Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES
The following sections are included below in this issue of Inside Look:
Message from District Superintendent D.J. Shepardson
Good News
New Faces at BOCES
Message from Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Kathryn Ferguson
Career and Technical Education
Special Education at the WEB Complex
Special Programs at Pathways Academy and Central Valley 5-12
Early Childhood Education and Itinerant Services
Instructional Support Services and Adult Education
As the calendar year draws to a close, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Herkimer BOCES region for the dedication, hard work and commitment provided to our students. Each and every one of you plays a vital role in creating a positive and enriching learning environment that empowers our children to reach their full potential.
From our dedicated teachers, supportive staff, insightful administrators, parents and students, Herkimer BOCES continues to thrive on the collective effort of our entire region. Your dedication to education, your resilience in the face of challenges and your belief in the power of learning continue to provide valuable opportunities to our next generation of leaders.
During this holiday season, let us take a moment to appreciate the incredible work we do together. Let us cherish the bonds we've formed with our students, colleagues and families. Let us remember the countless moments of joy, growth and accomplishment that have filled our year.
May the spirit of the season fill your hearts with warmth and joy. May you find peace and relaxation during this time of rest and reflection. May the coming year bring you happiness, success and countless blessings.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and meaningful holiday season.
Sincerely,
D.J. Shepardson, District Superintendent
Herkimer BOCES was well represented at the 18th annual Celebration of Education presented by the Genesis Group and First Source Federal Credit Union.
One of the Outstanding Educator awards went to Herkimer BOCES speech language pathologist Erin Reed, and one of the Outstanding Program awards went to the Herkimer BOCES Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp. Herkimer BOCES employees who coordinate the camp are Ruth Leavitt, MaryBeth Napolitano, Kelly Cave, Robin Polkosnik, Sarah Crowe and Kelly Mills.
The Celebration of Education took place on Nov. 21 at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro to honor educators and programs from across the Mohawk Valley.
To read more, click here.
From left: Kelly Mills, Robin Polkosnik, Sarah Crowe, MaryBeth Napolitano and Kelly Cave at Genesis Group awards.
Erin Reed with her Genesis Group award.
Students and advisors from the Herkimer BOCES chapter of SkillsUSA learned about teamwork, communication and leadership skills during the recent SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference.
Herkimer BOCES students Leah Ritton (Central Valley), Kayleigh Pratt (Central Valley), Alexis Looman (Dolgeville), Jillian McKernan (Frankfort-Schuyler) and Logan Allen (Poland) attended with Herkimer BOCES SkillsUSA advisors Holly Fischer and Melinda Maycock.
The conference took place from Nov. 3-5 in Albany.
Students and advisors received their statesman pins, which are presented to members who demonstrate an understanding of the New York State SkillsUSA organization.
While in Albany, students also were able to tour the New York State Capitol building.
Above - Herkimer BOCES students from left, front: Leah Ritton (Central Valley), Jillian McKernan (Frankfort-Schuyler) and Alexis Looman (Dolgeville). Back: Kayleigh Pratt (Central Valley) and Logan Allen (Poland).
Four art teachers from Herkimer County showcased their talents at the 76th annual New York State Art Teachers Association Conference on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 in Binghamton – with their registration covered through the Herkimer BOCES Arts in Education program.
At the conference, Central Valley art teacher Cheryl LaVenture led a workshop titled “Clay-quariums: Little Oceanic Homes for Water Creatures.” Frankfort-Schuyler art teacher Cynthia Brownell presented on glass-fusing techniques for elementary students. Little Falls art teacher Adrienne Watson offered a workshop called “The Power of PHI,” which focused on Zentangle art. Herkimer art teacher Heather McCutcheon, who also is the Herkimer BOCES Arts in Education coordinator, explored self-expression through continuous line drawing in her presentation.
Herkimer Central School District art teacher and Herkimer BOCES Arts in Education Coordinator Heather McCutcheon presents at New York State Art Teachers Association Conference.
Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District art teacher Cynthia Brownell presents at New York State Art Teachers Association Conference.
All Herkimer BOCES Honors Program events this school year are featured on the Herkimer BOCES website, social media and in local news. These events are for students from component school districts.
