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Nassau BOCES News

First days of school — September 2010

For Nassau BOCES programs

Thursday, Sept. 2: Barry Tech student orientations, 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 8: Nassau BOCES Special Education, Instructional Programs and Alternative Schools, and Career and Technical Education programs begin

Monday, Sept. 13: Adult Learning Center classes begin at St. Bernard's School

Monday, Sept. 20: Adult Evening Program fall semester begins at Barry Tech

For Nassau County public schools

Wednesday, Sept. 1: Island Park UFSD

Thursday, Sept. 2: Baldwin UFSD, Jericho UFSD

Tuesday, Sept. 7: Bellmore UFSD, Bellmore-Merrick CHSD, Bethpage UFSD, Carle Place UFSD, East Meadow UFSD, East Rockaway UFSD, East Williston UFSD, Farmingdale UFSD, Franklin Square UFSD, Freeport UFSD, Garden City UFSD, Glen Cove CSD, Great Neck UFSD, Hempstead UFSD, Herricks UFSD, Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD, Hicksville UFSD, Island Trees UFSD, Lawrence UFSD, Locust Valley CSD, Lynbrook UFSD, Malverne UFSD, Manhasset UFSD, Massapequa UFSD, Merrick UFSD, Mineola UFSD, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park UFSD, North Bellmore UFSD, North Merrick UFSD, North Shore CSD, Oceanside UFSD, Oyster Bay-East Norwich CSD, Plainedge UFSD, Port Washington UFSD, Roosevelt UFSD, Roslyn UFSD, Seaford UFSD, Sewanhaka CHSD, Syosset CSD, Uniondale UFSD, Wantagh UFSD, Westbury UFSD and West Hempstead UFSD

Wednesday, Sept. 8: Elmont UFSD, Floral Park-Bellerose UFSD, Levittown UFSD, Long Beach CSD, Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD, Rockville Centre UFSD, Valley Stream CHSD, Valley Stream UFSD 13, Valley Stream UFSD 24 and Valley Stream UFSD 30

 

                                                                          >>Added 8/20/10


Nassau BOCES’ summer program doubles size

 
  Massapequa UFSD elementary school students benefited from small group instruction while attending summer school.
   

Nassau BOCES’ Regional Summer School doubled in size this year, increasing enrollment by more than 5,000 students. Staffers credit the tremendous growth to four new school districts, Baldwin, Freeport, Massapequa and Uniondale — some of the largest districts in the county. All were looking for a way to reduce costs and save taxpayers’ money.

“Using BOCES to facilitate our summer programs, is a win-win,” said Charles V. Sulc, superintendent of Massapequa UFSD. “It is saving us a considerable amount of money in two ways — we receive BOCES aid from the state, and significantly reduce staff time spent on Business and Human Resource Office functions.”

The Regional Summer School provides 20 districts with a full range of academic and enrichment programs for students at all grade levels. This year, it served more than 9,849 students in 12 elementary school programs, three middle school programs and 12 high school programs.

“We literally went from having 4,000 students to nearly 10,000 students in the matter of a week,” said Lucinda P. Hurley, executive director of Nassau BOCES’ Instructional Programs and Alternative Schools. “This was a multi-departmental effort with more than 25 employees mobilized to ensure that we were able to meet the districts’ needs, including hiring nearly 800 teachers.”
 

                                                                          >>Added 8/20/10


More than 1,000 students complete Nassau BOCES high school programs
View student completion numbers by program

 
  Brian Hanlon, of Levittown UFSD, earned a Regents diploma with advanced designation after completing studies at both the Career Preparatory High School and Barry Tech. He plans to attend Nassau Community College to study civil engineering technology.
   

From a teenager with special needs making his transition to college life to an aspiring jazz singer pursuing the career of her dreams, more than 1,000 Long Islanders recently completed studies at 14 Nassau BOCES high school programs. Ceremonies to recognize their achievements were held throughout the agency.

"The father of one of our students approached me with tears in his eyes after the ceremony at our Alternative Learning Program," says Stephen B. Witt, Board president. "He wanted to tell me how much he appreciates our efforts to help his son succeed."

Special Education

For the first time, two Nassau BOCES special education students received Regents diplomas with advanced designation, while 91 earned local, Regents, high school equivalency or IEP (Individualized Education Plan) diplomas. In all, 131 students from throughout Nassau County completed Nassau BOCES special education high school programs this year. Forty of these young adults chose to attend college next year, while 65 selected jobs or training programs.

The agency's largest department, Special Education relies on more than 680 special education teachers, speech teachers, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists and teachers of the visual and hearing impaired to meet its students' needs.

