Sullivan BOCES Edge Newsletter - Fall 2023

S U L L I V A N

BOCES

W H E R E

F U T U R E S

B E G I N

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FALL

2023

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295-4000

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A C H I E V E D

SCBOCES.ORG

INDEX New Website Provides Easy Navigation Sullivan BOCES Recognizes Staff Milestones Sullivan County School Boards Association Honors BOCES Outstanding Educators and Friend to Education

Nov. 23 & 24 Thanksgiving (BOCES Closed)

Building Strong Community Bonds

Dec. 25-Jan 1 Winter Recess (No Students)

Career & Tech’s New Programs Hit the Mark

Dec. 25 Christmas (BOCES Closed)

Building Resilience: A Day of Innovation

Dec 29 - Jan 1 New Years (BOCES Closed)

Nov. 22-24 Thanksgiving (No Students)

New Experiences Make Lasting Impact Substantial Equivalency: Ensuring Comparable Instruction Students Honor Local Veterans Building the County’s Workforce

The Edge is a publication of the Sullivan BOCES Communications Division

ABOUT SULLIVAN BOCES Sullivan County BOCES delivers a wide-range of instructional and management services to its eight component school districts and several other districts outside the county. Our three hundred staff members collaborate with our partners to create solutions to educational challenges, increase operational efficiencies, and reduce costs.

We improve student success by providing quality educational experiences, helping students achieve their goals, learn skills, increase knowledge and develop a work ethic for the 21st century.

THE EDGE | PAGE 01

BOARD OF EDUCATION Linda Berkowicz, President - Fallsburg Linda Fisk, Vice President - Livingston Manor Carol Bliefernich - Eldred Susan Horton - Monticello Carol Park - Roscoe Jackie Rutledge - Sullivan West Anthony Sinacore - Liberty Keith Stryker - Tri-Valley Simmie Williams III - At-Large

Where Futures Begin & Dreams Are Achieved!

NEW WEBSITE PROVIDES EASY NAVIGATION FOR VIEWERS

Sullivan BOCES is pleased to announce the launch of its new website.

The Communications Division at Sullivan BOCES has been working hard to develop and deliver a website that provides our stakeholders with worthwhile content that is Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

This new streamlined site is also responsive to the end user's device, which means it will conform to the size and type of device to view the content easily. The site also features pages designed to meet the needs of its primary stakeholders.

Visit www.scboces.org to see the new site.

THE EDGE | PAGE 02

SULLIVAN BOCES RECOGNIZES MILESTONES The start of the school year always brings excitement to the faculty and staff at Sullivan BOCES. Each year, when all the BOCES staff are together, the administration team introduces new staff members and honors those who have reached distinct years of service milestones in their careers. District Superintendent Robert M. Dufour, Ed. D. shared his gratitude and recognized each for achieving their respective years of service milestones. Dr. Dufour also shared some memorable facts regarding the year in which each group started working at Sullivan BOCES. “We are honored to have these individuals be part of our staff. Their dedication to BOCES and to providing quality education for our students is truly appreciated,” stated Dufour.

BOCES also bid farewell to Alan Morganstern, who recently started a new chapter in his life - Retirement!

5

10

Years of Service Anissa Bauernfeind

Lacy Jones

Victoria Stefanello

Nicholas Conklin

Kaitlin Lacey

Michael Stratton

Melissa Freer

Evangelina Martinez

Jessica Squillante

Anna Gray

Maria Martinez Ramos

Justin Tate

Regina Hardt

Nicole Mickelson

Marlene Viol

Patricia Hoag

Mary Muller

Jessica Wells

Tiffany Huebsch

Jessy Sedlacek

Years of Service Caroline Backman

Brenda Pierson-Dorman

Dean Bradley

Sally Richardson

Chelsea Carlson

Samuel Rogers

Maria Hankins

Susan Teeple

Kelly Levi THE EDGE | PAGE 03

15

Years of Service Robert Cosh Ann Marie Franklin Marylou Vernooy Kristi Walls-Hewlett

20

Years of Service

25

Years of Service

30

Years of Service

Allison Millstein Nancy Roa Catherine Freda Peter Monfredo

Margaret Schleiermacher Patsy Knight

Debra Charlton Deanna Lagattuta Vicki Tripido

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SULLIVAN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION HONORS BOCES OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AND FRIEND TO EDUCATION

The Sullivan County School Boards Association (SCSBA) recognized Sabrina Burton as a recipient of the 2023 Sullivan County Outstanding Educator Award. This award honors educators nominated by their local school district or BOCES and has positively impacted the education of children in Sullivan County.

Ms. Burton is a teacher at Sullivan BOCES and works with some of the most challenging students in the Special Education division. She works to create a classroom community where the students support one another and work through their behaviors.

