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October 13, 2024 Board Meeting

PUBLIC NOTICE OF MEETING

Please take notice that a Regular Business Meeting of the Orange-Ulster Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the Orange-Ulster BOCES Onken Conference Center, 53 Gibson Road, Goshen, New York, and beginning at 5:00p.m., at that time, it is anticipated that the Board will make a motion for the purpose of adjourning into executive session.

Public session will resume at approximately 5:30 p.m

Sharleen Depew
Clerk of the Board

Posted 11/08/24

OU BOCES Practical Nurse student smiles and holds her certificate during a graduation ceremony.

Orange-Ulster BOCES honored its 50 graduating Practical Nurse (PN) students in a ceremony on Thursday, June 22, 2024, at the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center in Goshen. The ceremony celebrated the culmination of more than 1,100 hours in classroom, lab and clinical instruction.

OU BOCES CTE students shake hands with administrators on stage during their Recognition Ceremony

On June 20, 2024, the Orange-Ulster BOCES Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE), held its 57th annual Student Recognition Ceremony at Eisenhower Hall Theatre in West Point, New York. More than 800 students were honored for completing their various CTE programs. During their two years attending CTE programs, some students earned as many as 20 college credits to jump-start their post-secondary education. More than $30,000 in scholarships for outstanding performance and community service was also awarded to students during the evening ceremonies.

Congratulations to our Retirees! sign at OU BOCES Retirement Celebration

A farewell reception was recently held for 29 retiring employees at Orange-Ulster BOCES. Deborah McBride Heppes, OU BOCES Chief Operating Officer, hosted the afternoon festivities that celebrated the exemplary service of these retirees. 

2024 Magic Wheelchair Reveal

Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) hosted a reveal for Including Communities student, David Castellanos, from the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. The CTE Build Team worked diligently on a Magic Wheelchair for David throughout the course of the year. 

Magic Wheelchair is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating custom costumes for children in wheelchairs. Dani Masterson, a volunteer for Magic Wheelchair, shared: "Our mission is to provide children with disabilities the opportunity to experience magic in their lives, and events like this at Orange-Ulster BOCES demonstrate the incredible impact of community service and compassion."

Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education students say the pledge of allegiance during the NTHS Induction Ceremony

The Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education Center inducted 165 members into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) in a ceremony at the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center on June 6, 2024.  The OU BOCES chapter of the National Technical Honor Society distinguishes, honors and encourages students who excel at their career and technical education studies and who possess admirable character, attitude, and a strong intellect.

High School Seniors Honored at 2023-24 OCIAA Senior Scholar Athlete Breakfast

High school seniors who have distinguished themselves in the classroom and the athletic arena were honored on Thursday, June 6, at the annual Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) Scholar Athlete Awards Breakfast held at the Country Club at Otterkill in Campbell Hall. About 275 people, including honorees, their families, school district personnel, members of the OCIAA Executive Committee and sponsors attended the event.

Orange-Ulster BOCES hosts 2024 Transition Fair

Orange-Ulster BOCES hosted their annual Transition Fair on April 25, 2024. The Transition Fair plays a crucial role in helping families plan for their children's future by providing access to key agencies and community resources.

Transition planning is indeed essential for students' postsecondary success, as it helps them identify their goals, access necessary support services, and develop the skills they need to thrive in adulthood. By connecting families with the right resources and support networks, the Transition Fair can make a significant difference in ensuring that students with diverse needs have the tools and opportunities to pursue their aspirations after high school.

OU BOCES CTE: Catskill Cuisine Event

Students from the Orange-Ulster BOCES Culinary Arts program were on hand to lend their culinary skills at Catskill Cuisine, an event hosted at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Saturday, May 11.

The regional event, in its second year, is designed to showcase the beauty, resurgence and popularity of the Catskills region and its distinct regional cuisine.  The event featured demonstrations from local farmers and restaurants as well as vendors from all over the Catskill region.  Students from the culinary program were on hand to assist with the preparation of many of the sample dishes that were served throughout the site. Culinary Arts Instructor, Casey Posadas said, “It was an amazing opportunity for our students and created a lasting impression on them.

Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education students in the Carpentry Program construct one of 10 tiny homes that will become part of the Rumshock Veterans Village Project in Port Jervis.

Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education students in the Carpentry Program have started construction of 10 tiny homes that will become part of the Rumshock Veterans Village Project in Port Jervis.

Veterans who participate in the program will be able to live in these units for a reduced cost, which will help address housing instability and reduce financial stress. The project’s goal is to provide veterans with a range of valuable skills and experiences that will help them reintegrate into civilian life and pursue meaningful careers.

2024 Orange-Ulster BOCES Humanities Honoree Breakfast

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Orange-Ulster BOCES hosted the 2024 Humanities Honoree Awards Ceremony and Breakfast at the Country Club at Otterkill in Campbell Hall. Thirty-four high school students who have distinguished themselves in the arts and humanities were recognized. This event celebrates seniors and juniors who have stood out amongst their peers by showing an impressive dedication, skill, and commitment to the arts and humanities.

Mock Trial opening ceremonies.

The Mock Trial Program began its 2024 multi-round competition on Saturday, March 16 with teams from Chester, Goshen, James I. O'Neill, Minisink Valley, Middletown, Monroe-Woodbury, Newburgh Free Academy, Port Jervis, Valley Central, Warwick Valley, and Washingtonville.

The high school teams faced off in "courtrooms" argued their cases before Orange County judges. Eight of the participating teams scored enough points to advance to the next rounds. 

OU BOCES student Lea Quinn (Monroe-Woodbury) heads to the stage to receive her first-place medal in Esthetics.

Nineteen Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students earned medals at the Area IV SkillsUSA Regional Competition held at the Amy Bull Crist Campus in Goshen, N.Y., on Feb. 10, 2024.

Nearly 300 students from various high schools and BOCES facilities showcased the incredible skills they have developed in their CTE program. The annual event featured students from technical schools and BOCES programs throughout the Hudson Valley competing in 38 events ranging from Advertising Design to Welding.

Eli McNair is the winner of the 2024 Spelling Bee.

Orange-Ulster BOCES held its annual spelling bee on March 21, 2024. Eli McNair, an eighth grader grade who attends South Middle School in the Newburgh School District, became the first place winner of this year’s spelling bee is sponsored by the Orange County School Boards Association and the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. As part of this sponsorship, Eli will represent Orange County in the national bee.

Creativity Reigns at 2024 Odyssey of the Mind Region 5 Tournament

A total of 68 teams from 15 school districts from Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess counties came together to compete in the Mid-Hudson Regional Odyssey of the Mind Competition (New York State Region 5) on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Orange-Ulster BOCES hosted the event at the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center on the Amy Bull Crist Campus in Goshen. 

Team A CTE Networking Students

STEM Academy students from Robert McMann’s Computer Networking Class at the OU BOCES Career and Technical Education Center recently competed in the first round of the CyberPatriot Competition. The competition is a cyber-education program conceived by the Air Force Association to inspire high school and middle school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) .

Junior Esthetics Class Visits Repechage

The Junior Esthetics students recently took a class at "Repechage" which is a luxury spa product company. Students were greeted with smiles, cookies, tea and coffee.

OUB CTE Student Club Presentation

Student clubs at Career and Technical Education have worked together to collect food donations for a local food pantry and Toys for Tots. Student Officers from each club collaborated on making advertisements, flyers, and announcements each day. During the multi-week event students collected a plethora of non-perishable goods that will help those in the community in need during this holiday season. Students also collect a variety of toys to donate to the Toys for Tots. We appreciate all those who donated.

Angelina Vargas, left, and Kayla Flores at Congressman Pat Ryan's office.

Orange-Ulster BOCES (OUB) Career and Technical Education students Angelina Vargas (S.S. Seward Institute)  and Kayla Flores (Warwick Valley High School), of the Education Academy, attended the SkillsUSA Washington DC Leadership Training Institute (WLTI) as New York State SkillsUSA Officers. Angelina holds the position of Treasurer and Kayla holds the position of Officer at Large. 

