Category: CABOCES News

Olean, NY – April 30, 2020 –

Back in late February, before regional school closings and executive orders had been issued and before social distancing was a household phrase, Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES District Superintendent, Scott Payne, started running scenarios and planning – a difficult task when you are not totally sure of the scale of what you will be planning for. As he watched more and more reports of the impact of COVID-19 throughout New York State and throughout the country, he could sense that something unique and powerful was heading our way. As he, and all school directors and administrators soon learned, it was not only heading our way, but would soon change the face of education, technology, and services provided by the CA BOCES organization and the education sector as a whole.

Like most technology leaders, CA BOCES Director of Information Technology, Michael Graf, knows first-hand that to be successful, you usually need to be a few steps ahead. Along with his team of techs and programmers, Graf immediately had connectivity on his mind. “No matter the scenario, I knew that our own Career and Technical Education (CTE)/Adult Education students and our staff and our component districts would need to be connected online for a good chunk of an extended closure. In all, our service area for our own campuses and 22 school districts encompasses nearly 2,160 square miles, so I knew that would be a challenge all on its own.” Despite the challenge, soon, community Wi-Fi connections were available at CA BOCES campuses in Belmont, Ellicottville, and Olean; districts received guidance and assistance on strengthening their own networks, devices were delivered to staff, students, and component districts, and flash drives were delivered to component districts throughout the region for future student use. “It was a massive undertaking, but our team is very light on its feet, so we were able to accomplish our tasks relatively quickly so students and staff could receive the support they needed.”

In addition to connecting students, CA BOCES staff members were also surveyed for needs, as even larger closures loomed ahead. Graf said, “Making sure students and staff are connected is only one piece of the puzzle. We have many essential staff functions and operations that need to be seamless – both for the CA BOCES organization as a whole and for component districts. So, my team made sure that happened. Again, we are in a predominantly rural area with lots of miles to cover – so maintaining connection and services is of top importance.”

District Superintendent, Payne, maintained constant communication with Superintendents and Administrators from component districts in the days and weeks leading up to and following state-wide closures, to keep a pulse on needs that existed within our wide-spread districts, both in technology and other essential elements of operation. “Leaders at our CA BOCES campuses and in our component districts have been very thoughtful and strategic. They had Emergency Preparedness plans and communication networks already in place – but we focused on providing guidance and support at every turn so all our districts could be as strong as possible. Technology was a big piece of that puzzle.”

While his team was very quickly equipped with the proper tools and connections, Assistant Superintendent for Career and Technical Education Programs (CTE), Jim Schifley, knew a challenge would exist in monitoring and assessing highly technical and “hands-on” projects for CTE students scattered throughout the region. “My team did some brainstorming and while they wanted to focus on gathering information, they also wanted to focus on connection,” he said. “They came up with some really solid ideas that our Tech Team was able to bring to life.” In partnership with the Technology Department Programming staff, a private upload website was created that would allow students to very simply upload all work videos and photos to one central location with CTE staff on the other end. Upon approval, these videos and photos will be shared to CA BOCES social media networks, encouraging further student interaction and connection. Schifley said, “We want to increase that engagement, and adding social media to the mix helps students engage in a way that is meaningful and, quite honestly, most accessible to them.”

Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Education Programs, Carol Fial, knew for certain that technology would be a key link for connecting her team of hundreds of teachers and specialists to districts and students with varying needs. “We knew that maintaining continuity of instruction, counseling, and specialty services was going to be a challenge, but it was one we knew we had to take on. Our team provides essential services to districts and to our students and making sure they are taken care of is our top priority.” With impending closures, she and her team worked closely with Technology Services to make sure her team was equipped with the devices and connectivity they would need to service rural districts. “We have a wide-spread coverage area and many students to reach,” she said.

In addition to technology in-hand, the CA BOCES Print Shop and the Technology Services team, created an upload app that allowed the entire Exceptional Education staff to load key documents they would need to have in print form to best serve students. From there, the Print Shop team scheduled and executed large-scale print runs and packaging of student resources. Additionally, using another round of software, they routed out the best delivery plan. Michael Graf said that it was a large undertaking, but essential. “This project was massive, but essential for continuation of service and the overall success of students,” he said. “We also had to accomplish this as efficiently as possible and with as few team members as possible to maintain safety; I am highly impressed with our CA BOCES response.”

Another department keenly aware of the role of solid technology integration during the COVID-19 pandemic is Instructional Support Services (ISS) at CA BOCES. Assistant Superintendent for ISS, Tim Cox, and his team, have been a vital training link for CA BOCES instructional staff and for component districts. Immediately upon announcements of closures, his team assembled, ready to provide support. Training on new technology and instructional methods were developed. “We quickly realized that we were not only providing tools – but we also needed to provide support in the skills needed to carry out education in a new environment. We typically have instructional designers spread throughout our communities, but we had to be ready with a new model – and the results have been tremendous.”  In the past weeks, more than 8,000 educators have participated in an ISS training experience. Cox said: “Our training experiences have really helped to close gaps – both in technology expertise and in geographic distance. While we still look for multiple ways to connect, technology has been the thread that has helped hold us all together, whether we are talking about instruction in our CTE programs or in our component districts.”

