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Communications and Agency Planning |
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Nassau BOCES NewsNassau BOCES Career Support Services awarded 1.4 million grant Nassau BOCES Career Support Services (CSS) has been awarded a $1.4 million "Projects with Industry" (PWI) grant to be distributed over five years. The CSS grant proposal was one of only 65 selected from the 197 submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.The nearly $300,000 per annum will primarily be used to strengthen partnerships with local businesses and industries, and to place more than 500 individuals in employment positions that hold the potential for career advancement. To find these opportunities, CSS will work with private industry through the Business Advisory Council (BAC), which identifies job and career availability consistent with current and projected local employment trends. The BAC is a group of community volunteers serving in an advisory and consultant role in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of each PWI program. “We plan on incorporating the leadership of our business communities to assist us in developing training programs as well as identify employment opportunities for well-trained, job-ready applicants,” said Denise Marcel, PWI project director and lead adult educator for Nassau BOCES CSS. “We look forward to providing seamless school-to-work services as well as re-entry-to-employment services through this grant. Our goal is to help as many individuals as we can receive the appropriate assistance to move into gainful employment.” Nassau BOCES has been a leader in this area for many years, providing direct services to individuals with disabilities in job training, job preparation and employment. CSS has been promoting competitive job placement and career advancement for individuals with disabilities for more than 30 years. The funding will allow for increased participation in the Nassau BOCES Intensive Skills program — a career preparatory experience for high school students with special needs that emphasizes the personal skills and characteristics necessary for successful employment. In addition, it will expand opportunities offered through the Adult Evening program, which offers career and technology courses, and certificate courses for adults. (This project also will serve individuals from Western Suffolk County and Queens in providing job placement assistance.) Partners with Nassau BOCES are slated to include New York state’s Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Workforce New York and numerous local employers. The PWI grants program is dedicated to supporting programs that create and expand job and career opportunities for individuals with disabilities within unserved or underserved geographic areas. Nassau BOCES CSS enjoys a long history of partnering with local businesses to bring increased career and economic opportunity to the disabled and special needs population of Nassau County. 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. Specialized job training services for adults with disabilities, English as a second language and basic education classes for adults new to our country also are offered at St. Bernard School in Levittown.
>>Added 12/1/08 Nassau BOCES staffer takes pride in 'Prejudice Reduction'
The honor was presented in recognition of Levine's lifelong contributions to reducing prejudice through education and in collaboration with public schools. Levine, who founded the organization in 1991 with Zito, continues to promote equality through her work at Nassau BOCES, which includes diversity recruitment initiatives to hire highly qualified educators while improving the diversity of local schools and communities. The next Nassau BOCES diversity recruitment fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 7. Designed specifically for educators, this employment fair will offer candidates on-site interviews with districts and certification specialists. Application instructions will be posted on the Nassau BOCES Web site in advance of the fair. >>Added 12/1/08
ALC collectively serves more than 4,500 adult learners each year at 12 sites throughout Nassau County and offers classes in English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education and High School Equivalency Preparation. All classes are free to adults, 21 years of age and older who do not have a U.S. high school diploma or GED. For more information, call 516-622-5623 or visit the ALC Web site. >>Added 11/21/08
"Last year the Foundation awarded $17,000 in grants, and I'm happy to say that this year we've tripled that amount," said Dr. John Gangemi, chairman of the foundation and former deputy superintendent of Nassau BOCES, during a special ceremony to honor the grant recipients. "Today, we're awarding more than $52,000 in grants to deserving programs." The Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting initiatives beyond the scope of the agency's budget. It raises funds through events such as its annual golf outing and an annual gala recognizing honorees of the Nassau BOCES "Education Partner" awards program. Now in its third year, the awards program honors people from all walks of life who share Nassau BOCES' commitment to public education. "We're encouraging all of you, if you know someone who has made a major contribution to education in Nassau County, to participate in this year's program," says Gangemi. To enter a nomination, or learn more about the awards program, visit www.nassauboces.org/nominate. The deadline for entries is Friday, Nov. 21. Grant-funded teaching