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.

OCM BOCES program receives PEB Partnership of the Year award; Four students receive Student of the Year nominations

The Media Marketing Communications program at Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services (OCM BOCES) received the Partnership of the Year Award from Partnership for Education and Business, Inc. (PEB) at the organization's Annual Awards ceremony held June 10 at Le Moyne College. Additionally, four OCM BOCES students, Kimberly Cusson (Culinary Arts), Alizabeth Knout (Health Occupations), Hunter Moore (Graphic Communications) and Kristin Rogers (Laboratory Technology) were recognized at the event for receiving prestigious Student of the Year nominations.

L-R: Debbie Stack, Director of Education and Community Engagement, WCNY Public Broadcasting; Colleen Viggiano, Assistant Superintendent, OCM BOCES; Phil Grome, Director of CTE, OCM BOCES; Michael Kaminski, OCC Instructor/Department Co-Chair Electronic Media Communications

The PEB Partnership of the Year award is given to successful partnerships that have clear and well-understood goals, are committed to continuous improvement, are characterized by curriculum which integrates academic and workplace skills, and demonstrates the partnership’s effectiveness through documentation of outcomes. The Media Marketing Communications Program is a partnership between OCM BOCES, WCNY, and Onondaga Community College. There are currently 10 students in the program, which began at the start of the school year in September 2014.

The two-year program offers a rigorous high school and college level of study that pairs hands-on learning in a real world setting at WCNY, Central New York’s public media organization. WCNY’s Broadcast and Education Center serves as a 21st century classroom for students under the instructional guidance of OCM BOCES, Onondaga Community College and WCNY professionals. In this course, students work alongside WCNY staff on projects across TV, social media, radio, web and print platforms, learning firsthand the fundamentals of the work of broadcast media, marketing and communications.

L-R: Kristin Rogers, Alizabeth Knout, Hunter Moore (not pictured: Kimberly Cusson)

Another integral component of the program is the dual credit courses offered through Onondaga Community College, where students begin building their transcript by taking college courses on-site with college instructors. Students are also eligible to earn a Career & Technical Education Endorsement on their diploma by successfully passing an industry-based technical assessment.

“The awards are intended to increase the quality and effectiveness of school/business partnership activity in the CNY region in order to enhance the career preparation of our students," says PEB Executive Director Joe Vargo. "At the same time, the awards provide an opportunity to recognize the level of commitment that many schools and businesses share for the benefit of youth in our community."

PEB’s Partnership of the Year Award has been a traditional part of PEB’s awards for more than 20 years.  PEB was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1993, one of its original programs was the “Adopt-a-School” program—a partnership between local businesses and organizations and schools within the Syracuse City School District.  For more information about PEB, visit their website, macny.org/partnersforeducationbusiness.aspx. For more information about OCM BOCES, visit ocmboces.org.

OCM BOCES to open Cortland County New Tech high school in Fall 2016

The Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services (OCM BOCES) will open a New Tech high school in Cortland County in September 2016. 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 serve to equip teachers with resources that facilitate the creation of engaging curriculums with relevance to the needs of the 21st century. The new school, which has not yet been named, will be located at 240 Port Watson Street, Cortland.

“Not only will this be a school for students, but it will also be a place where teachers from all OCM BOCES districts will come to learn about project-based learning and innovative practices,” says OCM BOCES Superintendent J. Francis Manning.

There are currently more than 150 New Tech schools in 29 states across the country. This new school will join Innovation Tech High School, which OCM BOCES opened in Liverpool last fall, as the first and only two New Tech schools in Central New York.

Manning recently invited local school district leaders and local business partners together to the OCM BOCES McEvoy campus to discuss the Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career and Citizenship Readiness and ways in which both groups can collaborate and work together to provide engaging projects, shadowing opportunities, and internships for students that will be attending the new school. Cortland business leaders provided input and guidance about which employee skills and attributes would most benefit their organizations and the Cortland community.

The Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career and Citizenship Readiness represents a steadfast commitment to preparing students for their future as lifelong learners, as skilled workers or entrepreneurs, and as global citizens.

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.

STARS student awarded bronze medal in competitive art exhibition

Megan Kinney, an OCM BOCES STARS student and a junior at Westhill High School, was recently awarded a bronze medal for her three-dimensional artwork in the 43rd Annual Teenage Competitive Art Exhibition at Syracuse's Community Folk Art Center.

Megan received her honor at the exhibit's opening ceremony held on Saturday, May 30. Her creation, "Pumpkin," was on display with the exhibit through June 13.

"Megan has excelled as an art student and is planning on pursing art in college ... possibly at a two-year college first and then transferring," says Pam McNabb, Megan's art teacher in the STARS program.

Megan has been a student in the OCM BOCES STARS program for the past two years. She is pictured at the May 30 exhibit opening with her parents, Emmett and Tammy. Congratulations and great job, Megan!

BOCES Reach students hold cultural celebration at Wegmans

On Friday, June 5, students and staff in the OCM BOCES Reach program partnered with Wegmans in Liverpool to present a cultural celebration in the store's restaurant cafe. Students worked groups of seven, each responsible for presenting a different country. The project tied together the students' work from their social studies, health and English language arts classes.

In social studies, students were learning about immigration and the "push" and "pull" factors for people coming to America from different countries. In ELA, students had been researching the social, economical, and political situations during different
immigration periods. In health class, students were learning about nutrition. Staff at the school decided to use the opportunity to partner with Wegmans for a cultural celebration as a way of showcasing their work.

