2008-09 School Year Home Page Archive

June 2009

Congratulations 2009 Outstanding Students of the Year!
Career & Tech named the 2009 Outstanding Students of the Year at the annual June Awards and Recognition Ceremonies held on June 3 for Albany campus and June 15 for Schoharie. Congratulations to Michael D'Agostino (Duanesburg HS), a Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair student and New York State SkillsUSA Diesel Technology champion on receiving the award for the Albany campus.

For Schoharie, top honors went to two students - a tie for the award of Outstanding Student of the Year: Cosmetology student Crystal Collins (Cobleskill-Richmondville HS) and Commercial Construction/Heavy Equipment student Andrew Cortese (Berne-Knox-Westerlo HS). Outstanding Students are honored for demonstrating growth in achievement, citizenship and pride in their chosen occupations. They are active in Career & Tech activities and are leaders among their peers.

The Joseph N. Fuchs Award for Uniquely Challenged Students is bestowed at each year's Awards and Recognition Ceremonies upon a student who has overcome significant challenges to excel at Career & Tech and who is a role model for others. Congratulations to Hospitality & Culinary Technology senior Sarah Terry (Duanesburg HS) on being named 2009 Fuchs Award winner for Schoharie campus. She was presented with the honor by retired Career & Tech Principal Dave Terry, who is also her uncle.

For Career & Tech's Albany campus, congratulations to Jose Galvez (Schenectady HS) for winning the Joseph N. Fuchs Award for Uniquely Challenged Students. Galvez studied Food Services and was also named outstanding student for his class, taught by Career & Tech alumnus Chef Scott Cooper.   Read the news release about the awards.

New Visions: Journalism & Media Studies students cited as "Exceptions to the Rule" after WAMC appearance
Former TV news anchor and Times Union blogger Lydia Kulbida recently wrote of the supposed death of print newspapers and of being "hopeful for the future because today, I met the exceptions to the rule." Kulbida applauded Ann-Marie Sheehan's New Visions: Journalism & Media Studies class for being "bright, eloquent and passionate about the future need for . . . mainstream media" and an informed citizenry during the students' appearance on public radio station WAMC's Youth Media Project. Kulbida, Fox23 News' Diane Lee and the Times Union's Mike Spain were panelists on the WAMC show, which explored the roles of traditional and newer forms of media in current and future society.

Excellence times two:
Students had to do doubly well to qualify for National Technical Honor Society
Seventeen students enrolled in courses offered through Career & Tech were honored for excellence in their studies at both Career & Tech and their home high schools by being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society on May 28. The students had to earn a 92 average or higher at Career & Tech, an overall average of 85 or higher at their high schools, and have five or fewer absences. In the photo from left: Kristina White (Nurse Assistant/Guilderland HS), Mark deRoziere (New Visions: Health Careers/Schoharie HS), Cassandra Diamond (Early Childhood Education/BKW HS), Amanda Caswell (Floral Design/RCS HS), Katlyn Prescott (Early Childhood Education/BKW HS), and Denise Willsey (Early Childhood Education/BKW HS). Read more
 

New Visions: Law & Gov't students meet top national leaders; alumni are a strong presence in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Bader's New Visions: Law & Government class returned from their annual trip to Washington, D.C. with exciting reports of meetings with top national leaders. Bader reports, "Among the highlights of the trip, we met U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and spoke with her general counsel; met and spoke with U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko and Scott Murphy together on the steps of the Capitol; and met and spoke with two of Supreme Court Justice Alito's law clerks and with the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Maj. General William Suter (former Judge Advocate General of the Army) at the Supreme Court." read more

Children & Education Career Academy seniors show portfolios, are awarded college credit
They are your children’s and grandchildren’s future teachers, coaches, school officials, and children and family professionals. On May 27, five Children & Education Career Academy seniors presented their portfolios, marked the completion of their studies and were awarded up to 15 college credits in a ceremony at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, where the unique program is based. The students included Academy and Cobleskill-Richmondville seniors Keegan Griffith, Sarah Wayman, Ashley Weingarten and Lindsey Westerveld, and Academy and Sharon Springs High School senior Adrieanna Diamond. Also at the May 27 ceremony, Westerveld was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society in recognition of academic and individual excellence. Read more

Watch out Kansas City: SkillsUSA state winner takes on the nationals
Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair student Mike D'Agostino is number one in New York State in Diesel Technology, winning the SkillsUSA 2009 state competition in Syracuse April 1-3. (Read the news release ) He is currently competing against students from across the USA in Kansas City at the SkillsUSA National Competition, June 23-27.

Schoharie Career & Tech offers summer courses for adults in Heavy Equipment/CDL, Building & Grounds Maintenance
Evening/Saturday classes will fit adult learners’ schedules
Area adults are welcome to sign up for new summer courses in Heavy Equipment Operation/CDL Permit Preparation, or Building & Grounds Maintenance for Adult Students to be offered at Career & Tech’s Schoharie campus. Each program will run from June through August (finishing by 8/29), on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, cost just $65, and will prepare individuals age 18 and older for rewarding employment. Read more

Medical school, nursing, speech therapy:
New Visions: Health Careers alumni take many paths

New Visions: Health Careers Class of 2001 alumnus MaryBre Mackenzie was awarded an M.D. degree at Albany Medical College's graduation ceremony on May 21, 2009. Dr. MacKenzie, who was a New Visions: Health Careers student while a senior at Shenendehowa High School, attended Union College and earned her B.S. in 2005 and M.S. in 2006. At Union, she was awarded Phi Beta Kappa for outstanding academic achievement. Read more!

Helping out in our community
Community service is a big part of the Career & Tech experience, with students and staff supporting many worthy causes throughout the year. Some good deeds:
Vocational Training & Transition students and staff Walked for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on Monday, May 18. Show your support with a donation by stopping by their classroom or contacting teacher Diana Bernard.

Teaching Assistant Sue Ruscitto, Building Trades, Albany campus, hiked the Grand Canyon in May to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program.  Nationally, the Grand Canyon hikers raised $1.5 million!

Welding Teacher Mike Todd will pedal against diabetes in the 2009 Tour de Cure 100K bicycle ride out of Saratoga Springs in June. To pledge: http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TDC051598030?px=3319685&pg=personal&fr_id=5570

Teaching Assistant Lena Herbert Relayed for Life to raise awareness of cancer with her daughter at Mohonasen H.S. and raised funds for breast cancer through sales of select Pampered Chef products.

Join us for Community Festival & Portfolio Day Friday, June 5th
Students and staff at Albany campus will welcome their families, friends and business partners to their inaugural Community Festival and Portfolio Day on June 5. Displays, demonstrations, portfolios, food all will be featured. In the photo at left, Lodging Management and Alt Ed senior Chris Rittner displays the shirt he designed for the event at the urging of Lodging Management Teacher Steve Stofelano, Jr. Rittner's design won the most votes of four terrific tee shirt designs in a close race. Want to know more about Community Day? Get the postcard

In the media: Cosmetology student instructs TU reporter, readers the correct way to manicure safely, save money
At Career & Tech, our staff and students are often tapped for their knowledge and expertise. The Times Union recently visited with Pat Gollub's Cosmetology class to video a piece on saving money by manicuring at home. View the following link to see how Career & Tech Cosmetology and Colonie Central H.S. senior Jennifer Lavender instructed the TU's Kristi Gustafson (and videographer-photographer Luanne Ferris) on how to perform a manicure safely and correctly at home:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1407952373?bctid=20855310001

False alarm at Proctors
Near the end of the June 3 Albany campus Awards ceremony, a fire alarm sounded and Proctors Theatre was evacuated, quickly and orderly, by all present. The alarm was pulled by a four-year-old in another part of the Proctors performing arts complex, and fortunately, there was no fire. Thank you to all involved for your cooperation.

Food Bank harvests help of New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education students
Students from Ms. Scherer's New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education program recently helped out at the Regional Food Bank, lending a much-needed hand to an increasingly busy agency. Pictured from left: Chrissy Shepard (RCS), Erin Montrello (Niskayuna), Christina Baker (Maple Hill), Christine Cary (RCS) Katie McCarthy (Heatly), and Michelle Frasier (Scotia-Glenville).

Scherer reports that her class of 14, who have spent the year interning at the Wildwood School, Center for Disability Services, St. Catherine's Center for Children, Pine Bush Elementary School, BOCES classes for the deaf and hard of hearing at Westmere School, and many other locations, will attend college in the fall to study occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, psychology, and elementary, secondary and special education.
 

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May 2009

Stylin' at Career & Tech
Students in Career & Tech's Cosmetology and Floral Design programs are making prom season, and other special events, more affordable by offering their talents and services to the public. The Albany campus Cosmetology clinic provides services by appointment at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays during school days and July. Call 862-4716 to schedule services such as formal styling ($12 for shampoo, blowdrying and styling) and nail enhancements ($14). At Bloomers, a shop run by students in the Albany campus Floral Design and Botanical Services programs, customers may choose from a bouquet of services including flowers and arrangements for proms, weddings, funerals and holiday events. Bloomers is also open during school days/hours. Call 862-4780. What can Cos do for you? View the updo!

Construction, Early Childhood students honored by '09 Scholars' Recognition program
Congratulations to Andrew Cortese a Berne-Knox-Westerlo senior in Commercial Construction/Heavy Equipment, and April Zwack, a Bethlehem senior in Early Childhood Education, for winning the 2009 Scholars Recognition Awards for Career & Tech’s Schoharie and Albany campus, respectively. The Scholars' Recognition program is a joint initiative of the Capital Area School Development Association, SUNY Albany and the Times Union. An April 29 dinner and ceremony celebrated Scholars from across the region. Read the news release

International Virtual Business student is honored by Business & Marketing Educators’ Association, inducted into Honor Society 
Tamara Sooknanan of Schenectady, a senior in Career & Tech’s International Virtual Business program, has been honored by the Business & Marketing Educators’ Association of the Capital District and the Business and Marketing Honor Society of New York State for her achievement, citizenship and positive attitude. Sooknanan is chief executive officer of Kustom Kickz, a company formed and run by her International Virtual Business class. Sooknanan was formally recognized at the 16th annual Outstanding Business Education Awards Dinner to be held at the Holiday Inn Turf, Colonie, on May 14. [In the photo, Sooknanen is congratulated by International Virtual Business Teacher Stephanie Ferlazzo.] Read the news release.

Education + experience + talent = Welding
Chris Kloster (Schenectady) forms the leg of a table he is designing and fabricating for a customer as a project for Welding & Metal Fabrication, where he's an A student.

Students go global, bring home unmatched business experience
International Virtual Business students and Kustom Kickz corporate officers (from left) Paige Lewis, vice president of sales (Shenendehowa), Tamara Sooknanan, chief executive officer (Schenectady) and Jessica Ward, vice president of design (Mohonasen) brought back a world of knowledge from the 2009 International Virtual Enterprise Trade Fair in Manhattan in late March. Their whole class competed in the event and brought home an honorable mention for their virtual company's Web site. They sold out of orders for their virtual products (custom sneakers and organic t-shirts), networked with peers from around the world, and explored the city from an adult professional perspective. Read what they have to say about the experience.

Culinary students cook up community service, scholarships

Demonstrating excellence at regional food show
Students in Chef Cooper's Food Services classes recently worked alongside culinary professionals at a food show at the Saratoga Springs City Center presented by Quandt's, a regional food and restaurant supplier. The class gave live cooking demonstrations using ingredients from various vendors, worked the seafood produce stations, and gave a live, televised, on-stage demo. Chef Cooper reports, "We worked alongside corporate chefs. There were about 400 chefs, industry professionals and restaurant owners in attendance." Students who participated include Billie Potenza (Bethlehem), Jose Galvez and Jon Cabrera (Schenectady), Will Young (Cohoes), Rikhi Girdharry (Scotia-Glenville), and Casey Parker (Guilderland).

Medalists in college competition - Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology juniors Sarah Zenobio of Scotia and Cody Dennis of Watervliet show the Best of Show and Bronze Medal awards they earned at the April 19 ACF Spring Culinary Classic Competition at Schenectady County Community College. Zenobio competed as a team with SCCC student and Career & Tech alumnus Dan Sala, while Dennis was the only high school student competing against college adversaries. Congrats to the students on an event well done (or is that cooked to order?).

Wellness Park blooms at the hands of many
Career & Tech's Albany campus Wellness Park is looking good, thanks to the efforts of many students and staff. Park founder Diane Ogren reports, "After the initial clean up this year of the Wellness Park by BOCES Operations and Maintenance staff; placement of furniture/accessories by the Vocational Training & Transition class; raking, planting and gardening by the Botanical Services class; and the new addition of an Adirondack bench from the Building Maintenance class, the park is looking GREAT and ready to welcome Spring and the Community Day in June. Thank you again to everyone who has helped both this year and last year. The main goal of the Wellness Park is to showcase the work that you and your students are capable of accomplishing."

Children & Education Career Academy seniors to showcase portfolios, celebrate completion May 27
The students and faculty of the Children & Education Career Academy, located at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, welcome all to attend their annual Senior Portfolio Presentation & Completion Ceremony, Weds., May 27, beginning at 6 p.m. in the library. RSVP to Kim Back at 234-3565 or via email.

Pathways to fun: Career Pathways Summer Institutes offer teens 8 choices of weeklong, tech-themed summer camps
From robots to wind turbines, crime scenes to biotechnology, solar energy to nanotechnology, to science and green energy camps for girls: lots of choices await area teens through a new series of summer camps being offered by the Greater Capital Region Career Pathways Consortium. This partnership of several area colleges and BOCES is offering eight different Career Pathways Summer Institutes that explore emerging careers in our region for students entering 9th grade or older, tuition-free, in July and August.

Except where noted, the Career Pathways Summer Institutes are daytime programs which run for one week each and are offered tuition-free. Students may choose from one of the following camps, which each enroll an average of 15-20 students. Read the news release or visit the Web page: https://www.questar.org/summer09.

International Virtual Business students honored for Kustom Kickz Web site at Virtual Enterprise trade fair
Students in Ms. Ferlazzo's International Virtual Business class were awarded an honorable mention for their Kustom Kickz Web site at the 2009 International Virtual Enterprise Trade Fair and Competition in New York City, March 25-26. The students also sold out of orders for their virtual products, networked with peers from around the world, and took on Manhattan with a professional attitude at the exciting event. Kustom Kickz is a custom sneaker being marketed by the students, along with custom tee shirts.

Precision, skill and talent - Building Maintenance student Vondeal McCall of Schenectady uses an arc router to precisely cut pieces to a puzzle to be used by the Capital Region BOCES to illustrate 21st century skills. Woodworking and furniture crafting are among the skills learned by McCall and fellow students in Mr. Roberts' class.

GET AHEAD THROUGH ADULT ED

Schoharie Career & Tech offers summer courses for adults in Heavy Equipment/CDL, Building & Grounds Maintenance
Evening/Saturday classes will fit adult learners’ schedules
Area adults are welcome to sign up for new summer courses in Heavy Equipment Operation/CDL Permit Preparation, or Building & Grounds Maintenance for Adult Students to be offered at Career & Tech’s Schoharie campus. Read more

Get on the bus, Gus
Make a new plan, Sam. . . At least a half-dozen employees of CDTA will came to Career & Tech for training by Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair teacher Sam Frink during April break. The course was set up by the  Adult Education program. Read the news release.

Phone calls made in error
Attention Career & Tech parents and guardians (Albany campus): On May 4, our automated calling system for attendance malfunctioned and appears to have called all of you to report your child was absent from school. A corrected message will be sent. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience with this new system, and we are working to avoid this situation in the future. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

New Visions: Journalism and Media Studies class makes prom perfect
Reported by New Visions: Journalism & Media Studies student Taylor Pugliese
This year, the Times Union asked a daunting task of the New Visions: Journalism & Media Studies class: create a high school channel that would bring in the elusive Generation Y. Now entering the third month of the continual effort, the student force led by Renee Tomasek of Schalmont, Brittany De Fruscio of Columbia and Jenna Greene of Colonie has become a well-oiled machine and continues to add to the site.
The project started back in February when the whole class divided the labor and compiled a database of prom information for schools in Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie Counties. In March, Renee, Brittany and Jenna did reporting work at Macy’s and David’s Bridal and posted blogs detailing their experiences and the information they obtained. They also participated in a fashion show at Macy’s on March 27. In addition to those efforts, Renee joined with Ben Golden of Guilderland, Meaghan Lykins of Scotia and Gino Zarrillo of Schalmont in a video posted on timesunion.com where they viewed limo options for prom.
The video can be viewed at http://www.timesunion.com/multimedia/video/promperfect_limos.asp.
The combination of blogs, video and pictures, along with content provided by users and Times Union employees like Kristi Gustafson has added color, variety and excitement to timesunion.com. The Times Union is very pleased and the class is very proud of their efforts and results.

Calling all creative students: Submit your t-shirt designs!
Albany campus students are encouraged to get creative and design t-shirts for the June 5 Community Festival & Portfolio Day. Entries are due soon and voting begins after the break. Everyone should have received fliers by now, but just in case, here's a download.

Watch out Kansas City: SkillsUSA state winner headed to nationals, team scores trophies
Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair student Mike D'Agostino is number one in New York State in Diesel Technology, winning the SkillsUSA 2009 state competition in Syracuse April 1-3. He'll head to Kansas City, MO, in June for the SkillsUSA Nationals. Cosmetology student Brooke Marcucci scored second place in the state SkillsUSA Cosmetology Jr. competition, while three students brought home third place trophies: Cassandra Delbene for Floral Design, Travis Richardson for HVAC/R and Kristina White for Nurse Assistant. A team of 27 students from Albany campus and 12 from Schoharie campus competed in the SkillsUSA States, where they also networked with their peers, educators and representatives of colleges and tech schools, business and industry. Read the news release

April 2009

CDTA workers accelerate career skills at Career & Tech
A joint effort of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and the Capital Region BOCES Adult Education program is fueling career advancement for CDTA employees, a number of whom recently completed coursework in diesel electrical systems at Career & Tech. From April 14-16, six CDTA employees, including mechanics/second class, and mechanic’s helpers, attended a 24-hour Introduction to Electricity class taught by Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair Program Teacher Sam Frink.

Offered through CDTA’s Project Empire – Transit Career Ladder Partnership, the class served as both new training and a refresher for the workers, who included Floyd Brooks, Arnold Dipnarine, Jeff Jones, Pat Lance, Chris Laramie and Chris Morgan. Jones (in photo) is a Career & Tech alumnus: he completed Automotive Trades Technology in 2007 at the Schoharie campus. Read the news release.

Make your reservation today! April 26th Chef & Student Dinner to cook up scholarship dollars
Career & Tech's Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology staff and students are working with Tosca, 200 Broadway, Troy, to hold a Chef and Student Dinner to raise scholarship funds on April 26, from 5-9 p.m.  For $50 per ticket, attendees will dine from chef and student-paired food stations featuring gourmet fare with as Cajun, Swedish, Asian and Italian influences prepared using local farm products whenever possible. Also featured: sweet tunes by the Neil Brown Quartet and a silent auction, chef competition pitting Tosca's Chef Larry Schepici against Salty's Pub Chef John Marzilli, cocktail reception and mixology station. Contact Chef Paul Dolan for details.

How did they fit all those awards on the busses?!
Team Career & Tech rules SkillsUSA Regionals
Congrats to all of our terrific SkillsUSA Regional competitors on a great performance at SCCC on March 18. With sportsmanship and professionalism practiced by all, our team of students from both campuses brought home eight 1st place trophies, ten 2nds, five 3rds, three 4ths, and four 5th place awards. Several students will go on to the New York State competition April 1-3 in Syracuse. Read the news release

Creativity, talent transform cast-off chair into beautiful addition for Early Childhood Ed classroom
Thanks to the ingenuity and efforts of Mr. Roberts' Building Maintenance students Michael Simmons and Billy Farrell (pictured: Simmons at right, Farrell at left), an old, broken chair found along the roadside by teaching assistant Chris Foster has a new life in Ms. Jennings' Early Childhood Education classroom. Read more

Hospitality & Culinary team wins 3rd in ProStart States
A team of Schoharie Career & Tech Hospitality Technology & Culinary Arts students won third place in the 2009 New York State Restaurant Association ProStart Culinary Competition in Rochester, N.Y., on March 14. Cooking their way to third against 17 other teams from across the state were Danielle Christensen and Sherry Stark of Middleburgh, Brittaney Ellis of Sharon Springs, Kacey Dean of Altamont and Danielle Cross of E. Berne. The students brought home medals, trophies and scholarships.

Also performing well under the pressure of competition was a second team of Hospitality Technology & Culinary Arts students: Michael Fullford of Schoharie, Nathaniel Buder and Richard Edwards of Cobleskill, and Daniel Arnwine and Raymond Simeon of Middleburgh. Read the news release

Albany campus gets Connect-ED
Career & Tech's Albany campus is now using a calling program known as Connect-Ed to contact staff and parents about events, activities and attendance. Albany campus staff should have received test calls, and the first test call to Albany campus parents has gone out successfully.  (Note: Schoharie campus is not using Connect-ED.)

Career & Tech welcomes BOCES Annual Meeting attendees and says Thank You! for your support
Career & Tech's Albany campus is proud to again host the Capital Region BOCES Annual Meeting the evening of April 1. With an international theme, the event will feature not only an illuminating business meeting and update by BOCES leadership, but a showcase of an array of BOCES services and programs presented by students and staff alike. All will take place in B building. Welcome to all, and thank you for your support!

Why did the nursing student cross the road?
Classrooms and labs for the Practical Nursing program for adult students have moved across Watervliet-Shaker Road to Rosewood Plaza. The new location across from Albany campus should provide greater space for a very busy program, plus conveniences such as a bank, sub shop and pizza parlor. Contact information (staff, phone numbers, mailing addresses) remain unchanged. Students in the Nurse Assistant program are being bussed when needed to the new lab location for safety reasons.

March 2009

King Kickz, International Virtual Business students to take on the world at Virtual Enterprise trade fair
The handsome fellow above, King Kickz, shows off Kustom Kickz, a custom sneaker being marketed along with custom shirts in a March 26 global competition by the International Virtual Business class. The students and their teacher Ms. Ferlazzo are participating in the 2009 International Virtual Enterprise Trade Fair and Competition in Manhattan, an exciting event involving business students from around the world.

New Visions: Law & Government students honored as best advocate for Constitutional rights
Students in Rich Bader’s New Visions: Law & Government class made a strong showing in the March 7 state finals of the We the People competition in Albany, testing their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution along with 200 students from eight other schools from across New York. “While they did not win the competition,” noted Bader, “our class performed well, as many school teams were more than twice our size! Our own Sarah Barry (Niskayuna), Jennifer McKay (Shenendehowa) and Rachel Gellert (Taconic Hills) won a competition award for Best Advocates for Unit 5 (‘What Rights Do The Bill of Rights Protect?’).” Read more

Calling all Cos: Make your all-day clinic appointments
Spring into a better appearance. Albany campus Cosmetology seniors are holding an all-day (and into the evening!) clinic, March 26, from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Call 862-4716 to make an appointment for your manicure, pedicure, nail enhancement, paraffin dip, hot stone manicure, haircut, hairstyling, waxing or facial. A nominal fee is charged. Besides showing off the students’ knowledge, talent and skills, the clinic will raise funds for their upcoming trip to the International Beauty Show and help them reach the 1000-instructional-hour state licensing requirement. “With upcoming proms, our all-day clinic is a perfect time to try some new styles before making that final decision for that important day,” said Cosmetology teacher Pat Gollub.

Careers EXPOsed in Schenectady
Thanks to a group of students and faculty from Career & Tech, Schenectady County's 10th graders now know a lot more about careers in theatre technology, floral design, fashion and marketing, HVAC, automotive, computer and information technology and culinary arts and hospitality. Our school was well represented at the March 17 Career Expo '09 at SCCC, where more than 1,500 high school sophomores and staff could enjoy our school's interactive demonstrations, share information and ask questions. 

Rebecca Marshall honored for excellence at Career & Tech, Middleburgh by National Technical Honor Society
Rebecca Marshall was recognized as an excellent student at Schoharie Career & Tech and Middleburgh H.S. by being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society on February 26. Marshall, who studies Hospitality Technology & Culinary Arts with Chef Iannacone, was joined at the induction ceremony by her Career & Tech classmates. "Rebecca is very bright, creative, quick and not afraid to learn new things," noted Chef. "Her attention to detail is impressive, and she has a great professional attitude." Marshall has earned a full scholarship to SUNY Cobleskill and has a special interest in pastry. Later this month, she will compete in the upcoming SkillsUSA Regionals. To be nominated for the National Technical Honor Society, students must earn a 92 average or higher at Career & Tech, an overall average of 85 or higher at their high schools, and have five or fewer absences.

Oh snow!
Just a reminder: In the event of inclement weather, students and their parents/guardians should follow school closing information provided by their home high schools. Students' home school districts determine whether or not to transport students, end their day early or close their high school campuses.
Adult students should watch the media for school closings; their classes are cancelled if the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School is closed.

New club is taking orders, raising funds
Student Builders Club members at the Albany campus are selling candy and taking special project orders for picnic tables, benches, coat racks, etc. to raise funds to attend the  JLC Live Builders Show in Rhode Island, and to support other activities.

Fashion students guide others on dressing for success
Do's and don'ts of dressing for business success was the theme of a presentation and workshop presented recently by students in Ms. Hicks' Global Fashion Studies program. The Fashion students worked with young people at a transition conference held by the Capital Region BOCES Special Education division for young people nearing graduation. Career & Tech students are called upon frequently to share their knowledge and talents with their peers.
 

Career & Tech welcomes Assemblyman Amedore
New York State Assemblyman George Amedore toured Career & Tech's Albany campus recently, visiting with students and staff and learning more about current course offerings. The Assemblyman is a supporter of career and technical education. His brother is a successful alumnus of the Fashion program. Pictured at right, the Assemblyman meets with Welding teachers Mr. Lanese and Mr. Todd, as Career & Tech Ed Director Dr. Stopinski (2nd from right) looks on.

SkillsUSA students meet with state lawmakers, greeted by Governor
Career & Tech's SkillsUSA chapter took on Albany in late February when they visited with their state legislators and toured the Capitol. "The experience was part of our SkillsUSA leadership training, and we enjoyed speaking with our local Assemblymen and getting to meet the Governor," noted club advisor Gretchen McDonough. The students met with Assemblymen Reilly (in photo) and Amedore and with staff from Assembly Minority Leader Tedisco's office and Assembly Majority Leader Canestrari's office. They were even greeted by Governor Paterson, whom they met during their travels. Students participating included Mike D’Agostino, Jennifer Brennan, Denielle Dix, Tia Keane, Meagan Markessinnis, Lucia Mazzone, Shante On-Eseleh, Mike Rotyliano, Steven Van der Wouden, Zylia Washington, Amanda Waterson, and John Wisenburn.

Serving the community
Students and staff at Career & Tech's Albany campus raised more than $200 for the American Heart Association's Go Red event by collecting donations for red pins and carnations.

New Visions: Law & Government students are of strong Constitution
Defying data that show Americans know little about the United States Constitution and their own government, New Visions: Law & Government students outperformed more than 40 of their peers on January 31, 2009 to win the regional “We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution” competition at Albany Law School. They will proceed to the statewide competition in Albany on March 7.

The students had to explain the philosophical and historical foundations on which the American political system is based. In a simulated congressional hearing in which students "testified" before a panel of judges, they demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and evaluated, took, and defended positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues. They competed and won against “We The People” teams from Shenendehowa High School East and Clarkstown High School South. Read the news release

Winners of the 2009 Regional We The People competition, from left: Rachel Gellert (Taconic Hills H.S.); Katie Urbanski (Schalmont H.S.); Sarah Barry (Niskayuna H.S.); Kraig Roche (Cohoes H.S.); Elizabeth Bradley (Tamarac H.S.); Lisa Hartman (Shenendehowa H.S.); Christian Tiberia (Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk H.S.); Jennifer McKay (Shenendehowa H.S.); Jason Lawrence Guilderland H.S.); Meghan Hart (Scotia-Glenville H.S.); Jacquelynn Steciuk, (Cohoes H.S.); Matthew Pellegrini (Watervliet H.S.); Katelyn Choiniere (Colonie Central H.S.); New Visions: Law & Government teacher Richard Bader, Esq.; and Ingrid Tatiana Medina (Scotia-Glenville H.S.).

New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education class presents to prospective students

February 11, 2009, 14 students from the New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education class visited the Capital Region BOCES administrative offices in Albany to present their program to next year’s prospective students. New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education is one of four different New Visions programs designed for advanced high school seniors interested in career paths which also include journalism and media studies, health careers and law and government.

The 14 New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education students, who are interested in a variety of career choices such as social work, elementary education and physical therapy, explained their program to more than 20 juniors from all over the Capital Region. Also presenting was their teacher, Happy Scherer.

The New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education program is located at the Wildwood School in Schenectady, a private not-for-profit day program for students between ages 3-21 with disorders and disabilities such as autism, neurological impairments and learning disabilities.

Scherer emphasized empathy, compassion and work ethic as key qualities in a person interested in this unique program. Read more.

NYS Theatre Institute taps New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Ed teacher’s expertise
New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education teacher Happy Scherer recently presented several in-service trainings for educators at the New York State Theatre Institute (NYSTI) in conjunction with their musical, "Orphan Train.” She explained how to integrate the performance into middle and high school classes and discussed comparisons between the Orphan Trains movement and current child welfare issues. Scherer developed lessons for her own New Visions students about the Orphan Trains movement as part of their study of the child welfare system. Considered to be the beginning of foster care in the United States, Orphan Trains carried an estimated 200,000 street children from New York City to homes in farming communities in the midwest from1854 to 1929.

At the “Orphan Train” pre-show presentation, Scherer and Brian Perrotto, director of treatment, foster care programs for St. Catherine's Center for Children, are surrounded by pictures of the "Heart Gallery," which feature Capital District children currently seeking adoptive families.

 

New Visions on the airwaves
Students in Rich Bader's New Visions: Law & Government class recently appeared on WAMC Northeast Public Radio as Student Town Meeting participants. They discussed the potential for upward mobility in socio-economic status during times of economic crisis with Albany City Council member Corey Ellis, University at Albany sociology professor Richard Lachmann, and NYS Fiscal Policy Institute Executive Director Frank Mauro. Listen to the broadcast. New Visions: Law & Government students also lent a hand recently at WAMC's fund drive, answering phones and recording pledges.
 

February 2009
Bridal show models shine thanks to Schoharie Cosmetology students
Ms. Whitehead's Cosmetology class at Career & Tech's Schoharie campus recently volunteered their Sunday to style hair for models participating in a bridal fashion show at the Cobleskill Best Western. The students worked from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on January 25, and provided their own transportation to and from the event. "Many of the participating vendors complimented the nice work our students did," noted Ms. Whitehead, "and also our school. The students met a lot of business owners from this and other areas who may be helpful down the road."

Autobody is hot
Americans love their cars, and some turn them into real works of art. Others find themselves at the body shop following a winter fender bender. Autobody Refinishing and Collision Repair are among Career & Tech's hottest classes, and students learned some creative custom painting techniques recently from guest speaker Richard Markham (pictured), a refinishing instructor from Baran Institute. "People who master such techniques can earn a good living," notes Career & Tech Autobody teacher Dan Bush.

Internship Profile

Jessica Sterling is an RCS senior in the New Visions: Journalism & Media Studies class, which meets at the Times Union. Learn more.

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Alumni Profile

Successful Cosmetology grad never stops learning, growing
"My work is fun, and I do what I love. I feel like the luckiest person in the world." Cyndy Slyke's passion for Cosmetology is as boundless as the opportunities the field presents and rivaled only by her enthusiasm for Career & Tech. The class of 2000 Cosmetology alumna has worked as a hairstylist, cosmetics rep, makeup artist, consultant, writer and volunteer. She has won awards, been published and is a popular guest speaker who is dedicated to advancing her own professional education. Read more

The chef coats are coming, the chef coats are . . . here!
Thanks to the generosity of Robison & Smith Textile Services and President Richard Smith, Lodging Management Program students are sporting smart new chef coats during their culinary rotations. The Fulton County company donated a dozen coats, which are proudly displayed in the photo by Steve Stofelano's students and Smith.

Not much to do in Cobleskill? Children & Education Career Academy students propose teen center, mentoring program
Noting a lack of group activities for teens in the Cobleskill area, students in Career & Tech and Cobleskill-Richmondville High School's Children & Education Career Academy would like to start a Teen Night at the Cobleskill Library. They also would like to begin a mentoring program through the Schoharie County Community Action Program. The class presented their proposals at a January 14 event at the CRCHS Library, putting to use their research, communication, social sciences and educational leadership skills. The Academy is a unique, full-day program for 11th and 12th grade students seeking to become teachers or children and family services professionals. Read more.
 

Calling 10th & 11th grade students and families:
Theatre Tech Open House is at Proctors Feb. 11!
"So often, the world of performance gets defined simply by the people on stage or in front of a camera or microphone,” says Proctor’s Theatre Chief Executive Officer Philip Morris. “The reality is that behind every actor or singer or comedian are a dozen people who build things, design things, use make-up, play sound effects, use lights, design brochures, sell tickets, negotiate contracts, and administer all of that creative talent."

Students in Career & Tech’s Theatre Technology program explore what goes on behind the curtain or camera where it all happens, at Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady, where their classroom is based.

Mark your calendars now and join our Theatre Arts Tech class at Proctors, Feb. 11 from 8:30-10:30 am, 11:15 am - 1:30 pm and 6-8 pm in the evening. (Snow date Feb. 12)

Morris notes that, "The Theatre Technology class gets to see and work with this behind-the-scenes effort. [The students are] building, designing, and working with the folks who end up in front of the lights. It’s real work in an industry that goes beyond just the stage to touch media of all kinds.”

Carter Sullivan-Irwin is a successful alumnus of Theatre Technology who is continuing his studies in college while also working part-time at Proctors and other performing arts venues

Attention college-bound juniors:
New Visions is THE college advantage
Save the date for New Visions open houses
New Visions offers college-bound high school seniors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in career fields through honors-level and college-credit-granting study at off-campus locations including the Times Union, NYS Capitol/downtown Albany, Wildwood School and St. Peter's and Ellis Hospitals.

Mark your calendars now for our annual open houses and hear what students, alumni and teachers have to say about this great one-year program. Open houses will be held at the Capital Region BOCES Administration Building, 1031 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Colonie, from 8:30-10:30 am as follows:
Mon., Feb. 9: New Visions: Health Careers
Tues., Feb. 10: New Visions: Journalism & Media Studies
Weds., Feb. 11: New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education
Thurs., Feb. 12: New Visions: Law & Government
Fri., Feb. 13: Snow date reserved for any open houses which are cancelled
On Weds., March 18, an evening open house will be held in the same location from 6-8 pm for all New Visions programs for those unable to attend the above daytime open houses.
Download our one-sheet flier about the open houses. Information will also be provided on Questar III New Visions programs.

January 2009
Feb 9 & 10 are sophomore visitation days at Schoharie campus
Each year, Schoharie Career & Tech welcomes 10th grade students from throughout the region during campus visitation days. Interested in visiting one of our programs and seeing what all the talk is about? Check with your high school guidance counselor today about this fun and fact-filled event!

Excellence times 2:
Students had to do doubly well to qualify for National Technical Honor Society
Eight students have been honored for excellence in their career and technical and academic studies at both Career & Tech and their home high schools by being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. The students had to earn a 92 average or higher at Career & Tech, an overall average of 85 or higher at their high schools, and have five or fewer absences.

Inducted into the National Technical Honor Society in late November were:
• Angelina Brown (RCS HS), Criminal Justice
• Larissa Dean (Mohonasen), Cosmetology
• Matthew Pellerin (Duanesburg), Electrical Trades
• Ian Pengel (BKW) International Virtual Business
• Katlyn Prescott (BKW), Early Childhood Education
• Meghan Stilson (Schenectady), Culinary Arts Tech Prep
• Denise Willsey (BKW), Early Childhood Education
• April Zwack (Bethlehem) Early Childhood Education

Honors for Children & Education Career Academy teacher
Children & Education Career Academy teacher Deb Hall was named Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year by the New York State Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers. Ms. Hall's classroom is located at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School. which offers the Children & Education Career Academy in partnership with the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School.

December 2008
Career & Tech student-built home hits the road for Better Neighborhoods of Schenectady
How do you merge a house into traffic? Very carefully! As a long line of school buses left Career & Tech's Albany campus on December 4 after discharging their students, they were followed by huge flatbed trucks carrying two halves of a house. The event was not something you see at school every day, but Career & Tech is not your usual school. The event was a culmination of three years of effort by Building Trades students and their teacher, Doug Harple, who built the house for Better Neighborhoods of Schenectady.

Just the day before, the most recently completed half of the house was eased through the overhead doors of the Building Trades classroom, out of its cozy berth in F building, and into the parking lot, where the students steadied it and readied it for its December 4 excursion. On that day, movers contracted by Better Neighborhoods Inc. jacked up and flatbedded the home to 411 Hulett St. in Schenectady, where it will be finished and sold for an affordable price to a deserving family. Read more!
[Photo:Career & Tech Building Trades student and Bethlehem H.S. junior Michael Saintcross is interviewed by WTEN-TV10 as workers behind him prepare to move half of the house he helped build.]

Learning by teaching: Culinary students introduce Lodging Management peers to kitchen intricacies
It's said that one of the best ways to learn is to teach. Lodging Management Program students were introduced to the workings of a commercial kitchen by their peers in Chef Rother's Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology classes.

The lessons took place in the students' Career & Tech kitchen, and included a sanitation and safety unit. The Lodging and Culinary students then teamed up to prepare the day's mise en place (organize meal ingredients) for omelets, ravioli, assorted cookies and desserts. Teaching Assistant Lena Herbert, herself a Career & Tech Culinary Arts alumna, helped guide the students.

"The Lodging Management students had not yet rotated through the various kitchen departments of their clinical learning at the Albany Marriott," said Lodging Management Program Teacher Steve Stofelano, Jr. "This was an ideal opportunity for them to gain first-hand exposure to numerous facets of this part of the lodging field. By the time they complete the Lodging Management Program, the students will have been introduced to all aspects of a hotel's or resort's Food and Beverage Department."

From Knox to Maui, Electrical Trades alumnus says Mahalo for a terrific career
For most of us in the Northeast, the Hawaiian islands are a dream destination, a place of natural beauty that is rivaled only by the expense of living far from the mainland. Yet Kenny Clapper has built a successful business in Maui, one that affords his family a comfortable lifestyle and a solid future in a wavy economy. KC Electric is prospering, having its best year ever, in fact, and Clapper says he owes it all to the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School. Read more

Beautifying Albany
Festive creations by Meg Bugler's Floral Design and Botanical Services students will be displayed in Albany's Ten Broeck Mansion for the holiday season. The busy classes also recently unearthed hundreds of tulip bulbs in Washington Park.

Fashioning Santa's Village
BOCES Career and Technical School teacher Judy Hicks and students in her Global Fashion Studies class prepared Colonie Center Mall for Santa's arrival. The class completed Santa's Village, a hands-on visual display, on Nov. 19. "They worked hard, learning first-hand what visual display employees do," said Hicks. "Throughout the activity I reminded the students that they were creating memories for little kids, and many little ones would see this creation at their first glimpse and visit with Santa. So I asked them to take a moment to remember their first visit to Santa and to remember what made it special and to then focus on that as they were creating this vision as a task of giving back to the young viewers." The result? "An accomplishment they can truly be proud of."

Making the holidays happier
SkillsUSA Advisor Debbie Toy reports: "Each year, our SkillsUSA chapter organizes a Helping Hands program for the holidays. Our goal is to assist families within our school community. We have just completed our Thanksgiving Food Drive and will be delivering turkeys, homemade pies and collected food items to families in our school community. After Thanksgiving, our Helping Hands Tree will go up in the main office. Faculty, staff and students purchase items and donate money so that we can create a magical holiday season for some of our most needy families."

Schoharie campus students, staff make the season bright
Students and staff at Career & Tech's Schoharie campus are known for caring: about their school, each other, and their communities. They are also working to make the holidays brighter for some of the area's senior citizens and furry friends. SkillsUSA Advisor Vickie Dunfee reports, "We are caroling at a nursing home in Guilderland, and collecting blankets for the local animal shelter."
Dunfee also reports,"On November 23, 14 students from our Schoharie Career & Tech SkillsUSA chapter assisted Concerned for the Hungry in the distribution of Thanksgiving food baskets at Keane Elementary School in Schenectady. This year, Concerned for the Hungry filled and distributed 3,100 turkeys and food baskets to families in need. Our students were happy and honored to be part of this wonderful outpouring this year."

"Sad in a happy way:" Helping Hands helped this former student
"Every year around Thanksgiving, I feel a little sad, but in a good way. When I was a senior [at Career & Tech], one of the school social workers came to my apartment with two boxes of canned goods, a turkey and gifts for Christmas. It was from the Helping Hands drive for the needy. I will always be thankful for that."
[Note: This former Career & Tech and Alt Ed student, who said the school truly became her family, went on to graduate, earn state certification and land rewarding jobs in her field, and is presently working toward an advanced degree in college.]

Lodging Management Program students serve up holiday meal, good cheer at Atria Crossgate celebration
Students from Steve Stofelano, Jr.'s Lodging Management Program volunteered their evening on December 10 to prepare and serve meals to nearly 300 residents, families and friends at Atria Crossgate, Albany. Atria's Janice Thompson welcomed the efforts of students Jennifer Brennan (Cohoes HS) and Catherine Simeone (Bethlehem HS) in making the evening a special one: "The students had visited us in November on a field trip, and I felt this would be a wonderful opportunity for them to participate in a meaningful way that incorporated their classroom knowledge into a real-life setting."

"The students were absolutely amazing in the caring and thoughtful way in which they interacted with the guests," said Stofelano. "I also would like to thank our Career & Tech English integration teacher Ken Bevan for initially introducing us to Atria Crossgates, where his father serves as engaged life director." Community service is an important part of the Lodging Management Program. [Photo from left: Jennifer Brennan, Catherine Simeone and Janice Thompson]

CSX workers put welding skills on the right track through custom Career & Tech program
CSX railroad machinist Matt Clark positioned an electrode into a holder as he prepared to practice vertical sheet metal arc welding. Suited in a protective coat, leather welding gloves, safety glasses, face shield and helmet, the railroad machinist focused intently on his assignment, one of many he'd tackle during an intensive week of training at Career & Tech's Albany campus. Clark and several colleagues from rail transportation company CSX Corp. in Selkirk advanced their professional skills this past August through a special 40-hour course developed and taught by Career & Tech Welding & Metal Fabrication teachers Michael Todd and Christopher Lanese and coordinated by our Adult & Continuing Education department. Want to know more? Link to a pdf of the Oct/Nov. BOCES Bright Futures newsletter.

Teachers to present at American Welding Society meeting
Capital Region Career & Technical School is addressing a growing need for educated and experienced welders. On December 2 in Latham, Welding & Metal Fabrication teachers Christopher Lanese and Michael Todd will be the featured speakers at a meeting of the American Welding Society, Northern New York Chapter. They will discuss the school's popular Welding program for high school and adult students and initiatives to work with local business and industry (see story below).

The more you learn, the more you earn: Schoharie campus college fair set for December 2
What are you doing after high school? The more you learn, the more you earn. Schoharie Career & Tech will host several colleges on December 2 so students can meet with representatives about how they can take their education and careers to a higher level. On board to date: SUNY Alfred, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Delhi, SUNY Morrisville, Hudson Valley Community College, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Schenectady County Community College, and Bryant & Stratton College.

November 2008

Vocational Training & Transition students trick or treat for Unicef
A group of students from Mrs. Bernard's Vocational Training & Transition class volunteered for a good cause on Halloween, when they trick or treated for Unicef. The students visited their peers in their Albany campus classrooms and accepted cash donations for the international relief organization. Thank you VT&T!

Culinary Cornucopia benefits people with disabilities
Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology students and staff spent Sunday, Nov. 9, helping raise funds for Living Resources by assisting at the 2008 American Culinary Federation (ACF) Chefs Competition at the Albany campus and a gala fund-raising dinner at the Marriott Hotel. Living Resources provides life-enhancing services to individuals with disabilities in the Capital Region. Pictured in the photo above (from left): Kayla Wojtowecz (Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake), Ashley Matthews and Ryan DiMaria (Shenendehowa), Cody Dennis (Watervliet), Chef Brucker, Chef Brucker's ACF competition student assistant Rob Ryan(Guilderland), Chef Haas, Jim Romand (Colonie Central), Director of Career & Tech Ed Dr. Hank Stopinski, Karl Connor (Shenendehowa), Chef Rother and Chef Dolan.

Great pumpkins appear in Albany
Thanks to the generosity of local business partners Price Chopper, WF Ryan Produce and Lansing's Farm, Colonie, more than 70 pumpkins were transformed from generic gourds to cool, career-themed creations by Albany campus students. After judging by SkillsUSA officers and school staff, the winners were announced and awarded delicious prizes. Read more about the winners and link to photo gallery

Bodies: The Exhibition keeps it real for students bound for medical careers
Students from Career & Tech's Practical Nursing, New Visions: Health Careers and Nurse Assistant programs gained a wealth of knowledge by viewing Bodies: The Exhibition in November at the South Street Seaport Museum in Manhattan. The world-famous exhibit features actual human bodies, organs and systems that have been specially preserved and treated and respectfully presented.

Adult Nursing student Alison Shuler (pictured (from left) with fellow students Michelle Washburn and Kathryn Gotcsik) comments, "What we expected and what we saw were two very different things. When you think human bodies, you think about actual cadavers from an autopsy point of view. But, it was just the opposite. Even though they are actual human bodies, it was done in a way that wasn't scary or gross. You could actually see how the human body is really made. As nursing students in the Adult Practical Nursing program, seeing the exhibit helped us to understand more of what we learned in Anatomy and Physiology class. I would recommend this exhibit to anyone interested in how the human body works."

October 2008

Students from the New Visions: Human Services & Elementary/Special Education program at Wildwood School participated in the Fiddles Walk for Wildwood on Saturday, Oct. 18. The program moved this year to a brand-new classroom at Wildwood School on Curry Road Extension, where 14 students from 10 different school districts participate in internships with children with autism andother developmental disabilities. The students are experiencing honors and college level academic work designed to help prepare them for careers such as social work, psychology, music and art therapy, occupational and physical therapy, and elementary and special education.

New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education students (from left) Erin Montrello (Niskayuna), Elishia Marocco (Scotia-Glenville), Christine Cary (Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk) and Michelle Fraser (Scotia-Glenville) Walk for Wildwood.

Current high school juniors interested in finding out more about this New Visions program may email Happy Scherer, teacher, and attend an open house in February.

Halloween havoc
Were they creating work for the health careers students or just scaring the rest of us? Albany campus Cosmetology students practiced their best theatrical makeup skills on Halloween by creating realistic gashes, scars, wounds and other gory effects on fellow students and staff. A Cosmetology education can prepare individuals for a myriad of careers. See related story below. 
 

