Mr. Traugh’s Auto Tech CTE program at OAOC has multiple students completing their 8-week work-based learning internships!
Damien has been working diligently during his internship with Empire Toyota of Oneonta. In this photo, he is checking the depth of the brake pads. So far, Damien has gained hands-on experience performing oil changes, tire rotations, and balancing.
Tanner and Tobias have been completing their internships at SNPartners John Deere in Oneonta. Pictured, the students have removed the rear end of the tractor and will reseal it and repair the four-wheel drive shaft as part of their hands-on training.
Thank you, Empire Toyota and SNPartners John Deere, for working with our CTE students and collaborating with ONC BOCES!
Damien has been working diligently during his internship with Empire Toyota of Oneonta. In this photo, he is checking the depth of the brake pads. So far, Damien has gained hands-on experience performing oil changes, tire rotations, and balancing.
Tanner and Tobias have been completing their internships at SNPartners John Deere in Oneonta. Pictured, the students have removed the rear end of the tractor and will reseal it and repair the four-wheel drive shaft as part of their hands-on training.
Thank you, Empire Toyota and SNPartners John Deere, for working with our CTE students and collaborating with ONC BOCES!
Students and staff enjoyed some Thanksgiving fun and moments of gratitude last week at OAOC!
Good morning,
UPDATE: Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, Otsego Area Occupational Center (OAOC) is NOW CLOSED, December 2, 2025.
Stay safe,
OAOC Admin Team
UPDATE: Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, Otsego Area Occupational Center (OAOC) is NOW CLOSED, December 2, 2025.
Stay safe,
OAOC Admin Team
Good morning,
Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, Otsego Area Occupational Center (OAOC) is currently on a 2-hour delay today, December 2, 2025.
Stay safe,
OAOC Admin Team
Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, Otsego Area Occupational Center (OAOC) is currently on a 2-hour delay today, December 2, 2025.
Stay safe,
OAOC Admin Team
Good morning,
Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, Northern Catskills Occupational Center (NCOC) is closed today, December 2, 2025.
Stay safe,
NCOC Admin Team
Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, Northern Catskills Occupational Center (NCOC) is closed today, December 2, 2025.
Stay safe,
NCOC Admin Team
NCOC students showed their gratitude by creating a gratitude chain, celebrating all the good things in their lives, from cheese to family to school. Everyone who added a link to the chain got an ice cream sandwich, courtesy of the SEL Committee. It was a great way to get in a thankful frame of mind for the Thanksgiving break! As a special holiday bonus, two of our Trust students showcased their turkey calling skills for everyone and received dinosaur eggs in recognition of their awesome efforts!
College and Careers for Every Student/Brilliant Pathways (CFES) mentors and mentees have been busy with events!
Last month, CFES Advisors proudly accepted the School of Distinction Award for OAOC at the CFES Symposium. This month, nine mentors completed CFES mentor training at SUNY Oneonta and then led a turnkey session for their fellow mentors. It was wrapped up with the annual CFES kickoff, where mentors and mentees met for the first time over a Thanksgiving dinner.
Thank you to our incredible Career Pathways students and staff for preparing a delicious meal and helping make these events such a success!
#CFES #Brilliant Pathways #Building community
Last month, CFES Advisors proudly accepted the School of Distinction Award for OAOC at the CFES Symposium. This month, nine mentors completed CFES mentor training at SUNY Oneonta and then led a turnkey session for their fellow mentors. It was wrapped up with the annual CFES kickoff, where mentors and mentees met for the first time over a Thanksgiving dinner.
Thank you to our incredible Career Pathways students and staff for preparing a delicious meal and helping make these events such a success!
#CFES #Brilliant Pathways #Building community
In NCOC's Culinary CTE program, we recently had our first student complete her internship through Work-Based Learning with Sundaes Restaurant. Lilly successfully completed an eight-week internship, gaining valuable hands-on experience and growing her skills in a real culinary environment.
We are incredibly grateful to Sundaes Restaurant And Tasty Freeze for partnering with us, supporting our students, and collaborating so closely throughout this experience.
Thank you, Andy, Deb, and the entire staff — we truly appreciate you!
“Starting my work experience at Sundaes as the first student of the year felt overwhelming, but Andy made the transition easy. He was patient and encouraging, which helped me adjust. I enjoyed practicing my culinary skills in a real restaurant and appreciated the balance of help and independence. I am truly thankful for this opportunity- it boosted my confidence and made me excited for future work in the culinary field.”