Each group analyzed primary sources and created a presentation on the country they chose to study. For the celebration, staff at Wegmans provided food samples for each country, which were presented with the corresponding country's student-created display, and given out free of charge to attendees.

"It was a great opportunity to partner with Wegmans so that students could really get a taste of what they were learning," says Reach program social studies teacher Marc Cizenski. "China had chicken and broccoli, Italy had linguine with sauce, Germany had spaetzle, Poland had pierogi, and Ireland had shepherd's pie.  It was truly an amazing event. Wegmans was absolutely outstanding and our students did a great job."

265 CNY high school students earn NYS CTE endorsement

More than 250 students from the 23 component school districts of Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES have earned the distinction of receiving a New York State Career and Technical Education (CTE) Endorsement on their 2015 high school diploma. Earning a CTE Endorsement is considered a distinction of honor. Having achieved the designation demonstrates a student’s academic strength and signifies their readiness to enter the workforce or enroll in college.

“Earning a CTE endorsement is a complex process, requiring a student’s excellence in their field of study, as the tests are developed according to industry standards and the endorsement signifies that students have attained the necessary entry-level technical skills,” says OCM BOCES District Superintendent Jody Manning.  “In New York state, students who wish to earn a CTE Endorsement must meet rigorous requirements, including passing nationally recognized tests in their field of study.”

Students must take and pass both written and performance exams, which can be norm-based, requiring students to achieve higher scores than are typically accepted for passage. Performance exams are observed and scored by field experts not affiliated with the educational institution.

Students who pass the test demonstrate competence in their specific trade area and their readiness to meet the high standards of employment, or entrance into a secondary education program, in their field of study. To achieve the endorsement, students must also meet a number of additional standards including: passing their CTE course, completing approved work-based learning experiences, passing national assessments, completing 22 graduation credits, achieving passing grades on five Regents exams (or approved alternatives) and meeting all high school graduation requirements.

The following is a complete listing, by school district, of the 265 students who earned CTE endorsements this year. Their OCM BOCES program of study is listed in parentheses.

Baldwinsville Central School District: Fay Coffey (Physical Therapy), Kevin Collins (Computer Technology), Joseph Fiorini (Automotive Collision), Timothy Floess (Graphic Communications Technology), Eva Korczakowski (Cosmetology), Melissa Kraus (Early Childhood Education), Destinee Luciano (Cosmetology), Skyler Lyons (Culinary Arts), Meghan McVicker-Lagoe (Physical Therapy), Frank Mento (Automotive Technology), Samantha Nieciecki (Cosmetology), Connor Oakes (Laboratory Technology), Timofey Ososkalo (Construction Technology), Lucas Phillips (Culinary Arts), Clinton Pierce (Automotive Technology), Andreana Reed (Culinary Arts) and Skye Stevenson (Cosmetology).

Cazenovia Central School District: Seamus Ahern (Pastry Arts), Holly Eberle (Culinary Arts), Caitlin Goodfellow (Culinary Arts) and Margaret Hodinger (Cosmetology).

Chittenango Central School District: Matthew Bixby (Automotive Technology), John Doris (Automotive Collision), Jacob Fair (Laboratory Technology), Jacob Fields (Culinary Arts), Lucas Fuller (Graphic Communications Technology), Ronald Kingsley (Automotive Technology), Anthony Lozipone (Culinary Arts), Alexander Miller (Automotive Technology), Kenneth Misercola (Automotive Technology), Grace Nicholas (Health Occupations), Ashley Price (Cosmetology), Ericka Stanhope (Health Occupations), Christopher Stastny (Automotive Collision), Cody Stucker (Automotive Collision), Mikayla Switzer (Culinary Arts), Delvin Williams (Culinary Arts) and Brandon Zaccanelli (Graphic Communications Technology).

Cincinnatus Central School District: Melanie Cass (Cosmetology), William Farrow (New Vision Environmental Science), Kylee Gardner (Cosmetology), Chelsea Gerrard (Health Occupations Technology), Keaton Hotaling (Welding Technology), Madison Knickerbocker (New Vision Environmental Science), Daniel Ludwig (New Vision Environmental Science), Collin McKee (Welding Technology), Matthew Monroe (Automotive Collision Technology), Sydney Sherman (Welding Technology), Jeffrey Stith (Welding Technology), Dalton Sudbrink (Welding Technology) and Dylan Teichert (Automotive Collision Technology).

Cortland Enlarged City School District: Sherida Artis (Health Occupations Technology), Shaniqua Artis (Health Occupations Technology), Chace Bentley (Construction Technology), Hannah Blanchard (Cosmetology), Chelsea Breed (New Vision Medical Professions), Brooke Campbell (New Vision Medical Professions), Caitlin Donahue (Cosmetology), Zack Felix (Computer Technology), Kenna Hartmann (New Vision Medical Professions), Kasey Kabanuk (New Vision Environmental Science), Alizabeth Knout (Health Occupations Technology), Bogdan Kostiv (Welding Technology), Lyudmila Levitskaya (New Vision Medical Professions), Rebecca Mathewson (Health Occupations Technology), Danielle Mathewson (Health Occupations), Deirdre Monroe (Cosmetology), Hunter Moore (Graphic Communications), Nicole Nichol (Health Occupations) Gavin Overbaugh (Automotive Technology), Logan Root (Automotive Technology), Joshua Rzepka (Graphic Communications),  Nikolai Tubbs (New Vision Environmental Science), Patrick Turner (Automotive Technology), Samantha Underwood (Health Occupations), Andrew Wheelock (Automotive Technology), Justin Wing (Computer Technology), Kaleb Wingard (New Vision Environmental Science), and Ryan Woodin (Automotive Collision).

