Category: Superintendent Update

This week, all around the country, communities are recognizing the contributions of teachers and staff in the lives of students. While these contributions are always important, this year, in particular, highlighted the true impact that these individuals and their dedication can have within our communities. Each of you matters. Each of you makes a difference!

I continue to be grateful for the creativity and commitment that I see from our teachers and staff, both at CA BOCES and in our component school districts. While the day-to-day responsibilities may look a bit different, each of you has shown the dedication you have to education and to the general development and well-being of students and of the community as a whole. Please know that your efforts are appreciated this week and always.

I hope, over these last weeks, that you were able to spend quality time enjoying your family and the beautiful weather peeking out here and there. As we move toward the end of another school year, I am proud of all of your work, the work of our students, and the work of those in our component school districts.

CA BOCES continues to follow all guidance from the New York State Governor’s Office, both Allegany and Cattaraugus County Health Departments, the NYS Department of Health, and the NYS Education Department in decision-making concerning all programming and operations that impact students, employees, and the community. As we move closer to end-of-year activities, we will be sure to communicate regularly with our community on how those activities will be carried out. While we value celebrating student and community success, safety still remains our top priority.

As always, please know that you can call me at any time should you have questions or concerns at 716-376-8254.

Over the past months, my updates have typically included information on health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19, updates from the New York State Health Department on travel and quarantining, and outlining the good work being done in your departments throughout the BOCES organization.

This week I only want to focus on you, BOCES team members, and remind you that your hard work is noted and acknowledged. My message is quite simple:

We are nearing the end of another academic year, you have accomplished much, and I know you can remain focused and finish strong.

I am extremely proud of our team.

Just like all organizations in today’s climate, at CA BOCES we continue to focus on maintaining a safe environment for students and staff members. While this is surely our priority, I am pleased to still see true progress and innovation occurring in all departments throughout the CA BOCES organization.

For example:

– The CA BOCES Instructional Support Services (ISS) team has been presenting Parent University courses throughout our region in component districts. Parent University was designed by our team to provide education and support for parents and caregivers in key areas like managing home behavior, learning in a virtual environment, understanding social emotional connections, managing anxiety, and embracing self-care routines as a parent. The sessions have received great feedback so far and we are pleased to be able to provide this essential support to parents throughout this challenging time.

– February was National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month sponsored by the Association for Career & Technical Education. It has been inspiring to see program highlights from our own CTE Centers and from those throughout New York State that demonstrate the power of technical education in carving out career pathways for high school students and adult learners alike. I continue to be proud of our students and our instructors for the work they do in this important area!

– RISE Academy, our new location for Exceptional Education in Olean, is up and running successfully and providing comprehensive services for students in our region. This has been a large undertaking over the last several months and staff members have worked tirelessly to make sure this location best serves the needs of our students and community. Great work!

– Earlier this week, students from several school districts in the region, led by CA BOCES ISS staff, participated in a Virtual VEX Robotics Challenge. In this competition, teams design, build, and program robots to compete in various challenges and courses. What an awesome opportunity for the students in our component districts!

These are just a handful of examples, of many, that illustrate the creativity and focus of our team at CA BOCES and the energy that they put toward serving our students and communities.

As always, please know that you can call me at any time should you have questions or concerns at 716-376-8254.

Peace,

At CA BOCES we continue to focus on providing high-quality services while still focusing on the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. In addition to our CA BOCES team, I am extremely proud of the work being done within our component school districts. From administration, to teaching staff, to support staff — I have seen so many examples of innovation, creativity, progress, and collaboration in our region. I know that looking at everything through the lens of the pandemic can become exhausting, but it is important to acknowledge the work that is being accomplished during this time in our history. As a BOCES, we will continue to provide the support and guidance that our component districts need to best serve our communities whether it be in instruction, technology, or exceptional education services.

