OCM BOCES Saddened by Tragic Events in CT

The terrible tragedy that occurred on Friday, December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut has created a tremendous sense of sadness and loss. It is a time when we hold our own children close while keeping the children, families and Newtown community in our thoughts and prayers.

Please be assured that keeping students and staff safe at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES is a high priority. Building level safety plans are in place. Visitors must sign in and out of the buildings. We have safety committees that are continually evaluating our safety plans, policies and procedures. We are committed to putting the safety of our students at the forefront of our daily work.

Children will have different responses to this tragedy; many may have questions or concerns about what they are hearing on the news. For your reference, we have provided links to information regarding what schools can do to help students during this time.

Please be aware that our staff at OCM BOCES will be available for any support that is needed during this difficult time. OCM BOCES remains firmly committed to the safety of our students and staff.

• President Obama speaks at the memorial service (text of speech)
• National Association of School Psychologists message
• Washington Post's Remembering the Victims page
• NAESP's Report to Parents about dealing with tragedy
• New York Times Learning Network's Student Opinion page (where students can write a message)
• Larry Ferlazzo's collection of resources about Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy
• Larry Ferlazzo's collection of resources for talking with children about tragedy

New York State Education Commissioner Visits OCM BOCES

On Wednesday, November 14, 2012, New York State Department Commissioner of Education Dr. John B. King, Jr. visited the OCM BOCES Irvin E. Henry Education Campus in Syracuse, NY. Dr. King, who was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ken Slentz, visited the OCM BOCES campus as part of a series of site visits to schools and other BOCES in Central New York. 

Dr. King and Deputy Commissioner Slentz met with OCM BOCES District Superintendent Mr. J. Francis Manning, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Colleen Viggiano, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services Jeff Craig and Chief Technology Officer Mike Fay, as well as Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES District Superintendent William Speck, and Oswego BOCES District Superintendent Christopher Todd. The Commissioner was interested in learning how the implementation of the Regents Reform Agenda, also know as Race To The Top, was proceeding in our area.

While at OCM BOCES, the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner had the opportunity to hear about various student programs and new projects that are taking place throughout the organization.  At the end the meeting, OCM BOCES Pastry Arts students’ Leah Simon and Alexa Mentel, both second year students with instructor Marilyn Davis, paid a visit to the group to discuss their education with BOCES.

Alexa, who is an OCM BOCES senior from the Liverpool Central School District, told the Commissioner about her “passion for pastry” having been cultivated at OCM BOCES. Alexa plans to attend Johnson and Wales in the future and hopes eventually to open her own bakery.

Leah, who is a student at the OCM BOCES Career Academy in Liverpool, is from the Tully Central School District. Leah told Dr. King that she appreciates the “hands-on” education that she has received at OCM BOCES and that the college visits her class has gone on helped her decide that she also wants to further her education in pastry arts at Johnson and Wales University.

Pictured: New York State Education Department Commissioner John B. King Jr. shakes hands with Leah Simon, a second-year OCM BOCES Pastry Arts student at the Irvin E. Henry. Pictured next to Leah is Alexa Mentel, another second-year Pastry Arts student; behind Commissioner King is Deputy Commissioner Ken Slentz; to Dr. King’s left is Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES District William Speck and seated in front of Dr. King is OCM BOCES District Superintendent J. Francis Manning.

McEvoy Education Campus Announces SkillsUSA Officers

The OCM BOCES McEvoy Education Campus in Cortland recently announced their SkillsUSA officers for the 2012-2013 school year. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school/college students preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations. The organization provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development and builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills.

The OCMBOCES McEvoy Skills USA officers for 2012-2013 are:

Seniors (Pictured in photo below):
President - Anthony Allen (Cincinnatus Central School District)
Vice President - Darien Ostrander (Cortland City School District)
Treasurer - Julie Dellow (Cortland City School District)
Secretary - Bethany Hall (Cortland City School District)
Reporter - Kayla Dingman (Cincinnatus Central School District)
Parliamentarian - Dylan Cochran (Homer Central School District)

Juniors (Pictured in above photo with OCM BOCES District Superintendent Jody Manning):
President - Kennedy Cook (Cortland City School District)
Vice President - Marjorie Torres (Marathon Central School District)
Treasurer - Tyrmaine Dugger (Cortland City School District)
Secretary - Bailey Potter (Cortland City School District)
Reporter - Kasey Price (Cincinnatus Central School District)
Parliamentarian - Irina Khrushch (Cortland City School District)

The first fundraising event of the year will be on October 11, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the McEvoy Education Center on NYS Rt 13.  Featured will be Submarine Sandwiches with chips and a beverage for $5.00.  Pre orders are welcome by calling 607-758-5270. 

McEvoy Campus Epicurean Club/SkillsUSA Submarine Sandwich Fundraiser on October 11, 2012

OCM BOCES’ SkillsUSA and Epicurean Club students from the McEvoy Education Campus will be holding a submarine sandwich fundraiser on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at their campus (1710 NYS Route 13) in Cortland. The dinner will take place from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with the money raised used to support the students in their upcoming occupational competitions for ProStart and SkillsUSA.  The cost for dinner is $5.00 and includes a submarine sandwich, chips and a beverage.

For more information, contact Kay Kraatz, OCM BOCES’ McEvoy Campus SkillsUSA Advisor at 607/758-5270.

Don't miss the 15th Annual SLS Fall Conference

On Tuesday, October 30, 2012, the OCM BOCES SLS (School Library System) in cooperation with the Oswego County BOCES SLS and the Syracuse City School District SLS will hold their 15th Annual Fall Conference. The event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel on Carrier Circle in East Syracuse.

The focus of this year's conference is a topic on every educators' mind: Common Core Learning Standards. The conference, entitled "The Common Core: School Librarian/Teacher Partnerships Leading Students to Success," will feature keynote speaker and workshop leader, Dr. Barbara Stripling, Assistant Professor of Practice at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies.