DeRuyter Central School District: Michael Booth (Automotive Technology) Jack DeCicco (Automotive Technology), Jack Fink (New Vision Environmental Science), Cory Marshall (Construction Technology), Travis Newton (Automotive Collision), Courtney Randall (New Vision Medical Professions), Veronica Stanton (Health Occupations), Zachary Way (Construction Technology), Zachary Wheeler (Automotive Technology), Daniel Wood (New Vision Environmental Science) and David Zinn (Automotive Technology).

East Syracuse Minoa Central School District: Dante Clapp (Graphic Communications).

Fabius-Pompey Central School District: Evan Ambrose (Welding Technology), Myranda Belge (Cosmetology), Megan Cash (New Vision Medical Professions), Hunter Clark (Automotive Technology), JeriAnn Eccleston (Health Occupations), Christopher Geariety (Automotive Collision), Andrew Hawley (Automotive Technology), Nathan Perry (Automotive Technology), George Schmid (Automotive Technology) and Austin Vadala (Automotive Technology).

Homer Central School District: Brett Barden (Welding Technology), Nathaniel Bishop (Welding Technology), McKenzie Brown (New Vision Environmental Science), Hiland Bush (New Vision Medical Professions), Randall Carew (Construction Technology), Harley Casterline (Automotive Collision), Robert Conger (Welding Technology), Sarah Covey (New Vision Environmental Science), Lucia Ferro (New Vision Environmental Science), Lauren Fisher (Culinary Arts), Vincent Fittanto (Computer Technology), Damon Ford (Automotive Collision Technology), Grace Gugerty (New Vision Environmental Science), Marc Harris (Computer Technology), Kiersten Hawks (New Vision Medical Professions), Charlotte Hollenbeck (Automotive Technology), Bridget Hulbert (Automotive Technology), Colton Hulbert (Health Occupations), William Loiselle (Graphic Communications), Aaron Loveless (Construction Technology), Amara Potts (Cosmetology), Tyler Purvis (Automotive Technology), Ashley Reid (Construction Technology), Gage Root (Automotive Technology), Eric Rowley (Automotive Collision), Cody Rowley (Automotive Collision), Cameron Sallis (Computer Technology), Samantha Sechrist (Health Occupations), Brittany Slater (Health Occupations), Mackenzie Vandee (Cosmetology), Brian Welch (Computer Technology), Taylar Williams (New Vision Medical Professions) and Kurtis Wothe (Computer Technology).

Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District: Nyree Mitchell (Health Occupations) and Tajanay Tearney (Health Occupations).

LaFayette Central School District: Brett Koons (Automotive Technology).

Liverpool Central School District: Alex Alessi (Culinary Arts), Brooke Barber (Career Academy Laboratory Technology), Ambrielle Beaudion (Cosmetology), Kennedy Bell (Cosmetology), Maria Brennan (Early Childhood Education), Chelsea Daniels (Health Occupations), Najala Davis (Health Occupations), Bryan Doran (Automotive Technology), Ashanti Dorsey (Cosmetology), Tyler Farley (Automotive Technology), Terrill Graham (Automotive Technology), Brendon Granger (Automotive Technology), Andrew Hazard (Career Academy Culinary Arts), Hunter Hiltbrand (Automotive Technology), Dominique LaRose (Pastry Arts), Garrett LeBlanc (Automotive Technology), Matthew Morrow (Automotive Technology), Hannah Northrop (Cosmetology), Marissa Pate (Culinary Arts), Linda Perry (Health Occupations), Kathleen Smith (Automotive Technology), Alexander Temple (Automotive Technology), Marie Vassallo (Cosmetology).

Marathon Central School District: Loyd Barker (Automotive Collision), Annamarie Bell (Cosmetology), Liam Chilson (Welding Technology), Katelyn Collins (Health Occupations), Marissa Emeigh (Cosmetology), Cera Henninger (Graphic Communications),  Curtis Ingrahm (Cosmetology), Tyler James (Welding Technology), Taylor Larrabee (Cosmetology), Bailey McCarthy (Health Occupations), Joseph Monroe (New Vision Medical Professions), Jerralynn Vogt (Cosmetology), Matthew Williams (New Vision Medical Professions) and Dayna West (Health Occupations).

Marcellus Central School District: Juliana Beratta (Cosmetology), Corey Cabrinha (Computer Technology), Gabrielle Coon (Pastry Arts), Kelsey Crysler (Health Occupations), Brooke Guernsey (New Vision Medical Professions), Alexandra Henry (Cosmetology), Joshua Kianka (Automotive Technology), Kayla Lader (Health Occupations), Matthew Morgan (New Vision Environmental Science), Alexis Nightingale-Stevens (Graphic Communications), Trayton Tanudjaja (New Vision Environmental Science), Joseph Thompson (Computer Technology), Jules Vanhelsdingen (Laboratory Technology) and Kaelee Waldref (Cosmetology).

McGraw Central School District: Taylor Bush (Health Occupations), Zoe Foster (Cosmetology), David Harvey (Automotive Technology), Jessica Newby (Cosmetology), Levi Parks (Automotive Collision), Cody Reome (Automotive Technology) and Dylan Thompson (Automotive Collision).

