2014-2015 OCM BOCES Annual Report now available

Committed to Your Success. Through its K-12 student programs, adult learning and literacy programs, and innovative training and services developed specifically to support the teachers and school districts of the Central New York region and beyond, Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES is working tirelessly to meet and surpass the educational needs of the communities it serves. The 2014-2015 OCM BOCES Annual Report is a brief snapshot of the many ways in which the organization is striving toward and accomplishing these goals. To view and download the report, click here.

Information Night to be held Dec. 9 for parents and students interested in Seven Valleys New Tech Academy

Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES will host an information night on Wednesday, December 9 at 6 p.m. for parents and students interested in learning more about Seven Valleys New Tech Academy, which will open in Cortland County in Fall 2016. The event will be held at the OCM BOCES Education Center - McEvoy Campus, 1710 NYS Route 13, Cortland, in Room 701 in the conference center behind the main building. Food will be provided.


The school will serve area high school students in grades 9-12, and will provide an innovative learning environment that aims to improve students' college and career readiness through project-based learning, collaborative workspace and technology. The school will also be a site for teacher training. Seven Valleys New Tech Academy will be located at 240 Port Watson Street, Cortland.



The school will accommodate 100 students and employ nine teachers and staff. Renovations of the building have commenced and are expected to be completed in July 2016. The school will feature modern classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, computers for all faculty and students, and a conference facility where teachers will come to learn about the school and project-based learning.


The creation of Seven Valleys New Tech Academy is OCM BOCES' latest step in its fulfillment of the Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career and Citizenship Readiness, a steadfast commitment to preparing students for their future as lifelong learners, as skilled workers or entrepreneurs, and as global citizens.


Seven Valleys New Tech Academy joins Innovation Tech High School, which OCM BOCES opened in Liverpool in 2014, as the first and only two New Tech schools in Central New York. New Tech schools are part of the New Tech Network, a non-profit organization that provides services and support nationwide to schools, districts and communities for developing public schools in which project-based learning is the primary instructional approach. Founded in Napa, California, in 1996, New Tech is made up approximately 175 schools in 28 states, China and Australia.


The New Tech Network and the CNY Regional Vision share three main tenets, which are "instruction that engages," "culture that empowers," and "technology that enables," a philosophy which strives to empower students with engaging instruction and real-world learning opportunities, while providing a collaborative, interactive, technology-based learning environment.

OCM BOCES to open Seven Valleys New Tech Academy in September 2016

Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES will open Seven Valleys New Tech Academy in Cortland County in Fall 2016, the organization announced this week. The creation of the school was announced last July.

The school will serve area high school students in grades 9-12, and will provide an innovative learning environment that aims to improve students’ college and career readiness through project-based learning, collaborative workspace and technology. The school will also be a site for teacher training. Seven Valleys New Tech Academy will be located at 240 Port Watson Street, Cortland.

“We are excited to bring this state-of-the-art learning environment to the students and educators of Cortland County,” says OCM BOCES Superintendent J. Francis Manning. “The school is the culmination of years of planning—with all of the school superintendents working together on the concept and planning. Businesses, too, are providing direction and connections to the real-world.”

The creation of Seven Valleys New Tech Academy is OCM BOCES’ latest step in its fulfillment of the Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career and Citizenship Readiness, a steadfast commitment to preparing students for their future as lifelong learners, as skilled workers or entrepreneurs, and as global citizens.

The school will accommodate 100 students and employ 9 teachers and staff. Renovations of the building have commenced and are expected to be completed in July 2016. The school will feature modern classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, computers for all faculty and students, and a conference facility where teachers will come to learn about the school and project-based learning.

Seven Valleys New Tech Academy joins Innovation Tech High School, which OCM BOCES opened in Liverpool in 2014, as the first and only two New Tech schools in Central New York. New Tech schools are part of the New Tech Network, a non-profit organization that provides services and support nationwide to schools, districts and communities for developing public schools in which project-based learning is the primary instructional approach. Founded in Napa, California, in 1996, New Tech is made up approximately 175 schools in 28 states, China and Australia.

The New Tech Network and the CNY Regional Vision share three main tenets, which are “instruction that engages,” “culture that empowers,” and “technology that enables,” a philosophy which strives to empower students with engaging instruction and real-world learning opportunities, while providing a collaborative, interactive, technology-based learning environment.

Greater CNY School Library System Annual Conference on November 18

The 2015 Greater CNY School Library System Annual Conference will be held Wednesday, November 18 at the Syracuse OnCenter (800 South State Street) in Syracuse. The event will feature keynote speaker Eric Sheninger as well as Shannon McClintock Miller as a featured speaker.