 
In addition to receiving her Barry Tech Certificate of Completion, Jordan Bryant, of Long Beach UFSD, earned numerous honors for outstanding achievements in Fashion Design Technology. She is scheduled to attend Fashion Institute of Technology in the fall.  
   

Career and Technical Education

The Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center (Barry Tech) attracts a special breed of high school student. Motivated and goal-oriented, graduates of the school go on to become airline pilots, chefs, mechanics, medical technicians, veterinarians, computer technicians and specialists in dozens of career fields. More than 700 Nassau County teenagers were awarded certificates of completion from Barry Tech during a recent ceremony at the Tilles Center in Greenvale.

This year's senior class set a new school record when 217 teenagers received Regents diplomas with technical endorsements from the New York State Education Department. These official marks of achievement may qualify graduates for advanced credit in some colleges and other post-secondary institutions.

More than half of Barry Tech's senior class received additional honors for outstanding achievements in their courses of study, peer mediation and "student of the quarter." During the course of the school year, students also participated in more than 18 community service events, including annual food, toy and blood drives. Nearly 75 percent of graduates reported their acceptances to two- and four-year colleges and universities, while others planned to enter the workforce or enlist in the military.

Leandra McNair, of Westbury UFSD (pictured with Long Island High School for the Arts Principal Ava Favara), earned a talent scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where she will pursue her goal of becoming a professional jazz vocalist.
   

Instructional Programs and Alternative Schools

Nassau BOCES alternative high school programs, such as English Literacy Alternative Program, Positive Alternative Twilight High School, Program of Alternative Comprehensive Education, Springboard and Teenage Parent Program, offer teenagers whose needs cannot be met in a traditional school setting a second chance to succeed.

These programs helped more than 70 students earn local, Regents or high school equivalency diplomas. Three of these teenagers received Regents diplomas with advanced designation. More than half of these new graduates will continue their educations at two-year colleges, some will join the military and others will enter the workforce.

The Department of Instructional Programs and Alternative Schools also provides professional-level training for teenagers interested in pursuing careers in the arts. The talented members of the Long Island High School for the Arts senior class have more than one reason to celebrate this summer. Not only did they graduate, but many of them will be financing their dreams of attending college with funds earned from scholarships and grants. The 98 graduates garnered a total of more than $7.5 million — that's approximately $75,000 each. This year's graduates have earned admission to some of the most prestigious schools and colleges in the country, including Joffrey Ballet School, Savannah College of Art and Design, Berklee College of Music and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

"It takes a family to make Nassau BOCES what it is; to make our schools what they are," says Witt. "It's not just the teachers — it's all of us — who make the difference in the students' lives.

"Caring prevails in our buildings," he continues. "And the students can feel it."

                                                                          >>Added 8/6/10


Port Washington senior cooks up a scholarship

 
  Rachel Prowler, a Port Washington UFSD senior who studied Culinary Arts at Barry Tech, will attend the Culinary Institute of America with a scholarship from the American Culinary Federation of Long Island.
   

Rachel Prowler, a recent Port Washington UFSD graduate, was awarded the American Culinary Federation of Long Island's 2010 Student Scholarship after studying Culinary Arts at Nassau BOCES' Barry Tech.

Prowler, who describes her time at Barry Tech as "life changing," has been the recipient of top honors in numerous culinary competitions, as well as awards for career and technical achievement, attendance and quarterly performance. She plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in the fall.

Nearly 740 Nassau County teenagers were awarded certificates of completion from Barry Tech during a recent ceremony at the Tilles Center in Greenvale. More than half of them received additional honors for outstanding achievements in their courses of study, peer mediation and "student of the quarter."

From teenagers earning certification as computer network technicians to adults learning new trades, the Nassau BOCES Department of Career and Technical Education gives people the skills they need for success in the workplace. Each year, thousands of high school and adult students attend classes at Barry Tech, the state-of-the-art career and technical education center in Westbury, and other locations. Specialized job training services for adults with disabilities, ESL and basic education classes for adults new to our country are also offered at St. Bernard’s School in Levittown. Visit www.barrytech.org for more news, information and educational updates.

                                                                          >>Added 8/6/10


Agency runners unite to meet the challenge

 
  Crossing the finish line are Stephen B. Witt, Board president; Teresa Scaturro, secretary to the district superintendent; and Dr. Robert J. Hanna, deputy superintendent.
   

More than 40 Nassau BOCES employees and supporters, including Board President Stephen B. Witt, participated in the 2010 Marcum Workplace Challenge at Jones Beach State Park on Aug. 3. Dubbed "Long Island's largest office picnic," the fundraising race attracts thousands of participants from more than 200 Long Island companies each year.