Ms. Burton is an exceptional educator who not only imparts knowledge to her students but also dedicates herself to the growth and development of her fellow teachers. With her deep passion for teaching and unwavering commitment to excellence, she is a mentor and guide, readily available to support and uplift her colleagues.

According to Robert M. Dufour, Ed. D., District Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES, “We are honored to have Ms. Burton as part of our faculty. We are proud of her accomplishment in receiving the 2023 Sullivan County Outstanding Educator Award - It is well deserved.”

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The Sullivan County School Boards Association also recognized Dr. Ken Hilton as the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Friends to Education Award. This award honors community members nominated by their local school district or BOCES who have positively impacted the education of children in Sullivan County.

Dr. Hilton started his career in 1972 as a social studies teacher at Rosetree-Media School near Philadelphia. After eight years, he went on to RushHenrietta Central School as the K-12 Social Studies Supervisor, eventually becoming Executive Director of Research and Development. Dr. Hilton worked for Rush-Henrietta for over 27 years. In 2007, Dr. Hilton took on the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Sullivan West School District, serving that school district for five years before retiring in 2012.

Not content yet to leave education altogether, he promptly signed up to be the district’s representative at Sullivan BOCES, where he has put his vast knowledge to good use, helping BOCES to guide the county’s local school districts.

Dr. Hilton served on the Board of Sullivan BOCES for ten years, ending his tenure on June 30, 2023.

He also served as the BOCES board’s representative for the Sullivan County School Board Association, serving as the treasurer for his tenure with them.

“The students, staff, and administration have all benefited from his time, talents, and knowledge, and he will be sorely missed throughout all of Sullivan County,” said Dr. Dufour.

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITY BONDS Creating strong community partnerships has proven to benefit all involved. This sentiment holds true for the relationship between New Hope Community and Sullivan BOCES. Every year that BOCES works with New Hope, the bond grows, and both organizations reap the benefits.

In the spring of 2023 the BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Construction program built arbors and chairs for New Hope’s recently unveiled Andrew’s Garden.

This serene garden is a 1.5-acre handicapaccessible sensory exploration garden that is both beautiful and welcoming to the New Hope Community, staff, and visitors.

Throughout the garden, visitors can enjoy the Adirondack chairs and arbors that the construction students built to provide a place for people to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

To enhance the educational experience for students at BOCES, New Hope has offered their horse stables to the CTE Animal Science program for large animal practical experience. The Special Education Career Academic & Transition Skill program will continue utilizing the Hope Farm and car wash at New Hope to expand its students’ skills.

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CAREER & TECH’S NEW PROGRAMS HIT THE MARK

The Career & Tech Center at Sullivan BOCES launched two new programs this year - Electrical Trades and the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program.

Gunther Jensen, an Electrical Industry veteran, is the Electrical Trades instructor. Mr. Jensen brings a vast amount of experience in residential and commercial electrical systems and will be able to share his knowledge in his students. The students will also work alongside industry professionals in their work-based learning projects and learn basic safety procedures, blueprint reading, and the tools used within the industry while getting OSHA and Home Energy Analysis Technician (HEAT) certified.

All of which will prepare them to excel in college, gain apprenticeships, or eventually open their own business.

“I’m excited to be in the Electrical Trades program,” said Alexander Cruceta, a Fallsburg CSD student. “I have always liked working with electricity, and I hope to use the skills I learn here at BOCES to become an electrician.”

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is led by instructor Darryl Raynor. Mr. Raynor is a New York State-certified Instructor of Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Vehicle Operation, and CPR/First aid, and brings with him over 25 years of experience as an EMT. In this one-year program, located at the County’s Emergency Services Training Center, students will get 216 hours of Health Science Core, 108 hours of clinical experience, and 108 hours of theory.

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Through the integrated Health Sciences Core Curriculum, students will study communication concepts and barriers, teamwork, health maintenance practices, safety practices, technical skills, and employability skills. Upon completing the program, students will be prepared to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care while working for an ambulance service, either as a career or as a volunteer. It will also give students the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the state-required written and skills exams to achieve New York State EMT Certification and Certification as a First Responder (CFR).

According to Monticello CSD student Rice Corley, he wanted to come to the Career & Tech Center to advance his career opportunities. “I have a passion for emergency medicine and want to become an Emergency Room Nurse,” explained Corley. “Once I heard that BOCES was offering this EMT program, I knew the program would help me get the training to start my career.”

“I am confident that these two programs will spark additional interest among future students and help fill vital roles within our workforce,” said Jeffrey Molusky, Executive Principal at the Sullivan BOCES Career & Tech Center.

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BUILDING RESILIENCE: A DAY OF INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION AT THE COUNTYWIDE CONFERENCE DAY BOCES is thrilled to share the highlights of an enriching and inspiring Countywide Conference Day that took place on November 1, bringing together approximately 700 educators, administrators, and professionals dedicated to shaping a positive future for all students in Sullivan County.

