Sullivan BOCES Edge Newsletter - Winter 2022

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

WINTER

2022

(845)

295-4000

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D R E A M S

A R E

A C H I E V E D

SCBOCES.ORG

INDEX Sullivan BOCES Bids Farewell to Longterm Employees Honoring Our Veterans Brings a New Respect to Students Two Students Graduate Early from the Alternative Education Program American Vision Awarded to Sullivan County Student at Scholastic Art Awards Bringing Training & Career Options to Students Sullivan BOCES Launches DEI Committee Career & Tech Center Continues Efforts to Help Local Organizations

The Edge is a publication of Sullivan BOCES Communications Division

Mar. 18 Conference Day (No Students) Apr. 7 BOCES Annual Meeting Apr. 15 Good Friday (BOCES Closed) Apr. 18-Apr. 22 Spring Recess (No Students) Apr. 26 BOCES Admin Budget Vote May 30 Memorial Day (BOCES Closed)

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

Where Futures Begin & Dreams Are Achieved!

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

SULLIVAN BOCES BIDS FAREWELL TO LONG-TERM EMPLOYEES

In December, Sullivan BOCES bid farewell to four long-term employees.

Patricia Barkley (9 Years)

April Schmidt, a Teaching Assistant in the Special Education Division has worked at Sullivan BOCES for 31 years.

Barbara Stephenson, a Teacher Assistant in the Special Education Division also retired with 31 years of service.

Karen Smith, Food Service Worker, retired after 25 years of service to the staff and students at Sullivan BOCES. Karen was instrumental in keeping our students fed throughout the pandemic when meals needed to be prepared and delivered home.

Patricia Barkley, a Senior Account Clerk in the Central Business Office, retired after nine years of service at Sullivan BOCES. Before coming to BOCES, Patty worked at the Tri-Valley CSD for 10 Years.

District Superintendent Robert M. Dufour, Ed. D. thanked each retiree for their service and presented them with a small token of appreciation for all of their years of service and bid them farewell as they started a new chapter in life - Retirement!

THE EDGE | PAGE 02

April Schmidt (31 Years)

HONORING OUR VETERANS BRINGS A NEW RESPECT TO STUDENTS On Dec 2, students and staff at Sullivan BOCES hosted a brunch to honor the veteran's of Sullivan County.

Dr. Robert M. Dufour, District Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES, officially started the event by welcoming the group and thanking them for their service. Catherine Crespo, a senior from the Liberty CSD, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Nathaniel Perry, a senior from the Fallsburg CSD, addressed the attendees by welcoming and thanking each veteran for their service. He also described how the students at BOCES made gifts for those in attendance to show their appreciation.

The students’ efforts didn’t stop there. The senior class also sold flags in honor or memory of someone who has served, raising over $575 for local veteran organizations. Students in the Career & Technical Education programs also participated in the event.

The Culinary Arts students prepared a delicious brunch, the Welding students created a beautiful wall art that honored our veterans, and the Early Childhood and Natural Resources programs created centerpieces for the tables.

THE EDGE | PAGE 03

For the senior class at BOCES, the brunch not only honored the veterans, it provided an opportunity for the students to learn. Throughout the brunch, the students spoke to and interviewed the veterans to better understand who they are as individuals, and hear what these heroes have done to protect our nation. For students like Nathaniel Perry, who is looking to join the military, the day was priceless, as he had the opportunity to talk to veterans from each branch of the service.

“It’s nice to have young kids come up to you and say thank you for your service,” said Jim Hammond, Vietnam veteran.

According to Sherwood McGibbon, Vietnam veteran, “Today’s brunch means a lot to us. It is great to see how the young men and women at BOCES are interested in meeting us and learning about what we have done for our Country.”

Sullivan BOCES plans to hold this type of event annually to help give back to those who have given so much for our Country. BOCES would also like to thank the Liberty and Youngsville Fire Departments for creating a grand entrance with their ladder trucks to welcome these local heroes.

We can’t thank you enough for all of the sacrifices you have made on our behalf.

We owe a debt of appreciation to the folks who serve to make our lives safe.