innovation is just one way the agency fulfills its mission to ensuring a successful, challenging, caring and safe environment that enables students of all ages and abilities to achieve their maximum potential. This year's grants will be put to use through a wide range of innovative programs and resources at: Barry Tech, Carman Road School, Center for Community Adjustment, Children's Readiness Center, Eagle Avenue Middle School, English Literacy Alternative Program, Jerusalem Avenue Elementary School, Long Island High School for the Arts, Program for Alternative Comprehensive Education, Rosemary Kennedy School and Seaford Academic Center. The grant recipients and their winning projects are listed by school below. Barry Tech James Clark, principal Project: "Using Wiis for Physical Education" Amount: $2,144 John Murphy, teacher Project: "Evening of Good Taste Culinary Salon" Amount: $3,000
Rosemary Belevich, assistant principal Carman Road School Karen L. Russo, physical therapist; Stella Ceron, occupational therapist; and Lloyd Solomon, special education teacher Project: "Nintendo Wii for Therapy and Fun" Amount: $1,210 Mary Stern and Pamela Doyle, teachers Project: "Reading Our Words" Amount: $1,844 Center for Community Adjustment Randy Gelb, teacher Project: "Inspirational Outdoor Classroom and Garden" Amount: $5,506 Children's Readiness Center Kristie Nowak, teacher Project: "Household Skills for Lifelong Living" Amount: $475.42 Allison Roberts and Lori Gross, teachers Project: "CRC Cuts" Amount: $1,845 Eagle Avenue Middle School Rosemarie Lombardi and Janie Molinari, teachers Project: "Literacy Success for Lifelong Learning" Amount: $4,388 English Literacy Alternative Program (ELAP) Angela Tarquinio, teacher Project: "Get Them to Read" Amount: $319
Kathleen Serkes, teacher aide Project: "Early Childhood Literacy" Amount: $500 Brian Riess, teacher Project: "Yoga Rocks II" Amount: $3,950
James Screven, teacher
Project 3: "CHESS – Creative Hobbies for Enrichment Studies at the Seaford
Academic Center" >>Added 11/7/08
Hynes is responsible for the Teenage Parenting Program (TAP), the English Literacy Alternative Program (ELAP), Positive Alternative Twilight High School (PATHS) and Program for Alternative Comprehensive Education (P.A.C.E.), which are all housed at the center in Seaford. Most recently a co-principal at Randolph Union High School in Vermont, Hynes also has served as assistant principal at Hillsboro-Deering High school in New Hampshire as well as administrator for student management, vocational education coordinator and marketing instructor at the Merrimack Valley High School in New Hampshire. Hynes looks forward to working with such a diverse population of students. “I’ll be the coach, facilitator, supporter and leader for the students and staff here,” says Hynes. “I look forward to helping the students succeed and obtain their goals.” Some of her ideas include offering online courses, parenting courses for the young dad’s of the TAP babies and helping the school to have a more cohesive feel. “Judy’s experience and educational leadership brings a fresh perspective to the center that will benefit all the students there,” said Lucinda Hurley, executive director of Nassau BOCES Instructional Programs and Alternative Schools. “We’re excited to have her as part of our team.” Hynes holds a master’s in education from Bowling Green State University and a certificate of advanced graduate study from the University of New Hampshire. She is a member of Phi Delta Kappa as well as the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). >>Added 10/14/08
They are: the Freeport Pride budget newsletter, which won the Award of Excellence; the Nassau BOCES 2007-08 Master Calendar and Elmont Dialogue budget newsletter, which earned Awards of Honor; and the Seaford Education Spotlight bond newsletter and Long Island High School for the Arts marketing campaign, both of which were given Awards of Merit. During the 2007-08 school year, the Nassau BOCES Public Relations Service (PRS) covered more than 125 events; wrote and distributed more than 200 press releases; produced 34 print and 14 online newsletters; developed more than 20 catalogs, flyers and brochures to promote client services and programs, and managed more than 200 Web site news items on behalf of school districts that subscribe to the service. The service's publications and programs consistently win honors in national and state public relations competitions. Read more about the services PRS provides. >>Added 9/29/08
With the addition of a site at Sewanhaka High School, starting this September, the Nassau BOCES Adult Learning Center will now be offering classes at 12 convenient locations throughout Nassau County. The center serves more than 4,500 adult learners each year and offers classes in ESL (English as a second language), adult basic education and high school equivalency preparation, using computer-assisted instruction. Citizenship preparation is coming soon. All classes are free to adults, 21 years of age and older, without a U.S. high school diploma or GED, after an annual $35 registration fee (money orders only). Students can choose from the following locations and schedules. Use the contact numbers to get further information:
>>Added 9/26/08