I also want to remind you that, currently, any employee of CA BOCES is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine according to the guidelines established by New York State. While we are working closely with the health departments from both Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, there are still currently no BOCES-specific vaccination sites planned for those employees who would like the vaccine. Therefore, the responsibility of vaccination planning and scheduling falls to each of you individually. Below, please see the information and scheduling links for each county and the requirements for vaccination. I know that this process can be challenging as appointments are limited. Please continue to check back to these sites for updated information. Along with this information, I also encourage you to contact your medical professional with any questions you may have.

Cattaraugus County:  opens in a new windowhttps://www.cattco.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-information-12892

Allegany County:  opens in a new windowhttps://www.alleganyco.com/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/

While I mentioned this in the last update, it is worth repeating – while much has advanced in terms of management, testing, treatment, and vaccination, the reality is that there are still many unknowns as we consider the remainder of our school year. No matter your vaccination status, please continue to make safe decisions for you and your family as you look ahead in coming months to gatherings and, especially, potential trips outside of New York State. Please be sure to communicate with your supervisor about the standing state guidelines as they are in a constant state of change and may have an impact on your decisions. I am also available to discuss any concerns that you might have. Please continue the great work that you are doing for our students and for our region and stay safe.

Peace,

I hope that you enjoyed a restful and fulfilling holiday season and that 2021 is off to a great start. I’m sure you have seen a good deal of information concerning the COVID-19 vaccine and how it is being distributed locally and beyond. There is a lot of information being shared and I know it can be overwhelming. Currently, any employee of CA BOCES is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine according to the guidelines established by New York State. While we are working closely with the health departments from both Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, there are currently no BOCES-specific vaccination sites planned for those employees who would like the vaccine. Therefore, the responsibility of vaccination planning and scheduling falls to each of you individually. Below, please see the information and scheduling links for each county and the requirements for vaccination. Along with this information, I also encourage you to contact your medical professional with any questions you may have.

Cattaraugus County: https://apps3.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?OpID=50501040

Allegany County: https://www.alleganyco.com/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/

While much has advanced in terms of management, testing, treatment, and vaccination, the reality is that there are still many unknowns as we consider the remainder of our school year. No matter your vaccination status, please continue to make safe decisions for you and your family as you look ahead in coming months to gatherings and, especially, potential trips outside of New York State. Please be sure to communicate with your supervisor about the standing state guidelines as they are in a constant state of change and may have an impact on your decisions. I am also available to discuss any concerns that you might have. Please continue the great work that you are doing for our students and for our region and stay safe.

Peace,

I think most of us will breathe a sigh of relief on January 1st when we can look at 2020 in the rearview mirror. The commitment of our students, our staff members, our school districts, and our greater community to manage everything the pandemic has thrown at us is astounding! I am grateful for your collective flexibility and determined spirit. It is my wish as you pause for a much needed holiday break, that you spend some quiet time with your family in reflection, and thanks, so that we can return to meet a New Year with renewed energy and grace. As always, please know that you can call me at any time should you have questions or concerns at 716-376-8254.

Peace,

I hope you all enjoyed a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday!

Just like all organizations in today’s climate, we are laser-focused on maintaining a safe environment for students and staff members. While this is surely our priority, I am pleased to still see true progress and innovation occurring in all departments throughout the CA BOCES organization.

For example:

– The CA BOCES Instructional Support Services (ISS) team planned and executed another successful Virtual Scholastic Challenge for students in our region. The interactive competition that tests students’ knowledge of academic trivia and current events, is typically held as a face-to-face tournament. For the second installment, in response to COVID-19 regulations throughout the region, the competition was held virtually. Twenty-one teams participated with a group of dedicated coaches from their districts to lead the way. Congratulations to our own ISS team members who spent countless hours organizing this event that ultimately united and energized students in a time when they need it most. Great work!

– Our Workforce Development & Community Learning team has been busy fine-tuning their Spring course schedule. From Dental Assisting to Welding to Phlebotomy to Heavy Equipment Operation — we are safely offering great educational and career options for our community in this time of change, and I am glad that we are able to help fill that essential need.

These are just two examples, of many, that illustrate the focus and dedication of our team at CA BOCES. In the midst of constant change, I see so much good happening.