Instructional Support Services ESOL Class

Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Division of Instructional Support Services and Manhattanville College are pleased to collaborate and provide advanced training programs for educators, teachers, and administrators interested in English as a new language and bilingual education. During 2023-24, Orange-Ulster BOCES will host a NYSED Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL/ESOL) Certification Cohort. The cohorts are open to all public and private school educators who hold a NYSED certification.

4 people standing next to each other

Six summer paraeducators earned college credits through the 2023 Orange-Ulster BOCES Supporting Diverse Learners Scholarship program. The courses, run in conjunction with Marist College, enabled recent high school graduates to complete course requirements while completing their responsibilities of supporting special education students’ learning in the extended school year program.

Teacher congratulates student at Recognition Ceremony

On June 16, 20 and 21, 2023, the Orange-Ulster BOCES Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) held its 56th annual Student Recognition Ceremony at its Arden Hill and Gibson Road campuses in Goshen, N.Y.  More than 950 students were honored for completing their various CTE programs.

Orange-Ulster BOCES 2023 Outstanding Student Awards

On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, Orange-Ulster BOCES celebrated the accomplishments of outstanding students from our region at the 2023 awards ceremony and luncheon, which was held at the Country Club at Otterkill in Campbell Hall.  The welcome and congratulatory remarks were delivered by Mrs. Deborah McBride Heppes, Chief Operating Officer of OU BOCES.

Practical Nurse students standing during their graduation ceremony

Orange-Ulster BOCES honored its 28 graduating Practical Nurse (PN) students in a ceremony on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center in Goshen. The ceremony celebrated the culmination of more than 1,100 hours in classroom, lab and clinical instruction.

The OU BOCES Practical Nurse Program is approved by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents. The objective of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire nursing knowledge and skills and to meet the requirements necessary to sit for the New York State Board Examination in Practical Nursing.

OU BOCES students create vehicle, teach rats to drive

Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education students in two programs recently teamed up on a project to teach rats how to drive.

Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering students Brandon Barton (Port Jervis) and Logan Smith (school) created the vehicle. Then Animal Science students Sydnie Meore (Pine Bush), Brighton Blake (Minisink Valley), Orlando Mendoza (Middletown) and Kathleen Rios (Washingtonville) trained rats Pinky and the Brain to operate the ratmobile.

Student lights candle at NTHS Induction Ceremony

The Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education Center inducted 98 members into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) in a ceremony at the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center on June 8, 2023. The OU BOCES chapter of the National Technical Honor Society distinguishes, honors and encourages students who excel at their career and technical education studies and who possess admirable character, attitude, and a strong intellect.

OU BOCES students at the Orange County Elementary Special Olympics

Congratulations to the Orange-Ulster BOCES student-athletes who participated in the Orange County Elementary Special Olympics on June 3 at Presidential Park Elementary School in Middletown. 

The 17 BOCES students competed against teams from Chester, Marlboro, Middletown, Monroe-Woodbury, Valley Central, Warwick and Washingtonville. The athletes demonstrated their skills in soccer dribbling and shooting as well as passing, dribbling and shooting a basketball. 

High School Seniors Honored at OCIAA Senior Scholar Athlete Breakfast

High school seniors who have distinguished themselves in the classroom and the athletic arena were honored on Thursday, June 1, at the annual Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) Scholar Athlete Awards Breakfast held at the Country Club at Otterkill in Campbell Hall. About 275 people, including honorees, their families, school district personnel, members of the OCIAA Executive Committee and sponsors attended the event. 

CTE Fire Science students at Live Burn Day

On Friday May 12, 2023, the students of Orange-Ulster BOCES CTE Fire Science program participated in Live Burn Day. This is a component of the New York State Interior Firefighting Operations (IFO) Certification, which students in the course have the opportunity to partake in to receive this certification from The Office of Fire Prevention & Control.

This certification allows students the ability to operate as Interior Structural firefighters. During the day, students participate in learning to extinguish three live fires, vent, enter, and search of the building, as well as other techniques and operations essential to firefighting.

teve Neuhaus, Orange County Executive, with Culinary students

Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE)  welcomed Advisory Board members, businesses, community partners and dignitaries for the annual Partnership Breakfast on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, prepared by our Culinary students.

