In NCOC’s Elementary Classroom, students have been using a classroom economy system to gain hands-on, real-world experience with budgeting, saving, financial responsibility, and making thoughtful choices with money. Throughout the school day, students earn classroom money for completing their work, participating, staying on task, being kind, helping others, and making positive choices. The classroom also incorporates ClassDojo points and SOAR!
Every Friday, each student receives a paycheck based on what they have earned throughout the week. As a class, they discuss what they earned, areas where they may not have earned the maximum amount possible, and ways they can work toward earning more. Students then “deposit” their paychecks and record the transactions in their own check registers. They practice adding deposits, subtracting spending, and balancing their checkbooks so they always know how much money they have available. It has been a wonderful way to incorporate practical math skills into something that feels meaningful and exciting to them!
Students have also been learning about saving, budgeting, credit versus debit, wants versus needs, and the importance of prioritizing needs before spending money on wants. They discuss how having enough money to purchase something does not necessarily mean they should spend it, especially if there is something bigger they may want to save for in the future.
This week, students had the opportunity to put all of that learning into practice during their first classroom auction! They had to decide which items were worth spending their hard-earned money on, how high they were willing to bid, how much they could afford based on their check registers, and whether to spend now or save some for the next auction.
It was so much fun watching the students use the skills they have been practicing in a real and meaningful way. One of the sweetest moments was seeing how many students chose to bid on items specifically for their siblings. It was such a wonderful reminder that while they were learning about money and financial responsibility, they were also thinking about others.
The students have worked incredibly hard for their paychecks, and they were so excited to finally enjoy the rewards of that hard work while practicing important skills they can carry with them beyond the classroom.
Every Friday, each student receives a paycheck based on what they have earned throughout the week. As a class, they discuss what they earned, areas where they may not have earned the maximum amount possible, and ways they can work toward earning more. Students then “deposit” their paychecks and record the transactions in their own check registers. They practice adding deposits, subtracting spending, and balancing their checkbooks so they always know how much money they have available. It has been a wonderful way to incorporate practical math skills into something that feels meaningful and exciting to them!
Students have also been learning about saving, budgeting, credit versus debit, wants versus needs, and the importance of prioritizing needs before spending money on wants. They discuss how having enough money to purchase something does not necessarily mean they should spend it, especially if there is something bigger they may want to save for in the future.
This week, students had the opportunity to put all of that learning into practice during their first classroom auction! They had to decide which items were worth spending their hard-earned money on, how high they were willing to bid, how much they could afford based on their check registers, and whether to spend now or save some for the next auction.
It was so much fun watching the students use the skills they have been practicing in a real and meaningful way. One of the sweetest moments was seeing how many students chose to bid on items specifically for their siblings. It was such a wonderful reminder that while they were learning about money and financial responsibility, they were also thinking about others.
The students have worked incredibly hard for their paychecks, and they were so excited to finally enjoy the rewards of that hard work while practicing important skills they can carry with them beyond the classroom.
Every single day, our maintenance teams work behind the scenes to keep our schools clean, safe, and running smoothly. From cleaning up messes and stocking supplies to assembling furniture, caring for our grounds, and responding to emergencies, they truly do it all!
We’re so grateful for the hard work, dedication, and care they bring to our buildings every day. They’re our everyday lifesavers, and we couldn’t do it without them!
Michael
Jim
Roger
Ray
Rob
Scott
Heather
Autumn
Ryan
Jeremiah
We’re so grateful for the hard work, dedication, and care they bring to our buildings every day. They’re our everyday lifesavers, and we couldn’t do it without them!
Michael
Jim
Roger
Ray
Rob
Scott
Heather
Autumn
Ryan
Jeremiah
The Junior Health Occupations class is ready to learn and begin clinical rotations to explore different careers in healthcare!
NCOC celebrated Dolly Parton Day on Friday by spreading kindness the Dolly Way! Pink lemonade, pink Starburst, books, and inspirational quotes were given out to brighten everyone’s day and share a little extra joy.
If you're interested in learning more, please register at:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/g7axvp6
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/g7axvp6
This week, NCOC Cosmetology seniors had the chance to connect virtually with Jennifer Serio, a 5-time Emmy Award-winning hairstylist!
Jennifer shared her career journey—from starting in a cosmetology program, to an internship focused on wigs and makeup at the renowned Juilliard School, to working on numerous television and film productions, including an impressive decade with Saturday Night Live.
Our students got an inside look at what it takes to build a successful career in the beauty and entertainment industries, along with valuable insight into the many opportunities available to them.
A big thank you to Jennifer for taking the time to share her experience, knowledge, and inspiration with our seniors!
Jennifer shared her career journey—from starting in a cosmetology program, to an internship focused on wigs and makeup at the renowned Juilliard School, to working on numerous television and film productions, including an impressive decade with Saturday Night Live.