In her keynote address and workshop sessions, Stripling will discuss the role of the school librarian in relation to Common Core, suggest ways to collaborate around Common Core and offer leadership tools to participants. Stripling says, "Now is our time! School librarians can and must step into a leadership role to bring the Common Core to life in our schools. [At this conference, w]e will probe the answers to important questions about school librarian leadership and the Common Core."

For more information about or to register for the School Library Systems' 15th Annual Fall Conference, visit their website at http://www.ocmboces.org/teacherpage.cfm?teacher=1781.

Deaf Program Lemonade Stand Has Sweet Success for a Great Cause!

For the fourth year in a row, students in Lisa Austin’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing class at North Syracuse Junior High School, a part of OCM BOCES Special Education Summer School, created a lemonade stand to raise money for a great cause. During the summer program four years ago,  Ms. Austin was teaching her students about money and the importance of giving back and thought a lemonade stand would be a great way to teach students about both concepts.  After researching and finding several books on the topic, Austin came across the book Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand.

The book about giving back and helping others, tells about Alex Scott, a little girl with cancer who set up a lemonade stand to help doctors find a cure for the disease. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, now a national organization, has raised more than $30 million dollars in the fight against childhood cancer...part of that money coming from right here in Central New York.

Over the past four years, Austin’s OCM BOCES students have raised hundreds of dollars through their efforts, thanks to the generous support of the stand’s patrons. Austin is proud of the hard work her students did to promote and staff the stand, including making flyers and announcements and working various jobs and shifts at the stand. This year, the students and their lemonade stand were also featured on "Bridge Street," a local television show. Click here to view the video from the program.

Marilyn Burns Addresses Math Institute

Math Solutions founder, Marilyn Burns, made a special appearance at the OCM BOCES Network Team Math Solutions Institute. Marilyn has authored dozens of books, countless articles, and many resources for the teaching of mathematics. She addressed the Institute participants and other special guests on Friday, August 10th, on the OCM BOCES campus. Marilyn treated attendees to a close look at the Math Reasoning Inventory which is a free assessment tool that offers understanding about students’ reasoning abilities. The combination of her keen insight and experience, with a touch of humor, made for a special event and a great finale to the Institute.

The OCM BOCES Network Team Math Solutions Institute was three-day gathering of teachers of math from all of our districts. Focusing on the eight mathematical practices of the Common Core, participants learned how students best learn math and, therefore, how to best teach math. In the future, the OCM BOCES Network Team will provide support to districts as they change their teaching of math to be more aligned to best practices and the Common Core.

Pre-Kindergarten Students Participate in Their Own Olympic Games

Students in the OCM BOCES pre-kindergarten program at Children's Village (which is located at Parkhill Elementary School in the East Syracuse Minoa Central School District) celebrated an Olympic day on Friday, August 3rd. The students spent the week prior at school learning about the Olympic events and the history of the games. Emily Hunter, the classroom teacher, helped bring the lessons to life for the children by having them participate in a variety of Olympic events such as track and field (running, a torch relay, shot put and discus), gymnastics (balance beam, tumbling , and rings), bicycle races and soccer.  The Olympic fun day ended with a medal ceremony where each child was given a medal and a certificate for participating in the school's Olympics.

Jody F. Manning is new OCM BOCES District Superintendent

The Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services is very pleased to welcome Mr. Jody F. Manning as the new District Superintendent of Schools as of Wednesday, August 1st, 2012.

Mr. Manning formerly served as the Superintendent of Schools at the Solvay Union Free School District. He has served as a business administrator and district clerk, a grade level administrator, assistant principal and teacher.  He has also had experience as a summer school principal, adult education instructor and chaired a Superintendent’s Issue & Analysis Team.

Mr. Manning has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work and is a member of several professional educational organizations.  He has also participated in multiple professional development opportunities over the years.

Board President Ann Wright stated, “The OCM BOCES Board of Education enthusiastically welcomes Mr. Manning.  We look forward to working with him to continue to provide quality services for students, school districts and the CNY communities that OCM BOCES serves.”

Terri Wood of OCM BOCES McEvoy Educational Campus is Cortland Rotary Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Terri Wood, an OCM BOCES classroom teacher at the McEvoy Educational Campus in Cortland, for being named the 2012 Cortland Rotary Teacher of the Year.  Terri, who has been teaching for nearly 30 years, works with students that have multiple disabilities.

Terri has been commended for serving every student as an individual with her coworkers noting, “Whether the struggle is with paralysis, blindness, deafness, seizures, autism, or other significant cognitive deficits, Terri’s innovative, organized and supportive teaching has helped her students become successful adults in supported environments.”

Terri is dedicated to enhancing educational experiences for students at the McEvoy Educational Campus. She chairs the building committee to organize enrichment programs, coordinates the school’s annual spring show and year-end awards ceremony and oversees publication of the school yearbook. Terri also rallies staff to provide service-oriented, interactive community visits for students.
Terri is referred to as an educational leader who puts service above self.

Terri is pictured with former OCM BOCES District Superintendent Jessica F. Cohen.

Westhill Assistant Superintendent is OCM BOCES School Library System 2012 Administrator of the Year

Dr. Carol Ilacqua, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the Westhill Central School District, has been honored by the OCM BOCES School Library System as their 2012 Administrator/Advocate of the Year.  Dr. Ilacqua was nominated by several of her district’s librarians: Karin Backus, Beth Doolittle, Karen Fenner and Aneisa Linton. She was recognized at a reception held in the OCM BOCES Rodax 8 Conference Room.

The intention of the award is to honor an educational administrator or library advocate in the OCM region who has made significant contributions to school librarianship.

Dr. Ilacqua was chosen to receive the award for her professionalism and support of school library programs and services.  She is a former member of the SLS Council, a supporter of the PALS initiative, and encourages Project Based Learning by providing extensive training.

Carol’s coworkers value the support she provides to them, saying, “Carol is an active listener and when she hears a concern being voiced, works to find a solution. She is approachable and accessible to everyone in the district. Our staff regards her highly because she exhibits fair judgment and reason in any situation.”