The event will run from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s conference carries the theme, “The Transformational Power of School Libraries,” and will host a variety of information sessions including critical thinking through coding, new tech tool kits, effective advocacy, digital leadership, engaging learners and much more. School librarian poster presentations, vendor tables and vendor presentations will also take place throughout the day.

Registration is open at https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15882&I=1821043.


Keynote Speaker: Eric Sheninger
Eric is a Senior Fellow and Thought Leader on Digital Leadership with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) and Scholastic Achievement Partners (SAP). He also maintains a presence as a practitioner by serving as the K-12 Director of Technology and Innovation in the Spotswood School District (NJ). Prior to this he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement. His work focuses on leading and learning in the digital age as a model for moving schools and districts forward. This has led to the formation of the Pillars of Digital Leadership, a framework for all educators to initiate sustainable change to transform school cultures. As a result Eric has emerged as an innovative leader, best-selling author, and sought after speaker. His main focus is the use of social media and technology as tools to facilitate student learning, improve communications with stakeholders, enhance public relations, create a positive brand presence, discover opportunity, transform learning spaces, and help educators grow professionally.

Featured Speaker: Shannon McClintock Miller
As a teacher librarian and technology integration specialist, Shannon speaks on education, librarianship, technology, social media, and making a difference in education and the lives of others. Shannon is the author of the award winning The Library Voice blog and serves on AASL Best Websites committee and STEM Task Force; advisory boards for Library Journal, Horn Book, and School Library Journal; School Library Monthly; Rosen Digital Library, StarWalk Kids board of advisors; EasyBib advisory board; BiblioNasium advisory board; eSchool Media advisory board; Canva Educational Advisors; and Gale K12 Customer advisory board. She is a FableVision Ambassador, Social Media WRADvocate for LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day and on the Board of Advisors for In This Together Media. She is part of the Bammy Awards Council of Peers. In 2014, Shannon was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker.

We know the vision: it's time for action!
Let's roll up our sleeves and get down to work.
Be sure to check back here for future information

About Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES
For more than 60 years, Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services (OCM BOCES) has provided a wide array of services for its 23 component school districts in Onondaga, Cortland and Madison counties, and the Syracuse City School District. Program offerings include career and technical education, special education, alternative education and workforce preparation for adults. Instructional support offers professional development, science kits, library services and related programs for teachers and administrators. Our administrative services division offers opportunities for school districts to save money by working together through financial services, including cooperative purchasing and business office support as well as a regional energy services program, providing large-scale purchasing of natural gas and electricity for more than 160 school districts and municipalities. OCM BOCES District Superintendent J. Francis Manning works closely with the component districts as a liaison to, and agent of, the New York State Commissioner of Education.

OCM BOCES Board of Education member to receive State School Board’s Top Award

Joan Reeves, president of the Baldwinsville Central School District Board of Education and a member of the OCM BOCES Board of Education, has won the 2015 Everett R. Dyer Award for Distinguished School Board Service. The award is the New York State School Boards Association’s (NYSSBA) highest honor for school board service and is presented annually to a current or former school board member in recognition of extraordinary service to public education and children.

Reeves has been a member of the Baldwinsville Central School District Board of Education since 1981, serving as vice president for 13 years and as president for six years. She has served on the OCM BOCES board since 2007.

“Joan has a tremendous record of board service with the Baldwinsville Central School District and OCM BOCES is honored to have her as a member for nearly a decade,” says Jody F. Manning, OCM BOCES District Superintendent. “Her many years of service illustrate the true commitment she has made to public education and providing the best opportunities for all students.”

As a Baldwinsville district board member, Reeves has served on 14 board committees, including those focused on long range planning, facilities, policy, insurance, transportation, auditing, sustainability, legislation and negotiations. At OCM BOCES, Reeves currently serves as the Chair of the Board Assessment/Retreat Committee and is a member of both the CTE Advisory Committee and the Superintendent Evaluation Committee.

“OCM BOCES and Joan’s 10 fellow board members are honored to have her as a very active member of their team and as a representative of students and districts throughout Central New York,” says OCM BOCES Board of Education President Ann Wright.

Reeves will receive the Distinguished School Board Service Award at NYSSBA’s annual convention in October. To read more about the award including past recipients, click here. To read more about Joan’s service at Baldwinsville, click here.

Adult Education Cosmetology students offer skincare education and analysis at NYS Fair

OCM BOCES Adult Education Cosmetology students Breanna Bell, Heather Dillman, Amanda Heisler (pictured), Daena Hurley and Brittany Zimmer partnered with the New York State Department of Health to educate New York State Fair attendees on the dangers of artificial tanning and provide free skin analyses to interested participants. Earlier this summer, the NYS Department of Health asked OCM BOCES Adult Education Cosmetology instructor Cindy Foran for experienced volunteers to provide these services from their booth at the Fair. To prepare, the five students attended webinars and training to learn how to operate the advanced skin analysis tools. Students tended the booth every weekday of the Fair and also had the opportunity to share information about OCM BOCES to interested fairgoers.