After Chief Operating Officer Deborah Mc Bride Heppes’ welcoming remarks, Orange County Executive, Steve Neuhaus shared the current and projected economic growth throughout the county, voicing the importance and value of CTE.

OU BOCES Transportation Academy students at Manufacturers Day

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, the Transportation Academy at Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education held the second annual Manufacturer’s Day. Representatives from the Orange County area including Healey Chevrolet, Healey Ford, Healey Lincoln, Healey Kia, Subaru Training, Johnstons Subaru, Johnstons Toyota, Sunshine Ford and Friendly Acura.

 During the day’s activities, students from the Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Programs visited each manufacturer and learned about career opportunities at the dealership and corporate levels within the transportation industry.

OU BOCES student tries out sensory path

Running in the hallways is never allowed in schools. Running in place, though, along with jumping, spinning, and following all the other directions of the new sensory pathway in a hallway at Orange-Ulster BOCES Emanuel Axelrod Center in Goshen is encouraged. An outer space-themed sensory pathway was designed and installed by Orange-Ulster BOCES staff for use by students in the building’s special education programs.

2023 SkillsUSA NYS Competition Group Photo

This week thirty Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students traveled to Syracuse, NY to participate in the New York State SkillsUSA competition held on April 28, 2023. The competition brought together the top CTE students from across the state to showcase their skills and compete in a variety of events.

Orange-Ulster BOCES honors students for Arts and Humanities Achievement

On Thursday, April 13, 2023 Orange-Ulster BOCES hosted the 2023 Humanities Honoree Awards Ceremony and Breakfast. Thirty-four high school students who have distinguished themselves in the arts and humanities were recognized. This event celebrates seniors and juniors who have stood out amongst their peers by showing an impressive dedication, skill, and commitment to the arts and humanities.

Goshen High School Wins Mock Trial Finals

Following two weekends of trials between Mock Trial teams from 10 local school districts, Washingtonville High School and Goshen High School faced each other in the Orange-Ulster BOCES Mock Trial Finals held on March 28 in the Orange County Courthouse. The Honorable Judge E. Loren Williams, Supreme Court Justice and supervising judge for all city courts in the ninth judicial district, presided over the trial. After well-developed arguments presented by both sides, Goshen High School was awarded the win.

CTE Alum Visits Transportation Academy

CTE alum, Douglas Houck, visited the Transportation Careers Academy on March 16, 2023.  Douglas spoke to students about his career path after graduating from Orange-Ulster BOCES and Minisink Valley High School in 2004.

Goshen and Washingtonville advance in Mock Trial Tournament

The Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Mock Trial Program continued on Saturday, March 25 at the OU BOCES campus with teams from eight school districts competing. The competing school districts were Chester, Goshen, Highland Falls, Middletown, Monroe-Woodbury, Port Jervis, Warwick, and Washingtonville. At the end of the day, two teams - Washingtonville and Goshen - came out as the winners of the semi-finals.

Mock Trial opening ceremonies.

The Orange-Ulster BOCES Division of Instructional Support Services' Mock Trial Program began its 2023 multi-round competition on Saturday, March 18 with teams from Chester, Goshen, Highland Falls, Minisink, Middletown, Monroe-Woodbury, Newburgh, Port Jervis, Warwick, and Washingtonville. The high school teams faced off in "courtrooms" on the OU BOCES campus and argued their cases before Orange County judges.

Markus Ferrara, Grade 8, Wins Orange-Ulster BOCES Regional Spelling Bee

Markus Ferrara, an eighth-grade student who attends Port Jervis Middle School in the Port Jervis School District, became the first place winner of the annual spelling bee held at Orange-Ulster BOCES on March 16, 2023.  The event is organized each year by the Division of Instructional Support Services and was sponsored by Orange-Ulster BOCES, in collaboration with the Orange County School Boards Association and the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.

Amy Bull Crist Seated

Amy Bull Crist is known for her historic ties to Orange County and for being a pioneer of educational and historical organizations and initiatives throughout the county. Amy was a seventh generation member of the very large Bull Family, whose ancestors were among Orange County’s earliest settlers. She was born on March 9, 1906 and died on May 20, 1995.