Administrators, employees and Board members sported Nassau BOCES T-shirts as they ran and walked the 3.5-mile race to the finish line. The shirts, as well as the team's post-race refreshments, were provided by the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting Nassau BOCES students and programs.

There is one other key Nassau BOCES connection to the Marcum Workplace Challenge. The event's director is Mindy Davidson, a vocational rehabilitation counselor at the Rosemary Kennedy School in Wantagh.

"I'm extremely proud of all of our participants," said Witt, who was the agency's "Top Dog" runner. "I especially would like to congratulate everyone who worked behind the scenes to organize this terrific event."

Proceeds benefited the Long Island Children's Museum and the Children's Medical Fund of New York.

                                                                          >>Added 8/4/10


Graduate chooses anatomy over adversity
Barry Tech Nurse Assisting student to study pre-med in college

 
  Erika Hickey, of Uniondale UFSD, credits Nassau BOCES Barry Tech and Nurse Assisting instructor Barbara Pelrine for helping her attain the skills and confidence she needs to reach for her dream of becoming a doctor.
   

Dreams? Yes. Erika Hickey has those. But she knows it takes a lot more than wishes and hopes to make them come true. You have to fight for them. And Erika is a fighter.

In addition to graduating from high school, Erika recently earned a certificate in Nurse Assisting from the Nassau BOCES Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center in Westbury. Next September, she will enter the pre-med program at the University of Bridgeport.

Without a passionate teacher, an eye-opening internship experience and a lot of hard work, her dreams might have been just that ... dreams.

Erika has known she wants to be a doctor since she was a toddler. But the idea was firmly cemented when, at 11 years old, she watched her mother battle lung cancer. "My care provider, my best friend, was in pain, and I was not able to help her," she said.

When Erika's mother finally lost her battle, the young girl's life spiraled out of control. She was shuffled from place to place, school to school, without a stable family unit. Another child might have become a statistic. But not Erika.

Instead, she studied anatomy and physiology. She researched programs, found Barry Tech and convinced her home district, Uniondale UFSD, that was where she needed to be. She thought the Nurse Assisting program would give her a head start on other peers hoping to enter pre-med programs. "I was right," she said. "I am beyond happy I went to BOCES. In addition to the academics, it helped my self-esteem and confidence."

One teacher in particular helped Erika through the tough times. "Thank God for Mrs. Pelrine," she said. "She listened and was there for me."

The admiration is mutual. Barry Tech instructor Barbara Pelrine is amazed at the transformation Erika made during her time at the school. "She's overcome a lot of adversity and worked very hard," Pelrine said.

Through the Nurse Assisting program, students participate in clinical rotations. During her second day at a nursing home in Woodbury, Erika was able to do for one of the residents what she had always wanted to do for her mother — ease the pain and provide comfort. "The best feeling in the world is to make another person feel better," Erika said.

That is the moment Erika thinks of whenever it seems like something is standing in front of her dreams. "If you really want something, you have to fight hard for it," she said.

                                                                          >>Added 7/23/10


Long Island High School for the Arts graduates earn more than $7 million in scholarships and grants

The talented members of the Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) senior class have more than one cause to celebrate this summer. Not only did they graduate high school, but many of them will be financing their dreams of attending college with funds earned from scholarships and grants. The 100 graduates garnered a total of more than $7 million — that's approximately $70,000 each.

For many of the teens, being accepted to a world-renowned college or conservatory to further their studies is a dream come true. Making sure they receive the scholarships and grants to make those dreams a reality is just part of what the teachers at LIHSA do each and every day. In addition to helping their students prepare for auditions, organize portfolios and complete school applications, the teaching staff also steers the aspiring artists — whose interests range from dancing, singing and painting to playwriting, directing and designing sets — toward all the specialized honors, awards and opportunities available to them.

This year's graduates have earned admission to some of the most prestigious schools and colleges in the country, including Joffrey Ballet School, Savannah College of Art and Design, Berklee College of Music and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

At LIHSA, students from both Nassau and Suffolk counties may attend and can choose to major in art, dance, drama, theatre tech, instrumental or vocal music, musical theatre or creative writing. Many attend for half the school day, taking academic courses at their home high schools; others enroll full-time at LIHSA, taking all of their academic courses for high school graduation.
 

