TOGETHER
June 2019
S
tudents at Alternative High School have
much to be proud of this year. They have
been busy nding ways they can help their
community, support their school, enhance life
for fellow classmates and learn lifelong skills for
themselves. It’s been a very productive year.
Teacher Charles Clifford’s Street Law class has
helped students understand the basics of the
legal system: juvenile justice, constitutional
rights and legal language. They’ve learned how
to advocate for themselves and how important
it is to make good decisions. Guest speaker Kyle
Steinebach, an assistant district attorney for the
Monroe County District Attorney’s Ofce, has
been an exceptional resource. His frequent visits
and the personal connections he has made with
students, “humanizes the system and shows kids
that there are lots of folks who are there to help
them, not out to get them,” said Clifford.
The school’s STEM (science, technology,
engineering, math) class members, assisted by
teachers Chris Kneller and Doug Van Roo, have
been on the lookout for projects that can make a
difference. They’ve found practical applications
for math and science concepts, and have learned
to use all kinds of tools safely. They are applying
their knowledge and talents to help others and to
build strong foundations for their own futures.
For instance, thanks to the AHS Building Crew
— talented student engineers and carpenters
Alessio, Alex, Camarin, Darryl, Jermaine,
Marquis, Reinaldo, Ricky, Romeo and Shayla —
young adults with disabilities at a local group
home will be able to enjoy the sun, picnic
luncheons and gardening in their back yard this
summer. The students built a special picnic table
and customized it to accommodate use with a
wheel chair. Earlier this year, they built raised
gardening boxes, so the home’s tenants could
enjoy planting vegetables.
AHS Student Behavioral Assistant Lisa Palumbo,
whose son lives at the residence, helped connect
the two groups of young people. In May, three
AHS student representatives visited to help
deliver the new picnic table. They met several
residents and saw rsthand the impact their hard
work has had on the young men’s quality of life.
Life-changing connections happen all the
time at AHS. Ask BOCES 2 Operations and
Maintenance’s Scott Mason, who is a frequent
guest at the school. After AHS Supervisor Adam
Porter and the STEM teachers invited O & M
to offer job training opportunities to students,
Mason was the rst volunteer. “I started showing
two students how to x drywall and paint, but
pretty soon other kids got curious. They all
wanted to learn, too. It’s like night and day. Now
when I visit the school, I’m greeted with smiles,
st bumps and real enthusiasm to master new
skills. They are great kids.”
Varied STEM class projects even included
custom building a buttery house for the
school’s science class. Teacher Mackenzie Garcia
worked with students this year to replace her old
cardboard box model with a new permanent box
that can be reused year after year. All the school’s
students have benetted from the improvement.
For over a month, the science room was a daily
stop for students checking on the near-magical
transformation of dozens of tiny eggs into
caterpillars, pupae and nally Painted Lady
butteries.
“The project gives kids who may never have
been around animals an opportunity to be part
of new life, to care for and be responsible for
these little creatures, and to learn about insects
and their life cycles,” said Garcia. “Everyone is
very proud that nearly all of our caterpillars grew
into adult butteries and laid eggs of their own.”
Pride in accomplishment at Alternative High School
2
TOGETHER • June 2019
MOVING
FORWARD
together
Filmmaker Rick Guidotti with recent
BELL graduates Haley Wentworth
(Spencerport) and Samantha Majchzrak
(Churchville-Chili).
2019 BELL graduates walk the red carpet
J
ust one day after walking the stage at Roberts Wesleyan College to receive their diplomas, several proud
new alumni walked the red carpet at a star-studded lm premier at the Little Theatre.
Last year, BOCES 2 Transition students in the Roberts Wesleyan College Bridge to Earning, Living
and Learning (BELL) program participated in the making of a new movie for the organization Positive
Exposure. Focused on people with intellectual disabilities, the lm was part of a project called FRAME
(Faces Redening the Art of Medical Education) https://positiveexposure.org/frame/. FRAME’s goal is
to change how medical information is presented to healthcare providers-in-training, clinicians, families and
communities. By highlighting people living with these conditions and their families, the individuality and
humanity of patients becomes key, alongside the standard medical information.
