been awarded a Learn and Serve America grant from the New York State Education Department in Albany. This funding will support the continuation of the Byron-Bergen Emergency Response Team (BBERT), a volunteer organization of students in grades seven-12 who are trained to staff a Red Cross emergency shelter at the middle high school in time of need.

BBERT members have been trained in first aid and the basics of a sheltering operation. In the 2006-2007 school year, student leaders will participate in National Incident Management System (NIMS) training through facilitator-led and online courses.

In the past, students have represented BBERT at the State Learn and Serve Conference and the Genesee-Orleans Youth Bureau Conference. Their presentations on becoming active members in their community's emergency preparedness efforts have sparked a number of inquiries from other school districts.

All members of the Byron-Bergen graduating Class of 2006 received CPR and AED training as part of the board of education goal of "Safety First."

October 15, 2006