                                                                          >>Added 7/23/10
 

Award-winning student artists urge
New Yorkers to recycle

 
  Three posters designed by Seaman Neck Middle School students are winners in the 2010 New York Recycles! Poster Contest sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
   
Three Nassau BOCES Seaman Neck Middle School students won top prizes for their environmentally themed designs in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's 2010 New York Recycles! Poster Contest.

The winners — Yaritza Sandoval, Justin Robilotti and Rebecca Ryan — received first-, second- and third-place awards, respectively, in the contest's special needs category.

At the Seaman Neck Middle School, art and music activities are used to reinforce the classroom curriculum and are designed to help students express their creativity. Students in this program are also involved in activities that enhance students’ community awareness. Specific skills needed for appropriate social and emotional behaviors are integrated into the activities that encourages students to interact with their teachers and peers, building critical thought processes and independence.

 

                                                                          >>Added 7/9/10
 

Long Island High School for the Arts alums star in off-Broadway teen musical

 
   
Twelve students from the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) classes of 2008 and 2009 are taking to the stage for the Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. The talented and passionate all-alumni cast is back for an encore showcase of "Most Likely To: The Senior Superlative Musical."

"Most Likely To..." opens Sunday, July 18, at Theatre Row's Beckett Theatre and runs through Wednesday, July 28, for five performances. Tickets and a complete schedule of show times are available at ticketcentral.com.

Written and composed by LIHSA drama teacher and established playwright Michael Tester, and directed by LIHSA teacher Abbe Gail Gross, "Most Likely To …" offers a fresh alternative to teen musicals while showcasing LIHSA's talented alumni.

The all-teen cast and their home towns are: Andrew J. Beck and Gina Marie Bilardi, Bethpage; Samantha Chastain, Locust Valley; Alex Greif, Lynbrook; Christopher Hlinka, Northport; Katie Hoffmann, Massapequa; Lyle Colby Mackston, West Hempstead; Melissa Rapelje, Glen Cove; Lauren Renner and Joe Wegmann, Harborfields; Sarah Sixt, Locust Valley; and Jesse Zeidman, Port Washington.

Tester, who also authored "Hollywood Exposed!" and co-authored "The Awesome '80s Prom," exemplifies the dedication of the LIHSA staff – all experienced performers and artists who bring impressive real-world credentials to their classrooms.
 

                                                                          >>Added 7/9/10


Freeport, Oyster Bay and Roosevelt teens bring back scholarships from Albany

Thirteen student delegates from Nassau County schools secured their respective places as the leaders of tomorrow when they presented to the New York State Assembly. The teens joined peers from across the state for the 20th annual Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI).

This three-day summit challenges youngsters with a host of engaging activities, including youth rallies, career development workshops and team-building exercises, and culminates in a forum with state legislators. The PR/HYLI initiative is a collaboration between the New York State Education Department's Office of Bilingual Education and the Bilingual Education Technical Assistance Centers (BETACs) throughout the state. The Nassau County BETAC operates in conjunction with Nassau BOCES to provide staff development, resources and technical support to districts as they educate students with limited proficiency in English.

Four of the Nassau County delegates were among only 20 students statewide to receive $500 scholarships from the state Assembly. Brianda Ramirez-Alonso, of Freeport UFSD; Karla Gasc and Paula Oyarce, of Oyster Bay UFSD; and Jeffrey Mata, of Roosevelt UFSD; earned the awards for outstanding essays on envisioning history. Brianda, who served with the majority leader in presiding over the Democratic Party Caucus and Mock Assembly, was also named the Nassau County Outstanding Student Delegate.
 

                                                                          >>Added 7/9/10


Students find rhythm together

 
  Rosemary Kennedy School (RKS) and Long Island High School for the Arts students perform side-by-side during the annual recital at RKS.
   
When music teachers at the Rosemary Kennedy School (RKS) envisioned a dance collaboration between their school and the Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA), they set out to create a "typical" recital. Eight years later, their "failure" to be typical is an amazing success. The program is so popular at both schools that there are waiting lists to participate.

"We just thought it would be fun," said RKS dance coordinator Christine Dwyer, who developed the program with the late Sandra Rivera. "We thought our students, many of whom have autism, would enjoy participating in a typical dance studio and interacting with typical teens their age."

What they didn't anticipate were the strong bonds that developed between the students. And the impact it has on their lives. This year alone two of the LIHSA dancers decided that they wanted to major in special education in college. "It's a joy and a pleasure to see what each group of students gets from the program," said Shirlene Blake-Neale, LIHSA dance coordinator.

"The music and movement helped our students to better cope with their sensory issues," said Dwyer.

The students practiced regularly throughout the year and learned three routines, which received thunderous applause from fellow students, family and friends during this year's not-so-"typical" recital.
 