View photos from some of the events to the left.
To read more about any of the Honors Program events and see more photos, click on the event names listed below:
Narrative Improvisation and Short Plays
Menagerie: Animals in Art at Wellin Museum
Health & Happiness Through Mindfulness & SEL
Congratulations to Herkimer BOCES Business Manager Steve Coupe on his upcoming retirement!
At the Dec. 12 Herkimer BOCES Board of Education meeting, Steve was recognized for his work as the business manager and wished well in his retirement.
He's pictured to the right with Herkimer BOCES Board of Education President Holly Pullis.
Congratulations to Sarah Grainer and Craig Farley on receiving tenure at the Dec. 12 Herkimer BOCES Board of Education meeting!
Grainer is a teaching assistant in special programs at the Jarvis Middle School and received tenure in the area of teaching assistant.
Farley is a special education teacher at Pathways Academy and received tenure in the area of general special education.
They're pictured to the right being recognized at the board meeting.
Recent tenure appointments will be featured in this spot in each issue of the newsletter!
Above, from left: Patty Frank, Sarah Grainer and D.J. Shepardson.
Above, from left: Terrence Campo, Craig Farley and D.J. Shepardson.
We like to feature Herkimer BOCES employees in Spotlights on the website and social media.
To view any of the recent Spotlights, click on the names below:
If you would like to nominate a Herkimer BOCES employee for the Spotlight, please email your suggestion and a sentence or two about why you're nominating the person to backerman@herkimer-boces.org.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES WELCOMES the following New Staff for the 2024-25 school year…
Administrative Staff:
Daniel Henner - Business Administrator
Cafeteria Staff:
Theresa Cristallo – Food Service Helper
Instructional Support Services Staff:
Abigail Burns - Office Assistant I
LPN Staff:
Jerry Amissah - LPN Teacher
Cindy Stallman - Accountant
Maintenance/Custodial Staff:
Shane Diehl - Custodian
Pathways Academy Staff:
Mary Beth Abbadessa - Special Education Teacher
Eva Arquiett - Teaching Assistant
Mark Russell - Special Education Teacher
Pre-K Staff:
Sarah Stalter - Teacher Aide (CV-Fisher)
Jacquelyn Zygmunt - Teacher Aide (CV-Fisher)
Special Programs Staff @ Barringer:
Noel Dawson - Teacher Aide
Special Programs Staff @ Fisher:
Rebecca Blanchard - Teacher Aide
Dawn Dennis - Teacher Aide
Special Programs Staff @ Jarvis:
Brandon Johnson - Teacher Aide
Special Programs Staff @ WEB:
Shontasia Giles - Teaching Assistant
James Hess - Teacher Aide
Kylee Pink - Teacher Aide
Courtney Ponte - Teacher Aide
Jesse Reed - Teacher Aide
Sara Talbot - Teacher Aide
Laurie Teater - Teacher Aide
Ariana Walrath - Teacher Aide
Technical Education Staff:
Amanda Aiello - School Nurse (RN)
“Familiar Faces with New Titles”
Maintenance Staff:
Thomas Samsel - Custodian
Special Programs Staff @ CVA:
Michelle Burton - Teaching Assistant
Jamie Conley - Teaching Assistant
Amanda Edwards - Special Education Teacher
Abigail Becker
Teaching Assistant
Jeremy Amissah
LPN Teacher
Amanda Aiello
School Nurse
Reflecting on the incredible strides we’ve made already this year, I am filled with pride and excitement for what lies ahead. With the holiday season fast approaching, we want to celebrate the fantastic work we have all done and share a few highlights from the past few months.
With fresh leadership on board, we’ve gained new perspectives and a renewed sense of direction. Our entire leadership team is dedicated to supporting each of you and is highly encouraged to seek your feedback on how we can continue to improve our current systems. A collaborative environment is developing, so our shared vision for student success can thrive. Clear expectations are being set for all, ensuring we provide the best learning experience for every student. By bolstering administrative support, we have increased visibility throughout our schools, filled staff vacancies quicker and initiated teacher recruitment campaigns. Our leaders are more present and engaged than ever, ensuring we are all on the same page as we move forward.