More than 250 teachers, administrators and school district leaders from throughout the region are expected to attend the full-day conference, which will be presented by the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology (CIT) in partnership with Western Suffolk BOCES. "Technology has leveled the playing field across the planet," says Fred Podolski, executive director, CIT. "As more companies go global, the demand grows for workers who can communicate with people in other countries and understand their cultures and customs. So it's very important to give students a strong foundation of global literacy." Conference attendees will discover how two local school districts — Herricks and Massapequa — have embraced this concept by implementing global curricula in their classrooms. Other featured guests include keynote speakers Mary Cullinane, the technology architect for Microsoft's School of the Future, and Ian Jukes, noted educator, author and director for the InfoSavvy Group. Dr. Ray Jorgensen, an expert in conversational leadership, will act as the event's facilitator, engaging participants in small groups throughout the day. "Our hope is that educators will begin to look at learning in radically different ways," says Podolski. "The world is changing rapidly. And our schools also must change in order to prepare children for what they need." To round out the day's events, a panel discussion will explore how schools can best prepare students to enter the 21st-century workforce. The panel will consist of keynote speakers, corporate executives and school superintendents, including Dr. William H. Johnson from Rockville Centre and Dr. John Bierwirth from Herricks. Attendees also will have opportunities to learn more about K–12 technology products and solutions from leading suppliers to the industry. StudyWiz, iEARN and ePals, to name just a few, are helping to connect classrooms internationally. The conference will run from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and will be held at Farmingdale State College. Registration is available online through MyLearningPlan. For more information, visit the CIT Web page. Through CIT, Nassau BOCES provides more than 100 services to support, augment and inspire educational activities specific to Nassau County schools. It also offers schools technical support, resources, training and the latest technologies for every aspect of the education process. >>Added 9/19/08
For five days in August, these talented string players participated in intense coaching and rehearsals at the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts. Each full-day session was led by Long Island Philharmonic Music Director David Wiley with three other professional musicians from the Philharmonic serving as coaches and mentors. "The students were thrilled for the chance to work with Wiley and the other members of the Philharmonic," says Kelly J. Good, supervisor of the Nassau BOCES Arts in Education program. "In addition to receiving one-on-one instruction to improve their playing, they also learned conducting techniques, music history and ear training during the various break-out sessions." Part of an ongoing partnership between Nassau BOCES and the Long Island Philharmonic, the Summer Strings Academy was designed to prepare high school string players for the new school year. The program concluded with a Friday evening concert in which students, together with their mentors, performed classics from Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart and even Led Zeppelin. “We were very pleased to again engage the Long Island Philharmonic as our partner," says Good. "The Philharmonic is the only professional resident orchestra to serve the communities of Nassau and Suffolk counties. We're taking full advantage of its presence and propose to bring the highest quality of music education to our students.” The 2009 Summer Strings Academy is scheduled for Aug. 17-21. Interested students in grades 8-11 should e-mail artsined@mail.nasboces.org or call 516-396-2345 for more information. To learn more about the Summer Strings Academy and the Long Island Philharmonic Performance Partners, visit the Arts in Education Web site. >>Added 9/5/08
Prospective students will have the opportunity to discuss programs and career opportunities with instructors and tour the state-of-the-art facilities, classrooms and shops. Training is available in more than 50 fields, ranging from automotive and computer technologies to health occupations, cosmetology and construction trades. Upon successful completion of required program sequences, participants receive certificates attesting to their achievements. Popular course picks this year include the Cosmetology New York State Licensing Course, Security Guard Training and Personal Trainer, according to Supervisor Rick Polansky. Visit the program’s new Web site for a complete list of courses or call 516-622-6950 to request a free catalog. 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. Specialized job training services for adults with disabilities, English as a Second Language and basic education classes for adults new to our country also are offered at St. Bernard School in Levittown. >>Added 8/29/08