Onondaga Central School District: Elizabeth Murray (Cosmetology), James Otis (Welding Technology) and Jade Towne (Cosmetology).

North Syracuse Central School District: Isack Alvarado (Automotive Technology), Sarah Amato (Pastry Arts), Rachel Andreson (Health Occupations), William Austin (Culinary Arts), Austin Bailey (Graphic Communications), Brianna Beeles (Cosmetology), Matthew Caraher (Automotive Collision), Devin Coelho (Graphic Communications), Ryan Colon (Automotive Collision), Kachelah Flournory (Physical Therapy), Sarah Fogarty (Cosmetology), Nathan Gardner (Culinary Arts), Megan Gorman (Cosmetology), Dylan Hemingway (Graphic Communications), Louis Hickman (Automotive Technology), Anthony Ingalls (Culinary Arts), Corey Kenyon (Computer Technology), MacKenzie Lanaux (Laboratory Technology), Christopher Manger (Culinary Arts), Bradley Murphy (Automotive Technology), Benjamin Nelson (Pastry Arts), Brevin Nicholson (Automotive Technology), Olivia Orlando (Pastry Arts), Alicia Paul (Culinary Arts), Sidney Perks (Pastry Arts), Kristin Rogers (Laboratory Technology), Ian Saunders (Computer Technology), Zachary Smith (Laboratory Technology), Morgan Solak (Cosmetology), Jessica Sorbello (Health Occupations), Felicity Stevens (Health Occupations), Kaylee Taylor (Cosmetology), Jonathan Wicker (Laboratory Technology) and Benjamin Zellar (Culinary Arts).

Solvay Union Free School District: Joseph Barton (Laboratory Technology), Natosha Black (Cosmetology), Sierra Hassett (Health Occupations), Daniel Heinley (Graphic Communications), Brian Salvetti (Automotive Collision), Loren Scripa (Pastry Arts), Chelsea Stinson (Cosmetology) and Miya VanFossen (Cosmetology).

Tully Central School District: Matthew Amidon (Automotive Technology), Samuel Bernstein (Computer Technology), Jeffrey Cota (Automotive Technology), Ashley DuVall (Health Occupations), Lawrence Hayes (Construction Technology), Kyle Hoke (New Vision Environmental Science), Zachary Kays (Automotive Technology), Anthony Negrete (Construction Technology), Montana Patriarco (Computer Technology), Mackenzie Prince (New Vision Medical Professions), Matthew Quinlan (Construction Technology), Ashlie Schaber (Cosmetology), Taylor Soderholm (Cosmetology), Katie Spaulding (Graphic Communications), Jacob Stanton (Construction Technology) and Caitlynn Taylor (Health Occupations).

West Genesee Central School District: Celina Carrasquillo (Health Occupations), Jacob Clark (Automotive Collision), Jonathan Colombo (Automotive Collision), Taylor DelMoral (Cosmetology), Lisa Hall (Cosmetology), Lauren Kerr (Cosmetology), Chiarra Krafft (Cosmetology), Trista Kuhn (Construction Technology), Ryan Ledec (Culinary Arts), Jocalyn Renshaw (Cosmetology), Emily Stevens (Cosmetology) and Angela White (Graphic Communications).

Westhill Central School District: Shannon Conley (Early Childhood Education), Jada Cousins (Early Childhood Education), Olivia Flanders (Cosmetology) and Veniamin Ososkalo (Construction Technology).

OCM BOCES Regional Summer School Programs begin July 8

OCM BOCES 2015 Regional Summer School programs at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, Cortland Jr./Sr. High School, Fayetteville-Manlius Wellwood Middle School and West Genesee High School are taking place this summer beginning (for students) Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

Click here for additional information about OCM BOCES Regional Summer School programs.

CNY educators are invited to attend free English Language Learner Symposium July 20-22

Associate commissioner for the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages will keynote, address new state regulations

This summer, educators and administrators across Central and Northern New York are invited to attend, free of charge, the English-Language Learner (ELL) Symposium, aimed to provide relevant, research-based information to help them better serve New York state’s English-language learner population. This year’s event, titled "Planning for Today's Diverse Learners," will be held July 20-22 at Indian River High School, 32925 US Rt. 11, Philadelphia, NY. It will feature informational breakout sessions designed to expose teachers to scaffolding and differentiation and content area partnerships with ESOL teachers, provide valuable insight regarding ELLs, and impart tips for successful home-school communications.

"The conference offers the unique opportunity for both small and large districts to come together to learn, share, understand, and discuss areas of best practices for all diverse learners, CR-Part 154 regulations, and to offer guidance in creating a district plan to meet the needs of our English language learners and to support their families," says Barbara Zehr, director of ESOL and principal of Philadelphia Primary School in the Indian River Central School District. "We are excited to present this first time event; it is one that no educator will want to miss."

Angelica M. Infante-Green, associate commissioner for the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages at the New York State Education Department, will keynote the symposium on July 21 and discuss the new state regulations. Breakout sessions will provide attendees with the opportunity to delve further into the regulations and ask questions. The event will also provide opportunities for district administrators to gather information as they work toward individual creation of ELL plans in their own districts.

"The ELL Symposium will be an incredible professional development experience for educators and administrators in Central and Northern New York to learn about changes to the regulations that impact our English-language learners, as well as to engage participants in learning opportunities and discussions on how to better meet the needs of our region's culturally and linguistically diverse students," says Tanya Rosado-Barringer, coordinator of the Mid-State Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network (RBERN) at Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM) BOCES.

Additional conference keynote speakers include Jacqueline LeRoy, Instructional Specialist for the Office of English as a Second Language, Bilingual Education and World Languages in the Syracuse City School District; Maria Motalvo-Balbed, ASCD faculty member, Director of ELL programs for Metro RESA in Atlanta, Ga., and an education consultant with expertise in the area of culturally relevant education for linguistically and culturally diverse populations.

Registration and additional conference details are available by clicking here.

The symposium material, aligned with the new ELL requirements, is presented through the Indian River Central School District, Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES, Mid-State RBERN and OCM BOCES. The conference is free to all attendees through the generous support of the Indian River Central School District, Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Rosetta Stone Education, ELLevation and Mid-State RBERN at OCM BOCES.

OCM BOCES Youth Development presents summer professional development opportunities

As of January 2015, Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers need to earn 36 hours of approved professional development every 3 years.  OCM BOCES is now a NYS Education Department Division of Social Work approved provider.  If School Districts are supporting this opportunity for their Social Workers, then the district can run the classes through a CoSer.  There is also an opportunity for individuals to pay for classes themselves through an online registration system.

We are proud to offer the following approved professional development opportunities this summer for LMSWs and LCSWs: 

Effects of Trauma on Brain Development will take place on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the OCM BOCES Rodax 8 Small Conference Room. This course will provide an overview of the neurological changes associated with trauma.  Participants will identify which parts of the brain are affected by trauma, and how this manifests in symptomatic behaviors.  This course will also explore best practices in Trauma Informed Care.  The main focus of the course will be integrating Trauma Informed Practice into participants work and interactions with children.

To register for the Effects of Trauma on Brain Development workshop with a purchase order, click here: http://bit.ly/MLP1837771

To register for the Effects of Trauma on Brain Development workshop with a credit card, click here: http://bit.ly/ID-2705

CoDependency & Boundaries will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 from 12:30 – 2:30 in the OCM BOCES Rodax 8 Small Conference Room. Through this course, participants will be able to
understand the power of setting boundaries, how to set boundaries, and how critical boundary setting is in recovering from codependency.

To register for the CoDependency & Boundaries workshop with a purchase order, click here: http://bit.ly/MLP1838590

To register for the CoDependency & Boundaries workshop with a credit card, click here: http://bit.ly/ID-2707

ADHD & Substance Abuse will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the OCM BOCES Rodax 8 Small Conference Room. Through this course, participants will gain a better understanding of ADHD, the relationship between ADHD and Substance Use Disorders (SUD’s), the functional impairments associated with comorbid ADHD and SUD’s and how treatment
can affect the relationship between ADHD and SUD’s.

To register for the ADHD & Substance Abuse workshop with a purchase order, click here: http://bit.ly/MLP1838616

To register for the ADHD & Substance Abuse workshop with a credit card, click here: http://bit.ly/ID-2713

Cortland Alternative School students share stories to increase awareness about mental illness

Throughout the past year and a half, some OCM BOCES students at the Cortland Alternative School (CAS) have been participating in a unique and productive group at the direction of CAS Counselor, Sue Sperger. The group, called “SOS” (Sharing Our Stories,) was created with the goal of increasing awareness about mental illness and de-stigmatizing help-seeking behavior.

The students wanted young people to know that it is okay to ask for help. To address the issue, group members went to nearby schools in Cortland County and told their stories to their peers in Health classes. While each young person's story was different, there was one common theme of HOPE. Group members shared their struggles with the advice that no matter how tough life can get, there is always someone you can lean on who won’t judge you. 

After taking time to present their stories, the students handed out cards with their phone numbers in order for the other students to reach out for help. They also gave out bracelets with the saying “WE ARE ALL HUMAN” to serve as a reminder to the others that it is always okay to ask for help.

The following students were involved with the SOS group:

• Brandon Slamp – Homer High School
   
• Ian Petrie – Homer High School
   
• Joe Vasick – Cincinnatus High School
   
• Tanner Armstrong – Cincinnatus High School
   
• Kayleigh Toole – Tully High School
   
• Tanner Ensign – Marathon High School

Great job!

Congratulations to our retirees!

At the end of each school year, we take a moment to congratulate all of our OCM BOCES colleagues who are retiring or have retired in the past year and to thank them for their dedication and commitment to our students, districts, clients and community. We wish them well in their retirement and any new adventures that may await them.

Following is a listing of these valued colleagues with their departments and years of service.

Marie Ariola, Principal of CTE at McEvoy (7/20/90 - 5/15/15)

Cynthia Baker, Teaching Assistant at Children's Village (3/22/82 - 6/26/15)

Lisa Baker, Teaching Assistant at Liverpool High School (12/4/00 - 11/30/14)

Maryrose Balloni, Physical Education Teacher at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center (7/3/03 - 6/24/15)

Judy Berlew, Teaching Assistant at Homer High School (9/1/86 - 6/30/15)

Joseph Catalano, Science Teacher at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center (9/1/87 - 6/30/15)

Elizabeth Cosentino, Control Clerk at Central New York Regional Information Center (1/27/92 - 4/17/15)

Pamela Craig McNabb, Art Teacher at St. Cecilia's (8/3/81 - 6/30/15)

Pamela Dearstine, Systems Consultant at Central New York Regional Information Center (11/19/03 - 6/26/15)

Mary DeMatteo-Vitale, Teacher of the Deaf at Solvay (9/1/87 - 6/30/15)