The lmmaker and Positive Exposure founder, Rick Guidotti premiered his work at the Little Theatre
on May 12 as part of the 2019 American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry annual
conference. Many of the student stars, including BOCES 2 students Haley Wentworth and Samantha
Majchzrak, were in attendance, along with friends and families. After the movie, they volunteered to
take the stage and answer questions from the audience about their experiences — good and bad — with
medical professionals. All of these young people are clearly strong self-advocates and committed to
working to support the needs of others.
A
change in the Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES
Career and Technical Education Dental
Assisting it program has meant more exposure and
more opportunity for students.
The high demand for dental assistants in the current
labor market, coupled with student interest, led CTE
leadership to make signicant changes and develop
Dental Assisting it into a two-year program. As a
one-year program for juniors and seniors, students
had limited opportunity for work-based learning
in real dental ofces. Thanks to the new format,
the two-year program requires a minimum of 200
clinical hours with local dental ofces.
“We restructured our Dental Assisting program
around the goal of maximizing work-based learning
opportunities for students in their second year with
us,” said Dental Assisting Teacher Jennifer Flanagan-
Probst. “This gives students the opportunity to
really master the knowledge and technical skills
during their rst year in the program.”
Currently 24 dental ofces and one dental
lab participate in this partnership and those numbers
stand to grow. Flanagan-Probst recruited the dental
partners and said this change was made possible by
their willingness to take in our students and mentor
them.
“We value this partnership which is providing extra
support for our dental staff and patients,” said Dr.
Robert Lang, Jr. of Robert A. Lang Jr. General
Dentistry in Hamlin. “The dental eld has greatly
advanced in recent years thanks to new technology.
It’s benecial that students are able to familiarize
themselves with new equipment and techniques in
high school. This is a great asset to their resumes
and will certainly help them in their job searches.”
“There is no substitution for work-based learning
and authentic experiences with dentists and
patients,” said Coordinator of Work-Based Learning
Cindy Christensen. “We are grateful for the support
of the dental community which is necessary for this
level of success.”
The curriculum is aligned with the Dental Assisting
National Boards (DANB). The seven seniors who
will complete the program this year are prepared to
take the NYS Professional Dental Assisting Exam
to become certied dental assistants.
“The opportunity to intern at a dental ofce has
given me a great jump-start on my dental career
as well as my adult life,” said Leeanna Dalheim
(Brockport). “I have become a more outgoing
individual, comfortable with my skills and abilities.”
“There is no substitution for work-based
learning and authentic experiences with
dentists and patients. We are grateful for the
support of the dental community which is
necessary for this level of success.”
-
Cindy Christensen, coordinator of Work-Based Learning
3
TOGETHER • June 2019
CTE Construction
Celebration
T
wo BOCES 2 programs have been recognized
as top Career and Technical Education (CTE)
programs by a national organization.
The Child and Family Development and Plumbing
and Heating programs at WEMOCO Career and
Technical Education Center were designated as
quality CTE programs by the National Research
Center for Career and Technical Education at the
Southern Regional Education Board (NRCCTE). The NRCCTE, along with the New York State Education
Department, are working to identify a small, representative sample of high-quality CTE programs.
In early May, a research team from the Georgia-based organization visited classrooms and spoke with
instructors and students. The designation and accompanying research by NRCCTE will be used as part of
a national effort led by J.P. Morgan-Chase to expand high-quality, career-focused CTE programs. The result
of the study, as well as the recommendations for expanding CTE, will be presented to the New York State
Board of Regents. State funding for CTE programs will also be guided by the study’s ndings.
“I am so proud that two of our CTE programs were selected for this distinguished honor,” said Jill Slavny,
executive principal of Career and Technical Education. “This recognition validates the great work we are
doing every day.”