The event was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and professional growth, featuring a varied lineup of speakers and workshops. The Sullivan BOCES’

Kim Simons, a local resident featured on the Food

Instructional Support Services division coordinated a

Network, brought a touch of sweetness to Family and

full-day conference for over 700 individuals, and

Consumer Sciences with a session on cake

Sullivan West Central Schools graciously offered to

decorating. Elementary Music Teachers had the

host the event.

opportunity to explore the intersection of creativity and education with Bash the Trash, learning to make

Duncan Kirkwood, a dynamic speaker and Resilience

musical instruments out of found objects and

Educator, delivered a thought-provoking keynote

incorporate them not only into Music class time but

address: The Psychological Resilience Critical for

also to connect with reading and math concepts.

Success. He emphasized the importance of gratitude,

Instrumental Music teachers learned practical skills in

presence, and self-care so that educators can bring

instrument repair, percussion techniques, and ways to

their best selves to their work with students every day.

include jazz and popular music in their programs.

Duncan urged teachers to focus on fostering positive relationships and empowering students to stick to

Physical Education teachers were introduced to an

their goals, turning setbacks into opportunities for

interactive floor and competed against one another in

growth, and never quit following their dreams.

a Spartan Course, facilitated by Meaghan Mullally-Gorr

Kirkwood's insights resonated with the attendees, and

from Sullivan 180. There were painting workshops

the energy and positive message set the tone for the

with Jay Brooks, workshops incorporating SEL and Art

rest of the day.

Therapy from Bethel Woods, and several sessions of Self Care for You and Your Students led by Beth and

Recognizing the diverse needs of educators, the

Scott Bierko.

conference offered specialized sessions catering to Arts, Physical Education, World Language, and other special area teachers. These sessions provided a platform for collaboration, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative teaching methodologies.

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Together, we are shaping the future of education and empowering our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

In conjunction with Mount St. Mary College, the Mid Hudson School Study Council and Human Resources professionals from Sullivan BOCES, Teacher Aides and Teacher Assistants learned about opportunities to attend college classes at Mount St. Mary and Sullivan Community College to gain the college credits necessary to advance toward Teacher Certification. Participants engaged in discussions about professional growth opportunities, skill development, and the crucial role these dedicated professionals play in supporting students and educators alike.

Frogstreet, a leader in Pre-K education, hosted engaging workshops on early childhood education, providing educators with innovative strategies for fostering literacy, numeracy, and a love of learning in our youngest students. Jamie Weiner, a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports specialist from Sullivan BOCES, led sessions on Restorative Practices schoolwide and in the classroom. CTE teachers learned evidence-based strategies for integrating Performance Based Learning and Assessments (PBLA) into their classes.

The Countywide Conference Day was a testament to the dedication of our educational community to continuous

Brian Orzell and Joshua Steinfeld from the

improvement and providing the best possible learning

Regional Partnership from Dutchess BOCES

experiences for our students. As we move forward, let's carry

led sessions on Individualized Education

the inspiration and knowledge gained from this event into our

Plans (IEPs), Functional Behavior Analysis,

classrooms, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and growth

Behavior Intervention Plans, and Trauma

for all students.

Informed Behavioral Supports. Educators explored effective ways to create a

Thank you to all who contributed to making this day a

supportive and empathetic learning

resounding success. The biggest lesson of the day was that

environment, emphasizing the importance

when we collaborate and focus on a common cause, we

of addressing the social and emotional

can do big things. Together, we are shaping the future of

well-being of students as well as their

education and empowering our students to thrive in a

academic needs. Veronique Dietrich and

rapidly changing world.

Melinda Krafft, Transition Specialists, met with HS Guidance counselors to discuss strategies and resources for helping Special Education students transition from Secondary School to work and adult life.

THE EDGE | PAGE 10

NEW EXPERIENCES MAKE A LASTING IMPACT In the spring of 2023, the BOCES Middle School participated in Sullivan 180’s six-week ‘Catch My Breath’ program, which educates kids on the dangers of vaping. Several weeks later, Sullivan 180 invited two ninth-grade students from BOCES to participate in the Tobacco Free New York State Summit in Lake Adirondack, New York.

From the moment Nikolai Franco, a Monticello CSD student, and Ricki Jones, an Ellenville CSD student, received the invitation; they were excited but nervous about the trip they were about to embark upon. It would be the first time they would represent Sullivan County and meet students from around the state.

According to Nikolai Franco, “The trip was amazing. We had a great time and learned a lot.” Both students enjoyed participating in the various activities and learned more about how marketing companies lure children into vaping and using tobacco products.

