Enhancing Our Schools: Collaborating for a Safer, More Efficient Learning Environment
Electrical Trades Training Program Opens Up for Adult Learners
The Edge is a publication of Sullivan BOCES Communications Division
Mar 14 Conference Day (No Students)
Mar. 28 Countywide Art Show at Bethel Woods
Apr. 10 BOCES Annual Meeting
Apr 14 - Apr 18 Spring Recess (No Students)
Apr. 18 Good Friday (BOCES Closed)
Apr. 22 BOCES Admin Budget Vote & Board Member Election
May 26 Memorial Day (BOCES Closed)
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Linda Berkowicz, President - Fallsburg
Keith Stryker, Vice President - Tri-Valley
Carol Bliefernich - Eldred
Tammi Chaboty - At-Large
Linda Fisk - Livingston Manor
Susan Horton - Monticello
Carol Park - Roscoe
Jackie Rutledge - Sullivan West
Where Futures Begin & Dreams Are Achieved!
ABOUT SULLIVAN BOCES
Sullivan 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
E W L Y T E N U R E D
Sullivan BOCES is proud to announce the tenure appointments of Melissa Freer, Teaching Assistant and Marlene Viol, Art Teacher. Both individuals work in the Special Education Division at BOCES
LIVINGSTON MANOR/ROSCOE CONSOLIDATION
The newly combined school district will officially start the 2025-2026 school year on July 1, 2025
The Livingston Manor and Roscoe Central School Districts are embarking on an exciting journey as they move forward with their consolidation process The newly formed Livingston Manor/ Roscoe School District unites two long-standing educational communities, combining resources and expertise to better serve students and families.
The consolidation aims to combine the strengths of both districts, ensuring a more sustainable future for education in the area By pooling resources, the newly unified district will be able to offer a broader range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services. Students will benefit from access to a more diverse curriculum tailored to meet the needs of all learners A key focus of the consolidation is
maintaining the close-knit, supportive environment that both districts are known for. Community input has played an integral role in the planning process, with district leaders prioritizing transparency and collaboration Public forums and meetings have allowed residents to voice their opinions and stay informed about the progress of the consolidation.
Establishing the new seven-member board is the first step Once the new board is sworn in, they will determine all aspects of the operations and policies of the new district Some of the work to be done before July 1 includes deciding on an official school district name, school colors, mascot, building names, building use and configuration, officially appointing attorneys, architects, banks, newspapers, auditors, insurance providers, school officers, school staff and approving transportation contracts
Marlene Viol Melissa Freer
EXPANDING EARLY COLLEGE ACCESS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
This approach to education benefits students academically and equips them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in higher education and beyond.
Sullivan BOCES is expanding educational opportunities to students by offering component school districts the ability to enroll students in early college access courses These courses, taught by New York State-certified teachers who are approved or considered adjuncts by partner institutions of higher education (IHE), provide students with a unique chance to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously By participating in the Early College Access Coser, students can enhance their academic achievements while reducing future college tuition costs. This initiative underscores Sullivan BOCES' commitment to preparing students for success beyond high school.
To ensure the quality and accessibility of this program, Sullivan BOCES collaborates closely with school districts and partner IHEs. This partnership includes approving New York State-certified teachers to lead dual-enrollment courses and facilitating access to valuable IHE resources, such as libraries, technology, and academic databases. Additionally, Sullivan BOCES provides a guidance counselor to support students with social and emotional needs, career counseling, and course selection recommendations. When feasible, BOCES also organizes on-campus visits to participating colleges, giving students the opportunity to tour facilities and engage directly with IHE representatives.
These experiences familiarize students with the college environment and help them make informed decisions about their post-secondary education.
A key component of the program is the professional development provided to teachers in collaboration with the participating colleges This training ensures educators are wellequipped to deliver college-level coursework and maintain rigorous academic standards Sullivan BOCES is the lead agency in coordinating college partnerships, managing the enrollment process, and streamlining the experience for students and districts By fostering these partnerships and providing essential training, the program supports educators and students in achieving their academic goals.