In the Plumbing and Heating program, students learn the fundamentals of residential plumbing and heating
installation. They become procient in reading blueprints and schematics while learning to t, assemble and
prepare piping. In addition, students learn to install residential and commercial heating, air conditioning,
refrigeration and ventilation systems. In the Child and Family Development program, students learn about
human development and how systems of people work and function, to prepare for a career in helping
professions such as teacher, social worker or counselor.
To learn more about these and other CTE programs go to www.monroe2boces.org/cte.
Two CTE programs named “top in the nation”
“
I am so proud that two of our CTE programs were
selected for this distinguished honor. This recognition
validates the great work we are doing every day.
“
- Jill Slavny, executive principal of Career and Technical Education
CTE’s Crowley named Outstanding Senior
E
ach year, the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents (MCCOSS) recognizes one senior
from every Monroe County high school as outstanding seniors based on exemplary character, leadership,
scholarship and service to their community. Madelyn Crowley (Gates Chili) is the 2019 recipient of the Dr.
Michael C. O’Laughlin Outstanding Senior Award for Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES.
Crowley is a student in the BOCES 2 Career and Technical Education Laboratory Technology program and
a WEMOCO Student Ambassador. She was recognized at the Michael C. O’Laughlin Outstanding Senior
Recognition Dinner on May 22. The event, held this year at the James Monroe High School Banquet Center, is
the only program which recognizes excellence in all our county and city high schools at one event. It is named in
memory of former BOCES 2 District Superintendent Michael O’Laughlin.
Crowley also serves as the SkillsUSA WEMOCO Chapter President and New York State Area 1 Vice President.
She plans to attend Nazareth College in the fall to study Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES District
Superintendent Jo Anne Antonacci
presented Madelyn Crowley
(Gates Chili) with the Outstanding
Senior Award.
N
early 60 CTE students celebrated the
end of their high school years with an
open house for the house they built from the
ground up.
Seniors spent the last few weeks nishing up
the two-year project they started as juniors.
The annual home project is a joint effort
between CTE programs in the construction
trades cluster, including Carpentry, HVAC/
Plumbing and Heating, Residential and
Industrial Electrical, and Heavy Equipment
Operation and Maintenance. The project,
which gives students authentic experience in
the construction eld, has been part of the
CTE curriculum for years.
“I’m extremely happy with the students’
progress,” said teacher Kyle Caneld. “They
did an incredible job.” The 1,404-square-
foot three-bedroom home includes cathedral
ceilings with custom-cut rafters and custom-
made bathroom vanities.
“I really like it a lot,” said senior Christian Maio
(Gates Chili). “It’s an awesome thing to do
because the house is actually going to be used.”
This year’s juniors will return next year to
complete the 2020 CTE-built house.
4
TOGETHER • June 2019
“Nothing to be scared of!”
Strategic Goal
Continuous Improvement
Key Strategy
Promote progress to meet the needs of
customers
In July 2016, BOCES 2 piloted a
mileage program using a web-based
mileage processing program called
CompanyMileage. The pilot began with
a cross-section of approximately 20 staff
members. Feedback was positive and the
program was implemented organization-
wide in July 2017.
Under the old paper form system, mileage
reimbursement could be cumbersome
and time-consuming, resulting in
processing errors, staff frustration
and time spent clarifying questions
and resolving issues. CompanyMileage
streamlined the process and reduced
errors. All the distance calculations are
performed automatically using its built-in
mapping database, improving the level of
accuracy. The department has seen the
number of errors decrease signicantly;
from an error rate of 6.8% to 3.3% since
implementation. In addition, supervisors
can more efciently audit and approve
entries online in a timely manner.
Instructional and administrative staff are
able to focus on other priorities related to
teaching and learning.
Today nearly 500 staff members are using
the CompanyMileage system to process
their mileage claims. The transition from
a manual to a paperless process has saved
the organization time and money. As part
of this process, many staff members have
elected to receive their reimbursements
via direct deposit, resulting in an even
quicker processing time.