                                                                          >>Added 7/2/10
 

Board welcomes 23 newly tenured staff members to the 'BOCES family'

 
  Ann Marie Schmidt, senior account clerk, is congratulated by Joan Siegel, associate superintendent for Business Services.
   
Nassau BOCES' newly tenured employees were honored before co-workers, friends and family during a ceremony at the George Farber Administrative Center. The roles of the 23 honorees range from support staff to teachers and administrators. All were recognized for their dedication and proudly welcomed into the "family."

"It takes a family to make Nassau BOCES what it is, to make the different schools what they are," said Board President Stephen B. Witt. "You are joining the ranks of some very committed people, and you're going to be carrying the flag for those that will be retiring in the years to come."

Nassau BOCES' semiannual tenure celebrations were started this year. After participating in similar events at their component districts, the agency's Board members wanted to pay tribute to staff members here as well.

"The evening was filled with promise and optimism," said honoree May Roldan-Jennings, a social worker in the Department of Instructional Programs and Alternative Schools.

"To be recognized for one's dedication is an honor," she added. "It was a true pleasure to be surrounded by friends, family and colleagues."
 

                                                                          >>Added 7/2/10


Registration underway for ESL and GED summer classes

Attention adult learners: if you are seeking a high school diploma or need to improve your English language skills, summer is your season. The Nassau BOCES Adult Learning Center (ALC) will hold open registration for its summer program at the sites listed below during the designated times.

English as a Second Language (ESL) and General Educational Development (GED) classes will run from July 1–29. Programs at St. Bernard's and Barry Tech include two hours of computer-assisted learning and/or training each week in a fully equipped computer lab. Summer classes run at multiple locations throughout Nassau County, including Elmont, Levittown and Westbury.
Prospective students must register in person at one of the following locations, at the specified date and time:

St. Bernard's School — ESL and GED
3100 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown
June 28-30, 8:30–11 a.m.; 12:45–2 p.m.

Elmont Memorial Library
700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
ESL — June 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Students must be at least 21 years of age without a U.S. high school diploma. There is an annual registration fee of $45 for ESL or $55 for GED, payable by money order only. This fee entitles registrants to take ALC classes through June of 2011. The ALC serves more than 4,500 adult learners each year. For more information please call 516-622-5623 or visit the ALC website.

                                                                          >>Added 6/25/10
 

District superintendent honored by school business association

Nassau BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Rogers received an Honorary Life Membership from the New York State Association of School Business Officials (NYSASBO). The honor was presented during the organization's annual conference in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

"On behalf of NYSASBO, I would like to present to you an Honorary Life Membership for the continued support you have given to this association and the school business management profession," said Deedrick Bertholf, executive director of NYSASBO.

                                                                          >>Added 6/25/10


Summer experiences you won’t find anywhere else

Whether it’s learning to develop an artistic talent or finding your inner biologist, Nassau BOCES offers something for every child this summer. Programs range from boating, canoeing, and snorkeling to dance and creative writing, and are designed and overseen by certified educators so that children and teens can explore their interests in safe, fun and hands-on environments. For more details on all Nassau BOCES summer programs, visit www.nassauboces.org/summer/.

Enjoy a magical summer at Long Island High School
for the Arts

Summer Arts Academy offers young artists on Long Island entering grades 6-12 next fall a chance to learn from professional artists and develop their skills further. Classes from beginner through advanced will be offered. Daily classes and workshops are held in a custom-designed, air-conditioned arts complex with dance studios, digital media and music/audio production labs, art studios, practice rooms and a fully-equipped professional theatre. Participants can enroll in classes that focus on drama, musical theatre, creative writing, and various dance, music and visual arts; take master classes in clowning, stage combat or self-defense; take a trip to a museum or Broadway show. This four-week program runs from July 6-30 and meets weekdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Long Island High School for the Arts in Syosset. Interested students should ask their guidance counselors or principals for an application. After acceptance, which requires an individual school district recommendation, students are placed in classes based on age and level of achievement. For more information, call Principal Ava Favara at 516-622-5678 or visit www.lihsarts.org.

Outdoor and Environmental Education programs

Outdoor and Environmental Adventures and Marine Biology are two popular programs that will be offered this summer. Outdoor and Environmental Adventures is a high-energy, adventure-packed program for students entering grades 4-8. During the course of this three-week program, children will have the opportunity to hike, canoe, fish, and explore a pond, beach and marsh. Other opportunities include building a survival shelter, making a solar still to collect fresh water, using a map, compass and GPS to navigate through the woods, and climbing a 32-foot-high wall.