Our students got an inside look at what it takes to build a successful career in the beauty and entertainment industries, along with valuable insight into the many opportunities available to them.
A big thank you to Jennifer for taking the time to share her experience, knowledge, and inspiration with our seniors!
If you're interested in learning more about your role as the caregiver and the components to an IEP, please register at the link below:
https://www.stic-cil.org/seface-events
https://www.stic-cil.org/seface-events
Are you a skilled, experienced CDL driver seeking an exciting opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise? ONC BOCES is currently seeking passionate individuals to join our team as Hourly CDL-A and CDL-B Driving Instructors.
For more information or to complete an application, please visit www.oncboces.org.
Our teams have been hard at work this summer making sure we are ready to welcome students and staff to a new school year!
Our dedicated maintenance staff members have been busy all summer preparing buildings, refreshing learning spaces, and ensuring every classroom, hallway, and common area is ready for the year ahead.
We also kicked off a Business Office Bootcamp, an informative day that deepened our understanding of business office functions and strengthened the support systems that keep our schools running smoothly.
We welcomed our newest ONC BOCES members during New Employee Orientation, where staff learned about district operations and connected with colleagues and administration who will support them throughout the year.
Opening Day brought everyone together for team‑building and learning sessions—including important conversations about cybersecurity and how we can all help protect our school community. Instructional staff maintained momentum, with conference days filled with professional development, collaboration, and planning for the year ahead.
We are ready and excited to welcome students next week!
Our dedicated maintenance staff members have been busy all summer preparing buildings, refreshing learning spaces, and ensuring every classroom, hallway, and common area is ready for the year ahead.
We also kicked off a Business Office Bootcamp, an informative day that deepened our understanding of business office functions and strengthened the support systems that keep our schools running smoothly.
We welcomed our newest ONC BOCES members during New Employee Orientation, where staff learned about district operations and connected with colleagues and administration who will support them throughout the year.
Opening Day brought everyone together for team‑building and learning sessions—including important conversations about cybersecurity and how we can all help protect our school community. Instructional staff maintained momentum, with conference days filled with professional development, collaboration, and planning for the year ahead.
We are ready and excited to welcome students next week!
Leadership teams from 21 school districts, DCMO BOCES, and ONC BOCES campuses came together for the 2026 Leadership Academy: Unfolding The Future! The two‑day event took place at the beautiful Fort William Henry Resort in Lake George and brought powerful learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
Keynote speaker A.J. Juliani—award‑winning blogger, speaker, university instructor, and author of best‑selling books including Adaptable, Empower, Launch, and The PBL Playbook—set the tone with thought‑provoking insights on innovation and leadership.
Participants engaged in team‑building activities, multiple breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics, and meaningful informal conversations. The NYS Education Department’s “Portrait of a Graduate” was a central theme woven throughout presentations and discussions.
This year’s Leadership Academy was jointly organized and presented by the DCMO BOCES Instructional Support Services Team, led by Ginger Rinaldo, Assistant Superintendent of DCMO BOCES, and the ONC BOCES Professional Learning Team, led by Dr. Brandie Nissen, Professional Learning Coordinator.
Approximately 70 participants attended—bringing energy, ideas, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of education!
NCOC's Moving Up Day last month was an amazing celebration of student success and achievement. Our students demonstrated tremendous growth throughout the school year and were recognized as they moved on to their next grade levels. We were especially proud to celebrate two students who have made the progress needed to return to their home districts, the ultimate goal of our Innovative Programs.
Throughout the ceremony, numerous students were recognized with awards highlighting their academic, social, emotional, and personal growth. Families, staff, and students also enjoyed three wonderful student performances that showcased the talents and confidence our students have developed throughout the year.
Smiles filled the room as students, families, and staff came together to celebrate these accomplishments. The event served as a wonderful opportunity to recognize not only academic progress but also the social and emotional growth that helps our students become successful learners and individuals. We are incredibly proud of all that our students have achieved and look forward to their continued success.
Throughout the ceremony, numerous students were recognized with awards highlighting their academic, social, emotional, and personal growth. Families, staff, and students also enjoyed three wonderful student performances that showcased the talents and confidence our students have developed throughout the year.
Smiles filled the room as students, families, and staff came together to celebrate these accomplishments. The event served as a wonderful opportunity to recognize not only academic progress but also the social and emotional growth that helps our students become successful learners and individuals. We are incredibly proud of all that our students have achieved and look forward to their continued success.
Industry Ready NY Strengthens Workforce Pathways Across New York
Statewide collaboration connects education and industry through $3.7 million grant
A new statewide initiative, Industry Ready NY, will transform how students connect with careers, following a $5 million project funded with a $3.7 million grant awarded to the University at Buffalo. Industry Ready NY will expand a model developed by Broome-Tioga BOCES that connects students with hands-on learning experiences, industry mentors, and workforce opportunities. The initiative aims to increase career placement, strengthen regional talent pipelines, and support long-term economic growth.