Nassau County school districts: Jericho, Locust Valley, Merrick, Sewanhaka, Wantagh, Westbury Wednesday, Sept. 3: Nassau BOCES: Barry Tech Career and Technical Education classes begin; Adult Learning Center day classes begin – St. Bernard School, Levittown (night classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Barry Tech) Nassau County school districts: Baldwin, Bellmore, Bellmore-Merrick, Bethpage, Carle Place, East Meadow, East Rockaway, East Williston, Farmingdale, Floral Park-Bellerose, Franklin Square, Garden City, Glen Cove (half day, elementary only), Great Neck, Herricks, Hewlett-Woodmere, Hicksville, Island Park, Island Trees, Lawrence, Levittown, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Manhasset (half day, elementary only), Massapequa, Mineola, North Bellmore, North Merrick, North Shore (half day, elementary only), Oceanside, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, Plainedge, Plainview-Old Bethpage (half day), Port Washington, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, Roslyn, Seaford, Syosset, Valley Stream CHSD, Valley Stream 13, Valley Stream 24, Valley Stream 30, West Hempstead Thursday, Sept. 4: Nassau BOCES: Special Education classes begin; alternative high school programs begin, including: • Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) • Teenage Parenting Program (TAP) • English Literacy Alternative Program (ELAP) • Program of Alternative Comprehensive Education (P.A.C.E.) • Positive Alternative Twilight High School (PATHS) Nassau County school districts: Elmont, Freeport, Hempstead, Malverne, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park, Uniondale >>Added 8/22/08
Introducing Aesop — an automated substitute placement service that puts an end to time-consuming leg work. Teachers can report absences online or over the phone. Substitutes can find and accept jobs online or over the phone too — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "Aesop is fast becoming the most popular system of its kind," says Amy Levine, supervisor, Nassau BOCES Department of Human Resources (HR). "It's very easy to use, and it's been well received by the school districts we've introduced to it." The department is currently helping 15 local school districts to implement the system, which is designed by Frontline Placement Technologies. Aesop also is slated to become the standard for Nassau BOCES in September. "School faculty and administrators soon will learn how to register absences and generate reports with Aesop," says Elizabeth Calabrese, senior personnel clerk. "And our new substitutes will get tutorials with their welcome letters." According to Calabrese, substitute teachers can be more proactive in seeking positions when they use Aesop. It gives districts more options as well — by expanding the pool of candidates and even allowing for skill matching. It's all customizable according to a districts' needs. "And like many Nassau BOCES services, if districts choose to use Aesop through us, it saves them money," says Jeff Drucker, executive director of HR. And that's reason enough to live happily ever after. Learn more about Aesop at the Frontline Technologies Web site.
>>Added 8/15/08 Nassau BOCES Carman Road School keeps its summer stride at Barry Tech
After a lightning strike on Saturday, June 14, the Carman Road School was forced to close until the damage could be repaired, leaving school personnel wondering what would happen to the summer program. Because the Carman Road School caters to the physically disabled, there were few summer alternatives for parents of these students. Within hours of the incident, a plan was in place and parents and staff members were notified that the program was going on a summer-long field trip to Barry Tech, the home of Nassau BOCES career and technical education programs. "It was a miracle for us to have such a great school to come to," said Assistant Principal Steven Kessler. "Barry Tech is a one-level, barrier-free building, and it's able to accommodate all of the equipment necessary for our students." The school's extended-year program enables students to participate in learning activities that prevent regression during the summer and to continue developing needed skills. During July and August, the school's special education experts found creative ways to meet their students' needs at Barry Tech. According to Kessler, the chance to collaborate with Barry Tech's cosmetology class was a welcome new opportunity. "Our students came out looking great," said Kessler. "And the Barry Tech kids got additional experience to help them meet their cosmetology license requirements. So it was beneficial for both programs." In all, the Carman Road School served 155 students ages 3-21 this summer season. Whether reading to preschoolers in Barry Tech's Child Development classroom, exercising with middle schoolers in one of its hallways or giving physical therapy treatments to high schoolers in the Physical Therapy Aide classroom, staff members were able to provide a high quality educational program despite their unfamiliar surroundings. With the restoration of its building in Massapequa Park nearly complete, the Carman Road School is expected to reopen its doors in September. Before school bells ring, three large trucks worth of specialized equipment, furniture and assistive devices will be moved back into classrooms in the Massapequa Park building. Despite the extra demands of the move, Kessler said, employees aren't complaining. "We wanted to do it for the kids," he said. "They're getting the kind of summer school they need — that's what counts." >>Added 8/15/08
For three weeks in July, middle- and high-school students explored the waters and shores of Long Island and met many of the inhabitants along the way. Guided by experienced naturalists, these budding biologists collected and studied many kinds of marine life — from crabs and shrimp to fish, plankton and sea stars — in order to record data before returning the animals to the water. In all, 60 students from 13 school districts participated in outdoor adventures through Nassau BOCES this summer. Other popular activities included Outdoor and Environmental Adventures and Summer Submersions — a new program allowing students to design and build underwater ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) and race their crafts at Nassau County beaches and pools. Every year, thousands of students participate in programs at our Outdoor Education Centers in Brookville and at Caumsett State Historic Park as well as at local schools and beaches and aboard boats. Nassau County educators — now is a great time to plan your outdoor education field trips for next year. For details, call 516-396-2264. >>Added 8/8/08