Nancy DiNiro, Teacher of the Deaf at Solvay Middle School (9/1/98 - 6/30/15)

Sarah Discenza, Teaching Assistant at Homer High School (2/10/04 - 6/30/15)

Dennis Doyle, CTE Construction/Carpentry Teacher at Henry Campus (9/1/87 - 6/30/15)

Ann Elliott, Speech Therapist at Children's Village (9/1/84 - 6/26/15)

Rosemary Emmons, LAN Technical Support Specialist at Central New York Regional Information Center (11/13/85 - 6/26/15)

Valerie Finney, Occupational Therapist at Kasson Road School (11/2/98 - 9/30/14)

Linda Horton-Cook, Assistant Director of Adult Education at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center TC (3/21/05 - 6/30/15)

Patricia Katz, Literacy Teacher at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center (5/13/91 - 6/24/15)

Wendy MacLachlan, Teaching Assistant (9/1/92 - 6/24/15)

Carole Marascalchi, Speech Therapist at Children's Village (9/1/85 - 6/26/15)

Darlene McCann, Personnel Aide at Administration Building (9/3/02 - 6/26/15)

Stephen Nagen, Data Center Help Desk Supervisor at Central New York Regional Information Center (7/23/79 - 4/29/15)

Roland Nortman, Teaching Assistant Interpreter at Solvay Middle School (3/19/90 - 6/28/15)

Karen Sayers, Diversified Work Study Coordinator at McEvoy (9/30/85 - 6/30/15)

Nancy Slominski, CTE Home Economics Teacher at Henry Campus (9/1/76 - 6/30/15)

Richard Stevens, Teaching Assistant at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center (7/1/04 - 12/23/14)

Deborah Vibbard, Special Education Teacher at McEvoy (9/1/93 - 6/30/15)

Diane Warren, Teaching Assistant at Solvay Middle School (2/7/89 - 1/12/15)

JoAnn Wojcik, Teaching Assistant at Children's Village (9/1/79 - 6/26/15)

LuAnn Young, Teaching Assistant at Children's Village (9/1/00 - 6/26/15)

OCM BOCES School Library System honors two with 2015 Administrator/Advocate of the Year award

On Wednesday, May 13, 2015, OCM BOCES presented their 2015 School Library System Administrator/Advocate of the Year award to two deserving individuals; Mary Curcio, Superintendent for the McGraw Central School District and Debra Sitnik-Casavant, teacher collaboration advocate with the Solvay Union Free School District.

The award is presented annually to an educational administrator/library advocate the OCM (Onondaga, Cortland, Madison) region who has made significant contributions to school librarianship.

Mary Curcio (pictured above), who was nominated for the award by School Librarian Geoff Hinman, is recognized for her efforts to support and grow her district’s school library program by bridging budget shortfalls through innovative grants and by providing a vision for the transformation of the library program from a traditional model towards a program that is integrated with the student learning process. Under Ms. Curcio’s leadership the district has been able to support full-time librarian and half-time reading specialist and library aide positions by procuring funds through various grants over the past two years.

Ms. Curcio also requested that the librarian serve on the district’s curriculum and technology advisory councils. “Making a concerted effort to place the librarian on these two committees demonstrates a vision that the librarian should be an integral part of the shared decision making in these areas,” said Mr. Hinman. “She has been supportive of transformative technology that supports student learning and has promoted positive action towards 21st Century Learning through grant-funding. This has allowed for more dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom and library media center, ” Hinman added. 

Under Curcio’s leadership, the district has improved its Information Technology processes and network, utilizing the assistance of OCM BOCES staff and services. Hinman said, “She has helped establish more open channels of communication and collaboration opportunities with school wide initiatives such as Google Apps for Education, a guest wireless network, and the un-filtering of various social based web 2.0 technologies.” “This has all supported the vision that the library becomes a forward leaning, technology rich environment that supports innovative 21st Century teaching and learning,” he added.

Debra Sitnik-Casavant (pictured left), who was nominated for the award by School Librarian Heather Turner, is recognized for her efforts to support and grow her district’s school library program through collaboration, education and the cultivation of partnerships. As a new librarian at Solvay Middle School, Heather Turner says that she came to the school with many “crazy” ideas and proposed changes and that she appreciates the support that Debra gave her to bring those ideas to fruition. “Deb was right there with me just as excited and willing to try,” she said. “It was okay if things did not go perfectly. We were in it together.” 

As a teacher at Solvay Middle School, Debra encourages collaboration that crosses curriculum areas. Heather said, “At the end of last year, Deb invited me to be a part of a collaboration between the Social Studies and Writing classes. [We] spent over 20 hours creating Project Basked Learning projects the next year. She constantly tells people about the collaboration that we have done which has led to more teachers coming me to work together. It is as of result of this and other projects that I have had the connections with teachers that I have.”

For more information about the OCM BOCES School Library System or their Administrator/Advocate of the Year Award, contact Doreen Bergman, School Library System Program Coordinator at 315/433-2665.

OCM BOCES breaks ground for new main campus

On Wednesday, May 7, OCM BOCES held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate their acquisition of the former Nationwide Insurance building at 110 Elwood Davis Road in Liverpool and to officially mark the building’s renovation.

OCM BOCES Board of Education members, administration and various member of Turner Construction, who will oversee the project, and Tetra Tech, who provided the renovation designs, were on hand to help break ground.