She is also recognized for her ability to utilize technology to teach her peers.  Cited in her nomination, “Carol embraces technology, using her Blackboard site to post agendas and meeting minutes. By using this medium exclusively, she leads by example and creates a successful opportunity to use technology for those teachers that might otherwise be hesitant.”

For more information about the OCM BOCES School Library System or their Administrator/Advocate of the Year Award, visit their website at http://sls.ocmboces.org/.

NYS Superintendents Council commends Governor Cuomo for adding Jessica Cohen to Education Reform Commission

June 14, 2012 - The state Council of School Superintendents today commended Governor Andrew Cuomo for his addition of Jessica Cohen to the Education Reform Commission he established in April.

Dr. Cohen is retiring next month as District Superintendent of Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

Robert Reidy, Executive Director of the Superintendents Council, called her “a perfect choice.”

Reidy added, “Schools are going through a period of intense change now, with the implementation of new teacher and principal evaluation requirements, the transition to Common Core State Standards, and other Race to the Top initiatives. It is important for the Governor’s Commission to understand the effects of current state initiatives on schools as it considers new ones.”

Reidy went on, “Jessica is superbly qualified to give the other Commission members a sense of the demands educators and students are wrestling with right now.” He explained, “As a BOCES Superintendent, Jessica performs a dual role as chief executive of a regional school support agency, and as liaison between the Education Commissioner and Syracuse area school districts.” 

“Those two roles give her an exceptional grasp of both state policy and how it is affecting schools and students,” Reidy observed.

Click here to read the release from the New York State Council of School Superintendents.

Search Completed for New District Superintendent

The Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services is very pleased to announce that Mr. Jody F. Manning was appointed by the Board as the new District Superintendent of Schools at their June 6th meeting.

Mr. Manning currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools at the Solvay Union Free School District and has demonstrated extensive leadership experience throughout his career in education.  He has served as a business administrator and district clerk, a grade level administrator, assistant principal and teacher.  He has also had experience as a summer school principal, adult education instructor and chaired a Superintendent’s Issue & Analysis Team.

Mr. Manning is actively involved in his community, has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work and is a member of several professional educational organizations.  He has also participated in multiple professional development opportunities over the years.

The extensive search and selection process began in January and Mr. Manning was chosen by the Board as the final candidate from a pool of nine applicants.  He met with specific stakeholder groups, including component superintendents, BOCES administrators and both instructional and non-instructional staff.   Mr. Manning also met with the Commissioner of Education for the purpose of a final interview and assessment of his qualifications and experience.  That interview was completed and the Commissioner communicated his approval of Mr. Manning’s proposed appointment.

Mr. Manning will assume the position of District Superintendent on August 1, 2012.

Board President Ann Wright stated, “The OCM BOCES Board of Education enthusiastically welcomes Mr. Manning.  We are looking forward to working with him to continue to provide quality services for students, school districts and the CNY communities that OCM BOCES serves.”

Click here to read the article on Syracuse.com.

Former OCM BOCES District Superintendent Named Education Leader of the Year

Congratulations to (former) OCM BOCES District Superintendent, Dr. Jessica F. Cohen, for having been named Education Leader of the Year by the Partners for Education and Business (PEB,) an affiliate of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association of Central New York. Dr. Cohen was presented with the award at PEB’s 2012 Annual Meeting on May 22 at a ceremony at the MOST (Museum of Science and Technology) in downtown Syracuse.

PEB presents their Education Leader of the Year award annually to a person who demonstrates a quality of leadership that results in positive outcomes for student achievement and in preparing students for their future careers.

Among the many reasons Dr. Cohen was selected for the award, PEB cites her dedication to improving the quality of education, commitment to public support and ability to build good employee relations among teachers and staff. PEB Executive Director, Joseph C. Vargo said, 
“We are pleased to recognize Dr. Jessica Cohen for her commitment to youth and the needs of employers in our region. Dr. Cohen’s prior appointments as an Educational Consultant, School Psychologist and Director of School Improvement Services have helped to form the virtues that can mean the difference between an average and an inspired education experience.”

Dr. Cohen was the District Superintendent for OCM BOCES from 2003 until her retirement on July 31, 2012.

Adult Graduates' Stories Featured in Local Media

Graduates of OCM BOCES Syracuse-area adult literacy programs were recently featured in the Syracuse Post Standard in an article entitled "True equivalency: Adult wisdom evens out teenage mistakes." To read the online version of the article, click on the link.

Pictured are Reggie Dennis (right) and Fred Gustina (left,) two of the featured speakers at the OCM BOCES 29th Annual Adult Literacy Celebration at The Palace Theatre.

Syracuse-Area Adult Literacy Celebration - May 23

Next Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 7:00 pm, OCM BOCES will hold its 29th Annual (Syracuse-area) Literacy Celebration and program graduation at the Palace Theatre (2384 James Street) in Syracuse. Nearly 200 graduates of the OCM BOCES GED, External Diploma and other literacy programs have been invited to attend and be recognized for their accomplishments.

Testimonials illustrating their personal, educational struggles prior to coming to OCM BOCES, will be given by three student graduates, Fred Gustina, Reggie Dennis and Melissa Doris. OCM BOCES ESL student Sadija Selimovic, who recently received her United States Citizenship, will give the Pledge of Allegiance. The Altamont Program, part of the Peter Young Housing, Industries and Treatment program, will be recognized as the OCM BOCES 2012 “Partner in Literacy”.

The public and media are invited to attend this celebration. For more information on the 29th Annual Adult Literacy Celebration, contact OCM BOCES Adult and Continuing Education Program at 315-453-4466.

Laboratory Technology Students Support Local Charity

On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, OCM BOCES students from the Laboratory Technology Program at the Irvin E. Henry Campus in Syracuse delivered approximately 135 pounds of “pop tabs” to the Ronald McDonald House of Central New York. The tabs were collected during the group’s seven-month campus wide effort with all Career and Technical Education (CTE) students.