Odyssey of the Mind Region 5 2023 Tournament

A total of 65 teams from 14 school districts from Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess counties came together to compete in the Mid-Hudson Regional Odyssey of the Mind Competition (New York State Region 5) on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Orange-Ulster BOCES hosted the event at the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center on the Amy Bull Crist Campus in Goshen.  

3 children doing 100th Day of School activity

On February 15th and 16th, the students across the Special Ed. Division at Orange-Ulster BOCES celebrated the 100th day of school. Many dressed up as a person who is 100 years old, some counted to 100 and some wrote about things they wanted to do before they turned 100.

Deborah Heppes

Deborah McBride Heppes has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Orange-Ulster BOCES. Mrs.Heppes was formerly Deputy Superintendent. She replaces William Hecht, who retired at the end of
December.
Mrs. Heppes has worked in education in Orange County for the past 32 years, including the last 21 at OU BOCES.

Instructional Support Services ESOL Class

Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Division of Instructional Support Services and Manhattanville College are pleased to collaborate and provide advanced training programs for educators, teachers and administrators, interested in English as a new language and bilingual education.  During 2023 Orange-Ulster BOCES will host a NYSED Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL/ESOL) Certification Cohort and a Bilingual Extension Certification Cohort. 

OU BOCES COO William Hecht

Orange-Ulster BOCES Chief Operating Officer William will be retiring at the end of 2022 after leading BOCES for 10 years. The 10 years at BOCES capped Hecht’s 40-year career in education.

Mr. Hecht said he is going to miss the people at BOCES, from the leadership team to the students.

Four students giving a thumbs-up with car full of food pantry donations.

Striving to make a difference ...

The STRIVE Student Government sponsored a Food Drive during the month of November as their first community service event this school year.

The student government officers, under the leadership of their advisor, Mrs. Kristen Smith, collected, organized and assisted in the delivery of over 850 items and gift card donations to the Goshen Food Pantry.

Thank you to all our students, families and staff for your support!

OU BOCES Emergency Planning Technician Duane Lopez speaks during a training session for over 200 school administrators

The Orange-Ulster BOCES hosted an Active Shooter Hostile Event training day on November 8, 2022, at their Amy Bull Crist Campus in Goshen.  This initiative represents a partnership between the BOCES, Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police.

Sara Puccio

Sara Puccio, Orange-Ulster BOCES Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education, is one of 23 individuals who have been selected as 2022 Orange County Rising Stars. The Rising Stars either live, work or volunteer in Orange County and will be honored at an event to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 at The Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown from 5:30-8:30pm.

CTE students applaud at their OU BOCES Recognition Ceremony

On June 10-14, 2022, the Orange-Ulster BOCES Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) held its 55th annual Student Recognition Ceremony at its Arden Hill and Gibson Road campuses in Goshen, N.Y.  Over eight hundred students were honored for completing their various CTE programs.

OU BOCES retirement ceremony sign

A farewell reception was recently held for 37 retiring employees at Orange-Ulster BOCES. William J. Hecht, OU BOCES Chief Operating Officer, hosted the afternoon festivities that celebrated the exemplary service of these retirees. 

All of the retirees were congratulated for their success as valuable BOCES staff members and for outstanding commitment to their profession.

Autumn Rena

OU-BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) student Autumn Renna (Cornwall HS) won a bronze medal in Pin Design at the SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta last month.
The annual SkillsUSA conference was a showcase of career and technical education where more than 5,200 outstanding career and technical education students - all state contest winners - competed hands-on in 108 different trade, technical and leadership fields.

Practical nurse graduation

Orange-Ulster BOCES honored its 47 graduating Practical Nurse (PN) students in a ceremony on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center in Goshen. The ceremony celebrated the culmination of more than 1,100 hours in classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

CTE student inducted into NTHS

The Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education Center inducted 145 members into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) in a ceremony. The OU BOCES chapter of the National Technical Honor Society distinguishes, honors and encourages students who excel at their career and technical education studies and who possess admirable character, attitude, and a strong intellect.

Outstanding Student Honorees

On Monday, June 13, 2022, Orange-Ulster BOCES celebrated the accomplishments of outstanding students from our region at the 2022 awards ceremony and luncheon.  The welcome and congratulatory remarks were delivered by Mr. William J. Hecht, Chief Operating Officer of Orange-Ulster BOCES. The keynote speaker was Orange County Executive, Mr. Steven M. Neuhaus.