Ofce of Finance
Strategic Plan
Update
T
he student in Special Education teacher Keri
Kephart’s class in Hilton wasn’t afraid of
spiders or scared of participating in the interactive
videoconference focused on the little creatures. Like
his classmates, he was simply curious and eager to
ask questions about tarantulas, scorpions and other
arachnids. Kephart’s group of students, ages 9-12,
with varying grade levels of ability, was one of a
handful of interactive sites for the Denver Museum
of Nature and Science’s Scientists in Action Program
lesson on spiders. The museum program facilitates
communication between students and scientists. It
has online attendance from all over the country, and
in this case, even students from Brazil.
“It can be difcult to teach science curriculum
appropriate for everyone in a mixed age class like
mine,” said Kephart. “Online interactive classes like
this make great science opportunities. We prepare
with a lesson before the experience, and then discuss
it afterwards. Kids like the interactivity, and it gives
them a chance to practice social skills. Each of
my students went right up on camera and asked a
thoughtful question, loud enough for everyone at
the other locations to hear. They enjoyed seeing
themselves on the screen and seeing all the other
kids, too.”
“It was amazing to see the students engaged with
the topic, wait patiently for an opportunity to ask a
question, walk up to the speaker to clearly state their
question, and listen and discuss the answers,” said
Instructional Support Specialist Debbie Mannix.
“It was evident from the questions generated that
they understood and critically thought about the
content they were learning.”
The videoconference was facilitated by CaTS
Distance Learning Specialist Donna Farren, who
helps to take the fear out of both spiders and
new technology. Farren has been helping teachers
around our districts use technology to connect their
students to global resources that might otherwise be
inaccessible.
“There are many virtual eld trip opportunities
for kids of all ages and learning abilities available
now,” said Farren. “We can help teachers nd just
the right ones for any subject matter. We’ve gone
to art museums to see private collections, studied
Japanese puppetry, learned about D-Day, heard
from well-known writers and poets or scientists
and mathematicians. Many of these lessons are
free or we can nd grants. Even the paid ones are
aid-able through BOCES. If a teacher wants to
open this door for their students, we can make it
work.” Distance learning services are available to all
Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES districts and teachers.
Contact Farren at [email protected] for
information.
There are many virtual eld trip opportunities for
kids of all ages and learning abilities available now.
We can help teachers nd just the right ones for
any subject matter.
“
-
Donna Farren, distance learning specialist
“
Students asked Denver’s arachnid expert Dr. Paula
Cushing if the saucer-sized tarantula she held was
venomous.
Curious students kept Farren busy sending a steady
stream of questions to the presenter via online chat.
A
s a member of the BOCES NYS Distance
Learning Consortium, BOCES 2 CaTS
Distance Learning Specialist Donna Farren
was part of the team recently honored with
the prestigious International Society for
Technology in Education (ISTE) Interactive
Video Conferencing Network Award for 2019.
The group was recognized for their work on the
NYSDLC Distance Learning Day last November
that connected more than 1,500 students in
300 classrooms across the state in an effort to
introduce teachers to the opportunities available
through interactive videoconferencing.
CONGRATULATIONS!
5
TOGETHER • June 2019
Two BOCES 2 programs receive STEM awards
Record number of students receive Educational Foundation scholarships
T
he BOCES 4 Science program received the
Community Support STEM Innovation Award
in recognition of exemplary programs in science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) from
the Finger Lakes STEM Hub award ceremony at
the Rochester Museum and Science Center. This
is the rst award BOCES 4 Science has won from
the Fingers Lakes STEM Hub. The NYS STEM
Quality Learning Rubric is used to determine
the winning program to celebrate excellence in
STEM education.
BOCES 4 Science is a collaborative effort among
BOCES in the Mid-Western New York State
region. It is a science program service developed
by Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES in partnership
with, Monroe One BOCES, Wayne-Finger Lakes
BOCES and the Genesee Valley Education
Partnership BOCES.