Earlier in the school year, the students were learning about recycling and reducing as part of their science curriculum and decided to do some recycling of their own for a good cause. In October, the students began collecting pop tabs to support the charity. Ronald McDonald Houses collect pop tabs instead of whole aluminum cans as a way of raising funds for their centers. After the Ronald McDonald house collects tabs, they are brought to local recycling centers, where they are weighed to determine the value. The recycling center then sends the charity a check for the value of the tabs.

 The Laboratory Technology students involved in the collection efforts brought the donations to the Ronald McDonald house and also performed a variety of community service projects while they were there. Some of the tasks that the students completed at the home included helping to clean the kitchen, reorganizing the pantry and vacuuming hallways in the house.

Three OCM BOCES Students Place in State SkillsUSA Competition

Alexandra Puglisi

The New York State SkillsUSA competition, “Champions at Work,” recently took place at the New York State Fairgrounds. More than 2,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from across New York State, including many from the OCM BOCES Henry Campus in Syracuse and McEvoy Educational Campus in Cortland, came together to compete in performance and written contests in areas such as culinary arts, cosmetology, construction and welding.

Three students from OCM BOCES earned medals in their individual competitions. Those students are:
Ryan McArdell (1st place in Automotive Refinishing) – Ryan is a senior OCM BOCES Automotive Collision Technology student from the Baldwinsville Central School District. By placing first, Ryan qualifies to compete in the National SkillsUSA competition.

Alexandra (Alex) Puglisi (2nd place in Commercial Baking) – Alex is a senior OCM BOCES Pastry Arts student from the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District.

Christian Seyerle (3rd place in Criminal Justice) – Christian is a senior OCM BOCES Criminal Justice student from the Marathon Central School District.

SkillsUSA is a national organization serving high school and college students preparing for careers in technical and service occupations. The organization provides quality educational experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. SkillsUSA offers annual regional, state and national competitions through which CTE students vie against each other for the competition’s top honors, scholarships and prizes of tools for their trades.
Other students from OCM BOCES that competed in the New York State SkillsUSA competition are:

Anthony Allen, junior Culinary Arts student from the DeRuyter Central School District;

Richard Allen, senior Automotive Technology student from the North Syracuse Central School District;

Tim Bachner, senior Culinary Arts student from the North Syracuse Central School District;

Christine Beckhusen, junior Pastry Arts student from the North Syracuse Central School District;

Maya Bey, junior Cosmetology student from the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District;

Shawn Bocyck, senior Laboratory Technology student from the Baldwinsville Central School District;

Nicole Bulles, senior Medical Professions student from the North Syracuse Central School District;

William (Buddy) Chasteen, junior Culinary Arts student from the Solvay Union Free School District;

Lacey Crane, junior Culinary Arts student from the Cincinnatus Central School District;

Ashley Dening, senior Graphic Communications student from the West Genesee Central School District;

Tyler Dennison, senior Automotive Technology student from the Cortland Enlarged City School District;

Kaitie Duguid, senior Laboratory Technology student from the Liverpool Central School District;

Mackenzie Edinger, senior Graphic Communications student from the Tully Central School District;

Sam Hall, senior Culinary Arts student from the Cortland Enlarged City School District;

Jessica Hosner, senior Culinary Arts student from the North Syracuse Central School District;

Megan Howard, junior Health Occupations Technology student from the Cortland Enlarged City School District;

Nikki Hunter, senior Early Childhood Education student from the West Genesee Central School District;

Shaun Lamphear, senior Medical Professions student from the Chittenango Central School District;

Sam Martin, senior Culinary Arts student from the North Syracuse Central School District;

Samantha McMahon, senior Graphic Communications Technology student from the Marathon Central School District;

Darian Meggesto, senior Medical Professions student from the West Genesee Central School District;

Alexa Mentel, junior Pastry Arts student from the Liverpool Central School District;

Brian Metzger, senior Pastry Arts student from the Liverpool Central School District;

Nick Nolan, senior Automotive Technology student from the Baldwinsville Central School District;

Darien Ostrander, junior Culinary Arts student from the Cortland Enlarged City School District;

Michelle Price, senior Culinary Arts student from the North Syracuse Central School District;

Kaia Reynolds, junior Automotive Technology student from the Baldwinsville Central School District;

Danaysia Rucker, junior Cosmetology student from the North Syracuse Central School District;

David VanSlyke, senior Computer Technology student from the Baldwinsville Central School District; and

Carlie Willson, junior Cosmetology student from the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District.

Congratulations to all OCM BOCES students for a job well done!

For more information about OCM BOCES Career and Technical Education Programs, contact Robert Leslie at 315/431-8407.

OCM BOCES Students Compete in State SkillsUSA Competition

The New York State SkillsUSA competition, “Champions at Work,” took place on Thursday, April 26 and Friday, April 27 at the New York State Fairgrounds.


SkillsUSA is a national organization serving high school and college students preparing for careers in technical and service occupations. The organization provides quality educational experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. SkillsUSA offers annual regional, state and national competitions through which CTE students vie against each other for the competition’s top honors, scholarships and prizes of tools for their trades.

For more information about OCM BOCES Career and Technical Education Programs, contact Robert Leslie at 315/431-8407.

OCM BOCES Responds to State Comptroller’s Report on the Cost-Effectiveness of BOCES Non-Instructional Services

On April 20, the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report on the findings of their audit of the Cost-Effectiveness of Non-Instructional Services for New York State Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). The Comptroller’s audit included four BOCES in Central New York – Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM BOCES), Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery, Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego, and Oneida-Herkimer-Madison.

While the Comptroller’s audit found “that BOCES’ costs for non-instructional services are generally higher than the costs districts would pay if they performed the services themselves,” it is clear that the audit does not tell the whole story regarding the cost-effectiveness to districts. In many cases, the services that were compared were not the same as the services that were received by the districts through BOCES. In other cases, the comparison of cost-effectiveness did not take into account the overall cost of the services to the district and the savings received.

In one instance cited by the Comptroller’s audit of a program costing more, the district actually saved money. When looking at the participation of the Cortland Enlarged City School District in the BOCES Food Service Management Program, the Comptroller indicated that the district’s participation cost them $27,000 more through BOCES. However, prior to joining the service, the Cortland Enlarged City School District was incurring a deficit in their food service programs of approximately $70,000 in 2008-09 and $19,000 in 2009-10, that was reduced through the use of the service. In 2010-11, the service had a $4,564 profit. The Comptroller’s audit does not take this deficit into account and instead cites the difference in cost of just the salaries and benefits.

Cortland Enlarged City School District Superintendent Laurence Spring said, “Prior to utilizing the OCM BOCES Food Management Service, our District was operating a program that was running a significant deficit which was costing our taxpayers money. Through our participation in the OCM BOCES service, we were able to reduce the burden on our taxpayers and are more efficiently providing a cafeteria program to our students by sharing with other school districts.”

OCM BOCES District Superintendent Jessica F. Cohen said, “Despite the audit’s findings, we firmly believe that the BOCES approach to the development of services is cost-effective, saves taxpayer dollars before BOCES aid, and is consistent with the needs of our component school districts. It is disheartening that in this time when districts need to be exploring consolidation as a way of doing business, this report may discourage the very thing that should be happening.”

The Comptroller’s audit cites two additional instances where OCM BOCES non-instructional services resulted in higher costs to districts serviced. In both instances, the cost comparisons were made using different types and varied levels of services.

OCM BOCES Board of Education President V. Ann Wright also commented on the Comptroller’s report, “The goal of the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES is to offer high quality programs and services to school districts. We believe that there is significant evidence that this is done in a cost-effective manner before aid. We will continue to review our programs to ensure that they are provided to districts both effectively and cost-efficiently.”

Spring Recess is April 9-13

Reminder: The OCM BOCES Spring Recess is from April 9-13.

In September, the Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES Board of Education approved changing the April break to April 9-13 due to the state’s last-minute scheduling of the English Language Arts assessment during the same week as the originally scheduled Spring Recess.

To view the 2011-2012 OCM BOCES school calendar, go to http://www.ocmboces.org/tfiles/folder1051/2011-2012%20School%20Calendar.pdf

OCM BOCES to Offer High School Welding Program at McEvoy Campus

This fall, high school students in the southern area of Central New York will have the option of learning a new type of career as part of their high school curriculum. Through its Career and Technical Education Programs, the OCM BOCES McEvoy Educational Campus (serving the Districts of Cincinnatus, Cortland City, DeRuyter, Fabius-Pompey, Homer, Marathon, McGraw and Tully) will begin offering two-year Welding Technology Program for high school juniors and seniors in September of 2012.

In Central New York, there is currently a high demand for welders. Students completing this OCM BOCES program will become industry certified, providing them with the knowledge and technical skills to prepare them for positions as entry-level welders or advanced placement in post-secondary education.
Skilled Welding Technicians have multiple job options and are a vital link in the manufacturing, construction and facilities maintenance industry.  The OCM BOCES Welding Technology program teaches students many different welding processes including arc welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, brazing and soldering, as well as cutting, heat-treating and metallurgy.

Students will gain knowledge of electrical systems, power sources and different welding technologies, as well as the use and interpretation of visual symbols related to welding.  The Welding Technology program includes technical math and science, welding print interpretation and measurement.
For more information about the OCM BOCES Welding Technology program, students can talk to their school guidance counselor or call the OCM BOCES McEvoy Educational Campus Guidance Office at (607) 758-5261.

Pictured: Earlier in March, nine students from the Fabius-Pompey, Homer and McGraw School Districts came to OCM BOCES to learn about a new welding program that will be offered at the their McEvoy Educational Campus starting in the Fall of 2012. Students had the opportunity to hear about the program, learn about college welding programs and career opportunities available and even try out the trade.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at McEvoy Campus - March 28

OCM BOCES’ SkillsUSA and Epicurean Club students from the McEvoy Education Campus will be holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 on their campus (1710 NYS Route 13) in Cortland. The dinner will take place from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM with the money raised used to support the students in their upcoming occupational competitions for ProStart and SkillsUSA.  The cost for dinner is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors (65 and over) and $4.00 for children (12 and under).

For more information, contact Kay Kraatz, OCM BOCES’ McEvoy Campus SkillsUSA Advisor at 607/758-5140.

Cosmetology Students Hit the Runway for A Walk to Remember Hair Show

On Monday, March 12, 2012 OCM BOCES senior cosmetology students from the Irvin E. Henry Campus hosted the "A Walk to Remember" competitive hair show at Barbagallo’s Restaurant in East Syracuse.

Senior cosmetology students competed in five categories and were  judged by the Cosmetology Community Advisory Board in the categories of Big Hair with a Flair, Fantasy, Vintage Hollywood, In the Jungle and Masquerade. Students competed by designing and creating hairstyles, makeup and clothing choices using their fellow students as models. The model students were then judged by walking a runway.


Following is how the students placed in each category:

Big Hair With a Flair
1st Place - Cecelia St. Andrew from Solvay High School (design modeled by Jessica Copp from Liverpool High School)
2nd Place - Brianna Popps from West Genesee High School (design modeled by Elise Walker from West Genesee High School)
3rd Place - Elise Walker from West Genesee High School (design modeled by Brianna Popps from West Genesee High School)
4th Place - Aimee Burgess from Solvay High School (design modeled by Cecelia St. Andrew from Solvay High School)

Vintage Hollywood
1st Place - Emily Carter from Liverpool High School (design modeled by Braylee Knittel from Liverpool High School)
2nd Place - Chelsea Clarkson from Baker High School (design modeled by Jessica Messina from Westhill High School)
3rd Place - Keely Wilcox from Chittenango High School (design modeled by Cassandra Westcott from Cicero-North Syracuse High School)
4th Place - Cassandra Westcott from Cicero-North Syracuse High School (design modeled by Keely Wilcox from Chittenango High School)

Additional Category Entrants
Marisa Haskell from Cicero-North Syracuse High School (design modeled by Chelsea Maitland from West Genesee High School)
Nafeesa Jenkins from Baker High School (design modeled by Hailey Harding from Baker High School)
Braylee Knittel from Liverpool High School (design modeled by Emily Carter from Liverpool High School)
Carly Reikes from Liverpool High School (design modeled by Justine Zajac from Cicero-North Syracuse High School)
Alexa Speach from Cicero-North Syracuse High School (design modeled by Alexandra Gitzen from Baker High School)
Jessica Viola from Westhill High School (design modeled by Teresa Onoff from Westhill High School)
Justine Zajac from Cicero-North Syracuse High School (design modeled by Carly Reikes from Liverpool High School)

In The Jungle
1st Place - Ashley Curcie from Liverpool High School (design modeled by Alexandria DiMartino from Liverpool High School)
2nd Place - Chelsey Williams from Cicero-North Syracuse High School (design modeled by Tiffany Elsworth from Cicero-North Syracuse High School)
3rd Place - Teresa Onoff from Westhill High School (design modeled by Jessica Viola from Westhill High School)
4th Place - Alexandria DiMartino from Liverpool High School (design modeled by Ashley Curcie from Liverpool High School)

Additional Category Entrants
Kylie Barrett from Chittenango High School (design modeled by Ollisha Crenshaw from Cicero-North Syracuse High School)
Heather Case from Chittenango High School (design modeled by Kaitlyn Hawkinson from Liverpool High School)
Ollisha Crenshaw from Cicero-North Syracuse High School (design modeled by Kylie Barrett from Chittenango High School)
Kailyn Crysler from Liverpool High School (design modeled by Christina Guindy from Marcellus High School)
Alexandra Gitzen from Baker High School (design modeled by Alexa Speach from Cicero-North Syracuse High School)
Christina Guindy from Marcellus High School (design modeled by Kailyn Crysler from Liverpool High School)
Kaitlyn Hawkinson from Liverpool High School (design modeled by Heather Case from Chittenango High School)

Fantasy
1st Place - Haley Harding from Baker High School (design modeled by Nafeesa Jenkins from Baker High School)
2nd Place - Elizabeth Zaluzhny from Baker High School (design modeled by Owen Freeley from Baker High School)
3rd Place - Tiffany Elsworth from Cicero-North Syracuse High School (design modeled by Chelsey Williams from Cicero-North Syracuse High School)
4th Place - Jessica Messina from Westhill High School (design modeled by Chelsea Clarkson from Baker High School)

Additional Category Entrants
Jessica Copp from Liverpool High School (design modeled by Aimee Burgess from Solvay High School)
Own Freeley from Baker High School (design modeled by Elizabeth Zaluzhny from Baker High School)
Allison Hughes from LaFayette High School (design modeled by Karli Kott from LaFayette High School)
Karli Kott from LaFayette High School (design modeled by Allison Hughes from LaFayette High School)
Samantha Schwarz from Baker High School (design modeled by Jennifer Moore from Baker High School)

Masquerade 
1st Place - Summer LaPointe from West Genesee High School (design modeled by Catherine Commisso from West Genesee High School)
2nd Place - Brianna Martin from Cazenovia High School (design modeled by Cassandra Rolls from Cicero-North Syracuse High School)
3rd Place - Morgan Miller from Baker High School (design modeled by Caitlin Kurilovitch from Baker High School)
4th Place - Kori Gray from Marcellus High School (design modeled by Selena Salatti from Marcellus High School)

Additional Category Entrants
Alissa Austin from Fayetteville-Manlius High School (design modeled by Mindi McArdell from Baker High School)
Catherine Commisso from West Genesee High School (design modeled by Summer LaPointe from West Genesee High School)
Caitlin Kurilovitch from Baker High School (design modeled by Morgan Miller from Baker High School)
Chelsea Maitland from West Genesee High School (design modeled by Marissa Haskell from Cicero-North Syracuse High School)
Mindi McArdell from Baker High School (design modeled by Alissa Austin from Fayetteville-Manlius High School)
Jennifer Moore from Baker High School (design modeled by Leanna Warner from Cicero-North Syracuse High School)
Cassandra Rolls from Cicero-North Syracuse High School (design modeled by Brianna Martin from Cazenovia High School)
Selina Salatti from Marcellus High School (design modeled by Kori Gray from Marcellus High School)
Leanna Warner from Cicero-North Syracuse High School (design modeled by Jennifer Moore from Baker High School)





For more information, please contact Annemarie Morabito, OCM BOCES Cosmetology Instructor at 431-8508.

OCM BOCES Teacher Marc Cizenski Selected as Mission US Educator of the Year

Pictured: OCM BOCES REACH teacher Marc Cizenski
with a student from the
program in September of 2010

Congratulations to Marc Cizenski, an OCM BOCES alternative education teacher, for having been selected as Mission US Educator of the Year! New York Public Media recently named Cizenski, a classroom teacher for the OCM BOCES REACH program in Liverpool, as the National Mission US Educator of the Year. The award is in recognition of Cizenski’s outstanding efforts to use the innovative multimedia resource to enrich the teaching of American history with students in his classroom and educators across the state.

Mission US is a series of free role-playing games developed to transform the way middle school students learn U.S. history. The second game in the series, "Flight to Freedom," launched January 24, 2012, and immerses learners in the experiences of a runaway slave in the years before the Civil War. The first game mission, "For Crown or Colony?" launched in September 2010, and immerses players in the world of 1770 Boston before the American Revolution. The games, together with a rich variety of supplemental resources for students and teachers, are available at www.mission-us.org. Mission US is produced by public television station THIRTEEN in association with WNET and is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting with additional support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

"We're thrilled to honor Marc Cizenski as our National Mission US Educator of the Year," said Jill Peters, Executive Producer. "Not only has he developed innovative and inspiring classroom activities around the game, but he is also a vocal and enthusiastic advocate for its use among his colleagues statewide."