“Through this investment, we are strengthening the connection between education and industry in a way that creates real opportunity for students and meets the workforce needs of New York State. This collaboration brings partners together around a shared goal: preparing the next generation for meaningful careers,” said Stacey Johnson, Director of Workforce Development and Industry Engagement at the University at Buffalo.
Participating BOCES include Broome-Tioga BOCES, Erie 1 BOCES, Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES, Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES BOCES), and Ulster BOCES.
Together, these organizations will work alongside business and industry leaders to create meaningful, real-world opportunities for students in high-demand fields.
Key objectives of Industry Ready NY include:
• Increasing student career placement outcomes
• Expanding partnerships with business and industry
• Aligning education with regional workforce needs
• Supporting family-sustaining career opportunities
A Statewide Effort with Local Impact
Each participating BOCES will tailor implementation to meet the needs of their region while maintaining a shared vision and coordinated strategy. Future Ready Centers will serve as hubs for collaboration between educators, students, and employers.
Congratulations to Shane Agosto, who was selected as the grand prize recipient of the Paul Jensen Memorial Scholarship because of his exceptional resourcefulness, ingenuity, and problem-solving abilities!
As part of his senior project in Equipment Operator and Repair (EOR), Shane designed and built a landscaping trailer and a custom truck rack for his landscaping business using repurposed and commonly available materials. Rather than purchasing costly equipment, he identified a need and creatively developed practical solutions using available resources. His project demonstrated technical skill, innovation, and determination while overcoming obstacles through hard work and creativity.
Shane’s accomplishments exemplify the purpose of this scholarship and showcase his ability to turn challenges into opportunities!
As part of his senior project in Equipment Operator and Repair (EOR), Shane designed and built a landscaping trailer and a custom truck rack for his landscaping business using repurposed and commonly available materials. Rather than purchasing costly equipment, he identified a need and creatively developed practical solutions using available resources. His project demonstrated technical skill, innovation, and determination while overcoming obstacles through hard work and creativity.
Shane’s accomplishments exemplify the purpose of this scholarship and showcase his ability to turn challenges into opportunities!
NCOC’s annual Field Day had a Hawaiian theme this year, featuring photo-op backdrops, inflatable palm trees, leis, and grass skirts. High school and elementary students participated in a variety of activities, including basketball, relay races, limbo, cornhole, tug-o-war, pie throw, slip-n-slide, and face painting provided by Ms. Nienstedt (art teacher) and student volunteers. The Leadership Club purchased hamburgers, hot dogs, and side salads from Horseshoe Café. Stewart’s in Stamford donated ice cream and supplies so students could choose from sundaes or root beer floats. Putting this all together is a big job, and we’re so thankful to have dedicated staff who help organize Field Day each year!
We are proud to announce a partnership with High Burl Brewery to provide a valuable internship opportunity for a local student. Landon, an OAOC Welding student from Edmeston Central School, is participating in the program to gain hands-on experience.
Throughout the internship, Landon has taken on vital landscaping tasks around the farm, including maintaining outdoor areas and supporting general farm upkeep, demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic. This real-world experience is designed to support both career exploration and the development of practical skills, aligning with the ONC BOCES’s mission to prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
High Burl Brewery remains committed to fostering educational and professional growth within the region and looks forward to continuing to support similar partnerships in the years to come!
Last week, NCOC’s SEL Committee set up a Hydration Station where students and staff could come for a cup of ice water. They were able to choose stickers to decorate their cups, many of which had positive messages in line with Mental Health Awareness Month. They also had a choice of flavor packets to add to the water, including tasty options like blueberry lemonade, bubblegum, strawberry banana, and rainbow sherbet. It was a hot day, and 15 gallons of ice water were dispensed!
The Mechatronics Senior Class presented its Capstone Project to industry partners and ONC Administration: a Portable Power Monitoring Device (PPMD) developed from an initial sketch into a fully functioning prototype. Throughout the project, students maintained an Engineer’s Notebook, documented work hours, created a bill of materials, tracked costs, requested bids, recorded change orders, and completed a full project summary.
Working with Corning Inc. in Oneonta and Bartell Machinery in Rome, the class designed the PPMD as a flexible, modular platform capable of tracking and trending power usage across a wide range of voltage levels and power systems. Built using the Klein Tools ModBox platform, the device includes three components that can operate independently or together to monitor everything from household appliances to large three‑phase industrial machines and power distribution panels.
Students collaborated closely with Jeff Sciera of Ralph W. Earl Inc., the program’s automation and integration partner, to coordinate design needs with component manufacturers. The first real‑world implementation will support Corning in comparing power consumption between new autonomous pallet movers and older models, helping companies better predict return on investment through accurate power‑savings data. The second implementation will assist Bartell in monitoring the power usage of machines shipped worldwide, providing compliance testing to verify performance at various voltage levels.