As always, please know that you can call me at any time should you have questions or concerns at 716-376-8254.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The past weeks reflect that while so much has seemingly happened, not much has changed in terms of the CA BOCES approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to observe New York State rules and orders which seem to move on a daily (or even hourly basis), but we remain ready to be nimble changing course, when needed, to ensure the safety and education standards our students and staff deserve. I continue to applaud our students, families, staff, and greater community for maintaining flexibility and focus while offering expressions of support for those families who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Accordingly, I encourage you to keep health and safety as a priority while celebrating the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. When I think of what I am thankful for, so many things come to mind. Front and center is my family, which of course encompasses the greater BOCES family. As you gather (albeit in small groups) please consider turning your focus to the heart of the season: being grateful. I sincerely hope, despite challenges, that you are able to maintain connection and reflect on what you most appreciate. Please accept my best wishes of peace and light during Thanksgiving this year!

We have seen more and more cases of COVID-19 appear in our regional school districts and within our communities throughout the last several weeks. I commend our school leaders, teachers, staff, and parents on their commitment to maintaining the safest and most productive learning environment — despite the very obvious challenges that are presented. On top of that, I am extremely proud of our students — whether in our CTE Centers or in our component districts — for their flexibility and focus as they tackle a whole new version of education. We are watching, you are doing a great job, and we can see that you are rising to the challenge. Please continue to wash your hands, wear a mask, and practice social distancing as we tackle this pandemic as a community.

Throughout the CA BOCES organization, we continue to see great efforts beyond the management of COVID-19 and that is surely worth celebrating. Our CTE Centers are working safely and effectively with our students from 22 component school districts, our Instructional Support Services team continues to host a variety of online training opportunities and to provide support and crucial activities for educators and students in our region, and our Exceptional Education team continues to meet student needs with care and innovation. Behind the scenes, our support staff continues to provide seamless administrative and technology support to our own team and to those throughout the region. I continue to be impressed.

As always, please know that you can call me at any time should you have questions or concerns at 716-376-8254.

Stay Well,

We all know that each day brings a new set of questions and challenges – in our climate today, it is inevitable. What has struck me as most powerful over the past two weeks, however, is the ability of our educators and staff members to be flexible in the face of uncertainty to best serve our students and each other. Whether it is by changing up the mode of instruction for the day, by finding a new program to better complete a task, or by simply demonstrating a positive attitude on a tough day — I see instances of determination day after day. It inspires me.

In terms of managing the COVID-19 pandemic at CA BOCES, we continue to be in daily contact with officials at both the Cattaraugus and Allegany County Departments of Health to make sure we are on top of any changes in our region. We will continue to update our practices in accordance with New York State guidelines and will communicate those updates to you when they are available. All updates will be posted on our “Up-to-date Coronoavirus Information” link on the main page of our website.

Please continue to practice the habits that will keep you and the community as safe as possible, like washing your hands, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing.

Stay Well,

You have no doubt been paying extra close attention to local coverage of COVID-19 cases in our region, specifically in our component school districts. As such, I wanted to reiterate that at CA BOCES we continue to be guided by the reopening plans and health practices that we put in place prior to the start of the school year to make sure that our programs and facilities are as safe and as productive as possible for students and staff members. We are in daily contact with administrators at component school districts and with officials at both the Cattaraugus and Allegany County Departments of Health to make sure we are making the most informed choices – in the moment – for students in our region. We will continue to update our practices in accordance with New York State guidelines, as needed, and will communicate those updates to you when they are available. I encourage you to continue to practice the habits that will keep you and the community as safe as possible, like washing your hands, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing.

On a lighter note, I was pleased to recently participate, along with other members of the CA BOCES administrative team, in the 10th Annual Virtual Southern Tier Corporate Challenge sponsored by the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. It was great to focus on physical activity and team spirit, and I was especially pleased to see others participate, BOCES-wide. We live in a beautiful region and this was a great motivator to get out and enjoy it. Thank you to all who participated!

As always, please know that you can call me at any time should you have questions or concerns at
716-376-8254.

Take Care,