 

 

Olean, NY – April 2, 2020 – With schools closed indefinitely as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in New York, the Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES (CA BOCES) organization saw an opportunity to help the community, specifically medical facilities in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, with the donation of a variety of medical supplies.

 

Currently, many local and state-wide medical facilities are experiencing shortages in protective gear for front-line healthcare workers including masks, gloves, gowns, and cleaning supplies due to the outbreak. Several programs at CA BOCES Career and Technical Education Centers and in the Adult Learning sector focus on the medical or care fields including Animal Science, Medical Assisting, New Visions, Dental Assisting, Practical Nursing, Home Health, and Phlebotomy. With the extended closure, medical supplies normally used in the training of students in these areas was stockpiled.

 

CA BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Career and Technical Education Programs, James Schifley, said it just made sense to help the community. “These are unprecedented times and we need to be creative,” he said. “We have several training programs that require a wide-range of medical supplies. With CA BOCES CTE locations in Belmont, Ellicottville and Olean, it seemed liked a great way to support our various communities – the communities our students and staff live in – in a very concrete way.”

 

Both county emergency services departments were contacted and provided an inventory list of available equipment and supplies. Cattaraugus County reached out and needed supplies immediately while Allegany County said they would review the list and contact CABOCES as the need for particular items arrive.The donations included gloves, masks, gowns, cleaning supplies, Tyvex suits, medical instruments, and even hospital beds.

 

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services. To learn more, visit www.caboces.org.

Olean, NY – March 26, 2020 – In day-to-day operations, the team at Cattaraugus Allegany BOCES (CA BOCES) focuses on providing top-notch customer service, treating all people with respect, and providing an environment of innovation. As the COVID-19 health emergency continues to impact our State and region, that focus has become even more important – particularly in the Information Technology Department.

 

One area of importance for CA BOCES teams and students, and for component school districts, was staying connected and making sure strong access was available for a multitude of technological needs.  Michael Graf, Director of Information Technology at CA BOCES, said that his teams moved quickly to brainstorm and create solutions for the surrounding communities and component districts. ““I have the best team, and within a couple of days we had a pretty good idea of needs and created action plans. From expanding Wi-fi zones, to delivering flash drives to school districts, to managing an all-day Help Desk – we have been working hard to stay ahead of the needs of our community in this time of change.”

 

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services. To learn more, visit www.caboces.org.

 

Olean, NY – March 10, 2020 – Students in the Collision Repair and Auto Body Technology program at the CA BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center in Olean recently benefitted from a donation from the local business community.

Guy Sisson, owner of Sisson’s Body Work in Delevan, NY, recently visited the center to donate a sanding unit for future student training. In addition to learning about the equipment, students also visited Sisson’s shop to learn about the daily operation of his business.

Students in the CA BOCES program learn all aspects of collision repair and finish work on vehicles. In the shop setting, students experience the methods of complete auto collision repair. Throughout their program, they also learn several methods of custom design finish work and accurate estimating procedures

CA BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Career and Technical Education Programs, James Schifley, was grateful for the generosity from the local business. “We are grateful for Mr. Sisson’s generosity,” he said. “On top of the equipment donation, he also spent time with our students and helped them understand what a “day-in-the-life” might look like at an operating body shop. This experience is so valuable for them.” Schifley added, “Guy has also been a member of our program advisory board for many years and we so appreciate the time and expertise he has offered to our programs.”

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services.

Max Gross (right), Collision Repair/Auto Body Instructor at the CA BOCES CTE Center in Olean accepts a recent donation from Guy Sisson, owner of Sisson’s Body Work. (CA BOCES photo)

Alfred, NY – March 3, 2020 – Several local students were recently honored as top competitors in their fields in the area Skills USA regional competition held at Alfred State College.

The Skills USA events are competitive events showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. Key areas of competition include communication, construction, heavy equipment operation, welding, animal sciences, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, human services, information technology, leadership, manufacturing, and STEM.

Many CA BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from centers in Belmont, Ellicottville, and Olean competed in the annual competition with several of the students placing.

 

Belmont Center:

2^nd place – Jordan McDonald – Nail Tech & Model

2^nd place – Makayla Kreamer – Nail Tech & Model

3^rd place – Elise Petrichick – Animal Careers/Animal Science

 

Ellicottville Center:

1^st place – Brooke Wagatha – Esthetics

1^st place – Harmony Booth – Food Prep/Culinary Arts

1^st place – Hunter Barber – Job Demo/Power Equipment Technology

1^st place – Amanda Graham – Nail Tech & Model

1^st place – Sam Giardini – Precision Heavy Equipment

2^nd place – Gabe Hauri – Power Equipment Technology

2^nd place – Abby Papke – Early Childhood

 

Olean Center:

2^nd place – Dylan Booker – Criminal Justice

2^nd place – Malachi Cleveland – CNC Milling

2^nd place – Kyle Griffin – Audio/TV Production

2^nd place – Jocelyn Decker – Audio/TV Production

3^rd place – Destiny Rung – Prepared Speech

CA BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Career and Technical Education Programs, James Schifley, was pleased with the level of participation and the overall performance of student competitors. “We had many students from our three centers compete in their respective areas, and I was impressed with the level of skill they demonstrated,” he said. “We train our students to be “career-ready” in their fields, and instances like this allow them to put their skills to the test.”

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services.