The 3.5-mile challenge brought together staff members from various Nassau BOCES sites, as well as runners representing more than 200 other businesses across Long Island. Funds raised from entry fees for the race help to support Long Island charities, including Long Island Children's Museum and the Children's Medical Fund of New York. “We call it the largest family picnic on Long Island,” said Mindy Davidson, Nassau BOCES vocational rehabilitation counselor and event director for the Workplace Challenge. “It’s fun being down at the beach with thousands of people from various companies — it really builds team spirit.” >>Added 8/1/08
P.A.C.E. teens promote safe driving habits
With 16 students dressed to resemble car crash victims and one as the "grim reaper," the alternative high school students used their creativity to highlight the dangers of destructive decisions. The event served as a reminder that 16 teenagers die in the United States every day in car crashes caused by drunk driving, speeding and even simple distractions such as talking on cell phones. Obituaries were prepared and read for each of the 16 "victims" and a mock "wake" was held for all. Members of the student organization took turns lighting candles and pledging to help their peers increase awareness and personal responsibility. The school's students and staff also heard from two guest speakers who shared how destructive decisions affected their lives. The school's SADD activities were made possible by a $1,000 grant from Allstate's "Safe Teen Drive Long Island" program. A representative from the insurance company's Syosset branch was on hand at the assembly to express his support for the school's efforts. Other activities held this year have included a benefit to help a fellow student who was hit by a drunk driver and a series of fundraising efforts to contribute to the fight against breast cancer. P.A.C.E., an alternative high school program for teenagers disaffected with the traditional high school setting, emphasizes small classes and individualized instruction. Within a “rural” setting at the Outdoor Education site at Brookville, students receive support and guidance in developing self-esteem, improving academic performances and planning for the future.
>>Added 7/28/08 Teens throughout Nassau County complete studies at Barry Tech More than 600 Nassau County teenagers were awarded Certificates of Completion from Nassau BOCES Joseph M. Barry Career and Technical Education Center (Barry Tech) during a recent graduation ceremony at the Tilles Center in Greenvale. One hundred and eighty six of them received additional honors for their outstanding achievements in their courses of study.Students who displayed exceptional skills in their chosen fields received their Barry Tech certificates with technical endorsements, which may qualify them for advance credit in some colleges and other post-secondary institutions. Barry Tech is the state-of-the-art career and technical center that Nassau BOCES operates for high school students living in Nassau County. Students spend part of their day studying one of more than two dozen career choices, including aviation, auto repair, veterinary science, construction, computer technology, culinary arts and video production. They spend the rest of their day at their home high school. For more information about Barry Tech, visit www.barrytech.org. >>Added 7/28/08
Donning tuxedos and gowns, these students with special needs came dressed for success; the girls spending hours on hair and makeup and the boys' mothers picking out the perfect corsage. "For many of our students, it's the first 'dress-up' affair they're able to attend," says Principal Amy Rumelt. "It's a rare night that they get to have a fun time at a fancy party with all of their friends, while applying the skills they've worked on all year long." Although many use walkers or wheelchairs, the 80 students were able to keep the dance floor full the whole evening. The prom is such a popular event that it draws back dozens of alumni every year who are eager to revisit one of their favorite high school memories. For the 11 students in this year's graduating class, it was a fond farewell before donning caps and gowns and receiving their diplomas. "It's an important night for our staff as well," says Rumelt. "It's when we begin to say goodbye to our graduates — many who have been here since they were 2 years old. Nearly 50 members of the school faculty volunteered their time to help make the evening a memorable one." >>Added 7/18/08
On Monday, July 21, just six weeks after receiving her diploma, Castaños made her Broadway debut as Martha in the Tony Award-winning rock musical "Spring Awakening." She's been working hard through the "lazy days of summer" in order to prepare for the role. For four weeks, she commuted to Manhattan for full-day rehearsals with the rest of the cast. It was a demanding routine, but Castaños was up to the challenge — thanks to the real-world training she had at LIHSA this year. "LIHSA has taught me to be ready for anything," says Castaños. "And that training has helped me to learn my material in a short time frame." As a musical theater major, Castaños attended classes taught on a college level by practicing theater professionals and had many opportunities to perform. All seniors at LIHSA receive individualized guidance — from selecting the right college to preparing for auditions, applying for scholarships and writing effective resumes. In addition to helping its 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. "I would like to thank all of the teachers and staff at LIHSA for the support and encouragement they gave me throughout the year," says Castaños. "Going to LIHSA was one of the best choices I have ever made. I'm very excited for this new chapter of my life." >>Added 7/18/08