The Marine Biology program allows students entering grades 8-12 to become field biologists as they learn about marine life and the environments they inhabit. During this three-week program, students will explore miles of beach and acres of salt marsh, compare north and south shore waters, tour Atlantis Marine World, undertake a cooperative research project, and canoe, snorkel and fish in Long Island waters.

Both programs meet weekdays from July 1-22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., excluding July 5. Transportation is provided from central locations and will be determined based on student registration. For more information on any Outdoor and Environmental Education program, call 516-396-2264 or e-mail enviroed@mail.nasboces.org.

Big smiles for dental contest winners

Two dozen Special Education students received awards as part of the Nassau County Dental Society's 2010 Creative Contest. The students, under the direction of art teacher Ivy Bell-Bazer, created art projects or wrote limericks in keeping with the theme "In Search of a Healthy Smile." Four students from Seaman Neck Middle School and one from the Rosemary Kennedy School earned first-place honors. The award-winning students are:
  • First place, art category: Holly Rose Petriz and Jamie Segermeister, of Seaman Neck Middle School; and Ariel Kerr, of Rosemary Kennedy School
  • First place, limerick category: Josie Rerecich and Najee Glover, of Seaman Neck Middle School
  • Second place, art category: Jamaine Basnight and Byron Thomas, of Seaman Neck Middle School; and Scott Nicholson, of Rosemary Kennedy School
  • Third place, art category: Harley Dykeman and Ethan Worth Marshall, of Seaman Neck Middle School; and Richard Ferguson, of Rosemary Kennedy School
  • Honorable mention, art category: Joemel Calmes, Alyssa Degennaro, Thomas Francis, Chhaya Sowers-Young, Walter Ulloa and Chris Jarmek, of Seaman Neck Middle School; and Michelle Heald, Kathy Hristopoulos, Michelle Acosta, Bryan Santos, Lianne Rodriguez, Jackie Gravina, Melissa O'Shea, of Rosemary Kennedy School
 

Nassau BOCES Perkins grant turns students' dreams to reality

"If you can dream it, you can become it," are words that hold true for seven Nassau County teenagers who won the chance to work a day in their dream jobs, thanks to the grant-funded Carl D. Perkins Nassau BOCES Consortium.

The grant-funded consortium — which offers dozens of educational programs and activities for its 36 school district members — helped high school students follow their passions by providing the opportunity to participate in the USA TODAY Dream Job Program, a 20-week career exploration course.

"Nassau BOCES is extremely proud to offer this opportunity to school districts in the Perkins Grant Consortium," said Ms. Gene Silverman, executive director of Nassau BOCES Department of Career and Technical Education and facilitator of the consortium. "This is one of the many ways the grant enriches the lives of students throughout Nassau County."

USA TODAY provides training and curriculum materials for the Dream Job program to interested teachers who then teach the program in their districts. During the course of instruction, students create their own career portfolios and broaden their knowledge about today's business world, the global economy, and career and job trends. At the end of the program, students participate in a 500-word essay contest based on research of their chosen occupation, and the winners are awarded a day to pair up with a mentor to see what their dream jobs are really like.

The dream job winners who participated through the Nassau BOCES Perkins Consortium, their high schools and their chosen dream jobs are:

The dream job winners who participated through the Nassau BOCES Perkins Consortium, their home school districts and their chosen dream jobs are:

  • Emily Sutch, Island Trees UFSD; Teacher
  • Jessica Giancola, Oceanside UFSD; Marine Biologist
  • Stephanie Sanchez, Oceanside UFSD; Social Worker
  • Glenda Sanchez, Roosevelt UFSD; Journalist
  • Shontavea Jarvis, Roslyn UFSD; Fashion Designer
  • Rohish Dewan, Syosset CSD; Travel Tour Guide
  • Praise Odigie, Uniondale UFSD; Medical Doctor

The students — surrounded by their parents, teachers and principals — were honored at the Dream Job Winners' Reception at the Samsung Experience in Manhattan. The guest
speaker was Marc Ecko, founder and chief creative officer of Marc Ecko Enterprises, a global fashion and lifestyle company.

"My students thought the whole experience was 'so cool'— from the wonderful reception to meeting the incredible Marc Ecko," said Annie O'Hara, a career preparation coordinator in the Oceanside School District.

With the assistance of USA TODAY, the winners are coordinating their dream job opportunities with their mentors and will report back to their teachers, USA TODAY and Nassau BOCES about their experiences.