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TWO STUDENTS GRADUATE EARLY FROM THE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

On January 26, the Alternative Education Program celebrated the graduation of Silvia Banegas and Destiny Staten. Both Miss Banegas, a student from Liberty Central School District, and Miss. Staten, a Monticello Central School District student, set a goal to graduate high school early. Although their journey was a struggle at times, the two accomplished their goals and recently completed all requirements to earn their Regents Diploma.

Both Miss Banegas and Miss Staten were extremely grateful that they attended the Alternative Education program at BOCES. The support they received and their experience in the program gave them the motivation to succeed.

“Coming to BOCES changed my life for the better.

It helped me get to where I needed to be because

Silvia Banegas, Liberty CSD

graduating high school is a big step in my life,” said Banegas.

Miss Banegas plans to take some time to travel the world before she heads off to college to become a social worker.

According to Miss Staten, the Alternative Education Program gave her focus and the help she needed to graduate high school. “If I didn’t attend BOCES, I probably would have dropped out of school and struggled for the rest of my life,” said Staten.

Miss Staten plans on attending SUNY Delhi in the fall to study veterinary technology.

Destiny Staten, Monticello CSD

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ETAILIFFA NOSDUH DIM :SDRAWA TRA CITSALOHCS

2022 American Vision Award

EDWARD LUNDQUIST, LIVINGSTON MANOR CENTRAL SCHOOL

THE EDGE | PAGE 06

Madison Cross, Liberty CSD 1 Silver Key & 2 Honorable Mention

Dylan Parks, Liberty CSD 4 Gold Key, 2 Silver Key & 2 Honorable Mention

Abigail Kelly, Liberty CSD 1 Gold Key, 1 Silver Key & 4 Honorable Mention

AMERICAN VISION AWARDED TO SULLIVAN COUNTY STUDENT AT SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS CEREMONY The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the country’s longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12. Since the program’s founding in 1923, the Scholastic Art Awards have fostered the creativity and talent of millions of students.

The 2022 Scholastic Art Awards Ceremony honored this year’s winners with a virtual ceremony that included professional painter, sculptor, and Sullivan County resident, Allen Rubin, as the guest speaker.

Mr. Rubin visually shared his journey as an artist throughout his presentation and was a true inspiration for these young artists.

The Hudson Valley Regional Affiliate had 786 creative teens participate in the program from Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. A total of 2,392 works of art were adjudicated and 170 Gold Keys, 242 Silver Keys, 371 Honorable Mentions, and 5 American Vision winners were recognized for their work.

Sullivan County had one American Vision, thirteen gold key, seventeen silver key, and twenty-five honorable mention winners.

THE EDGE | PAGE 07

This year’s competition was a notable year for Sullivan County. For the first time, a student from Sullivan County was awarded an American Vision Award. Edward Lundquist, an eleventh-grade student from the Livingston Manor CSD, received this prestigious award for his comic work of art “Sky Tree”. Each year there are only five pieces selected for the American Vision Award. To be considered for this recognition, the nominee has to exemplify the emergence of an original, personal point of view or style in their work of art.

“This is such a huge deal that I am the first American Vision winner for Sullivan County, I am so proud that I have this honor when there have been so many great pieces in the competition over the years,” stated Lundquist.

Edward Lundquist is no stranger to the Scholastic Art Awards. He has submitted artwork into the competition since the seventh grade. According to Edward, when he was seven he started to get serious about art. “The artwork that I submitted this year was not created specifically for Scholastic. Each piece was created for another purpose and I decided that I wanted to enter pieces that would show off what I could do,” noted Lundquist.

“Eddie is an amazing artist. Since an early age he has been creative and had a lot of talent,” said Angelina Coriano, Elementary/Middle School Art Teacher at the Livingston Manor CSD. “I am so proud of how he has grown and what he has accomplished over the years,” added Coriano.

Ms. Coriano discussed the importance of having the Arts be part of every students’ education. She explained how students come to her classroom to create artwork and get involved in projects. “Art is therapeutic and healing. It helps students’ imagination flourish and they grow artistically and in different ways,” stated Coriano.