This fall, a professionally designed service guide was launched which showcases BOCES’ broad and diverse services. It’s a valuable resource for all and highlights the full scope of what we can accomplish together. To view the Service Guide, click here.
Our commitment to your well-being has grown with the creation of a staff wellness committee. The committee’s focus is on ensuring a healthy work-life balance and supporting you as you care for yourself and our students.
We are in the process of developing a positive and responsive behavioral support team, which will be instrumental in serving our student's growing mental health needs.
Our partnerships within the community are expanding, helping us make a more direct and tangible impact on students’ lives.
New clubs were approved in response to student interests, and staff were rightfully compensated for their hard work. These clubs provide students with valuable opportunities to engage, grow and explore new passions.
The Instructional Support Services team is now supporting over 86 teachers through the instructional coaching model, making a significant impact on instructional practices across our programs and districts.
Pathways Academy is actively and strategically implementing a restorative practices model throughout the program. This initiative is gaining momentum, emphasizing community-building, conflict resolution and positive school culture. It’s already starting to make a difference!
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) continues to embrace new learning paradigms, and Herkimer BOCES leadership has played a crucial role in facilitating challenging – yet innovative – regional conversations. One such critical initiative is the Science of Learning and Reading, which focuses on how young people learn and develop according to the latest brain research and human development principles. Our leadership team has been instrumental in fostering discussions that support this student-centered approach, emphasizing project-based learning as a cornerstone of the strategy. In addition, Herkimer BOCES has been leading the discussion regarding broader systemic challenges facing our region, such as fiscal constraints and disparities in accessing high-quality education. These conversations result in the development of new shared BOCES services and the sharing of resources regionally.
Lastly, we’re mindful of the changes potentially coming to New York state graduation requirements and the future of high school diplomas. We will continue to work together as a region to ensure all students are ready for success, with a focus on real-world learning, project-based experiences and career readiness.
We know this time of year can be incredibly demanding, and it’s easy to feel tired and stretched thin. Please take this well-deserved break to rest, recharge and focus on your well-being. You’ve earned it. Your work is invaluable, and we are so grateful for everything you do to support our students, even when it feels like there’s always more to be done.
Happy holidays!
Submitted by Zane Mahar, Director of Career and Technical Education
Students in VP-TECH experienced the true meaning of the holiday season as they focused on giving and making the holidays more enjoyable for others through supporting Stuff the Bus.
Principal of Career and Technical Education Sheri Perry arranged a “field trip” Career Day with Tony Putrelo of Putrelo Building Enterprises. Students in the Building Construction program, Welding and Metal Fabrication program and Heavy Equipment Repair Operations (HERO) program had a presentation on construction jobs within the unions and were able to take a behind the scenes tour of the capital project currently underway at the WEB Complex.
VP-TECH Student Council leaders pose in front of the Stuff the Bus trailer.
Students from the Herkimer BOCES Building Construction program have been working on building a shed for use at the Town of Herkimer Park.
The Town of Herkimer Park re-opened following construction this summer with enhancements including a Fitness Court Studio, paved walking trail, lighting for the sports courts and more.
Herkimer BOCES Building Construction students have been building a shed to be used at the park.
Building Construction is a two-year program in which students integrate the home-building process into their learning – including building the foundation, framing, exterior and interior of a house.
The Town of Herkimer Park is located at 154 Pine Grove Road in Herkimer.
Herkimer BOCES Building Construction students work on building a shed for the Town of Herkimer Park on Nov. 15. From left: Building Construction students Patrick Powers (Poland), Sam Phillips (Poland), Lucas Evatt (Central Valley) and Joseph Koch (Little Falls).
Building Construction students work on building a shed for the Town of Herkimer Park on Nov. 15. From left: Building Construction students Joseph Koch (Little Falls) and Lucas Evatt (Central Valley).
The Herkimer BOCES Cosmetology program in conjunction with the Herkimer BOCES SkillsUSA chapter recently held a Cold Rinse Challenge to raise money and awareness for cancer patients.