"When I was first introduced to Mission US by my principal, it seemed too good to be true," said Mr. Cizenski. "My students have had the opportunity to make the history of America come to life, through the eyes of people their own age. As an educator at an alternative school, 'Flight to Freedom' and 'For Crown or Colony?' have been extremely encouraging – my students are truly excited to be learning."
Mr. Cizenski was chosen as National Mission US Educator of the Year from among six finalists across the country. He will appear with the Mission US team on a panel about how scholarship, technology, and active learning are combining to bring American History to life at WNET's annual Celebration of Teaching & Learning in New York City on March 16, 2012.

Mr. Cizenski was nominated for the national award through his selection as local Mission US Educator of the Year by WCNY, Syracuse's local public television station. WCNY received a special grant from THIRTEEN to conduct in-depth educator outreach and professional development around the effective integration of Mission US into the classroom and curriculum.

Mission US has been developed to get middle school students to care about U.S. history by seeing it through the eyes of peers from the past. All of the Mission US games use state-of-the-art gaming technology combined with standards-aligned curriculum concepts to engage and appeal to today's tech-savvy 21st century learners.

In 2011, Education Development Center (EDC) completed a major research study examining the use of Mission US by 1,118 seventh and eighth grade students in 50 schools across the country. The study found measurable gains in students' historical knowledge and skills, and yielded positive feedback from teachers. A summary of the study's key findings is available at cpb.org/features/missionus. Mission US is also a featured project of CPB's "American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen" initiative to combat the nation's dropout crisis.

Mission US is produced by THIRTEEN in association with WNET. Sandra Sheppard, THIRTEEN's director of Children's & Educational Media, is the executive-in-charge. Jill Peters serves as executive producer, with Michelle Chen, coordinating producer. Christopher Czajka, senior director of educational and community outreach, oversees national outreach for Mission US. The Mission US development team includes historians from the American Social History Project at CUNY, researchers from Education Development Center's Center for Children and Technology, and game developers from Electric Funstuff. Outreach partners are the National Council for the Social Studies, the American Library Association/American Association of School Librarians.

About WNET
New York's WNET is America's flagship public media outlet, bringing quality arts, education and public affairs programming to over 5 million viewers each week. The parent company of public television stations THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Need to Know, Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley and a range of documentaries,  children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online.  Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Noah Comprende and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJ Today and the new online newsmagazine MetroFocus.

About CPB
CPB, a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting.  It helps support the operation of more than 1,300 locally-owned and operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services.

Additional funding for Mission US is provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Website: www.mission-us.org Facebook: facebook.com/missionus Twitter: @mission_us
SOURCE THIRTEEN/WNET

OCM BOCES Dignity Act Resources

New York's Dignity for All Students Act, known now as The Dignity Act, takes effect on July 1, 2012. The law focuses on the elimination of discrimination and harassment which includes but is not limited to bullying. OCM BOCES will assist districts with their compliance and implementation of the law via training, technical assistance, and resources.

The Dignity Act amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others, and dignity to include:  an awareness and sensitivity to people based on different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity or expression, and sex.

The Dignity Act also amended Section 2801 of the Education Law, instructing Boards of Education to include language in the codes of conduct to comply with The Dignity Act.  The code of conduct must be amended to reflect the prohibition of discrimination and harassment of students by students or staff – in age appropriate plain language. 

NYSED will provide sample policy, sample code of conduct (definition of terms), guidelines for implementation, curriculum ideas, a rubric to assess level of implementation and compliance, and requirements for professional development for the Dignity Act Coordinator and all staff. 

One dignity act coordinator per school will be identified and specifically trained in issues related to bullying, harassment and discrimination. This person will coordinate efforts in the building related to DASA compliance. The Title IX Coordinator for the district should also receive specialized training. 

The Dignity Act and Uniform Violent Incident Reporting:  Reporting will be done under the same system that currently allows for the reporting of Violent and Disruptive Incidents, though incidents reportable under the Dignity Act will not impact a School’s Violence Impact unless they also fall under a Violent and Disruptive Incident category.

160 Adult Students Graduate From OCM BOCES Syracuse Area Training Programs – Wednesday, February 15, 2012

On Wednesday, February 15 OCM BOCES celebrated the accomplishments of our adult students completing training in our health-related occupations, office technology, technical computer, cosmetology careers, and trade and technical programs. Approximately 160 students graduated from these programs.

This year, the family of the late Kurt Schmeling, an adult HVAC teacher for OCM BOCES that passed away this past November, wss on hand at the ceremony to accept a certificate of appreciation for a newly created scholarship in Kurt’s memory. The scholarship provides $500 a year to deserving students pursuing training in the HVAC field. Donations to the scholarship are being made by Kurt’s family, as well as a variety of organizations with which Kurt was affiliated.

For more information about OCM BOCES adult education programs, contact Joanne Flood, Coordinator of Continuing Education at 315-453-4420.

OCM BOCES’ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Kicks-off Syracuse Crunch Game by Signing “National Anthem” at February 10, 2012 Game

On Friday, February 10, students from the OCM BOCES Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program and students from the Solvay Middle School chorus sang and signed the National Anthem at the Syracuse Crunch hockey game against the Hershey Bears.

Over the past several years, OCM BOCES has developed a strong relationship with the Syracuse Crunch hockey team and for the past seven years, students from the OCM BOCES Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program have been invited to sign the National Anthem prior to one game each year.

For more information about the OCM BOCES Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program or their appearance at the Syracuse Crunch hockey game, please contact Jeffrey Wilson, Special Education Administrator at 315/488-9034.