The students were able to bond through a ropes team-building course and various assemblies to find ways to educate other students on the dangers of vaping. The group also hosted a rally in a local mall to raise awareness of the harm vaping has on young bodies. When the students returned, they could not stop talking about the amazing experiences they had, the memories, and the new friends they made.

When asked how the two will use what they learned to help others stay away from vaping and tobacco products, Ricki Jones said she would tell them about the dangers and harmful effects it has on one’s body.

Sullivan BOCES intends to roll out the ‘Catch My Breath’ program to all its students to educate them on the dangers of vaping. Sullivan 180 has already started a second round of the vape education program with the BOCES Alternative Education students.

THE EDGE | PAGE 11

SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY: ENSURING COMPARABLE INSTRUCTION Sullivan BOCES recently took the lead in helping

who attend nonpublic schools receive such

coordinate regional forums for the Mid and Lower

instruction upon local school authorities. This

Hudson Valley BOCES. Over 125 representatives from

requirement makes it extremely important that

private and public schools attended the forums on

educators in public and private schools understand

November 1 & 2. David Frank, Assistant Commissioner

all aspects of the education each school is providing.

of the Office of Education Policy, presented the requirements of Substantial Equivalency at each

According to the attendees, the forum was helpful.

forum.

“Mr. Frank did a great job explaining this complicated topic and the NYSED requirements

In New York State, there is a compulsory education

linked to Substantial Equivalency,” said an attendee.

law that requires children aged 6-16 (or 17 in some localities) to receive instruction. While most students

“New York’s religious and independent school sector

receive this instruction in public schools, families have

serves many of the state’s students in various

a constitutional right to select other options, such as a

settings. Given the differences between public and

religious or independent school. Substantial

nonpublic school settings, the determination that

equivalency is based upon providing instruction in the

students are receiving the required instruction to

core subjects required by state law (science, math,

which they are legally entitled poses some

social studies, and English language arts). Students in

challenges,” said David Frank.

nonpublic schools are entitled to receive instruction that is at least substantially equivalent to the

Having public and private educators in the room for

instruction provided in public schools. The New York

this discussion allowed for open conversation and

State Education Department (NYSED) also places the

fostered a common understanding of the end goal –

primary responsibility for confirming that students

educating our children.

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STUDENTS HONOR LOCAL VETERANS On November 8, the students and staff at Sullivan BOCES held a breakfast to honor Sullivan County’s veterans.

The event started with a welcome from Dr. Robert M. Dufour, District Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES. Dr. Dufour spoke of what it means to have our local veterans come to BOCES and thanked them for their service. Nikolai Franco, a ninth-grade student from the Monticello CSD, didn’t hesitate when asked to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the students from the Career & Tech Culinary program were excited to prepare and serve the breakfast.

Mrs. Cheryl Johnstone, a Special Education Teacher at BOCES, took the lead in making the day memorable for those in attendance. Her class created a heartfelt video for the group. Throughout the video, her students spoke about what they had learned about the importance of Veterans Day, what each of our veterans had given for our nation, and the students thanked them for their service. “It’s nice to have young kids come up to you and say Thank you for your service,” said WW II veteran Eugene Weinstein.

When Mrs. Johnstone addressed the group, she spoke of the realization that her students originally knew very little about Veterans Day. “Most kids don’t know about the sacrifice, your difficult work, or the honor you deserve,” expressed Johnstone. “But that’s because our servicemen and women have created a nation where today’s children feel safe. War and soldiers are far from their minds... and that is a testament to your service.

Thank you for making our Country safe for our children,” stated Johnstone.

Holding events of this nature always makes a lasting impression on the students, staff, and attendees. Holding this breakfast is just one small gesture to give back to those who have given so much for our Country. BOCES would also like to thank the Liberty Fire Department for raising an American flag to welcome our local heroes.

THE EDGE | PAGE 13

BUILDING THE COUNTY’S WORKFORCE

Following the success of the construction trades course earlier this year, Sullivan County’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) and Sullivan BOCES have teamed up again to offer another free course – this time in welding – to up to 10 Sullivan County residents.

“I thank the Legislature for devoting funding to a second initiative to provide local workers with practical, career-building skills,” said CWD Director Loreen Gebelein. “Graduates of this program will earn certification in Basic Welding and be immediately employable.”

This 10-week program was open to eligible individuals age 18 or older with reliable transportation. Classes started on October 10 and will run twice a week through December at the Rubin Pollack Education Center on Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty.

“Graduates of this program will be ready to work with any number of local employers, as the local building industry is growing fast,” said Community Resources Commissioner Laura Quigley.

According to program instructor Nicholas Conklin, “I’m excited to share my knowledge of welding and give others the skills to become sought-after workers. Everyone in the class is catching on quickly and finetuning their welding skills. If the group continues on this path, I anticipate we will have nine skilled entry-level workers ready for employment throughout the County.”

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(845) 295-4000 | SCBOCES.ORG