The Cold Rinse Challenge is a fundraising event to help cancer patients keep their hair during chemo using scalp cooling by making it more affordable. The challenge takes place at the shampoo bowl, where stylists take video of their clients with a cold rinse.
The Cold Rinse Challenge in the Herkimer BOCES Cosmetology classroom took place on Nov. 21 and 22.
Scalp cooling is an effective way to prevent hair loss during cancer treatment. It involves the patient wearing an FDA-approved “cold cap” while receiving chemo infusions. The cold restricts blood flow to the hair follicles so they absorb less of the medication, and it slows the rate of cellular metabolism, which reduces the effect of medication that is present.
Herkimer BOCES Cosmetology seniors pair up with staff members for the Cold Rinse Challenge to support cancer patients. From left: Heavy Equipment Repair Operations instructor Rick Reid with Cosmetology student Alexa Pope (Poland Central School District), School Resource Officer Darrin Miller with Cosmetology student Victoria Cleveland (Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District) and Welding and Metal Fabrication instructor Mason Fisher with Cosmetology student Dakota Vickerson (Richfield Springs Central School District).
View more photos on the Herkimer BOCES Facebook and Instagram pages at @herkimerboces.
Submitted by Tim Johnston, Director of Special Education at the WEB Complex and Related Services
Our year is off to a wonderful start. We are at a very exciting time to be an educator in special education at Herkimer BOCES. Across the program, classrooms are full of students who have settled in, they are engaged in new learning content and are having opportunities to thrive because of the dedicated educators who believe in them.
During the month of October, students continued the tradition of a Halloween/Harvest Day Parade. We were joined this year by our colleagues in the high school Pathways program. The collaboration with these colleagues throughout the year has been a great opportunity to learn more about each other’s programs while building new relationships across BOCES.
While many of our new teachers and therapists are off to a great start, it would be difficult not to mention the amazing work being done by the team in Mrs. Ward’s classroom. Students are routinely engaged in enriched opportunities that are helping to build skills for today, tomorrow and throughout their future. Not only are they becoming more independent, these students are actively improving their communication, building friendships and acquiring functional life skills.
I am excited to share a nomination that was accepted by the Genesis Group for an Outstanding Educator recognition. Erin Reed was recognized by the Genesis Group as an Outstanding Educator on Nov. 21.
Erin specifically stands out as an outstanding educator for the work she does in the area of augmentative and alternative communication as well as her deep commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs. Erin has actively led Herkimer BOCES in expanding our ability to support students who utilize PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) as a form of communication. Her sincere interest and dedication have allowed students to communicate effectively across all environments. Her commitment to student communication has helped raise awareness and improves access for students with disabilities.
Erin has spearheaded a deep commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to communicate with the world around them. She provides services to children from prekindergarten through the high school level. She has played an important role in educating the teachers and paraprofessionals at Herkimer BOCES on how to better incorporate communication strategies within their classroom instruction. Erin has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication in her role as a speech language pathologist. Erin’s compassion, creativity and dedication to supporting students with disabilities is truly commendable.
Erin demonstrates her leadership in a variety of ways. She serves as the vice president of the Teachers’ Association, a related services mentor to new employees and frequently seeks opportunities to provide professional development across all programs in order to better support those that she works with. While speech is an area of focus for Erin, she also has a strong commitment to the autism program at Herkimer BOCES. She is a team leader with multiple years of experience with structured teaching and finding creative ways for students with autism to experience success.
Erin’s contributions to the field of education are immeasurable and continue to have a positive impact on so many lives. It is truly an honor to work alongside an outstanding educator such as Erin Reed.
Submitted by Tracy Facchini, Director of Special Programs at Pathways Academy and Central Valley 5-12
Staff at Jarvis continue to participate fully in all school activities! The environment is welcoming and supportive for students – which adds to their overall school experience.
Michaela Piddock recently relocated to the Mohawk Valley and has joined BOCES in the role of social studies teacher, sharing her time between Jarvis and Pathways. Michaela holds a master's degree in secondary education/social studies from the College of Saint Rose in Albany. This is Michaela’s second year of teaching. She also speaks fluent Spanish and Russian. Michaela is working on creating engaging lessons for her students!