One of the most significant advantages of this initiative is its affordability students from participating districts who are enrolled in early college access courses are not charged tuition. This removes a significant financial barrier and makes dual-enrollment opportunities accessible to a broader range of students. “By acting as the central coordinator for the program, Sullivan BOCES ensures equitable access to these transformative educational experiences, helping students gain a head start on their college journey while fulfilling high school graduation requirements,” said Maria Sommer, Assistant Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES.
CTE INTERNSHIPS OPEN DOORS FOR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT
Second-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) students are taking their classroom skills to the next level through internships with local businesses These partnerships allow students to apply their training in real-world settings, gaining valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields By working directly with businesses from the community, students have the opportunity to connect their studies to practical applications while building relationships that could shape their futures
The internships not only give students a clearer picture of their future careers but also strengthen ties between schools and the business community "This is a win-win situation," said Bruce Gettel, work-base learning coordinator at Sullivan BOCES “Students gain experience, and businesses benefit from their fresh perspectives and energy As the pool of internship opportunities grows, local employers are eager to open their doors, ensuring that classroom learning and industry needs remain closely aligned "
Many of these internships have been made possible through collaborations with the program ’ s advisory committee Comprised of industry professionals, educators, and community members, the committee has played a vital role in aligning the CTE
programs ’ curriculum with industry standards and requirements. From automotive repair shops to veterinary clinics and welding facilities, local employers have welcomed students eager to learn and contribute. “We need future staff members, and these internships allow students to get their foot in the door and see if they want this type of career. The internships also provide a fantastic opportunity for businesses to nurture the next generation of skilled workers," said Robert Green, owner of Robert Green Auto and Truck Inc. "I’ve been impressed with how prepared and motivated these students are to tackle real projects "
Students have also shared their excitement about stepping into professional environments Jaily Sebastian, a broadcasting/ music production student from Fallsburg CSD, expressed her enthusiasm for the internship experience "I’ve learned so much in the classroom, but working on-site at WJFF has been incredible It’s amazing to see how my skills can be applied in a real radio station," she said Similarly, Wyant Green, a welding student from Liberty CSD interning at Robert Green Auto and Truck Inc , noted, "It’s one thing to weld in class, but being hands-on in a real shop has given me a different perspective on how welding can be done in so many industries "
MOCK BOOK AWARDS: EMPOWERING SCHOOL LIBRARIANS TO INSPIRE YOUNG READERS
“This is my favorite event of the year. The Mock Book Awards energizes us and is a great resource to help put different books in our students’ hands. It is just a wonderful experience.”
Lori Bizjak, Eldred School Librarian
School libraries are a cornerstone of education, providing students with access to resources that nurture curiosity, foster a love of reading, and support academic success. Beyond the rows of books and quiet study corners, school librarians play a vital role in enriching students' educational experiences by connecting them with books that match their interests and needs Their efforts go beyond traditional roles, embracing innovative strategies to ensure the library remains a hub of learning and inspiration
One such strategy is the use of events like the Mock Book Awards to enhance librarians' knowledge of newly published books and better serve their students On January 14th, the Sullivan BOCES School Library System hosted its 18th Annual Mock Book Awards, an event that brings together school librarians from across the county This collaborative initiative allows librarians to read and evaluate a curated list of books, engage in discussions about their merits, and select winners in various categories The event not only celebrates literary excellence but also equips librarians with insights to guide their book recommendations
This year's Mock Book Awards featured a robust selection of contenders At the event's conclusion, librarians were able to choose from an array of wellreviewed 2024 publications to take back to their libraries This hands-on access ensures that school libraries are stocked with engaging, high-quality literature that reflects the diverse interests and experiences of their students “The team at BOCES is very insightful in getting the right books in our schools that will engage our students,” said Lori Bizjak, Eldred’s School Librarian
The Mock Book Awards also serve as a valuable professional development opportunity for librarians By immersing themselves in newly published books and engaging in critical discussions, they gain a deeper understanding of current literary trends and themes This knowledge helps them curate collections that resonate with students, whether they're seeking stories that reflect their own lives or exploring new perspectives
According to Stephanie Byrne, Monticello HS Librarian, “The Mock Book Awards is the one event that made me want to become a school librarian Discussing so many new books is invigorating and gives us insight into recommending different books to our studentsbooks that will speak to them and they will enjoy ”
The role of school librarians has evolved significantly, with responsibilities now extending beyond managing books and assisting with research They are technology integrators, curriculum collaborators, and champions of literacy Events like the Mock Book Awards provide librarians with a rare opportunity to focus solely on books, reinforcing their primary mission of fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning
"Libraries are gateways to discovery, imagination, and self-understanding A librarian who takes the time to connect a child with the perfect book not only sparks a lifelong love of reading but also provides an opportunity for that child to see themselves and their experiences reflected in its pages The right recommendation at the right moment can shape a child’s future, nurturing curiosity, empathy, and a sense of wonder that lasts a lifetime," said Sara Haynes, School Library System Director at Sullivan BOCES
School libraries and the dedicated professionals who run them continue to be vital to the academic and personal growth of students Through initiatives like the Mock Book Awards, they not only celebrate the power of storytelling but also ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover the magic of reading
SULLIVAN BOCES CELEBRATES STUDENT SUCCESS AT REGIONAL 2025 SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS
The 2025 Scholastic Art Awards Program recently brought together talented young artists from Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties to celebrate their creativity and artistic achievements. Sullivan BOCES organized the event in collaboration with the Hudson Valley Scholastic Art Affiliates, including Dutchess BOCES, the Enlarged City School Districts of Middletown, the Orange County Arts Council, and Orange-Ulster BOCES. The event was held at SUNY New Paltz on Friday, February 7.
This year, the Hudson Valley Regional Affiliate welcomed over 787 middle and high school artists, with an impressive 2,942 adjudicated works of art. Among the winners, 212 students received Gold Keys, 312 earned Silver Keys, 462 were recognized with Honorable Mentions, and five were awarded the prestigious American Vision Award for their exemplary artistic expression.
The keynote speaker for the evening was artist David Lionheart, founder and operator of the non-profit Play for Your Freedom: Veterans Wellness Programming
He is also the author of Reflections of a Champion, the Executive Producer of the award-winning film PTSD: The Walking Wounded, the co-founder of First Team First: Student and Student-Athlete Mentorship Program, as well as an inventor, builder, and musician.
Mr. Lionheart delivered an inspiring speech to our award winners, encouraging them to pursue their artistic passions with confidence and purpose. He left them with this powerful statement: “No matter where you are, be proud and work hard. Create outside of your box, and share your gift. Fail fearlessly until you ’ ve succeeded. Create balance and care for your body and mind. Seek inspiration and inspire others, and if you speak from your heart, one day, they will listen!”
THE EDGE | PAGE 07
Sullivan County Gold Key and Silver Key winners:
Liberty Central School
Quinn Allen - 1 Silver Key
Kaitlyn Bodolosky - 1 Silver Key
Angel Figueroa - 2 Silver Keys
Kylie Fuller - 1 Silver Key
Carlos Garzon Cruz - 1 Gold Key
Jennifer Jadan - 1 Gold Key, 1 Silver Key
Leonel Malaga Ventura - 1 Silver Key
Owen Moore - 3 Silver Keys
Savannah Pagan - 1 Gold Key
Lucio Ponce Vazquez - 1 Silver Key
Allison Vasko - 1 Gold Key, 5 Silver Keys
Giuliana Wagner - 3 Silver Keys
Rachel Yaun - 4 Silver Keys
Sebastian Yupanqui - 2 Gold Keys, 2 Silver Keys
Livingston Manor Central School
Tyler Gorr - 1 Gold Key, 1 Silver Key
Sullivan West Central School
Bridghid Reeve - 1 Gold Key, 1 Silver Key
Tri-Valley Central School
Devyn Callahan - 3 Gold Keys
Image by Jenifer Jadan, Liberty CSD "Come on In" Gold Key
Bridghid Reeve, Sullivan West CSD "Growth" Gold Key
Lionheart’s mission is to teach others about their potential and demonstrate how any one person can be a positive force for themselves and those around them no matter what
“This event not only showcases the incredible talent within our schools but also encourages the pursuit of artistic excellence among our students,” said Susan Zieres, Arts in Education Coordinator at Sullivan BOCES