– Lilly, Culinary Student at NCOC
#workbasedlearning #weareCTENY
Our New Visions Engineering students explored some of Cornell University’s most cutting-edge facilities! They toured the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) particle accelerator, learned about its research impact, visited the Biomedical Engineering labs for a hands-on experience of hatching, dissecting, and inspecting chicken embryos, paying close attention to the heart and ventricular systems. They then suited up in full “bunny suits” to step inside Cornell’s Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) clean room for a close look at semiconductor processing.
Students also explored Cornell’s maker spaces at the Experiential Learning Lab, where they heard from project teams working on a range of projects, including underwater robots, autonomous sailboats, and green-energy vehicles. The students were able to see the fascinating worlds of cutting-edge research while gaining a better understanding of what their path as engineers may be, instilling confidence and eagerness in them.
Students also explored Cornell’s maker spaces at the Experiential Learning Lab, where they heard from project teams working on a range of projects, including underwater robots, autonomous sailboats, and green-energy vehicles. The students were able to see the fascinating worlds of cutting-edge research while gaining a better understanding of what their path as engineers may be, instilling confidence and eagerness in them.
Four of our students, including both our senior and junior chapter presidents from NCOC and OAOC, attended the SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference this month. We are proud of our SkillsUSA leaders!
ONC BOCES Itinerant Services provides districts with access to highly specialized professionals who support students with diverse learning needs across our region. From Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to Vision Services, Speech Providers, Occupational and Physical Therapists, School Social Workers, English as a New Language Teachers, and more—our itinerant staff bring targeted expertise directly into classrooms and school communities.
This shared-service model not only expands district capacity but also strengthens collaboration through consistent communication with teachers, administrators, and CSE teams. By partnering closely with districts, itinerant staff help solve problems related to student needs, enhance instructional practices, and ensure continuity of services across various settings.
Internally, Itinerant Services serve as a vital connector within BOCES, aligning programs, sharing resources, and supporting innovative approaches to student success. Externally, they reinforce strong, trusted district partnerships built on responsiveness, expertise, and a shared commitment to equitable education for all students.
ONC BOCES is proud to provide this essential service that elevates student outcomes, strengthens district capacity, and supports every learner—wherever they are.
This shared-service model not only expands district capacity but also strengthens collaboration through consistent communication with teachers, administrators, and CSE teams. By partnering closely with districts, itinerant staff help solve problems related to student needs, enhance instructional practices, and ensure continuity of services across various settings.
Internally, Itinerant Services serve as a vital connector within BOCES, aligning programs, sharing resources, and supporting innovative approaches to student success. Externally, they reinforce strong, trusted district partnerships built on responsiveness, expertise, and a shared commitment to equitable education for all students.
ONC BOCES is proud to provide this essential service that elevates student outcomes, strengthens district capacity, and supports every learner—wherever they are.
New Visions Engineering Class of 2026 visited the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering at the University at Albany for an in-depth look at one of the most advanced research facilities in the country!
Led by the long-time guide, Mr. Stewart, students explored the fascinating world of computer chip design — from learning how automation shapes the process to also seeing computer-aided design (CAD) software in action in Dr. Redjem’s lab. They also gained insight into how plasma and silicon are used in chip and wafer manufacturing and heard from Mr. Colwill and Mr. Warfield about the power of nanoscale technology.
Entering the corridor to view the clean room, students caught a glimpse of the rapid construction and growth of the labs, as well as the fascinating transportation systems overhead. Further along, the group was given another view, capturing just how large and advanced the clean rooms are, as well as the precautions taken to minimize any outside factors.
A big thank you to Mr. Stewart, who has guided this trip for the past 15 years and has been involved with New Visions Engineering since its earliest days, helping shape the program into what it is today!
Led by the long-time guide, Mr. Stewart, students explored the fascinating world of computer chip design — from learning how automation shapes the process to also seeing computer-aided design (CAD) software in action in Dr. Redjem’s lab. They also gained insight into how plasma and silicon are used in chip and wafer manufacturing and heard from Mr. Colwill and Mr. Warfield about the power of nanoscale technology.
Entering the corridor to view the clean room, students caught a glimpse of the rapid construction and growth of the labs, as well as the fascinating transportation systems overhead. Further along, the group was given another view, capturing just how large and advanced the clean rooms are, as well as the precautions taken to minimize any outside factors.
A big thank you to Mr. Stewart, who has guided this trip for the past 15 years and has been involved with New Visions Engineering since its earliest days, helping shape the program into what it is today!
In celebration of World Kindness Day, students passed out hot cocoa with kindness messages to fellow students and staff!
