OCM BOCES STAR students at Homer Elementary learn about making healthy choices

Students in Mrs. Currie’s OCM BOCES STAR class at Homer Elementary School were recently posed with the question, "How do I make healthy food choices?"

Together in class, they learned about the food pyramid and how to use it as a tool for selecting healthy foods. Students also learned how to create a "My Plate" placemat and then had time to make their own to use at home. Their handmade creations are a reminder about portion sizes and types of food and it is hoped that they will lead to family discussions about the topics.

Students worked together on the project by first selecting informational books from the library and deciding on  the most important information. Research was shared with students throughout the school and a poster was made and displayed in the cafeteria to help others select healthy foods.

Teacher Ann Currie was pleased we the students' efforts saying, "We can identify foods from the food pyramid and select healthy foods to put on our plates. We can identify  junk food and know that we need to limit that type of food."

Annual meeting showcases collaboration through BOCES

OCM BOCES' 2015 Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, April 1 at the McEvoy Education Campus in Cortland, NY. The meeting gives OCM BOCES the opportunity to educate its 23 component school districts about the high quality services it provides, while fulfilling the legal requirement of providing those districts with information about the BOCES budget, which goes to vote on April 20.

Prior to this year's meeting, attendees were treated to a fabulous gourmet meal and an assortment of delectable desserts prepared and served by Culinary Arts students. Colorful Dr. Seuss-themed centerpieces (pictured left), created by Special Education students, graced each table.

The meeting began with a welcome by OCM BOCES Board of Education President Ann Wright and District Superintendent Jody Manning. Prior to the presentation of the 2015-2016 budget, attendees had the opportunity to view a video about OCM BOCES that showcased component district students, teachers and staff, and an informative presentation regarding the benefit and future of embedded career and technical education programs.

For  details on the OCM BOCES budget process and its 2015-2016 budget, view and download the Initial Budget booklet online.

Children's Village to close in June 2015

Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM) BOCES recently informed impacted staff and families that its inclusive preschool program, Children’s Village, at East Syracuse-Minoa’s Park Hill School will close in June 2015 for financial reasons. The half-day program currently serves approximately 60 students with disabilities from various school districts in Central New York with a staff of 15 OCM BOCES employees.

The care day rate, set by the New York State Education Department, has not increased for OCM BOCES since the 2010-11 school year. Earlier this year, OCM BOCES administration met with the Onondaga County Executive’s Office to discuss the program’s financial situation and the need to close if additional funding was not made available.

“This difficult decision was made only after great deliberation,” said OCM BOCES District Superintendent Jody Manning. “Unfortunately, all of our program budgets needs to be self-sustaining and because of the stagnant rate of funding, this program could not do so. We are working to place all of our staff in new assignments and are readily available to help families find alternative appropriate programs for their children.”

The OCM BOCES Children’s Village Preschool Program at Park Hill Elementary School is one of only three BOCES preschool programs in New York state. All other BOCES preschool programs have previously closed for financial reasons.

Following is a list of preschool programs for students with special needs:

SPICE – Elmcrest Children’s Center (315/446-3220) 960 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse, NY 13224  

Enable – Exploring Your World (315/475-1382) 1603 Court Street, Syracuse, NY  13208

Jowonio School (315/445-4010) 3049 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13224


Liberty Post (315/425-1004) 1045 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203

Little Lukes (315/701-1107) 5820 Heritage Landing Drive, East Syracuse, NY 13057

Main Street Early Education Center (315/218-2200) 205 S. Main Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212


Onondaga Central Preschool (315/552-5070) 208 Rockwell Road, Nedrow, NY 13120

Students are back to school for the 2014-15 school year!

Thousands of OCM BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE), Special Education and Alternative Education students began their 2014-15 school year on Wednesday, September 3, 2014. Through its Student Services division, OCM BOCES provides programs and services for students of all ages and abilities.

Find out more about the variety of educational programs available for students through OCM BOCES by visiting our student programs section of our website.