According to Devyn Callahan, Tri-Valley student and 2024 American Vision Nominee and 2025 winner of three Gold Keys, “The thing I like most about Scholastic Art Awards as a whole is the fact that it brings so many aspiring artists together, growing the creativity and inspiration of so many This program gives me something to look forward to in these winter times: a fun, friendly contest doing what I love It connects me with so many other people with the same mindset and artistic outlook I’m so glad to be a participant in the Scholastic Art Awards ”
The coveted American Vision Award is a highlight of the competition It is given to just five pieces that best exemplify originality and personal artistic style Students receiving a Gold Key Award in architecture, ceramics, design, painting, illustration, fashion, photography, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, or film categories will have the opportunity to receive additional recognition Their work is adjudicated on a national level by a panel of leading creative professionals National Gold Medalists are announced in March and are honored during a special awards ceremony in June
Kaitlyn Bodolosky, a Liberty student who has won over six keys in the last two years, said, “I am honored to be part of this exhibition and overjoyed that my perspective resonated with others I truly enjoy this event because it showcases diverse works of art, each reflecting unique viewpoints, making the show amazing ”
“On behalf of the Hudson Valley Regional Scholastic Affiliate, we are proud of the artistic accomplishments of our students We wish our gold winners luck as their work moves through the National adjudication,” stated Zieres
Zandy Valencia, Liberty CSD "Softness" Gold Key
Allison Vasko Liberty CSD "Microscopic Universe" Gold Key
Devyn Callahan, Tri-Valley CSD "Coffee Cup Self Reflection" Gold Key
Tyler Gorr, Livingston Manor CSD "Birch Trees In The Cold" Gold Key
CTE STUDENTS ASSIST LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS
The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Construction Trades program has made a substantial difference in our community by working closely with local volunteer fire departments Throughout 2024, the students and instructor tackled projects at the White Lake Fire Department, Liberty Fire District, Swan Lake Fire Department, and Monticello Joint Fire District Most recently, the program completed significant work for the Youngsville Fire Department and the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department. These projects have enhanced the facilities for our dedicated volunteers and have provided invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for the students
The projects conducted by students in the CTE program have been diverse, showcasing the variety of skills acquired during their training At Swan Lake, the class's contributions included constructing pavilion decks, painting, performing concrete work, and rehabilitating outbuildings. The White Lake and Liberty sites offered students the chance to build custom turnout gear lockers, an essential enhancement for organizing and maintaining firefighters' equipment Additionally, Monticello's fire department benefited from the development of a hose bed simulator, a crucial resource for training firefighters in effective hose deployment during emergencies
“The hands-on experience our students gain through these community projects is invaluable Not only are they applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios, but they’re also giving back to the community in a meaningful way. Watching them take pride in their work and seeing the impact they’re making is incredibly rewarding ” explained Darryl Emmett, CTE Construction Trades Instructor
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of these projects, with the Construction program partnering with the Natural Resources and Electrical Trades classes to tackle multifaceted tasks Together, they’ve completed site work, poured concrete slabs, hand-built trusses, installed metal roofing, laid block, constructed decks, painted, and installed shingled roofs.
Additional work included installing vinyl siding, drop ceilings, new lighting, replacement windows, Versetta stone siding, and creating storage cabinets These comprehensive projects enhanced the fire department’s facilities and showcased the students’ growing expertise in construction and trades
“Working on these projects has been a great learning experience It’s one thing to learn skills in the classroom, but getting to build something that firefighters will actually use is really exciting. It makes me feel like I’m making a difference while preparing for my future career ” said Brendon Benbow, Monticello CSD, CTE Construction Trades student
The relationships forged between the CTE programs and local fire departments have grown exceptionally strong This partnership highlights the mutual benefits of community collaboration students gain real-world experience and an appreciation for civic responsibility, while fire departments receive muchneeded upgrades to their facilities.