According to Susan Zieres, Arts In Education Coordinator at Sullivan BOCES, “Everyone at the Hudson Valley Regional Scholastic Affiliate is proud of this year’s winners. These young artists have an incredible amount of talent. Coming from Sullivan County, I am exceptionally pleased that Edward Lundquist’s work won the American Vision Award for Sullivan County. I look forward to seeing what next year’s competition brings.”

Edward Lundquist, Livingston Manor CSD American Vision, 3 Gold Key, 2 Silver Key & 1 Honorable Mention

Summer Schmidt, Liberty CSD 1 Gold Key, 1 Silver Key & 4 Honorable Mention

ADDITIONAL SULLIVAN COUNTY WINNERS Madison Green, Liberty CSD 1 Gold Key, 3 Silver Key & 2 Honorable Mention Melana Quick-Lepke, Liberty CSD 1 Gold Key & 2 Honorable Mention

Grace Wormuth, Liberty CSD 2 Silver Key & 1 Honorable Mention

Andrew Scamihorn, Liberty CSD 1 Gold Key, 1 Silver Key & 1 Honorable Mention Zandy Valencia, Liberty CSD 1 Gold Key, 4 Silver Key & 3 Honorable Mention Seriya Jorge, Liberty CSD - 1 Honorable Mention

CEREMONY LINKS: 2022 Scholastic Art Awards Ceremony and the nine virtual art galleries: https://www.scboces.org/2022Scholasti cArtsAwards Click here to view Allen Rubin’s Journey http://www.facebook.com/AllanRubinArt

THE EDGE | PAGE 08

Rebecca Philips, Liberty CSD - 2 Honorable Mention

Students receiving a Gold Key Award in architecture, ceramics, design, painting, illustration, fashion, photography, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, or film categories, 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 at Carnegie Hall in New York City in June.

BRINGING TRAINING & CAREER OPTIONS TO STUDENTS Students who attend BOCES Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are our future healthcare workers, electricians, welders, builders, mechanics, police officers, skilled workers, and more. They represent the workforce that is needed to compete in a modern economy.

The Career & Technical Center at Sullivan BOCES provides students of all socioeconomic statuses with the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in future careers and become lifelong learners and valued members of society.

According to Advance CTE*, roughly 12.5 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE across the nation. New York has 38,573 students enrolled in CTE for the 2021-22 school year. Of the 13,616 New York CTE students who graduated in 2020-21, more than 40% of those individuals went on to college, and nearly 30% went directly into the workforce after graduation.

Kayalah Brewster, a junior from the Fallsburg CSD, came to the Culinary Arts program at the Career & Tech Center to follow her dream of becoming a chef or baker. Building off of the foundation her mother had provided her, Kayalah has been able to refine her skills and acquire new ones that she will use to become a chef. Upon graduating, she plans to continue her education at the Culinary Arts Institute.

“Although I was hesitant about coming to a new school, I am so glad that I did. BOCES is such a welcoming place, and the teachers are amazing. Since I attend CTE in the morning, I feel that BOCES brands my day and makes me have a better day when I return to my home school,” stated Brewster.

In Sullivan County, 35% of juniors and seniors attend the Career & Tech Center at Sullivan BOCES. This means that 424 individuals have the opportunity to explore careers, learn a trade or skill set that will open doors and give them numerous opportunities to succeed in life. * Source: https://careertech.org/CTE

Kayalah Brewster,

THE EDGE | PAGE 9

Fallsburg CSD

The Career & Tech Center is currently offering 10th-grade students the option to visit the CTE programs of their choice.

This is an excellent opportunity for students to see what options are available to them in 11th-grade and explore different career paths before applying to college.

For students who continue their education at a college or trade school, the education they recieve at the Career & Tech Center puts them ahead of their classmates and allows them to excel in their post-secondary education.

For those who plan to go directly into the workforce, participating in a CTE program allows them to learn in classrooms that are structured as real-life work environments while teaching work ethic, professionalism, productivity, and teamwork. CTE students also participate in internships at local businesses. For many students, these internships turn into summer jobs and full-time positions.