“It is so gratifying to have won this award,”
said science teacher and Acting Director of the
BOCES 2 Elementary Science Program Mary
Thomas. “Our collaborative group has worked
very hard over the last several years to create
a new science program, of which BOCES 4
Science could be proud. These science units go
across New York State and provide best practice
instruction for K-5 students. It is quite a feat
to have scored well on the NYS STEM Quality
Rubric and our whole team feels tremendously
honored.”
BOCES 4 Science wasn’t the only program to
be recognized at the STEM awards. The
BOCES 2 Career and Technical Education
Laboratory Technology program with teacher
Jim Payne received an Honorable Mention in the
High School STEM Awards category.
BOCES 2 STEM Instructional Support Specialist
Kathryn Jensen wrote in her nomination:
“The Laboratory Technology program at
Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES is in its eighth
year. This two-year program prepares students
for employment or college by teaching skills
and science that are essential to the medical,
food-processing, environmental science and
biotechnology industries. Demand for employees
with these skills is currently high and expected to
grow.”
“Students learn to use state-of-the-art equipment
to solve problems by collecting, analyzing and
presenting data to support claims. Connections
to local industry and institutions increase student
engagement and ensure that the program is both
relevant and current with professional practices.”
Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES Science teachers Mary
Thomas (left) and Antonietta Quinn (right) accept the
Community Support STEM Innovation Award.
CTE Laboratory Technology teacher Jim Payne and
students Rachel Haller (Greece) and Madelyn Crowley
(Gates Chili) accept Honorable Mention in the High
School STEM Awards category.
“It is so gratifying to have won this
award. Our collaborative group has
worked very hard over the last several
years to create a new science program, of
which BOCES 4 Science could be proud.”
- Mary Thomas, acting director of the BOCES 2
Elementary Science Program
T
he Monroe 2–Orleans Educational Foundation
awarded a record 20 Make All the Difference
Scholarships to students in BOCES 2 programs
this year. The Foundation held a reception for the
2019 scholarship recipients and their families on
May 30 in the Professional Development Center.
Scholarship sponsors and representatives from
students’ home school districts also attended
the event. The reception was an opportunity for
supporters of the Foundation to make in-person
connections with students and celebrate their
accomplishments. Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES
District Superintendent Jo Anne Antonacci and
Foundation Board President Joe Kelly spoke at the
event, saluting each student individually during the
formal program.
6
TOGETHER • June 2019
Dinner Dance tradition continues
S
parkling lights and romance, beautiful gowns and formal wear, dancing and fun with friends: The annual Spring Dinner Dance is the event of the
year for our wonderful young people. This year’s May 3 event certainly continued the tradition of being a night for dreams come true.
N
o matter where you looked at the
annual SEPTO Fair on June 7,
all you could see were smiling faces
and sunshine. BOCES 2 students
and staff took advantage of the
beautiful weather while taking part
in fun games and activities, including
face painting, basketball, shing
and more. Of course, the sweetest
part of the day came in the form of
slushies and cotton candy!
35th annual SEPTO Fair excites young and old
7
TOGETHER • June 2019
Condolences to:
The family of Bonnie Tennity (retiree)
W
e would like to feature brief
updates from our retirees in
Together. If you are a BOCES 2 retiree
and have news you would like to
submit for consideration, please
contact Iva Petrosino, editor, at
ipetrosi@monroe2boces.org or mail
it to BOCES 2 Communication and
Technology Services, 3625 Buffalo Rd,
Rochester, NY 14624,
attn. Iva Petrosino.
Retiree Connections
Congratulations to the 2019 class of retirees!
O
n June 5, more than 175 retirees came together to celebrate their BOCES 2 roots. Twenty-eight new retirees, 19 of whom attended, joined the veteran
retirees’ ranks. The afternoon included an introduction from District Superintendent Jo Anne Antonacci and lunch, including desserts crafted by the Career
and Technical Education (CTE) Food Services students. In addition, 10 student volunteers from various CTE programs helped expedite the meal and make the
event enjoyable for all.
BOCES 2 welcomes new security coordinator
M
onroe 2–Orleans BOCES has hired Doug Comanzo as its
new Safety and Security Coordinator.