Cazenovia Team Takes Top Honors in Academic Decathlon

On Saturday, January 28, 2012, students from the Cazenovia, Liverpool, North Syracuse, Tully, West Genesee and Westhill school districts competed in the 2012 sectional competition of the United States Academic Decathlon sponsored by OCM BOCES. The decathlon, held at Westhill High School, started with a written test, followed by a "super quiz," where students answered questions in front of an audience.

This year, the team from Cazenovia took home the top prize, followed by West Genesee and North Syracuse. Those teams will advance to the New York State Competition on March 9th and 10th at Onondaga Community College. The 31st Annual National USAD Competition will be held from April 25-28 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.



Since it began as a local academic competition in California in 1968, the United State Academic Decathlon has grown to become an international event. The local Academic Decathlon is coordinated by the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES. Students in ninth through twelfth grades comprise district teams of three “A” students (Honors), three “B” students (Scholastic), and three “C” students (Varsity).  The Academic Decathlon promotes well roundedness by providing competition for each team in several events.  The students take objective tests in art, music, language and literature, social science, mathematics, and economics.

Congratulations to all teams and their coaches on a great job!
Pictured below is the team from Cazenovia.

OCM BOCES to Co-Host Financial Aid Awareness Night at McEvoy Campus

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, OCM BOCES and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) will co-host a Financial Aid Awareness Night at the OCM BOCES McEvoy Educational Campus (1710 NYS Route 13) in Cortland. From 6:00 – 7:00 PM, financial aid representatives from TC3 will provide an overview of the financial aid process and from 7:00 – 8:00 PM, parents and students will be able to complete the financial aid forms (FAFSA) with guidance from the school’s financial aid representatives.

Registration is required for the 7:00 – 8:00 PM session to ensure computer availability. Please RSVP by calling 607/758-5238 or emailing ccolasurdo@ocmboces.org.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little Videoconferences from CNYRIC

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012, the OCM BOCES Central New York Regional Information Center (CNYRIC) had the exciting opportunity to host Floyd Little, Pro Football Hall of Fame and former Syracuse University running back for two videoconference sessions. Floyd Little presented his “Heart of Hall of Famer” series via videoconference from the CNYRIC to 6th – 12th grade students from districts across the United States, including Onondaga Central, right here in Central New York. Students heard about Little's accomplishments on and off the football field and had a chance to ask questions of the Hall of Famer.

OCM BOCES Sponsoring Sectional-Level Academic Decathlon at Westhill High School – Saturday, January 28, 2012

Students from six local school districts participating

On Saturday, January 28, 2012, approximately 50-60 students from the Cazenovia, Liverpool, North Syracuse, Tully, West Genesee and Westhill school districts will compete in the 2012 sectional competition of the United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) at Westhill High School (4501 Onondaga Boulevard) in Syracuse. The theme of this year’s event is The Age of Empire. The Decathlon will begin at 8:30 AM, with students engaging in a series of paper and pencil tests through 1:00 PM. At 1:40PM, the “Super Quiz” (oral relay) portion of the Decathlon will commence, with students responding to questions in front of an audience. The Awards Ceremony will be held following the Super Quiz.

The two highest scoring teams will advance to the New York State Competition on March 9 and 10 at Onondaga Community College. The 31st Annual National USAD Competition will be held from April 25-28 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Since it began as a local academic competition in California in 1968, the United State Academic Decathlon has grown to become an international event. The local Academic Decathlon is coordinated by the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES.  Students in ninth through twelfth grades will comprise district teams of three “A” students (Honors), three “B” students (Scholastic), and three “C” students (Varsity).  The Academic Decathlon promotes well roundedness by providing competition for each team in several events.  The students will take objective tests in art, music, language and literature, social science, mathematics, and economics. They will also participate in a “Super Quiz”, which consists of an individual written test followed by a team oral relay conducted before an audience. For 2011 - 2012 the Super Quiz topic is “The Age of Imperialism”.

For more information about the 2012 sectional level Academic Decathlon at Westhill High School, call Steve Saya, OCM BOCES’ Coordinator of Educational Services and Academic Decathlon Sectional Coordinator, at 315/431-8598.

Participants and coaches are:

Cazenovia – Coaches: Christie Brenneck and Martin Kelly 

Contestants: Danielle Axelson, Maxwell Blair, Avery Stone-Fish, Robert Louis, David Martellock, Samuel Medbury, Darren Mihaich and Kyle Polhamu. Alternates:  Kilian Crowley, Ganli Demyttenaere, Hannah Gravelding and Riley Lloyd.

Cicero-North Syracuse – Coach: Theresa Rice

Contestants: Anna Bruzgulis, Aine Evangelista, Edwina Kisanga, Christopher Pavente, Eric Perdew, Michael Renz, Kevin Shane and Dylan Werts. Alternates:  Nathan Clapper and Mahdi Mere. 

Liverpool – Coach: Daryl Burrer
Contestants: Rob Clark, Jay Godzwon, Nate LeClair, Lawrence Nguyen, Raj Patel, Nick Price, Matt Rose and Mercedes Siddiqui. Alternates:  Susie Lu.


Tully – Coach: Eufemia Gallipeau
Contestants: Leo Doody, Jon Dudley, Ashley Evans, Zoe Guttendorf, Sarah Hafler, Zach Kennedy, Phil Lipsky, Schuyler McGregor and Marcus Warner.

West Genesee – Coach: Scott Duda
Contestants: Ken Brill, Andrew Fordyce, Lindsay Grome, Kristina Konfederat, Megan Nolan, Alex Pompo, Mike Richards, Jerry Roy and Emma Ryan. Alternates: Lauren Brieant, Callie Campbell, John Lisi, Megan Petty, Tatyana Shakhov and Dakota White.

Westhill – Coaches: Nancy Rein and Sarah Fleming
Contestants: Rachel Berry, Aidan Kelly, Alex Mevec, Alex Mrozek, Jordan Roach, Jenny Root, Emily Scholl and Juliana Thompson.  Alternates:  Molly Clark, Chandler Loyd, Elizabeth Meluni and Anatasia Useva.