Pictured left: OCM BOCES District Superintendent Jody Manning stands (center) with (L to R) Chris Gray (Turner Construction, Manager of Operations - Syracuse), Aaron Jackson (Turner Construction, Superintendent), Ann Wright (OCM BOCES Board of Education President) and Barb Chambers (Tetra Tech, Project Manager).

The acquisition/renovation will allow some OCM BOCES programs to be moved from leased facilities into the new building, resulting in improved facilities and adequate instructional space for OCM BOCES students. Additionally, it will result in long-term savings for OCM BOCES 23 component districts.

The building will be the home of OCM BOCES administration, Instructional Support, adult education and teacher training facilities, and will be known as the OCM BOCES Education Center - Main Campus. OCM BOCES Board of Education also recently voted to officially title its other facilities with consistency:

●      The Lee G. Peters facility in Liverpool will become the OCM BOCES Education Center - Peters Campus.

●      The Charles McEvoy facility in Cortland will become the OCM BOCES Education Center - McEvoy Campus.

●      The Irvin E. Henry facility in Syracuse will become the OCM BOCES Education Center - Henry Campus.

Currently, the estimated move-in date for the OCM BOCES Education Center - Main Campus is September 2016.

Click here to view News Channel 9's story on the groundbreaking.

OCM BOCES Board of Education members and administrators at the May 7 groundbreaking ceremony.

More than 120 McEvoy and Henry students inducted to National Technical Honor Society

On Thursday, April 30 and Thursday, May 7, 2015, more than 120 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from the OCM BOCES Henry and McEvoy Campuses were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during ceremonies at their respective schools.

Students that qualify for induction into the technical honor society represent the “best of the best” in CTE programs. In order to be inducted into the technical honor society students must have an 85 average or higher, 12 or fewer absences from their program for the year and receive a teacher endorsement.

Students must also demonstrate attributes that include: respect, honesty, skill, responsibility, leadership, service and citizenship.


Pictured above: OCM BOCES students from the Henry Campus read the NTHS Pledge aloud after their induction ceremony.

Following is the complete list of students inducted for membership in 2015 by their home school districts. Their OCM BOCES program of studies is listed in parenthesis.

Baldwinsville Central School District: Kelsey Abelgore (New Vision Medical Professions), Julia Annacchino (Cosmetology), Dorina Cibotaru (New Vision Medical Professions), Melissa Kraus (Early Childhood Education), Skyler Lyons (Pastry Arts), Connor Oakes (Laboratory Technology), Lucas Phillips (Culinary Arts), Clinton Pierce (Automotive Technology), Andreana Reed (Culinary Arts), Cameron Sant (Construction Technology).

Cazenovia Central School District: Holly Eberle (Culinary Arts).

Chittenango Central School District: Lea Clarke (Construction Technology), Jacob Fair (Laboratory Technology), Anthony Lozipone (Culinary Arts), Leon Mandigo (Automotive Technology), Grace Nicholas (Health Occupations Technology), Brandon Zaccanelli (Media Marketing Communications).

Cincinnatus Central School District: Melanie Cass (Cosmetology), William Farrow (New Vision Environmental Science), Chelsea Gerrard (Health Occupations Technology), Daniel Ludwig (New Vision Environmental Science), Sydney Sherman (Welding Technology), Dylan Teichert (Automotive Collision Technology).

Cortland Enlarged City School District: Chelsea Breed (New Vision Medical Professions), Brooke Campbell (New Vision Medical Professions), Jonathon Darby (Construction Technology), Alizabeth Knout (Health Occupations Technology), Bogdan Kostiv (Welding Technology), Lyudmila Levitskaya (New Vision Medical Professions), Deirde Monroe (Cosmetology), Hunter Moore (Graphic Communications), Nikolai Tubbs (New Vision Environmental Science), Samantha Underwood (Health Occupations Technology).

DeRuyter Central School District: Jack DeCicco (Automotive Technology), Jack Fink (New Vision Environmental Science), Cory Marshall (Construction Technology), Courtney Randall (New Vision Medical Professions), Zachary Way (Construction Technology), Daniel Wood (New Vision Environmental Science), David Zinn (Automotive Technology).

East Syracuse Minoa Central School District: Dante Clapp (Graphic Communications), Tiffany Lewis (Physical Therapy Professions).

Fabius-Pompey Central School District: Evan Ambrose (Welding Technology), Myranda Belge (Cosmetology), Megan Cash (New Vision Medical Professions), JeriAnn Eccleston (Health Occupations Technology), Lukas Knapp (Welding Technology).

Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District: Joanna Pitcher (New Vision Medical Professions).

Homer Central School District: Brett Barden (Welding Technology), McKenzie Brown (New Vision Environmental Science), Hiland Bush (New Vision Medical Professions), Robert Conger (Welding Technology), Lucia Ferro (New Vision Environmental Science), Lauren Fisher (Culinary Arts), Grace Gugerty (New Vision Environmental Science), Kenna Hartmann (New Vision Medical Professions), Kiersten Hawks (New Vision Medical Professions), Emily Stupke (Culinary Arts), Taylar Williams (New Vision Medical Professions).

Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District: Nyree Mitchell (Health Occupations Technology).

LaFayette Central School District: Erica Wirth (New Vision Criminal Justice).

Liverpool Central School District:Brooke Barber (Career Academy/Laboratory Technology), Kennedy Bell (Cosmetology), Ashanti Dorsey (Cosmetology), Daniel French (Welding Technology), Arfasa Haley (Automotive Technology), Dominique LaRose (Pastry Arts), Fadi Shuheibar (Physical Therapy Professions), Kathleen Smith (Automotive Technology), Ryan Ward (New Vision Criminal Justice).