The Board also unanimously appointed a new Executive Director of Human Resources: Jeffrey Drucker of Plainview. After serving as assistant director of the department for five years, Drucker is a familiar face to agency employees. Prior to joining Nassau BOCES in 2003, Drucker spent more than 25 years as an administrator and teacher in the New York City public school system, including serving as assistant director of human resources at District 27Q in Ozone Park. “Jeff is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service in support of our staff and our school district partners,” said George Farber, Nassau BOCES Board president. “I know he will continue to excel in his new role.” During his tenure as assistant director of the department, Drucker was integral to recruiting, screening and placing agency personnel as well as implementing staff development programs. In addition, he provided oversight to the department’s budget and to various services offered to Nassau County school districts. Drucker has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree as well as a Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Brooklyn College. >>Added 7/14/08
Barry Tech students take home top honors in national SkillsUSA competition
Velez, who will be attending New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) on a partial scholarship this fall, won a gold medal in the Nurse Assisting category — a first for the school. Described by his teacher, Barbara Pelrine, as a respectful and compassionate young man with brains and character, Velez is expected to pursue a career in nursing — a field he discovered a passion for at Barry Tech. "Christian loves being able to make a difference in someone's day," says Pelrine. "At Barry Tech, I think he really became aware of his full potential and all the doors that are open to him. I'm very delighted, and I couldn't have thought of anyone better suited to take first place." Velez was also recently a New York State Vanguard Award semifinalist, a recognition reserved for teens pursuing nontraditional career paths, and a National Technical Honor Society inductee. Eliscar, who will attend Adelphi University with a major in biology, earned the silver medal in the Prepared Speech category, which challenges students to speak on a common theme chosen by national championship organizers. A dental assisting student at Barry Tech since September 2006, Eliscar says that her goal is to become an orthodontist. "She is a wonderful young lady and a highly motivated student," says Amy Maron, dental assisting teacher. "She is conscientious, diligent and extremely thorough in every task she undertakes. Theressa continually challenges herself to be the best and reach her goals, both professionally and personally." Eliscar was also Barry Tech's winner of the annual Nassau BOCES George Farber Outstanding Student Award, which recognizes students for their academic achievements, exemplary qualities and high moral standards. She also has been inducted into the National Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society and was nominated a Student of the Quarter in her senior year. >>Added 7/14/08
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, hailing from 34 Long Island school districts, have earned admission to some of the most prestigious schools and colleges in the country, including Cornell University, Berklee College of Music, Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Quinnipiac University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Nassau BOCES is part of the public school system, and its LIHSA is a high school program that offers intensive training in the visual and performing arts. Students from both Nassau and Suffolk counties may attend and can choose to major in art, dance, drama, theater tech, instrumental or vocal music, musical theatre or creative writing. >>Added 7/14/08
This spring, youngsters had a "feet-on" look at the world's largest continents thanks to National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps — made available exclusively though Nassau BOCES Outdoor and Environmental Education. Naturalists brought gymnasium-sized maps of both Asia and Africa to local schools, helping students to learn about biomes, population studies and unique features of the two continents. The maps’ brightly-colored vinyl surfaces accurately illustrate and label countries, bodies of water, mountains and cities. As students travel across the continents, they take part in activities including safaris, scavenger hunts and competitive games. These unique, in-demand teaching tools will be offered to school-based programs for a limited time in the spring of 2009. The map of Asia will be available from March 12-27, and the newest map, North America, will be obtainable from May 27-June 12. The maps come with hands-on activities and two Nassau BOCES naturalists to facilitate the program. For more information, or to bring a Giant Traveling Map to your school, contact Nassau BOCES Outdoor and Environmental Education at 516-396-2264 or enviroed@mail.nasboces.org.