CTE 2020-21 ENROLLMENT NEW YORK STATE

38,573

HTTPS://BOCES.ORG/INFOGRAPHICS/BY-THE-NUMBERS/

NEW YORK STATE 2020-21 POST GRADUATE CTE STATISTICS HTTPS://BOCES.ORG/INFOGRAPHICS/BY-THE-NUMBERS/

40%+ 30% MORE THAN 40% OF STUDENTS WENT ON TO COLLEGE

NEARLY 30% OF STUDENTS WENT DIRECTLY INTO THE WORKFORCE

35%

Jeffrey Molusky, Executive Principal at the Career & Tech Center, encourages students and parents to take advantage of the opportunity to explore the options offered at the Career & Tech Center. “I think that every student should get the chance to explore careers before making their decision on a career path. There are thousands of careers a student can choose from. CTE exposes students to those careers and lets them see if that is the right path for them before going to college,” said Molusky.

JUNIORS AND SENIORS IN SULLIVAN COUNTY ATTEND THE CAREER & TECH CENTER

Click the brochure cover to learn about CTE's Programs or visit www.scboces.org/CTE

PROGRAMS OFFERED Allied Health Animal Science Auto Body Automotive Technology Broadcasting / Music Production Construction Technology Cosmetology Culinary Arts

THE EDGE | PAGE 10

Early Childhood Education Health Occupations Innovative Design Natural Resources New Vision Health Public Safety Services Welding

Come Visit!

The Career & Tech Center welcomes students, parents and school districts to come and learn about the programs available at the Career & Tech Center.

For more information call (845) 295-4152

SULLIVAN BOCES LAUNCHES DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE

In April of 2021, the New York State Board of Regents announced an initiative to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in all schools. It is an expectation of the Board of Regents that all schools adopt and implement a policy to advance their DEI efforts. The Sullivan BOCES Board of Education adopted its policy in October of 2021 and formally created a DEI Committee to expand its existing DEI initiatives.

The committee is made up of individuals from across the organization, including students, parents, teachers, related services providers, teaching assistants, aides, administrators, central office, and central business office staff. There are also representatives from the Board of Education, our component districts, Sullivan County government, and community organizations.

For Sullivan BOCES, roundtable discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion have occurred with staff since June 2020. Ilene Weinberg, School Improvement Specialist at Sullivan BOCES, facilitated monthly discussions focused on DEI topics. These conversations were impactful and inspired staff to reflect on how they could grow personally and work with students and their colleagues to create positive experiences for all.

The roundtables started the dialog and made a good foundation for several members of the new DEI Committee.

BOCES anticipates continuing their roundtable discussions while the DEI committee focuses on the policy and procedural side of the initiative.

The committee will assist Sullivan BOCES in maintaining a learning and working environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.

“When a school understands the backgrounds and appreciates the cultures the students bring to school, they can weave those elements into the curriculum - creating a bond with their students. When there is a bond, students feel safe and appreciated, which creates a perfect scenario for educational improvement, increased achievement, and students flourish,” said Weinberg.

THE EDGE | PAGE 11

One of the primary responsibilities of the BOCES Diversity, Equity,

The committee will work to ensure:

and Inclusion Committee will be to conduct environmental scans of the learning and working environment, policies, and practices,

Teaching and learning are inclusive

to suggest potential modifications where needed, and develop a

and culturally responsive. Topics are

strategic action plan to sustain those efforts.

taught from multiple perspectives and students actively engage in learning

According to one of the students on the committee, “I am

experiences that are interdisciplinary,

grateful that my counselor recommended that I join the

real-world, and action-oriented.

committee. I want to do something to give back to the other students and help BOCES evolve to the next level. My goal is to

Family and community engagement

ensure every student feels comfortable and accepted from the

practices focus on removing barriers to

minute they come to BOCES. That is the way I felt when I came

participation and building trust,

to BOCES, and I want all students to enjoy every aspect of school.”

confidence, and respect between and across stakeholder groups.