The Adult Education full-time certification program in Cosmetology is designed to prepare students for a career in the appearance enhancement field. Classes follow the New York state-approved curriculum required for taking the state licensing exams. The program offers students the opportunity to practice their skills during regular classes and clinics. An advanced placement option is also available to students who have already completed partial training. OCM BOCES students, under the supervision of their instructors, provide a full-service salon to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays. A nail clinic is available on Fridays only. Call (315) 453-4650 for more information.

More than 200 to graduate from Adult Education and Literacy programs

More than 200 adult graduates of OCM BOCES' adult education programs will be recognized for their accomplishments in the organization's annual Adult Education graduation ceremony to be held Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena (4585 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse). The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. The public and media are invited to attend.

Graduate Mamie Pinkston (pictured) will speak about her personal and educational struggles that led her to OCM BOCES. The Augusta, Georgia, native came to OCM BOCES in 2012 and, despite many obstacles, successfully completed the National External Diploma Program this year.

The following students are among those being recognized for their accomplishments:

Kailyn Aanonsen, Darius Adjei, Cory Anthony, James Antonacci, Andrew Babbitt, Paul Barbagallo, Damian Bartowski, Mieya Baxtron, Kristie Beaulieu, David Binet, Sarah Bivens, Amanda Braley, Chris Brothers, Rachelle Brown, Cathy Brown, Norman Bryant, Jaylon Butler, Ruth Cadwell, Anthony Camardella, Nicholas Carno, Brenda Casnave, Porcha Chairs, Alex Charland, Shantea Chatman, Jordanne Conklin, Brandon Conway, Nisa Cooper, Patrick Culeton, Dalton Curinga, Krystal Curry, Taylor Dahlin, Shantise Davis, Timothy Deblois, Joseph Demar, Douglas Dever, Landon Dietz, Spencer Dino, Christopher Dolce, Anja Donohgue, Miranda Edlin, Tammi English, Christophe Ennis, Donna Fairbrother, David Foley, Joseph Freitag, Kristina Gilman, John Giuseppetti, Joseph Goldthwait, Lori Goodall, Russell Gribnau, Cortny Hanke, Katelynn Hanson, Ieshia Hardy, Jericka Harke, Erica Hart, Tabatha Hemingway, Yolanda Hemphill, Jonathon Hess, Matthew Hilliker, Nicole Holder, Ashlee Hunt, Kathleen Hurry, Jonathan Hurst, Heather James, Kenneth Jamison, Magic Johnston, Wyatt Kaljeskie, Samantha Kastler, Karen Khammar, Brianna Kite, Larissa Knodel, Erik Kurz, Matthew Lagrow, Kara Lawn, Vicki Lawrence, Alissa Leeman, Samantha Lindgren, Brittany Lloyd, Sara Lopedito, Tyler Lowe, Katherine Lowengard, Brian Magruder, Aaron Malay, David Mallon, Valerie Marr, Phillip Mattiaccio, Robert McGregor, Quiana Mcmillan, Lisa Melendez, Stanley Memmelaar, Edith Mendoza, Travis Michaud, Michelle Mourey, Ashley Nguyen, William O'Donnell, Jesse Olcott, Tahisha Osbourne, Bobby Paige, Adam Partin, Brandi Pendergast, Michael Perry, Sonya Perun, Mamie Pinkston, Jake Pizzi, Kelsea Pop, Everett Presley, Jeffrey Proper, Christopher Prusinowski, Carlos Ramos, Megan Renicker, Chyna Robinson, Patrick Rogers, Justin Ryan, Albert Sanz, Liesl Schanz, Reed Schuster, Rebecca Scott, Michael Shelley, Bradley Short, Alexis Sincerbeaux, Stephanie Smith, Erin Soldo, Seth Spadter, Victoria Sparks, Genevieve Spencer, Mark Squadrito, Rachel Stanton, Ashley St. Denis, Anthony Sucapani, Chris Sweeney, Lenyka Sykes, Nicholas Thompson, Mike Tielbaard, Ben Turner, Jaquan Tyler, Benjamin Tyrrell, Michelle Valentino, Katherine Vassar, Kimberly Vitello, Steven Ward, James Warner, Denelle Waugh, Alicia Weaver, Joseph Wede, Shelby Wilkerson, Alethea Williams, Thompson Willson, Laura Young, Chyenne Youngs.

For more information about Adult Education full-time training programs, Continuing Education, Literacy programs or the annual graduation celebration, contact OCM BOCES at (315) 453-4400.