Two more Amity Regional School District students are

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Two more Amity Regional School District students are unable to

continue attending classes due to health related environmental

issues.

In November, Siena of Orange stopped attending Amity

Senior High School.

And last week Bethany Junior High student Vernik had to

immediately stop attending classes on the campus.

Kathy Siena, 's mother said his symptoms developed over a

couple of months.

" He first became sick in September with a sinus infection that

wouldn't go away, " she said. Nov. 7 was his last day at the high

school.

would get sinus headaches and have blood shot eyes.

He wasn't considered homebound until Nov. 18. That was because it is

necessary to hold a procedural meeting called a 504 meeting.

Siena says is upset that he can never go back to Amity.

He misses his friends and was involved in basketball and football.

Recently allergist Dr. Santilli ordered a CAT Scan done of

's sinus cavities.

" Dr. Santilli told me they (sinuses) were loaded with mold, " Kathy

Siena said.

Learning Vernik was allergic to his school environment was by

chance.

Mother Cheryl Vernik decided to take elder son to the same

allergist because he was experiencing some shortness of breath during

wrestling practices while using the mats. She decided to have

tested as well.

" I took along for a baseline. He wasn't having any problems, "

Cheryl Vernik explained.

" I was shocked to learn 's results, " she said.

" My son is healthy. He wants to be in school to learn. He is fine

away from school, " Vernik said.

" is devastated. He wants to be in school. He is athletic. He

plays football, Lacrosse and wrestles, " she said.

As upsetting as it has been to begin the process of having a child

homebound Vernik said is fortunate.

" If I hadn't had him tested he might have ended up leaving school in

an ambulance, " she said.

And many friends are just as upset as is. According to Cheryl

Vernik he has received upwards of 100 phone calls and e-mails.

Finding herself in unfamiliar territory Vernik sought the help of

other families who have found themselves learning to navigate the

Amity system for students not able to attend classes.

She called former Amity Board of Education member Lorri Cavaliere for

direction. And she has also received support from other Mold Moms

like Terri , Ona Mae Slauson and Barbara Finneran who all have

children who can no longer attend the school district because of mold

sensitivity.

She also informed acting Principal Ed Rostowsky who told her he would

contact Varanelli who is in charge of pupil services. Vernik

asked him to ask her to schedule a 504 meeting which begins the

process for homebound assistance from the school district.

As of Monday Superintendent of Schools Helene Skrzyniarz said she was

not aware of Vernik's condition.

" Now that I have been made aware I will be discussing him with the

school and see what the issues are and how they will be addressed, "

Skrzyniarz said.

However, Skrzyniarz says she has been following Siena.

" I have spoken with his mother and want to make sure his educational

programs are as they should be, " she said.

nn Polydys, who knows said his peers were upset to learn

could no longer attend class with them.

" My daughter and are great friends. When she found out she

called me. I don't understand why people like myself are going to

meetings attempting to support the Amity Board of Education but

continually receive no information or answers to our questions.

Specifically how many students/teachers are affected by the school

environment, " Polydys said.

Polydys said her interest in the environmental issues at Amity have

now been heightened.

" I have been attending meetings without the problem of my own child

being ill. However, now with the news of Vernik not able to

attend it might as well be my own child, " Polydys said.

Cheryl Vernik wonders why there is no legislation to protect children

in moldy schools.

" The law requires me to have a seat belt on my child when he is in

the car. Where is the law that requires the school to have a healthy

environment. Where is the law that protects my son from an unhealthy

environment, " she asked.

Cavaliere said there is legislation to protect the children.

" It is a state law and documented that it is the Board of Education's

responsibility to provide each child with a safe and healthy learning

environment. Every board member has been made aware that toxic mold

and bacteria has been found in these schools that can be affecting

students and staff. To ignore the recommendations made by many

consultants is unconscionable, " she said.

But Vernik and Polydys believe it is too little too late.

" There should already be a plan in place. What they are working on

doesn't help my child now, " Vernik said.

" If they want a new school they need to build the faith of the

community by correcting the current problems, " Polydys said. Vernik

agreed.

" I feel like the school system is not making any effort. They don't

feel we are a problem. They need to address the problems not build

newer and bigger school buildings. They need to fix the schools

before putting more kids in it, " she said.

" I attend most of the Amity School District meetings hoping to get

answers. My son can never attend Amity again and be with his

friends, " she said.

Editor's note: The Amity board has been working to address the

environmental issues and is currently in the process of having a

complete review of all the buildings. The next community session is

Feb. 3, 7 p.m. in the large cafeteria of the high school.

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