ENHANCING OUR SCHOOLS: COLLABORATING FOR A SAFER, MORE EFFICIENT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Sullivan BOCES is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and innovative environment for our students A key component of this goal is the ongoing collaboration between our facilities and technology departments, ensuring that our school buildings are well-maintained and equipped with the latest technology to support learning
Facility Upgrades for a Better Learning Experience
Recent upgrades to our Rubin Pollack campus (RPEC) have focused on safety and modernization. Several significant projects, including the installation of improved drainage systems, paving driveways for smoother traffic flow, roof replacement, expanding the welding lab, and building a new elementary playground have recently been completed. In addition, our facilities and technology departments completed infrastructure upgrades, which included improvements to the building’s propane piping system and renovations in the cafeteria. The
cafeteria received a new audio/video system, updated lighting, and new ceiling tiles creating a more enjoyable space for students and staff
Several component districts participate in the BOCES shared HVAC coser, which helps reduce costs for the districts Our HVAC team assisted with multiple projects, including:
Replacing condensers and evaporators in a walk-in freezer and cooler; Installing a chemical pot to assist in adding treatment to the heating system; Re-piping oil pumps; and Completing water heater repairs
According to Kurt Mall, Facilities Director at Sullivan BOCES, “By working together and sharing services, we provide our districts with access to skilled labor in a cost-effective way This collaboration maximizes resources and ensures that every school benefits from high-quality facility maintenance and improvements "
Advancing Technology for a Smarter, Safer School
Our technology department has played a crucial role in the upgrades at RPEC They worked collaboratively with the facilities department to install badge access door locks in classrooms, and updated classroom technology to improve the network infrastructure These advancements create a more secure and efficient school environment, allowing students and staff to focus on learning without unnecessary disruptions
Maximizing Resources Through Collaboration
Beyond improving our facilities, BOCES has implemented innovative strategies to reduce technology costs for our component districts while maintaining high-quality services. Through strategic planning, the technology department has secured external contracts for various technology services, including WAN, Internet Services, Google, and Cisco. These savings are shared with our districts, providing secure, costeffective solutions without compromising service quality.
"When everyone works together and shares their ideas, we boost productivity beyond what any of us can achieve alone," said Robert Cosh, Director of Operations and Network Administration at Sullivan BOCES.
Looking Ahead
Through strategic partnerships with our districts and careful planning, BOCES is building a brighter future for students while maximizing resources and maintaining fiscal responsibility We look forward to the continued success of these initiatives and their positive impact on our school community
ELECTRICAL TRADES TRAINING PROGRAM OPENS UP FOR ADULT LEARNERS
Sullivan BOCES and Sullivan County have partnered once again to expand workforce development opportunities for local residents Building upon the success of popular courses in construction, auto repair, and welding over the past two years, the latest collaboration offers a free electrical trades course Designed to prepare participants for immediate employment, the program will provide hands-on training in electrical equipment and installation to up to 15 Sullivan County residents
“I thank the Legislature for devoting funding to our fifth initiative to provide local workers with practical, career-building skills,” said CWD Director Loreen Gebelein “Graduates of this program will learn the skills necessary to be immediately employable in jobs involving electrical equipment and installation ” This initiative is part of the Sullivan County Center for Workforce Development (CWD), housed within the Division of Community Resources, and aims to meet the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in the region
The 10-week program is set to begin on March 25 Classes will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p m at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake, in the BOCES Electrical Lab
The college leases classroom space to Sullivan BOCES for several CTE programs BOCES then retrofits the space to include a dedicated classroom area, workstations, and various lab stations, creating an optimal learning environment for students
Eligible residents must be 18 or older, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have reliable transportation A background check and fingerprinting are required, and participants will need to cover this cost themselves However, the course itself is completely free, offering a valuable opportunity for those seeking to enter an in-demand field
This is hands-on training at our local college, and graduates of this program will be ready to work in an in-demand field,” said Community Resources Commissioner Laura Quigley. “I encourage anyone interested to contact us right away, as only 15 spots are available for this course. ” With limited enrollment, the program is expected to fill quickly, continuing Sullivan County’s commitment to fostering economic growth and providing residents with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
To find out more or to apply, contact the Center for Workforce Development at (845) 794-3340, ext. 0620.