Orange-Ulster BOCES Honors Regional Arts and Humanities Achievements

On Monday, June 6, 2022, high school students who have distinguished themselves in the arts and humanities during high school were honored for their significant achievement. Students from school districts in the Orange-Ulster BOCES region were feted at the Senior Scholar Humanities Honoree Ceremony and Breakfast held Kuhl’s Highland House. The event was coordinated by the Orange-Ulster BOCES Division of Instructional Support.

High School Seniors Honored at OCIAA Senior Scholar Athlete Breakfast

High school seniors who have distinguished themselves in the classroom and the athletic arena were honored on Thursday, June 2 at the annual Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) Scholar Athlete Awards Breakfast held at Kuhl’s Highland House in Middletown. About 300 people, including honorees, their families, school district personnel, members of the OCIAA Executive Committee, sponsors and government officials, attended the event. 

Orange-Ulster BOCES students at the Skills USA New York State competition

Orange-Ulster BOCES recently sent 32 students to Syracuse, N.Y., to participate in the New York State SkillsUSA competition. OU-BOCES students Autumn Rena (Cornwall HS) took gold in Pin Design, and Makayla McKelvey (Pine Bush HS) took gold in Esthetics. Lianna Vargas (Chester Academy) was elected as  NYS treasurer for SkillsUSA. The OU-BOCES SkillsUSA Chapter earned the Chapter of Excellence Gold award.

A representative from Healey Chevrolet talks to students  during Manufacturer's Day

On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, the Transportation Academy at Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education held the first annual Manufacturer’s Day. Corporate representatives from Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Subaru, Snap-On Tools Industrial, and Toyota attended.

Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Amy Bull Crist Youth in Government Program students from six local school districts

Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Amy Bull Crist Youth in Government Program students from six local school districts participated in Orange County Service Day on Friday, April 8th. The Amy Bull Crist Youth in Government Program for high school students strives for maximum understanding of and participation in county and state government by the future voters and office holders of America.

Odyssey of the Mind Region 5 2022 Tournament

A total of 58 teams from 13 schools from Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess counties came together to compete in  the Mid-Hudson Regional Odyssey of the Mind Competition (New York State Region 5) on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Orange Ulster BOCES hosted the event at the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center on the Amy Bull Crist Campus in Goshen.

Melanie Lofaro at laptop

On November 2nd, Orange-Ulster BOCES held its annual Conference Day. This year’s theme was “Equity and Care for All,” which emphasized the importance of both staff and students feeling welcome, safe, and having fair and inclusive access to academic resources.

During this day of professional learning participants had the option of choosing from three keynote sessions, 17 live webinars, and 32 self-paced, asynchronous courses.

Orange Ulster BOCES logo

Dear Orange-Ulster BOCES Community,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and good spirits. I am writing to update you on the status of our plan to open our schools and programs to in-person instruction for all students, faculty and staff on September 1st. You may have already heard that the New York State Department of Health will not provide schools with any guidance for September and they have advised us to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for opening schools. On August 10th the New York State Education Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa sent a letter to all Superintendents to inform us that the New York State Education Department is in the process of developing a summary guidance document to aid schools and districts as they prepare for the 2021-2022 school year. The document will be based on the CDC and AAP guidance.

 

Practical nurse student at graduation

On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, Orange-Ulster BOCES honored its 36 graduating Practical Nurse (PN) students in an outdoor ceremony at the Regional Education Center at Arden Hill in Goshen. The ceremony celebrated the culmination of more than 1,100 hours in classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

CTE student at Recognition Ceremony

On June 11 – 13, 2021, the Orange-Ulster BOCES Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) held its 54nd annual Student Recognition Ceremony at its Arden Hill and Gibson Road campuses in Goshen, N.Y.  Over seven hundred students were honored for completing their various CTE programs.

OU BOCES Chief Operating Officer celebrates with student at Humanities awards

On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, thirty-two high school seniors who have distinguished themselves in the arts and humanities during their high school careers were honored for their significant achievement. Students from school districts in the Orange-Ulster BOCES region were feted at the Senior Scholar Humanities Honoree Ceremony held at Goshen High School’s Coliseum.