Comanzo comes to BOCES 2 after nearly three decades in the
Monroe County Sheriff ’s Department. Most recently, he served
as commander of C Zone, overseeing all of the department’s
police-related activities on the west side of Monroe County.
Comanzo is originally from Schenectady, NY and studied at the
Rochester Institute of Technology. Since beginning his new job
on March 4, he has hit the ground running, getting to know and
understand the various BOCES 2 programs and sites. Comanzo
has been completing drills for each of the BOCES 2 sites
and working with everyone on updating all of the Emergency
Response Plans required by New York State.
“The size of the organization and the diverse population it
serves is no small undertaking,” said Comanzo. “I’m grateful
that staff members have gone out of their way to help me learn
and make me feel welcome at my new job.”
(Front l-r) Carol Osborne, Patricia Polino, Regina Boyer, Efthymia LaPointe, Daniel Weaver, Cynthia Confer, Judith Hoke,
Lorrie Dumigan, Elaine DelVecchio. (Back l-r) Susan Vickers, Elizabeth Cimo, Karen Mitchell, Tracy Hinkley, Thomas Walsh,
Marguerite Killip, Moira Olscamp, Barbara Mason, Mary McConnell. (Not pictured: Kathy Arminio, Kathryn Barringer, Mary
Lynn Cometa, Mary Dziuba, Suzanne Forquell, Todd Kilby, Ellen Paz, Michelle Rath, Donald Reinhardt, Susan Yunker)
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SPENCERPORT,
NY 14559
Monroe 2–Orleans Board of Cooperative
Educational Services
3599 Big Ridge Road
Spencerport, New York 14559-1799
Telephone (585) 352-2400
www.monroe2boces.org
e Monroe 2-Orleans Board of Cooperative Educational Services
does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, national
origin, disability, creed, marital status, veteran status, sexual orien-
tation, prior criminal oense, domestic violence victim status, or
genetic status in its programs or activities and provides equal access
to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. e following
person has been designated to handle complaints/inquiries regard-
ing the BOCES non-discrimination’s policies: Director of Human
Resource, 3599 Big Ridge Road, Spencerport, New York 14559, 585-
352-2420, and is also the Title VII and Title IX Ocer.
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit http://
wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm for the address
and phone number of the oce that serves your area, or call 1-800-
421-3481. Please note that those wishing to le a complaint may also
do so through the Department of Education’s Oce for Civil Rights
at http://www2.ed.gov/about/oces/list/ocr/qa-complaints.html. See
also New York State Executive Law 296-a.
Award-winning publication
Board of Cooperative
Educational Services
Dennis Laba, President
R. Charles Phillips, Vice President
John Abbott
Kathleen Dillon
John Heise
George Howard
Gerald Maar
Michael May
Connie Rockow
District Superintendent
Jo Anne Antonacci
Editor
Iva Petrosino
ipetrosi@monroe2boces.org
585-349-9081
Contributors
Mark Ball, Beth Cefalu, Tricia Croce, Steve Dawe,
Jackie Finn, Chris Klem, Jennifer Merkel, Beth
Nash, Iva Petrosino, Mary Prusak, Jade Rood
and Gretchen Spittler
Graphic Designer
Lisa Constantine
Mission
We provide quality, cost-effective educational
services in partnership with school districts and the
community in a manner that supports excellence and
equity for all learners. We are committed to customer
satisfaction, continuous improvement, and personal
and professional growth.
Vision
Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES is the educational partner
of choice. We strive for continuous improvement in
serving the diverse needs of our community, helping all
students achieve their full potential.
While touring renovation progress at the Make Monroe Home project site on June 3, County Executive Cheryl
Dinolfo received a crash course in construction taught by students. Dinolfo worked alongside BOCES 2 students
on multiple facets of the project. Dylan Waring (Spencerport), pictured here, and his classmates guided her
through the work and gave her tips to improve her technique when patching walls and installing siding.
Student becomes the teacher