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n this issue you will find our 20-page Back to School issue, complete with a school-by-school breakdown of vital information needed for that big day - which is only two-and-a-half weeks away.

We would like to make special note of the incredible job that A Single Bite and Sullivan 180 are doing to help our youth throughout Sullivan County.

A Single Bite, which is dedicated to helping Sullivan County residents fight food insecurity as well as educating youth on the importance of a good diet, has recently launched a new app.

The app, named Real World Rewards, is an innovative digital learning platform designed to bring real food and nutrition education into the hands of local students in a fun and innovative way.

It is so vitally important that our children of today learn about health lifestyles and staying fit and we are so impressed by A Single Bite’s forward thinking vision to capture our young minds.

We hope the children and family they touch continue to embrace healthy living and it will certainly lead them to a very productive school year.

And Sullivan 180 continues to focus on improving the lives of our youth through its generous grant program and many events.

Sullivan 180 is deeply involved with Sullivan County’s school districts on several initiatives, which promote health and wellness among students, staff, families and the community.

Their program include beautification, edible gardens, and the Sullivan 180 Empowering a Healthier Generation Program.

This program challenges our school districts to keep focusing on ways to better our young people’s lives through healthy living, exercise as well as social and emotional well-being.

We cannot thank these two organizations enough for all they have done and continue to do. Rest assured, your dedication is making a difference.

And we would be remiss if we did not mention the article in Back to School by Dr.Robert M. DuFour, District Superintendent of Sullivan BOCES. His tips to making this school year a success are invaluable and his knowledge of what goes into a productive learning experience comes with years of experience.

Dr. DuFour will be retiring in the next several months, and we would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to him for all he has done to help make Sullivan County’s school districts a place where exceptional teachers keep educating our valuable youth, who in turn will be our future leaders.

Here’s to a great school year.