According to Maria Sommer, Assistant Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES, this work is especially important for complex

Hiring practices support recruitment

organizations like Sullivan BOCES. The BOCES provides services to

and retainment of a staff that is

all eight of our component districts and districts from Delaware,

representative of our diverse community

Orange, and Ulster counties and other areas across the state.

and student population.

BOCES services, while all related to education, include our various instructional programs, business office services, health and safety

Learning opportunities provide equal

services, technology support, professional development, and

access for all students to realize their full

programming.

potential. Negative stereotypes are minimized through the elimination of

BOCES students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and

terms and phrases that limit student

have a broad range of needs. They attend BOCES to learn the

opportunities and access.

skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in an increasingly diverse workplace, community, and society.

Student supports and discipline focus

on the wellness of the whole child.

Research shows that all students benefit when schools

Programs and practices enhance

implement strong diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and

student self-identity, self-confidence,

practices. These benefits include academic, cognitive, civic,

and self-esteem.

social-emotional, and economic outcomes. This is true regardless of a school’s geographic location or the demographic

Professional Development increases

composition of its students and staff.

awareness of Sullivan BOCES’ DEI policy and emergent issues and promotes a

“Students and staff deserve to attend school and work in a safe

warm and inclusive environment for the

place where they are welcomed, valued, and respected for who

entire Sullivan BOCES community.

they are as individuals,” said Sommer.

The successful work of the Sullivan BOCES Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee will benefit all students, all staff, and all of the communities of Sullivan County.

THE EDGE | PAGE 12

References: Sullivan BOCES Policy #3430, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion http://www.nysed.gov/diversity-equityinclusion

CAREER & TECH CENTER CONTINUES EFFORTS TO HELP LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS The Career & Tech Center at Sullivan BOCES is continually involved with numerous organizations throughout the County to expand its educational experiences for its students, as well as provide valued services to groups and businesses.

The list of completed projects ranges from providing blood pressure readings at local events, erecting structures, fixing drainage issues, to wrapping vehicles, and much more.

Lowell Feldman, a Bethel resident and longtime healthcare professional who is partnering with Bridge Back to Life Center, opened the press conference by thanking the staff and students of Sullivan BOCES for their part in making this project come to life.

One of the more recent projects included wrapping a 32-foot-long, fully heated, air-conditioned trailer for the Bridge Back to Life Center. The trailer will be used as a Mobile Treatment Unit that will bring needed medical and substance use services to communities across the County.

Participants marveled at the Mobile Treatment Unit that was wrapped in bright signage by BOCES’ Auto Body students. Molly Rampe, a senior in the Auto Body program, was one of the students who prepared and installed the wrap on the trailer.

“I was proud to work on this project since it is something that we need in Sullivan County. I’m looking forward to the day when I can see it being used, and I can tell everyone that I made that,” said Rampe.

Members of the Career & Tech staff, along with student Molly Rampe from the Roscoe CSD, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony held in January 2022.

The guest list included NYS Attorney General Letitia James; County Legislators; District Attorney Meagan Galligan; Deputy Sullivan County Health & Family Services Commissioner Wendy Brown; Sullivan County’s Director of Community Services; Melissa Stickle, and the Executive Director of Bridge Back to Life Center, Inc., Gary Butchen, to name a few.

Jeffrey Molusky, Executive Principal at the Career & Tech Center, also attended the ceremony.

According to Molusky, “BOCES is all about collaboration and working with our community. I am proud to be part of this moment of accomplishment for the County. Our students and staff in the Auto Body program did a great job with the trailer, and it gives us great satisfaction knowing that we had a hand in making this project come to life.”

THE EDGE | PAGE 13

“This is a dream come true,” noted Deputy Sullivan County Health & Family Services Commissioner Wendy Brown.

THE EDGE | PAGE 14

15 Sullivan Avenue, Suite 1W Liberty New York 12754

YOUR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY BEGINS AT SULLIVAN BOCES

WHERE FUTURES BEGIN & DREAMS ARE ACHIEVED!

T

(845) 295-4000 | SCBOCES.ORG