From teenagers earning certification as computer network technicians to adults learning new trades, the Nassau BOCES Department of Career and Technical Education gives people the skills they need for success in the workplace. Each year, thousands of high school and adult students attend classes at Barry Tech, the state-of-the-art career and technical education center in Westbury, and other locations.

For more information about the Nassau BOCES Perkins Grant Consortium, visit the website at www.nassaubocesperkins.org.

                                                                          >>Added 6/16/10


Nassau BOCES to celebrate staff members' tenure

The agency's tenure celebration on Thursday, June 17, will serve as a tribute to the 23 Nassau BOCES staff members who reached this milestone within the last six months.

From school principals, program supervisors and support personnel to teachers, guidance counselors and information technology technicians, honorees will represent a wide spectrum of job titles and responsibilities. In all, Nassau BOCES relies on more than 4,000 employees – its most important asset in meeting school district needs.

"When an employee earns tenure, it is reason to celebrate," says Stephen B. Witt, president of the Nassau BOCES Board. "All too often, this milestone passes without the recognition it deserves. This event will be a reflective and inspirational tribute to those who have made a significant commitment to this agency."

Initiated by the Nassau BOCES Board, the recognition ceremony is scheduled to include performances by Long Island High School for the Arts singers, and decorations and buttons created by Rosemary Kennedy School students.

                                                                          >>Added 6/14/10
 

PR team wins top national award

Nassau BOCES’ School Public Relations Service is the only organization in New York to win top honors from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). The PR team earned the Golden Achievement Award for the communications campaign it developed for the Garden City UFSD’s 2009 School Investment Bond. The award will be presented during the association’s annual conference in Charlotte, N.C., this July.

Calling the School Public Relations Service “a leader in school communications,” award judges praised the PR agency for “outstanding achievement” in a public relations program.

“The campaign was designed to reach all constituents with a consistent, clear message,” said Mary Quinn, executive director of Nassau BOCES’ Communication and Agency Planning department. “We used every communication tool available from printed newsletters and flyers to social media. We even created a video to post on the district’s website and YouTube.”

The School Public Relations Service conducted bond campaigns for three school districts this year and successfully completed two countywide bond votes for Nassau BOCES within the last three years.

                                                                          >>Added 6/11/10
 

Graduation season underway at Nassau BOCES

 
  When you're confident about what's to come, graduation day is a thrill.
   
Learners of all ages and abilities will make their families and teachers proud during Nassau BOCES graduations and end-of-year celebrations. Whether launching a new career after graduation, completing a special education program, or earning the all-important diploma at a Nassau BOCES alternative school, the agency's grads have reasons to smile.

All graduations will be held at their corresponding schools unless otherwise noted. Visit our locations page for directions to Nassau BOCES facilities.

June 2: Long Island High School for the Arts graduation, 7 p.m.
June 3: Early Childhood Center graduation 1, 10 a.m. at the Karopczyc School
June 4: Early Childhood Center graduation 2, 10 a.m. at the Karopczyc School
June 7: Center for Community Adjustment graduation, 10:30 a.m. at the Jerusalem Avenue Elementary School
June 8: Career Preparatory High School graduation, 10 a.m.
June 9: Children's Readiness Center moving-up ceremony (for preschool students), 10:30 a.m.
June 9: Barry Tech certificate ceremony, 7 p.m. at the Tilles Center, C.W. Post campus of Long Island University
June 10: Children's Readiness Center moving-up ceremony (for elementary students), 10:30 a.m.
June 11: Alternative Learning Program graduation, 10 a.m. at Hillwood Commons, C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University
June 11: Seaford Academic Center graduation (For English Literacy Alternative Program, Teenage Parenting Program and Springboard students), 1 p.m.
June 14: Program of Alternative Comprehensive Education graduation, 10 a.m. at the Long Island High School for the Arts
June 14: Adult Learning Center awards ceremony (for evening students), 6 p.m. at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center
June 16: Seaman Neck Middle School graduation, 10 a.m.
June 17: Eagle Avenue Middle School graduation, 10 a.m.
June 17: Career Support Services graduation, 3 p.m. at the Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center
June 18: Carman Road School graduation, 9:45 a.m.
June 21: Jerusalem Avenue Elementary School graduation, 10:30 a.m.
June 22: Adult Learning Center awards ceremony (for morning students), 10 a.m. at St. Bernard's School
June 23: Rosemary Kennedy School graduation, 10:30 a.m.
June 27: Hearing and Vision Services graduation, 1:30 p.m. at W. Tresper Clarke High School
 

                                                                          >>Added 5/28/10
 

Nassau BOCES School Library System presents awards for Administrator, Librarian of the Year

Farmingdale, Glen Cove staffers tie for Administrator Award

 
  Pictured (left to right) are the Nassau BOCES School Library System (NBSLS) award winners Donna Rosenblum, Barbara Pandolfo and Dr. Shari Camhi with Eva Efron, supervisor of NBSLS.
   