Marcellus Central School District: Juliana Beratta (Cosmetology), Corey Cabrinha (Computer Technology), Kelsey Crysler (Health Occupations Technology), Noah Hunt (New Vision Criminal Justice), Kayla Lader (Health Occupations Technology), Robert Mayers (New Vision Criminal Justice), Alexis Nightingale-Stevens (Media Marketing Communications), Jules Vanhelsdingen (Laboratory Technology), Isabella Wennberg (Cosmetology).

Marathon Central School District: Annamarie Bell (Cosmetology), Marissa Emeigh (Cosmetology), Cera Henninger (Graphic Communications), Tyler James (Welding Technology).

McGraw Central School District: Brooke Guernsey (New Vision Medical Professions), Jessica Newby (Cosmetology), Cody Reome (Automotive Technology), Sarah Thurley (Culinary Arts).

Caitlynn Taylor, a McEvoy Health Occupations
student from Tully High School, lights the
"Knowledge" candle at her school's
NTHS induction ceremony.

North Syracuse Central School District: Izack Alvarado (Automotive Technology), Nicholas Burgess (Automotive Technology), Matthew Caraher (Automotive Collision Technology), Emily Cross (New Vision Medical Professions), Taylor DeCook (New Vision Criminal Justice), MacKenzie Lanaux (Laboratory Technology), Justin Latz (New Vision Criminal Justice), Stephanie Lotts (New Vision Criminal Justice), Anthony Pham (New Vision Medical Professions), Andrea Poli (New Vision Criminal Justice), Nakym Reed (Automotive Technology), Kristin Rogers (Laboratory Technology), Ian Saunders (Computer Technology), Jessica Sorbello (Health Occupations Technology), Felicity Stevens (Health Occupations Technology), Kaylee Taylor (Cosmetology).

Solvay Union Free School District: Jacob Nobile (New Vision Medical Professions).

Tully Central School District: Ashley Duvall (Health Occupations Technology), Kyle Hoke (New Vision Environmental Science), Anthony Negrete (Construction Technology), Mackenzie Prince (New Vision Medical Professions), Taylor Soderholm (Cosmetology), Katie Spaulding (Graphic Communications), Jordan Spoor (Culinary Arts), Caitylnn Taylor (Health Occupations Technology).

West Genesee Central School District: Thomas Bingham (New Vision Criminal Justice), Erica Botwinick (New Vision Criminal Justice), Celina Carrasquillo (Health Occupations Technology), Chiarra Krafft (Cosmetology), Tirsta Kuhn (Construction Technology), Maura McHugh (New Vision Medical Professions), Kristen Moth (New Vision Medical Professions), Iryna Semenchuk (New Vision Medical Professions).

Westhill Central School District: Alexandra Cunningham (New Vision Medical Professions), Taylor Kramer (Career Academy/Health Occupations Technology), Kevin Young (Media Marketing Communications).

McEvoy inductees receive a purple cord to wear at graduation.

Alexis Nightingale-Stevens, an OCM BOCES Media Marketing Communications Program
student from the Marcellus Central School District, receives her certificate of induction at
the Henry Campus induction ceremony.

Innovation Tech supports Vera House White Ribbon Campaign

Many thanks to the students and staff at OCM BOCES Innovation Tech High School for their fundraising efforts in support of Vera House's White Ribbon Campaign. Melody Lacayo, a Innovation Tech Student Ambassador, helped organize the fundraising efforts, which included selling wristbands and chocolate.

The efforts resulted in a $250 donation to Vera House for their annual campaign against domestic and sexual violence. Student Ambassador, Melody Lacayo, presented the donation to Vera House in April.

Congratulations and great job on a successful fundraising campaign. 

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."

BOCES Solvay Middle School TEAM class supports Helping Hounds Dog Rescue

Students and staff from the OCM BOCES TEAM class at Solvay Middle School recently planned a service-learning project to support the Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in Dewitt. After learning about and researching the needs and characteristics of both wild animals and pets, the students determined how they could help the dogs in need at Helping Hounds. The service project encompassed the concepts of volunteering and donations while working on science, literacy, and daily living skills.

Students baked more than 100 dog biscuits, made braided fleece dog toys and ran a collection to benefit the rescue organization. Students and their families, as well as BOCES staff donated food, toys, and miscellaneous shelter items.

The service project ended with a culminating visit to the rescue organization to deliver their donations. While at Helping Hounds, students and staff had the opportunity to meet Bing, an enthusiastic (and grateful for the goodies) shelter resident. The students learned a lot about helping animals and had a great time all at once!

OCM BOCES students celebrate Earth Day at Rosamond Gifford Zoo Party for the Planet

On Saturday, April 18, two OCM BOCES students from Innovation Tech (Diane Wayman) and the Career Academy (Samantha Lamica) helped celebrate and bring awareness to Earth Day by attending and presenting information at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo's Party for the Planet.

The event, which was presented by Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in partnership with GreeningUSA's Sustainability Academy, was designed to educate attendees with a variety of informative presentations and displays.

The BOCES students created their own educational display with self-made materials about monarch butterflies. Diane and Samantha produced a striking display about the insect, whose population is decreasing, and handed out "save the monarch" stickers and milkweed seed packets. The students also made their own monarch butterfly cookies.

Attendees praised the young ladies' display for its professional and attractive appearance and complimented their educational handouts.