OU BOCES Chief Operating Officer celebrates with student at Scholar Athlete awards

High school seniors who have distinguished themselves in the classroom and the athletic arena were honored on Wednesday, June 2,  at the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) Scholar Athlete Awards Ceremony held at the Goshen High School Coliseum. The event was attended by honorees, their families, school district personnel, members of the OCIAA Executive Committee and government officials. 

SkillsUSA logo

Two teams of Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students finished in first place at the virtual the New York State SkillsUSA competition last month. OU BOCES was also named a CEP (Chapter of Excellence Program) Chapter of Distinction Gold Award recipient during the virtual awards ceremony.

Special education student with drawing

During the month of March, students throughout the Orange-Ulster BOCES Division of Special Education participated in an extensive community service project called “Operation Send a Senior a Smile” and created artwork and cards for homebound seniors throughout Orange County.

Dr. Melissa Pittman

There’s a new doctor in the house at Washingtonville Middle School.  Assistant Principal Melissa Pittman recently defended her doctoral dissertation at Manhattanville College and earned the title of Dr. Melissa Pittman.

Dr. Pittman enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership as part of the inaugural Orange-Ulster BOCES Signature Cohort 1 two years ago, but she actually started working on her doctorate about 10 years earlier. As she said, life got in the way - but just temporarily.

Patricia Milburn portrait

Orange-Ulster BOCES Supervisor of Transportation Patricia Milburn recently received the Public Transportation Leader of the Year award from the Tri-County Association for Pupil Transport, a chapter of the New York Association for Pupil Transport. Ms. Milburn oversees OU BOCES cooperative transportation service for 12 school districts. The transportation service also offers bus driver staff development and training.

Networking student at the computer during CyberPatriot competition

STEM Academy students from Robert McMann’s Computer Networking Class at the OU BOCES Career and Technical Education Center recently competed in the first round of the CyberPatriot Competition. The competition is a cyber-education program conceived by the Air Force Association to inspire high school and middle school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) .

CTE student with RFID system she created

Orange-Ulster BOCES Mechatronics and Robotics student Grace Fevloa took it upon herself to create a check in system using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) key fobs, an Arduino board and a RFID reader module. Once she figured out the coding, students could use their fobs and a computer would print out a sheet with the students’ names, the times they entered and left the classroom and whether they had completed the online COVID screening for the day.

Mechantronics students work on projects

Orange-Ulster BOCES Mechatronics and Robotics teacher Patrick Killian was featured in a virtual reception for Orange & Rockland Utilities 2020-21 STEM Grant winners.
Killian’s grant of about $1,000 will be used to buy equipment so his students can build solar/wind hybrid charge controllers. The design is a new concept based on the 555 timer chip, which is one of the most popular chips ever used.

Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer. What is P-EBT, Will my child receive P-EBT, and how?

Many families in Orange County are starting to receive Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) food benefits. P-EBT is a new program in response to COVID-19 school closures. It provides families $420 in food benefits for each child who receives free or reduced-price school lunch under the National School Lunch Program.

National Technical Honor Society 2020 Induction Ceremony

The Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education Center inducted 146 members into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) in a virtual ceremony. The OU BOCES chapter of the National Technical Honor Society distinguishes, honors, and encourages students who excel at their career and technical education studies and who possess admirable character, attitude, and a strong intellect.

OU BOCES 20202 Senior Scholar Humanities Honorees

Thirty-four high school seniors who have distinguished themselves in the arts and humanities during their high school careers were selected as their district's Humanities Honorees. Although the annual Senior Scholar Humanities Breakfast was not held this year, the students deserve congratulations for their outstanding accomplishments in the fine arts, theater, music, fashion, and jewelry design.

Outstanding Student Commemorative Booklet

Each year Orange-Ulster BOCES honors the outstanding students from 23 public and private high schools in our region. OU BOCES honors high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement throughout high school.

