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Communications and Agency Planning |
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Nassau BOCES NewsStudents with special needs take to the dance floor at the Nassau BOCES Carman Road School's prom
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
Students who play the viola, violin, cello or the string bass are invited to attend the Summer Strings Academy during the week of Aug. 18–22. The series of master classes, to be held at the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) in Syosset, will conclude with a special evening concert conducted by Music Director David Wiley. “We are very pleased to again engage the Long Island Philharmonic as our partner," says Kelly J. Good, supervisor of the Nassau BOCES Arts in Education program. "The Philharmonic is the only professional resident orchestra to serve the communities of Nassau and Suffolk counties. We are taking full advantage of its presence and propose to bring the highest quality of music education to our students.” The Philharmonic has collaborated with Nassau BOCES previously in presenting the Long Island Philharmonic Performance Partners residency program, with the goal of mentoring aspiring band and orchestra members in local school districts. Nassau and Suffolk students entering grades 8–12 in September, who are interested in the Summer Strings Academy, should e-mail artsined@mail.nasboces.org or call 516-396-2345 for more information. >>Added 6/26/08
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
Initially Craig participated in a fundraising project for the center as part of his synagogue’s Mitzvah Day — a day of service and of doing good deeds. His desire to continue contributing his time to the residents has resulted in a long-term volunteer project for which he is to receive the highest level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award — the Gold level — for having complete more than 250 hours of volunteerism. Craig says “as a volunteer, I know that I have made a difference in the lives of many people.” He has made many contributions to the center over the years. Craig has transported patients to the onsite clinic, helped the therapists with physical therapy regimens, assisted the therapeutic recreation department with the coordination of social activities and performed clerical duties. His efforts not only improve the quality of care for the residents of the facility, but the staff members also appreciate his efforts. “I think I help make the employees’ lives a little less hectic” says the enthusiastic volunteer. By spending summer vacation, holidays and Sundays at the center for the past four years, Craig has become a permanent fixture. Craig recognizes what he’s getting back by spending his time with the older residents. He enjoys hearing about the different historical events the residents have experienced. As a creative writing student at LIHSA, Craig also seeks inspiration from his “adopted grandparents” for the plays and stories he creates. “They inspire me," he says. The President’s Volunteer Service Award was created in 2003 by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, a year after George W. Bush delivered his State of the Union address in which he called on each person to dedicate at least 4,000 hours to community service over the course of their lives. The honor recognizes the valuable impact volunteers have across the nation. Nassau BOCES is part of the public school system, and its Long Island High School for the Arts 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. About 90 percent of the graduates go on to colleges or conservatories, including the Juilliard School, Boston Conservatory and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (to name a few). The graduating class of 2007 was collectively offered more than $8 million in scholarships. >>Added 6/6/08
The 13 winners are: Debbie-Lynn Augustin of Hewlett, Carlos Carranza of Hempstead, Amanda Day of Island Trees, Theressa Eliscar of Uniondale, Megan Gourdet of Freeport, Ashleigh King of Uniondale, Jennifer Leonetti of Oceanside, Nick Maniaci of Lynbrook, Shanicka Martin of Freeport, Kimberly Roberts of Baldwin, Cheyanne Soltau of Baldwin, Christine Swann of Wantagh and Brandon Young of Uniondale. They were presented with certificates and awards during a ceremony held at the Nathan H.L. Bennett Pavilion in Hempstead on May 19. 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. >>Added 6/6/08
The PR/HYLI initiative is a collaboration between the NYS Education Department’s Office of Bilingual Education and the Bilingual Education Technical Assistance Centers (BETACs) located throughout the state. The Nassau County BETAC operates in conjunction with the Nassau County Board of Cooperative Educational Services to provide staff development, resources and technical support to districts as they educate students with limited proficiency in English. Three of the Nassau County delegates were among only 20 students statewide to receive $500 scholarships from the State Assembly. Miriam Calderon of Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington, Vannia Cordova of Glen Cove High School and Christopher Marco-Ortega of Farmingdale High School earned the awards for their outstanding essays on leadership. Monica Puentes-Ocampo of Freeport High School was awarded the PR/HYLI Student Delegate of the Year award. The highlight of the conference was a mock session held on the floor of the Assembly in which student delegates took part in all the procedures of state government. The session embodied the goals of PR/HYLI, such as developing an understanding of the legislative process and responsive citizenship, developing leadership skills, promoting dialogue between youth and community, and creating opportunities for Hispanic youth to interact with positive role models.
