Emotional Intelligence: Why it Matters - Dr. Marc Brackett, Yale University, provides vital information to parents

On Tuesday, September 30 from 7:00 to 8:15pm at the Fayetteville-Manlius High School Auditorium, OCM BOCES will be playing host to Marc Brackett, Ph. D., director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence uses the power of emotions to create a more effective and compassionate society. 

Dr. Brackett will speak to parents and educators about the role of emotional intelligence in learning, decision making, relationship quality, and mental health, as well as the influences of emotional intelligence training on student and educator effectiveness, bullying prevention, and school climate. 

Marc also is working with Facebook on a large-scale research project designed to both prevent and decrease online bullying.

Click here to download the event flier.

Click here to visit the OCM BOCES Youth Development website.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for OCM BOCES Innovation Tech – the area’s first New Tech High School

On Wednesday, September, 17, OCM BOCES held a grand opening/ribbon cutting to present Innovation Tech, Central New York's FIRST New Tech High School, to the community.

Several people were on hand to help OCM BOCES celebrate the innovative new school to Central New York. Pictured: New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe helped OCM BOCES Board President Ann Wright and several Innovation Tech students cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Innovation Tech, created out of the recognition that students need to be prepared with 21st Century skills for life and work in our changing world, is the first of its kind in Central New York. Innovation Tech provides an empowering culture, with learning that is relevant, student-driven and embraces modern learning and the global environment in which we live. There are more than 130 New Tech schools in 23 states across the country.

“New Tech Schools are redefining secondary education,” said Jody Manning, district superintendent for OCM BOCES. “Students become self-directed learners who no longer depend on teachers and textbooks in search of a single, right answer. They use technology on a regular basis, not just for special projects.”

Innovation Tech is an important part of the Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career, and Citizenship Readiness. Our regional vision is founded on an uncompromising and relentless commitment to preparing students for college, career and citizenship – in other words, preparing students for their future. At the heart of our regional vision are three commitments: instruction that engages, culture that empowers, and technology that enables.

Click here to read the Eagle Star-Review article on Innovation Tech.

Visit the Innovation Tech website to learn more.

Students begin OCM BOCES Media Marketing Communications program at WCNY

This year, OCM BOCES is excited to welcome students in an exciting new program, an embedded CTE Media Marketing Communications program at WCNY.

OCM BOCES’ innovative, new, hands-on Media Marketing Communications program at WCNY will provide high school juniors and seniors with an in-depth overview of their field by placing them in an actual work environment outside of school.

Each day, students attend class at WCNY where they will work with WCNY professionals to learn, firsthand, the ins and outs of a public media company that operates across multiple platforms…TV, radio, print, web and social media. Students will be learning and working in studios, conference rooms and even a simulated city – all part of WCNY’s new Broadcast and Education Center.

Students in the OCM BOCES Media Marketing Communications class have the opportunity to earn up to 21 college credits through concurrent enrollment and/or college articulations.

During the previous school year, OCM BOCES began implementing embedded CTE programs in private businesses with a Physical Therapy program at Sports Center 481 and an Automotive Technology program at Driver’s Village.

When asked about the benefits of such a setup, OCM BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Colleen Viggiano, said, “It really is a win, win for the worksites and our students in that the companies have a chance to see the students at work and the students learn exactly what will be expected of them by being completely exposed to the industry.”

Students interested in exploring OCM BOCES Media Marketing Communications program at WCNY should talk to their high school guidance counselor or contact OCM BOCES Guidance Counselor at 315-433-2635.

Pictured above: On September 15, OCM BOCES held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their Media Marketing Communications program at WCNY.

Innovation Tech - CNY's first New Tech High School - has opened

OCM BOCES Innovation Tech – Central New York’s first New Tech High School ­– has opened its doors for the 2014-15 school year. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 10 a.m.

Innovation Tech, created out of the recognition that students need to be prepared with 21st Century skills for life and work in our changing world, is the first of its kind in Central New York. Innovation Tech provides an empowering culture, with learning that is relevant, student-driven and embraces modern learning and the global environment in which we live. There are more than 130 New Tech schools in 23 states across the country.


“New Tech Schools are redefining secondary education,” said Jody Manning, district superintendent for OCM BOCES. “Students become self-directed learners who no longer depend on teachers and textbooks in search of a single, right answer. They use technology on a regular basis, not just for special projects.”


Innovation Tech is an important part of the Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career, and Citizenship Readiness. Our regional vision is founded on an uncompromising and relentless commitment to preparing students for college, career and citizenship – in other words, preparing students for their future. At the heart of our regional vision are three commitments: instruction that engages, culture that empowers, and technology that enables.


Click here for more information about Innovation Tech.

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.