Learning Enrichment Book Cover

The OU BOCES Instructional Specialists have assembled ELA and Math Enrichment booklets for grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 based on resources developed by NYSED and by OU BOCES. With the NYS Next Generation Standards in mind, we selected ELA and Math focused activities. 

Group of students in nursing uniforms behind table draped with Orange Regional Medical Center sign

On February 27, Orange-Ulster BOCES held its first Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day. The event recognized 18 seniors who, after completing their CTE programs in June and any additional requirements by the hiring agency, will be heading directly to careers at LEGOLAND New York and The Greater Hudson Valley Health System comprised of Orange Regional Medical Center (ORMC) and Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC).

Panel of students at Media Day event

Orange-Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Education (CTE) students recently showcased their technical programs and skills for members of the press, local dignitaries and community during an event held at the OU BOCES Gibson Road location. The event was held in support of CTE Month, a public awareness campaign that takes place each February to celebrate the value of CTE programs across the country.

Two students working at a coffee cart

Guests at select meetings and conferences at Orange-Ulster BOCES will have the pleasure of experiencing the new “‘A Latte’ Learning for Life” coffee cart service. OU BOCES School-to-Work Program students bring the cart to various meeting locations on campus during the school day to gain valuable work experience and employability skills through their interactions with meeting attendees.

Quilt squares laid out on table

Career and Technical Education students in instructor Holly Toth’s Fashion and Interior Design classes at Orange-Ulster BOCES have been busy applying their sewing and design skills to make a quilt for Odyssey of the Mind. The quilt is being fashioned from a collection of vintage t-shirts that spans over 20 years of Odyssey of the Mind competitions.

Five students standing near server racks

A team of five first-year STEM Academy students in Robert McMann’s Computer Networking class at the Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education Center placed second in the Gold Division of the New York State round of the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. The team’s outstanding placement in the state round enabled them to advance to the National Semifinals round.

Two automotive students wearing uniforms holding CTEC banner

On January 8, two teams of students from Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Transportation Academy took top awards after competing in the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA) Regional Competition, which was held at The Center for Automotive Education and Training in Queens. Ryan Rumsey from Middletown High School and Mahmoud Elgallad from Monroe-Woodbury High School came in second place. Ethan Ladka and Alexis Torres from Warwick Valley High School came in third place. 

Large group of students listening to speakers in automotive shop

The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Transportation Academy at Orange-Ulster BOCES recently held its first FORD Automotive Career Education (ACE) kick-off event for students in the Automotive Technology program. Representatives from Ford Motor Company, Healey Ford in Goshen, Rockland Community College ASSET Program in Orangeburg, and the Ford ACE program presented information on the Ford ACE online training program.

Small children working on project with help of student instructor

Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) is accepting applications for the 2020-2021 Little Dreamers Preschool Program. Little Dreamers provides a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for preschool children. Its focus is to offer a stimulating early care and education experience which promotes each child's social/emotional, physical and cognitive development. The goal is to support children's desire to be life-long learners. CTEC's unique pre-school, a component of the Education Careers Academy, provides important training experiences for high school students pursuing teaching careers.

Group of children holding bags of pajamas and pajamas on hangers

More children will be able to snuggle up in a warm pair of pajamas thanks to Career and Technical Education (CTE) students and staff! The CTE Education Academy's Future Educators Association (FEA) club recently held their 9th annual community service project for “The Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive”. The Pajama Drive works in conjunction with Scholastic Book Clubs, which donates one children’s book for every pair of pajamas collected. This year, the Orange-Ulster BOCES FEA club collected 114 pairs of new pajamas for local children in need!

School Calendar

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Onken Conference Center, Orange-Ulster BOCES, 53 Gibson Road, Goshen, NY 10924

By The Numbers

99%

Career & Technical Education Completion Rate

1,060

Our Instructional Support Division provided 1,060 professional learning sessions to 8,314 educators in the 2019-2020 school year.

12,622

Computers/devices purchased for our districts through our Technical Support Services Division in the 2021-2022 school year

81%

More than 81% of OU BOCES Special Education students met or exceeded proficiency standards on the latest New York State Alternate Assessment (2018-19 NYSAA Data from Mid-Hudson RIC)

Over 187

Career & Technical Education business partners

33

Career and Technical Education programs