Alanna Blasting, CVA social worker, is currently continuing her education in order to obtain a doctorate of social work through the University at Buffalo. Alanna has great relationships with staff and her students, consistently going the extra mile by seeking out new opportunities for them. Alanna coordinates the BASE program through UCP, which offers pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities including job exploration, work-based learning experiences, post-secondary options, workplace readiness and self-advocacy. Alanna started at Pathways and moved to Special Programs at CVA, where she has been for six years. In addition to all of this, she takes on the supervision of social work mentees.
Kasy Gleitsman, Pathways PE, has arranged staff volleyball after school hours, which has been a great team-building activity. She also arranged a Holland Farms cookie/doughnut order, which adds to the holiday spirit.
Gerald Blair, Pathways ELA, has recently established record attendance numbers in his creative writing club. He also took over the GSA club and is increasing student involvement in this club as well.
For the November Teacher Feature, we are proud to recognize Isaac Hafelin, who is a dedicated high school social studies teacher in our Pathways building and a military veteran.
Isaac brings passion and a deep care for his students, consistently demonstrating both a growth mindset and a commitment to excellence. He sets high standards while remaining open to learning and evolving alongside his students. Known for his consistency and reliability, Isaac is a phenomenal educator who inspires those around him.
We are grateful for his service to our students and for his service to our country. A humble thank you goes out to Isaac for his extraordinary contributions both in and out of the classroom.
Submitted by Melanie Welch, Director of Early Childhood Education and Itinerant Services
Ms. Francesco (Ms. Cynthia/Ms. C to her students), teaches a 12:1:1 class at Barringer Road Elementary at Central Valley. This is her second year with BOCES.
The students are in grades 2-4 and are included with general education peers for all specials (library, art, music and physical education).
There is also a teaching assistant, Ms. G (Gloriann Steciak) assigned to the class. Ms. G has been with BOCES for 10 years and was recognized at our opening day for her years of service milestone. Congratulations, Ms. G.
We also have three paraprofessionals in this class, all first year aides: Ms. Megan DesChamps, Mrs. Shelby Johnson and Mrs. Noel Dawson.
The class uses themes to learn the New York state standards and have fun demonstrating their knowledge. The students have learned about solids, liquids and gases. They utilized balloons to discuss the difference between them.
Submitted by Ruth Leavitt, Director of Instructional Support Services and Adult Education
Our cohort of 32 new teachers from Herkimer, Owen D. Young, Frankfort-Schuyler, Central Valley, Richfield Springs, West Canada Valley and BOCES held two sessions this quarter to improve their skills and learn from Instructional Support Services’ team of instructional coaches.
In November, the NYS Partnership trained these newest teachers in behavior management, looking at the function of behavior and how to prevent, redirect, replace and reinforce behaviors.
In December, the team learned about the science behind student engagement with strategies for formative assessment, cooperative discussion, and game-based learning.
In December, Monique Roberts, senior attorney for the New York State Education Department’s Office of Teacher Quality, led a session with Herkimer County school administrators and union leadership about the new Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) laws that were passed under emergency regulations at the November Board of Regents meeting. Districts have eight years to adapt their APPR plans to the new NYS STEPS plans, but many in the room were eager to move to the more flexible options that decouples student assessments from evaluations. Joining remotely were administrators from Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, Jefferson-Lewis BOCES and Madison-Oneida BOCES.
December’s in-person mentor meeting at the Gateway Center is our annual Sharing is Caring holiday celebration, which welcomes mentors and year-one, two and three mentees to share best practice activities and strategies with each other. Year-three mentees exercise a leadership role throughout the meeting – facilitating, guiding, and leading group discussions during the “jingle mingle share-out.” This year, we are celebrating a send-off for our year-two and three teaching assistants.
Previous mentor monthly meetings and roundtables have focused on the following topics:
SEL strategies for students and staff
APPR and observations
Purchase order procedures
Classroom management: Harry Wong’s “First Days of School 5th Edition”
Behavior management – Research-based strategies
Self-reflection is crucial to learning and growing. Below are two links for your viewing:
