Students from the OAOC SkillsUSA chapter recently competed at the State Conference in Syracuse, NY. They joined over 3,000 SkillsUSA contestants showcasing their skills and knowledge across many areas. The students challenged their limits, improved their networking skills, and had fun!
On Wednesday, April 23rd, the Fox and Bassett New Visions students had an opportunity to attend Bassett Research Institute's (BRI) Research Day. This event allowed the students to read about local research from the BRI team and case studies from medical residents and providers at Bassett and interact and ask questions to the presenters on hand. Students used QR codes to provide feedback on the posters. One student, Jonas M. from Charlotte Valley, even won the basket prize for his survey feedback. Thank you, BRI, for your continued support of the New Visions program and commitment to our local communities' health and wellness!
Mark your calendars for May 29th for the 13th annual Engineering Symposium!
Congratulations to Aiden B., a Mechatronics Program Senior, who won the SUNY Delhi President's Award Scholarship! This scholarship will greatly assist Aiden as he will attend Delhi for their Mechatronics Program in the fall.
Thank you to all who attended our annual dinner on April 10th, and a huge thank you to the NCOC Culinary Team who created an amazing menu of delicious food!
Each year at our Annual Meeting, we have the opportunity to celebrate partners from our community who have enhanced ONC BOCES's capacity to provide resources and support across the region. We offer these awards with tremendous gratitude and deep appreciation, understanding that our organization and region are stronger because of these partnerships.
Congratulations and thank you to our award recipients!
⭐️Otsego County Sheriff's Office:
Student and staff safety is our top priority at OAOC and NCOC. Thanks to our dedicated team and the strong support from the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department, we can create a safe, focused environment for teaching and learning.
⭐️Mark Davies, Dean, School of Education, Human Ecology, and Sports Studies, SUNY Oneonta:
Dr. Mark Davies was key in launching our teacher pipeline program, connecting high school students to a clear path in education through college courses, internships, and support from SUNY Oneonta. Thanks to this partnership, the program continues to grow and shape future educators.
⭐️Bassett Healthcare Network:
Bassett Health Network is a vital partner in our region. They support student success through hands-on experiences in our New Visions Healthcare and revived Practical Nursing programs. Their commitment helps shape future healthcare leaders.
⭐️Dr. Deborah Shea, Program Director/Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Russell Sage College:
Dr. Deb Shea was instrumental in launching and continuing our Principal Pipeline Program, helping train the next generation of rural school leaders. Dr. Shea's partnership turned our vision into a reality.
OAOC hosted a Regional Framing Tomorrow event in March, bringing together 40+ CTE instructors from Health Occupations, Culinary, and Agriculture for a day of collaboration. Huge thanks to 17 Culinary Arts students who served a delicious meal for our guests! The event also featured a round-table discussion with local industry and education partners focused on student and industry success.
The SEL Committee led a donation drive for the Heart of the Catskills Animal Shelter in Delhi. Thank you to everyone who helped organize the donation drive and to those who donated food, toys, treats, and supplies!
OAOC and NCOC Cosmetology students took a trip to NYC for the International Beauty Show at the Javits Convention Center. There, they saw top beauty brands showcase products and tools and had the opportunity to attend workshops on various topics.
Last week, Senator Oberacker joined the New Visions Health Care Professions Bassett program in person and the Fox program via Zoom to discuss his career in local and state government. The conversation connected to civics and government classes, in which Senator Oberacker elaborated on his role and committees at the NY state legislature, as well as healthcare, substance abuse, and minimum wage. The New Visions classes appreciate the time Senator Oberacker took out of his day to highlight the role of a public servant and emphasize how young adults can become active citizens.
The New Visions Engineering class recently visited the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The day began with a lesson on the physics of baseball, led by Marcie Schwartzman, followed by a tour of the Hall of Fame, where students learned about exhibit design and the engineering behind it. A highlight of the visit was a special presentation by Alex Dixon, a 2018 New Visions Engineering graduate, who shared his experience working on the interactive teaching room exhibits using tools like Photoshop and AutoCAD. The students gained valuable insights into the connection between physics, engineering, and the world of baseball!
The New Visions Engineering class had an incredible visit to the Chobani plant in New Berlin! They suited up in PPE and toured the entire facility—seeing everything from the chill tunnel to the yogurt production line. They spoke with engineers about career tips and landed some limited-edition yogurt flavors to take home! It was a fun, informative day learning how Chobani’s yogurt comes to life.
Congratulations to our amazing culinary students who took on the ultimate challenge at The Culinary Institute of America!
1st Place – Abigail M. (JCS)
2nd Place – Hailey T. (SCS)
For three years, our students from ONC BOCES have competed with some of the best young chefs in New York State—and each year, they’ve stepped up to the plate. With just 50 minutes to craft the perfect burger and side, they’ve showcased incredible skill, creativity, and professionalism under pressure!
Congratulations to all the competitors, and thank you to Chef Albano and Chef Johnson for providing exceptional education and guidance!
Last week, Tara Smith, co-CEO from College For Every Student (CFES), came to OAOC to work with our mentors on employability skills such as teamwork, leadership, networking, and engaging with their mentees.
NCOC students and staff participated in "Say Something Spirit Week." Say Something Week is part of the Sandy Hook Promise, which teaches students to identify warning signs, say something, and speak out about safety. The themes of the week were Make A Difference Monday - where we kicked off a collection of items for the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society; Twinning Tuesday - dress like another person because you are never alone; Workout Wednesday - Show Your Strength; Tie Dye Thursday - Stand Up and Stand Out; See Something, Say Something Friday - wear your favorite glasses and the color green to represent the Say Something Program. Students in the Elementary classrooms also read Dr. Seuss's stories and had a visit from the Cat in the Hat!
The ONC BOCES New Visions Engineering Class toured Apple Converting, where they learned about the packaging industry. The students met the team, explored the facility, and saw eco-friendly production processes, including water-based inks for packaging. They even got a look at the Lindor chocolate packaging! The visit provided valuable insights into design, sustainability, and packaging design and manufacturing career opportunities. Plus, everyone left with a box of delicious Lindor chocolates!
On February 11th, the New Visions Engineering Class of 2025 visited Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney for an inside look at the world of aerospace manufacturing. The class toured the 3D printing lab, testing facilities, and learned about the precision engineering behind Amphenol’s connectors. Presentations from engineers and HR provided insights into design, quality testing, and future internship opportunities. A great experience wrapped up with lunch with Amphenol employees and goodie bags!
The 9th and 10th Trust classes have started the sapping season! Students learn the process through hands-on experience of tapping trees, collecting sap, and boiling it down to make syrup!
The students research the process of making Maple syrup through science and history.
Did you know that Native Americans taught European Settlers how to make maple Syrup?
When finished, students will enjoy a pancake breakfast topped with homemade maple syrup! 🍁 Let the said collecting begin!
Big congratulations to all the SkillsUSA students who competed at the Regional Conference at SUNY Morrisville on Friday, February 7, 2025! Each student dedicated a lot of time and effort to prepare for their competitions, and it showed in their confidence and performance.
Congratulations to OAOC’s Quiz Bowl team (Grant B., Evan C., Jonah H., and Burton S.) and Related Technical Math competitor Van J-D for their first-place wins!
Congratulations to the student who placed from NCOC:
First Place:
Austin E. – Welding
Montana S. – Prepared Speech
Second Place:
Angelina D. – Photography
Vivica B. – Action Skills (model Abbi A.)
Third Place:
Quinn P. – Action Skills (model Hailey M.)
Aubrey V. – Employment Application Process
Abbi V. – Job Interview
A huge thank you to the other competitors who gave it their all and to the two Delegates in attendance who helped vote for our Area 2 Vice President!
Next up: The State Leadership Conference in April!
OAOC celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Week with Principal Mike Ames reading Kindness quotes over the announcements each day. Throughout the week, staff wore their tie-dye and Kindness shirts. Ms. Jazmyn Nienstedt, Art teacher, and her students created a Kindness Bulletin board. Staff and students created hearts with kindness messages and hung them in the hallways. On Valentine’s Day, staff handed out Kindness messages with a Hershey’s Kiss to all students.
Upcoming 5-hour course in March!
Registration information:
https://www.oncboces.org/page/drivers-5-hour-pre-licensing-course