Holy cannoli! Career & Tech Open Houses were a hit
Record numbers of students, their families, BOCES Board of Education members, staff and others from the community turned out for the annual fall Open Houses at Career & Tech's Albany and Schoharie campuses. Thanks to all for your ongoing support.

BOCES Board of Ed President Sandra Beloncik talks with Culinary Arts & Hospitality student Ryan DiMaria (Shenendehowa) at the Albany campus Open House. Handcrafted cannolis were one of many popular student displays.

A Schoharie campus Open House visitor is framed by a display of wind ornaments and furniture in the Commercial/Residential Construction classroom. Students in this program also study Heavy Equipment Operation.

See more photos

New Visions: Health Careers student is a good sport
Lights, camera, action: New Visions: Health Careers student Kyle McKelvey of Schalmont was interviewed by Capital News 9 Sports Anchor Marisa Jacques in class at St. Peter's Hospital for an upcoming story on outstanding high school athletes. McKelvey was named this week's "Jacques of All Trades," and his story aired on September 11 during Jacques' high school sports show on Time Warner Cable channel 9.

In addition to New Visions, McKelvey is an honor student, plays three sports - in which he's set several records - and holds down a part-time job. He is captain and quarterback of Schalmont's Varsity Football team and has played on the Varsity Baseball and Hockey teams. McKelvey plans to pursue a pre-med program in college.

September 2008
Sept. 11 A Day of Remembrance and Reflection
Governor David Paterson proclaimed September 11 as A Day of Remembrance and Reflection. Students and teachers across New York State will be remembering and reflecting upon the events of Sept. 11, 2001 in many ways. Rich Bader's New Visions: Law & Government class, based across from the Capitol in Albany, headed over to the New York State Museum at 9:30 a.m., where they read essays they wrote in front of the 9/11 exhibit. WRGB-TV covered the students' reading. Bader instituted the annual activity as a way for students to not only express the impact of September 11 upon their lives, their thinking and the U.S. government, but also as a reflection upon liberty in our society and the thoughts of leaders including Thomas Jefferson, John F. Kennedy and Benjamin Franklin.

Anne-Marie Sheehan's New Visions: Journalism & Media Studies class, which is based at the Times Union, honed their journalism skills by conducting person-on-the-street interviews in downtown Albany. The students asked passers-by to reflect on 9/11 and lessons learned by Americans since that day; the students also shot video and still photos. Places they visited included a fire station, the State Capitol, a memorial service at the Corning Preserve, and the Empire State Plaza. The New Visions: Journalism & Media Studies class' articles will be posted on their blog site: http://blogs.timesunion.com/breakfastclub/

Cooperation & collaboration: Career & Tech & H.S. teachers work together to keep courses up to date
As experts in their career fields, Career & Tech's teachers are called upon from time to time by the State Education Department (SED) to assist in reviewing and updating courses for all schools. Early Childhood Education teacher Cindy Jennings recently worked with a team of educators working on the curriculum for family and consumer sciences (FACS). SED's Dawn Scagnelli said that Jennings' "enthusiasm, preparation, suggestions and comments were excellent contributions to the rigorous process of developing timely curriculum guides for our discipline." Cooperation and collaboration form the  foundation of Career & Tech as a BOCES service, and courses such as Early Childhood Education and the Children & Education Career Academy complement course offerings in students' high schools. "When Career & Tech and high schools work together to bridge curricula," Jennings said, "we can offer students courses that are relevant, rigorous and tied to national standards."

When teachers summer at the cutting edge, students benefit
Capital Region Career & Technical School teachers Maryella Bell and Linda Garbellano successfully competed for slots in the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce’s Tech Valley Teacher Summer Externship program and spent their summer working at GE Global Research in Niskayuna and Starfire Systems in Malta, respectively. Their investment of time will yield benefits for students preparing for college and careers in a global 21st century economy. Read more

AYES Auto Technician program scores top national honors including 2008 AYES School of Excellence
Career & Tech's Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) Automotive Technician program earned top honors at the annual AYES Conference in Dearborn, MI, July 22-24. Career & Tech was named a 2008 AYES School of Excellence, one of just 10 so honored in the nation, in recognition of best overall placement of graduates in careers. Career & Tech's AYES Automotive Technician program was also one of just 12 schools selected for the AYES 100 Club for achieving 100 student intern placements and honored with an award for Best Overall SnapOn/AYES Tool Scholarship Utilization. The program is taught by Rich Bellizzi at the Albany campus.

Mary Bell named NYS Builders Association Distinguished Teacher of the Year
Mary Bell, teacher of Residential Construction/Heavy Equipment and Commercial Construction/Heavy Equipment at Career & Tech's Schoharie campus, has been named Distinguished Teacher of the Year by the New York State Builders Association Education and Research Foundation. The foundation promotes professionalism and growth in the state's housing industry be providing scholarships, educational programs and research grants. Bell will be honored at a September awards dinner and was underwritten by the foundation for a July 28 training session on teaching National Association of Home Builders curriculum to adult learners.

Schoharie campus Auto Trades Tech teams up with Wheels for Work; agency seeks car donations
Schoharie Career & Tech's Automotive Trades Technology program, taught by Randy Barber, has teamed up with the Fulmont Community Action Agency to help support its Wheels for Work program. Wheels for Work provides people in need with reliable vehicles so they may travel to work. Next school year, Schoharie Career & Tech will assist by repairing vehicles donated to Wheels for Work to make them serviceable. Right now, Fulmont Community Action Agency is seeking cars in good and repairable condition for Wheels for Work. Interested? ALL potential donors and anyone with questions should call Fulmont/Wheels for Work at 853-3011 for more details.

New Visions students remember Dr. Conway
Dorothy Negri's New Visions: Health Careers class has made a donation to the St. Peter's Hospital Building Fund in memory of Dr. Willam Conway, who died in June. "Dr. Conway was a good friend and solid supporter of New Visions," said Negri. "He was our mentor, spoke at all of our graduation ceremonies, joined in holiday celebrations, and arranged many excellent rotations for our students. He will be missed." Dr. Conway was St. Peter's chief executive of medical affairs and a family practice physician.

Lodging teacher completes summer institutes
Lodging Management teacher Steve Stofelano successfully completed levels one and two of the American Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Institute's Certified Hospitality Instructor program. Stofelano passed the exams after completing summer '08 sessions at Niagara University and the University of Delaware. In addition to being a state-certified teacher who's also taught family and consumer sciences at the middle school level, Stofelano is the owner of the Mansion Hill Inn & Restaurant in Albany.

Note:
News Releases may be found on our Latest News page.
Older items may be found in our 2007-08 School Year Home Page Archive, 2006-07 Home Page Archive, 2005-06 Home Page Archive, 2006-07 News Archives and 2005-06 News Archives.