Innovative Programs students have been busy the last few weeks! At the October Board of Education meeting, Gabe and Bryson, along with NCOC Crisis Intervention Specialist, Mr. Conklin, shared highlights of their unique learning experiences.
Trust students have been learning through play with Miss Tori, supported by Ms. Reed (School Counselor), who leads SEL lessons through the Choose Love Movement curriculum.
Trust students have been learning through play with Miss Tori, supported by Ms. Reed (School Counselor), who leads SEL lessons through the Choose Love Movement curriculum.
ONC BOCES hosted its Annual Advisory Committee Dinners at NCOC and OAOC. Career and Technical Education (CTE) advisory committees bring together industry and higher education professionals to collaborate with CTE instructors in updating, developing, and improving programs at our centers.
These committees play a crucial role in ensuring that students acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for success. Members provide valuable input on curriculum, equipment, articulation agreements, and employability skills — helping to connect classrooms to careers and build a strong, well-trained workforce.
It was an honor to welcome industry professionals, higher education partners, and CTE instructors to our recent advisory meetings! We had 70 participants at NCOC and 75 at OAOC, all dedicated to supporting our students’ success and shaping the future of CTE. Thank you for your partnership and continued support!
If you’re an industry professional interested in joining a CTE advisory committee, contact Amber Lape at: alape@oncboces.org
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These committees play a crucial role in ensuring that students acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for success. Members provide valuable input on curriculum, equipment, articulation agreements, and employability skills — helping to connect classrooms to careers and build a strong, well-trained workforce.
It was an honor to welcome industry professionals, higher education partners, and CTE instructors to our recent advisory meetings! We had 70 participants at NCOC and 75 at OAOC, all dedicated to supporting our students’ success and shaping the future of CTE. Thank you for your partnership and continued support!
If you’re an industry professional interested in joining a CTE advisory committee, contact Amber Lape at: alape@oncboces.org
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Mechatronics students represented ONC BOCES at a New York State Board of Regents Expo Event in Albany on November 3rd. Padraig, Angelina, Julieanna, and Jerry wowed the Regents with their demonstration of Mechatronics - currently the only Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of its kind in New York State. 33 BOCES attended the event, showcasing a variety of programs offered across the state. CTE programs in New York are vital to training our workforce and developing talented young professionals. Congratulations to Padraig, Angelina, Julieanna, and Jerry for superbly representing their Mechatronics class and ONC BOCES!
ONC BOCES School Library System (SLS) was proud to partner with OHM SLS and MO SLS BOCES for this year’s Library Leatherstocking Conference, held in downtown Utica on October 30th!
This annual event brought together library professionals for a full day of workshops, trainings, and a busy vendor floor. Thanks to grant-funded scholarships, ONC SLS was able to send 10 librarians from across our region — with lodging and registration fully covered!
Rae Sobers (Oneonta Middle School Library), Aurora Cookhouse, and Melanie Goodwin (Gilboa-Conesville Library) led engaging sessions on Media Literacy and Using AI as a Tool in the Library.
This annual event brought together library professionals for a full day of workshops, trainings, and a busy vendor floor. Thanks to grant-funded scholarships, ONC SLS was able to send 10 librarians from across our region — with lodging and registration fully covered!
Rae Sobers (Oneonta Middle School Library), Aurora Cookhouse, and Melanie Goodwin (Gilboa-Conesville Library) led engaging sessions on Media Literacy and Using AI as a Tool in the Library.
Congratulations to Culinary Arts junior, Javier, from Charlotte Valley CS, for winning 1st place in the ProStart NY/VT Pumpkin Decorating Contest! He beat out every other entry in the state to take the top prize! We couldn’t be prouder of Javier's accomplishment!
NCOC held its 3rd Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest, and the creativity was amazing! The 1st place winner in the student category was the Cosmetology Seniors, and the 1st place winner in the staff category was Sam Nick, representing the Central Business Office. Here you can see the top three pumpkins in each category, but we had 25 amazing entries overall. Thank you so much to the following farms that donated the pumpkins: Cindy’s Farm Stand, The Market, Perry’s Farm Stand, Story Farms, Sweet Meadows, and Willy’s Farm!
April Erkson, Director of Student Services, Jesse Bright, NCOC Principal, and Tera Talbot, OAOC Principal, attended the 2025 Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators conference in Utica. They spent three days learning about advances in CTE in New York, connecting with fellow CTE administrators, and working with industry experts to gain new resources. They are eager to help move forward with New York’s portrait of a graduate through CTE.