>>Added 5/30/08
Lights! Cameras! Action! Summertime fun is waiting
at the Summer Arts Academy Courses at the Summer Arts Academy include the traditional classes that the school’s students participate in during the year. In addition, the summer allows time for other exciting offerings, including master classes in clowning, stage combat and self-defense. The varied curricula make the Summer Arts Academy perfect for current LIHSA students as well as for those who are just beginning to discover their passion for the arts. After having picked a “major,” students will receive both group and individual instruction from renowned artists, many of whom teach at the school during the year. In addition to the daily lessons in their chosen craft, participants will have a chance to see performances by guest artists, visit museums, work with ensembles and take a trip to Broadway. The Theatre and Art departments also offer audition classes and portfolio development classes for older students. The culminating event of the Summer Arts Academy is a series of performances before family and friends during the final week of the program. The Summer Arts Academy is held in a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned complex in Syosset. Students interested in attending should ask their school principal or guidance counselor for an application. After acceptance - which requires approval from the student’s home district — students will be placed in classes based on age and level of achievement. Districts that have already signed on to participate include: Bellmore-Merrick, Carle Place, Commack, East Meadow, Elwood, Garden City, Half Hallow Hills, Harborfields, Herricks, Huntington, Island Trees, Jericho, Levittown, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Malverne, Massapequa, Mineola, North Shore, Oyster Bay, Plainedge, Port Washington, Rockville Centre, Seaford, Sewanhaka and Wantagh. For more information, please call LIHSA Principal Ava Favara at 516-364-1177. View application and program descriptions Learn about other Nassau BOCES summer offerings >>Added 5/30/08
"It's a nice way of reinforcing literacy instruction," says Bonnie Heller, principal of the Early Childhood Center. "The students have a wonderful time, and it helps their comprehension of the stories." With grant funding from the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation, P.A.C.E. students purchased children's books, planned how to present the literature and created a complimentary art project. "Role-playing games, poems, songs, rhyming, dramatic storytelling and other creative arts play can develop language skills and love of learning for both young children and adolescents," says Amanda Mooney, P.A.C.E. teacher and author of the "Early Childhood Literacy" grant. "It was amazing to see my students transform from disaffected youths to confident, nurturing, motivated, responsible young adults. They really took charge of the literacy group, which was challenging at times, and were proud of their accomplishments in the end." 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 5/23/08
Employees recognized for years of service Staffers hailing from nearly three dozen locations in Nassau County, and 130 different programs and services, celebrated a combined 3,980 years of service at the agency’s annual Employee Recognition Day celebration. More than 200 employees who reached a service milestone – 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 years – were publicly thanked during the evening ceremony at the Long Island High School for the Arts. Individual sites honored staffers celebrating 5- and 10-year milestones during the day. "The result of your hard work speaks volumes about who you are as employees and as advocates of public education throughout the region," said Joan Siegel, associate superintendent for Business Services. "It speaks through the triumph of our students – from preschoolers to adult learners. It speaks through the scores of educators that you teach and counsel in the use of state-of-the-art technologies. No matter what role you play, your work speaks volumes about your passion, dedication and commitment to the learners of Nassau County." Nassau BOCES staff includes educational planners, naturalists, marketing and communications professionals, printers, bus drivers, computer network technicians, accountants, auditors, pioneers in the art of data mining, experts in risk management, and Web designers, in addition to hundreds of classroom teachers and teacher aides. In all, Nassau BOCES relies on more than 3,000 employees – its most important asset in meeting school district needs.
>>Added 5/23/08 |
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