Explore, Connect, Celebrate: Open House at Every Campus!
We’re excited to invite all current students and their families to our upcoming Open House events, held at each campus! This special occasion is a wonderful opportunity to explore your student’s learning environment, tour their program facilities, and meet the dedicated teachers who support their academic journey. What to Expect:
• Walk through classrooms, labs, and learning spaces to see where your student thrives.
• Learn more about your student’s specific program, including curriculum highlights, hands-on projects, and future opportunities.
• Connect with your student’s instructors, ask questions, and gain insight into their educational experience.
• Meet other families, staff, and campus leaders who make our school community vibrant and welcoming.
Whether you’re curious about your student’s daily routine or simply want to celebrate their progress, the Open House is a perfect way to get involved and show your support.
Tues., October 7, 2025 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ Coopers Campus
Wed., October 8, 2025 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ Bush Campus Thurs., October 9, 2025 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ Wildwood Campus
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the incredible work happening across our campuses. Let’s celebrate learning—together!
Dear GST BOCES Region,
As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all of our students, families, and staff. At GST BOCES, our work is grounded in partnership, ensuring that every district in our region has access to innovative programs, essential services, and opportunities that help students thrive. This year, we will continue to focus on our strategic priorities: expanding career and technical education, supporting student well-being, and providing high-quality professional development for educators. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our instructional and non-instructional staff, who make a difference each day in the lives of students. I look forward to a year of collaboration, growth, and shared success across our region.
Respectfully, Stacy
Saglibene
Messages from our District Superintendent LEADERSHIP
Cell Phone Ban
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, New York State has enacted a ban on student cell phone use during the school day. The law is designed to reduce distractions, support positive mental health, and promote stronger in-person engagement in learning. Students may bring their phones to school, but devices must remain off and put away during instructional time and throughout the day. Each GST BOCES program has sent communication home explaining any new procedures being followed. Families should contact the main office of their child’s school if they need to reach their child during school hours.
Regionalization
Across New York State, education leaders are exploring opportunities for regionalization, a process that encourages school districts to collaborate and share resources to expand student programs, strengthen supports, and improve efficiency. Our region is actively engaged in these discussions to ensure that any future steps reflect the best interests of our students and communities. A final regional plan will be submitted to the New York State Education Department by October 1st.
From our Deputy Superintendent, Sarah Vakkas
New Non-Instructional Professional Learning Catalog
GST BOCES is excited to announce the launch of a new Non-Instructional Professional Learning Catalog, now available in Frontline in the navigation bar, Activity Catalog. This catalog was created in response to staff feedback identifying training and professional development as a key area of focus across departments. It reflects our belief that every role contributes to the success of our organization and the regional education community we serve. The catalog represents an initial step toward more targeted and relevant professional development opportunities. Offerings will continue to grow and evolve based on input, ensuring they meet the needs of all staff. Thank you for your dedication and for being an essential part of GST BOCES. Together, we continue to learn, grow, and lead.
Insider Highlights GST BOCES Culture
New Marketing and PR Student Interns Kick Off 2025-26 School Year
GST BOCES is excited to welcome our new team of Marketing and PR Interns for the 2025–26 school year!
These students, from the New Visions Innovation, Leadership and Business class, will bring fresh ideas and student perspectives to our communications. Throughout the year, interns will create engaging content by students, for students-including Instagram
Reels and episodes of the Beyond the Books podcast. Their work will highlight what’s happening across GST BOCES, offering an inside look at programs, events, and student life through their own eyes.
Stay tuned for creative, authentic storytelling from our talented interns-you won’t want to miss it!
CTE Student Success:
Student Board Members
Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, New York State law requires every school district and BOCES board of education to include at least one student representative. Due to size, GST BOCES is required to have 3 student board members. These student board members will provide a student voice in discussions, sharing perspectives on issues that impact their peers. While the student member will not vote on official board actions, their participation ensures that student input is an important part of the decision-making process.
By the Numbers & In Their Own Words
Perkins legislation requires CTE programs to collect post-placement data. To make this process more effective, GST BOCES CTE partnered with LifeTrack Services, Inc. to design surveys tailored to our students.
Student Exit Survey (June 2025):
95% would recommend their program to future students
70%+ are pursuing college or a career in their CTE field
Student & Family Voices:
“BOCES gave me a purpose in life—when I started I had no clue what I wanted to do.”
“Absolutely loved my experience here!”
“Definitely prepared me for the future.”
“It was a great program—I recommend it highly.”
Looking Ahead:
The Post-Program Placement Survey will be administered in Fall 2026 to measure long-term outcomes.
At GST BOCES CTE, these results reaffirm what we already know—our programs prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.
Insider Highlights Regional Leaders
Leading the Way
Why it matters:
Jeff is shaping the future of education across the GST region—bridging communication, driving collaboration, and delivering services that meet real classroom needs.
The big picture:
As the liaison between State Ed and the CSE Advisory Group, Jeff ensures that changes in regulations and new focus areas are clearly communicated and implemented. His leadership includes monthly updates and three SNSE (Statewide Network on Special Education) Summits each year.
Zoom in:
• Facilitates timely, clear communication between state and regional education teams.
• Leads a shift toward a regional approach in delivering exceptional education services.
• Develops region-wide training and classroom supports for staff and students.
• Shares services across component districts to maximize impact and efficiency.
What’s next:
Jeff and his team continue to evolve services to meet the unique needs of classrooms across the region—ensuring every student and educator gets the support they need.
Go deeper:
Learn more about Jeff’s work and how it’s shaping the GST region.
Careers at GST BOCES
Interested in a Career at GST BOCES? Our Hiring Interest Form allows you to list your skillset and let us help match you to an open position.