We were honored to have representatives from both companies attend the presentation. Corning’s Rylan Caseman, Nate Morgan, and Tony Russo supported component selection for their application, while Bartell’s Jeremy Leary, Kevin Razy, and Luke Anderson guided industrial voltage considerations.
Instructor Nils Anderson, "I am proud of the Class of 2026 for taking on an idea and bringing it from a piece of paper to a working prototype in less than three months. We would also like to extend a thank you to the Corning Inc. Foundation for supporting this project with a grant. As a teacher, this is a great way to conclude the year!"
Working with Corning Inc. in Oneonta and Bartell Machinery in Rome, the class designed the PPMD as a flexible, modular platform capable of tracking and trending power usage across a wide range of voltage levels and power systems. Built using the Klein Tools ModBox platform, the device includes three components that can operate independently or together to monitor everything from household appliances to large three‑phase industrial machines and power distribution panels.
Students collaborated closely with Jeff Sciera of Ralph W. Earl Inc., the program’s automation and integration partner, to coordinate design needs with component manufacturers. The first real‑world implementation will support Corning in comparing power consumption between new autonomous pallet movers and older models, helping companies better predict return on investment through accurate power‑savings data. The second implementation will assist Bartell in monitoring the power usage of machines shipped worldwide, providing compliance testing to verify performance at various voltage levels.
We were honored to have representatives from both companies attend the presentation. Corning’s Rylan Caseman, Nate Morgan, and Tony Russo supported component selection for their application, while Bartell’s Jeremy Leary, Kevin Razy, and Luke Anderson guided industrial voltage considerations.
Instructor Nils Anderson, "I am proud of the Class of 2026 for taking on an idea and bringing it from a piece of paper to a working prototype in less than three months. We would also like to extend a thank you to the Corning Inc. Foundation for supporting this project with a grant. As a teacher, this is a great way to conclude the year!"
Congratulations to our talented NCOC Culinary Arts students on their outstanding performance at this year’s NY/VT ProStart Cake Competition!
1st Place – Hailey (Stamford Central School) with her Blueberry Pie Cake — a beautiful lemon-flavored checkerboard cake topped with vanilla bean frosting and fresh blueberries. The cake was as delicious as it was impressive! Cake or pie, you decide!
2nd Place – Ayana (Roxbury Central School) with her stunning Queen of Hearts Cake. A2-tiered chocolate & vanilla cakes layered with vanilla bean buttercream encased in fondant-
showcasing both creativity and decorating skills!
Thanks to all six Culinary students who submitted cakes for this year’s contest. They were all amazing!
1st Place – Hailey (Stamford Central School) with her Blueberry Pie Cake — a beautiful lemon-flavored checkerboard cake topped with vanilla bean frosting and fresh blueberries. The cake was as delicious as it was impressive! Cake or pie, you decide!
2nd Place – Ayana (Roxbury Central School) with her stunning Queen of Hearts Cake. A2-tiered chocolate & vanilla cakes layered with vanilla bean buttercream encased in fondant-
showcasing both creativity and decorating skills!
Thanks to all six Culinary students who submitted cakes for this year’s contest. They were all amazing!
Congratulations to Jerry, Mechatronics Program senior and this year’s Klein Tool Scholarship recipient!
Jerry will be heading to SUNY Delhi this fall to join the HVAC Program. Over the past few months, Jerry has been sharpening skills through an apprenticeship with Reinhart Home Heating — and will continue working with the team through the summer and during college breaks to build on classroom learning and hands‑on experience.
We’re incredibly proud of Jerry’s hard work, dedication, and bright future ahead.
Jerry will be heading to SUNY Delhi this fall to join the HVAC Program. Over the past few months, Jerry has been sharpening skills through an apprenticeship with Reinhart Home Heating — and will continue working with the team through the summer and during college breaks to build on classroom learning and hands‑on experience.
We’re incredibly proud of Jerry’s hard work, dedication, and bright future ahead.
Students in Grades 7–10 at OAOC participated in a fun team-building activity where they worked together to make homemade pasta and Alfredo sauce from scratch.
Everyone had a great time preparing their own lunch while practicing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Both students and staff had a great time, and the collaboration and positive attitudes on display made the activity a success!
#OAOC #TeamBuilding #LifeSkills #HandsOnLearning #StudentSuccess #CookingTogether #SchoolCommunity #LearningByDoing
Everyone had a great time preparing their own lunch while practicing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Both students and staff had a great time, and the collaboration and positive attitudes on display made the activity a success!
#OAOC #TeamBuilding #LifeSkills #HandsOnLearning #StudentSuccess #CookingTogether #SchoolCommunity #LearningByDoing