>>Added 7/3/08 The publications are: the Nassau BOCES 2007-08 Master Calendar, Freeport Pride's graduation and budget issues, the Seaford Public Schools Calendar and Seaford Education Spotlight's bond edition. Each received an award of honorable mention. During the 2007-08 school year, the Nassau BOCES Public Relations Service covered more than 125 events; wrote and distributed more than 200 press releases; produced 34 print and 14 online newsletters; developed more than 20 catalogs, flyers and brochures to promote client services and programs, and managed more than 200 Web site news items on behalf of school districts that subscribe to the service. CAP's publications and programs consistently win honors in national and state public relations competitions. >>Added 7/3/08
Stemming from a belief that “excellence in the workforce begins with excellence in workforce education,” the NTHS encourages higher scholastic achievement, cultivates a desire for personal excellence and helps students find success in today's highly competitive workplace. Students are admitted as members of the NTHS — the nation’s highest award for excellence in career and technical education — after demonstrating superior academic achievement, completing community service projects and obtaining teacher recommendations. Additionally, students must exemplify qualities such as honesty, leadership, responsibility and character. “I’m very proud of our students," said Nassau BOCES Board Vice President Iris Wolfson. "They’ve achieved wonderful things. Barry Tech is a special place where they are able to reach new heights. We know our students here today are so deserving of these honors.” Nassau BOCES Deputy Superintendent Robert J. Hanna also added his congratulations and encouraged the students to let membership in the honor society “be the first stop on their roads to success.” >>Added 6/26/08
These keepsakes were created by teacher Carrie D. Moravcik with grant funding from the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation. Moravcik uses photography in the classroom to help her students, many of whom have learning or developmental disabilities, to recall details, expand vocabulary and language skills, and encourage writing. "I'd wanted to be able to send home the photographs with the students as a memento to help them be able to recall and talk about what happened in school," says Moravcik. "It's amazing to hear them recite names of people they've met and remember every little detail about an event." Some of Justin and Edina's yearlong adventures have included: field trips to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, the Belair Care Center and the Nassau County Police Department Open House, as well as schoolwide events such as Jump Rope for Heart, a Thanksgiving feast, an Earth Day clean up, the 100th day of school and Crazy Hat Day. This is one of nine innovative projects funded by grants from the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation. A nonprofit organization, the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation raises funds through events such as the Nassau BOCES "Education Partner" Awards Gala and its annual golf outing. This year's grants ranged from $189 to $5,050. >>Added 6/20/08
Warren A. Meierdiercks, superintendent of the Sewanhaka Central School District, was named Administrator of the Year, while Patricia Yosca from Lynbrook North Middle School was honored as Librarian of the Year. NBSLS provides library coordination and services to Nassau County’s 56 school districts and independent schools. NBSLS hosts liaison meetings for school district representatives four times a year. It is a grant-funded program available to school districts at no cost. More information >>Added 6/20/08
“Words defy the joy that I have when I see our students — who are so incredibly challenged — succeed at music,” said Elise Sobol, RKS music teacher. The collaboration began with a desire to help RKS students raise their level of performance in music. But teachers from both schools soon realized that there were many other benefits resulting from the program. In addition to bolstering RKS students’ confidence, the program served as an eye-opener for the East Broadway School students, helping them to understand the diverse characteristics of students with special needs. Mindy Davidson, a vocational rehabilitation counselor at RKS and parent of an East Broadway student, helped link up the two schools, along with RKS Principal John Picarello and East Broadway School Principal Jeanmarie Wink. The collaborative initiative with the Levittown Union Free School District is one of many Rosemary Kennedy School programs geared to developing students' confidence and capabilities so that they can become productive members of society. Other special activities held throughout the year include a school show, field days, glee club, dances, overnights at the life skills house (located on the school grounds), field trips and PTA-sponsored cultural events. Learn more about the Nassau BOCES Rosemary Kennedy School. >>Added 6/13/08
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