Two school administrators — Barbara Pandolfo, director of library media services in Farmingdale UFSD, and Dr. Shari L. Camhi, assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Technology in Glen Cove CSD — were named Administrators of the Year by the Nassau BOCES School Library System (NBSLS). Donna Rosenblum, library chairperson of Floral Park Memorial High School, part of Sewanhaka CHSD, was named School Librarian of the Year.

The honors were presented at the NBSLS quarterly liaison meeting where 119 school library media specialists, one from each of the public, private and independent schools in Nassau County, gathered in May.

Barbara Pandolfo was recognized for the many ways she supports school library services. Described as an exceptional library director and advocate for school librarianship, Pandolfo continually supports services offered through Nassau BOCES, including the inter-library loan program, which accesses the most current information for student research projects and teacher education. She continually leads her team members to enhance the district's curriculum by encouraging them to participate in Nassau BOCES workshops, become up-to-date with the latest technologies as they impact the library field, and explore Web tools to expand the knowledge and learning experiences of students. Pandolfo makes it a priority to equip the district's libraries with the most effective technologies, including interactive white boards, and encourages her staff members to become experts in the use of technology.

As the assistant superintendent for curriculum and technology, Dr. Shari Camhi has propelled her district into the 21st century by integrating technology with instruction. A key component of this transformation has been Camhi's vision for the district's library media centers. Instead of meeting separately at their respective schools, the five district library media specialists now meet on a monthly basis during the school day to create and foster a unified K-12 instructional program. By securing grant money to improve the library media centers, Camhi upgraded the libraries with interactive white boards, projectors, laptops and a host of other technologies. The high school library media center now has an Internet radio station which serves as a model for other Long Island schools. She also secured a grant to help build a Macintosh computer lab.

Active in school librarianship for more than 20 years, Donna Rosenblum is considered to be a great influence in developing a lifelong love of reading in her students. In her current post, she promotes student excellence by ensuring that the library is a vibrant center of learning and supports the school's mission, curriculum, standards and assessments. She collaborates with faculty to develop library research projects that support information literacy skills and uses the latest technology to facilitate instruction, including interactive white boards, document cameras and video conferencing. Every fall, Rosenblum coordinates an annual Floral Park Memorial READS program where noted authors speak about their writing experiences. She is also a book reviewer for School Library Journal.

Established in 1985, the NBSLS provides library coordination and services to Nassau County's 56 school districts and independent schools. It is a grant-funded program that is available to school districts at no cost. Among its services are: professional learning, offering advisement on school library media practices, affording access to the inter-library loan program, providing use of the NBSLS professional collection, and consulting with districts to redesign school library media centers.

                                                                          >>Added 6/1/10


Nassau BOCES renames two buildings in memory of beloved Board leaders

Long-standing Nassau BOCES President George Farber and Vice President Iris Wolfson were two of public education's most ardent supporters.

At its May 27 meeting, Nassau BOCES honored the legacies of two of its longest-serving leaders by renaming buildings after them. Together, George Farber and Iris Wolfson gave 83 years of combined service to Nassau BOCES, impacting hundreds of thousands of lives throughout Nassau County, New York state and beyond.

The agency's main office and conference facility in Garden City is now: the George Farber Administrative Center. Its education center in Greenvale is now: the Iris Wolfson High School. This building is the once and future home of the Nassau BOCES Alternative Learning Program (ALP), which is temporarily housed at 57 Willet Avenue in Hicksville. Following a complete renovation, the Iris Wolfson High School is expected to reopen to ALP students and staff in January 2011. A dedication ceremony will be held at that time.

With more than four decades of service to his credit, George Farber was the longest-standing board member in the county. He joined Nassau BOCES in 1971 after eight years as president of the Herricks UFSD Board of Education. As Nassau BOCES president since 1987, Farber oversaw the creation of the Long Island High School for the Arts, the Career Preparatory High School and the Joseph M. Barry Career and Technical Education Center.

Iris Wolfson played an integral role in the education of Nassau County's 225,000 students, not only through her 30 years of work on behalf of Nassau BOCES, but also through her many years of service on the Hicksville School Board (1973-1979). A tireless education advocate, she served as vice president of the Nassau BOCES Board since 2006 and also served as vice president and president of the Hicksville School Board during her tenure there.
 

                                                                          >>Added 5/28/10

  
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