Drone Soccer at NYSCOSS
At the 2025 Fall Leadership Summit in Saratoga Springs, GST BOCES and Spencer-Van Etten Central School District co-presented a session that highlighted the power of regional collaboration in advancing STEM education. Hosted by the New York State Council of School Superintendents and LEAF, Inc., the summit’s theme, Advancing Innovation: Leading & Learning at the Pace of Change, provided an ideal platform to showcase their joint initiative.
The presentation, titled “Propelling Innovation
Through Partnerships – A Drone Soccer Initiative,” was led by Barbara Case, Superintendent of Spencer-Van Etten CSD, James Briggs, GST BOCES Instructional Support Teacher, and Heidi VanWoert, Supervisor of Innovative Solutions at GST BOCES. Together, they shared how a shared vision for innovation led to the launch of a handson STEM program now active in 11 school districts, with Spencer-Van Etten proudly fielding two teams.
Drone Soccer has become more than a technology program; it’s a pathway to connection and opportunity. The initiative engages a diverse group of students ranging from those who may not traditionally participate in school activities to traditional athletes. The program fosters friendships, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. It also aligns directly with the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, promoting collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving.
In addition to building inclusive learning environments, Drone Soccer introduces students to emerging fields such as aviation, robotics, and engineering. Through real-world applications of drone technology, students gain exposure to potential career pathways in high demand industries bridging classroom learning with future possibilities.
GST BOCES and Spencer-Van Etten CSD continue to demonstrate how purposeful partnerships can transform education, spark innovation, and help students take flight both in the classroom and beyond.
Bush Campus
Bush Campus has three fantastic student organizations waiting for you:
FFA
The premier organization for students interested in agriculture, science, and business. FFA members build leadership skills, explore innovations in agriculture, and prepare for future careers.
SKILLS USA
The nation’s leading workforce development organization for students! Members gain hands-on experience, develop career-ready skills, and grow as leaders in their communities.
HOSA
For students passionate about health and medical sciences! HOSA offers real-world experience, leadership opportunities, and competitions that sharpen skills and open doors to healthcare careers.
WildwoodCampus
Looking to build skills, explore new opportunities, and grow as a leader? Wildwood has three amazing student organizations to get involved in:
SKILLSUSA
The #1 workforce development organization for students! Members gain hands-on experience, build career-ready skills, and grow as leaders in their communities.
FFA
The premier organization for students interested in agriculture, science, and business. FFA members develop leadership skills, explore innovations in agriculture, and prepare for future careers.
HOSA
For students passionate about health and medical sciences! HOSA provides real-world experience, leadership development, and opportunities to compete in healthcare-focused events.
Wanttolearnmore?
Students joined at the Wildwood Fall Kickoff on 10/3 in the Courtyard, sponsored by SkillsUSA. They met club members, asked questions, and determined which organization was the perfect fit!
Coopers Campus
Level Up Your Future with SKILLS USA!
SKILLS USA is the nation’s leading workforce development organization for students. We help students build real-world skills, grow as career-ready leaders, and make a positive impact in their communities. Ready to join? Chat with your CTE instructor to learn how to become a member!
Grow Your Leadership with FFA!
FFA is the premier organization for students passionate about agriculture, science, and business. Members gain hands-on experience, leadership skills, and career opportunities in the ever-evolving world of agriculture. Interested? Reach out to Ms. Bush, Animal Science Instructor at Coopers Campus, to get started!
STEM Academy
Chapters 1–6:
Clubs are open to all STEM Academy students during lunchtimes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!
Current options include:
Dungeons & Dragons Club • Card Club
Student Council • Yearbook • Chess Club
Engineering Club • Artventure
Drone Soccer • Film Club
Chapters 3–6:
Looking for people who share your passions? STEM Academy isn’t just about classes and tests - it’s about exploring your interests, discovering new ones, and having fun along the way. From chess to filmmaking, writing to performing, there’s a club for you!
Don’t see a club that sparks your interest? Start one! Your ideas could inspire the next big campus community.
Our 17th Annual Coopers Campus Car Show was an unforgettable day, celebrating community, craftsmanship, and student talent!
This year, over 230 vehicles lined the campus, showcasing an incredible mix of chrome, horsepower, and creativity. Attendees and participants alike enjoyed a day filled with excitement, culminating in 50 awards, including 4 student-selected specialty trophies.
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our 20+ local business sponsors, along with many generous contributors of door prizes. Their involvement helps strengthen the connection between our students and the local community. Students played a central role throughout the day, taking the lead in registering participants, parking cars, directing traffic, preparing delicious food, and selecting standout vehicles for awards. Their hands-on involvement directly supports the success of our Automotive Technology, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology, Criminal Justice, and Culinary Arts programs.
COLLABORATION
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, or contributed to the show. Your support drives the future of career and technical education at GST BOCES!
Social Media
Find us on social media to stay informed.
GST BOCES gst_boces @greatersoutherntierboces
Business and Industry Spotlight
GST BOCES extends its sincere appreciation to the many businesses that support our students and programs year after year. Your continued partnership helps us provide meaningful opportunities and experiences that prepare students for success.
This month, we are proud to highlight one of our valued partners, Alstom, for their generous donation to our preschool program. We are grateful for their support and are committed to using the funds wisely. A dedicated committee will be formed to ensure the money is spent in the most effective way possible to benefit the students in our region.
This contribution will make a meaningful difference in the early learning experiences of our preschool students!
Partnerships
We are grateful for the business and industry partners in our region. From donating supplies to our programs, to interviewing our students, to offering internship opportunities, our partnerships are a priority.
Whether you are a long-time partner or you have never connected with us, please take a moment to fill out the informational questionnaire so that we can improve our partnership opportunities for both your business and our students.
