News from Across Our BOCES

PLCS Welcomes Michael Setaro

The Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Setaro as Supervisor of Teaching, Learning, and Student Support. With over 20 years of experience in education, including expertise in special education, social studies, and intensive reading, Mike is dedicated to enhancing the connection between educator development and student success. In his new role, he will focus on leading the Center’s approach to NYSED’s Initial/Recert program for Lead Evaluators, leveraging Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), utilizing data to improve teaching and learning, and co-leading the RECOVS grant to promote wellness and mental health in schools. Mike expressed his honor in serving the region and looks forward to collaborating with educators and community partners to ensure equitable, high-quality education for all students. He holds New York State School Building Leader and School District Leader certifications and is pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Leadership.

Empowering Change: Be the Thermostat, not the Thermometer

In July, the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support (PLCS) hosted its 5th Annual Summer Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This impactful event featured keynote speakers like Dr. Alexandria Connally, who addressed implicit bias, Keisha Bell, who discussed allyship in education, and Dr. Raymond Sanchez, who emphasized personal responsibility in advancing DEI. Attendees engaged in over 15 presentations covering various aspects of diversity, and for the first time, the event was recorded for future educational use. The final day included a screening of the award-winning documentary "The Right to Read," followed by a panel discussion on literacy education. The success of the Institute highlighted SWBOCES’s commitment to DEI, with key contributions from Sadika Clarke and other leaders. Clarke expressed gratitude for the shared learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of collective action in promoting educational equity.

Embracing Authenticity, Sadika Clarke

In her new role as Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness, as well as DEI Coordinator for Southern Westchester BOCES, Sadika Clarke expresses a deep sense of purpose and excitement. She is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves, believing that authenticity leads to greater contributions within communities and organizations. Clarke's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is driven by both personal and professional experiences, particularly as a mother of two, inspiring her passion for equity and justice. She  aims to dismantle systemic barriers and foster spaces where people from all backgrounds are valued and heard. Through collaboration with colleagues, students, and community members, Clarke looks forward to making a lasting, positive impact, fostering a culture of belonging with authenticity, compassion, and integrity.

Sadika Clarke promoted to PLCS Supervisor of Community, Culture and Wellness and appointed SWBOCES DEI Coordinator

The Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is excited to announce the promotion of Sadika Clarke to Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness. Clarke has a strong track record as Coordinator of Health, Safety, and Wellness, where she focused on social-emotional learning and trauma-informed education, fostering inclusive and supportive environments for students and educators. In her new role, Clarke oversees both internal and external initiatives, collaborating with PLCS leadership to develop professional development opportunities and implement the New York State RECOVS Mental Health grant. Additionally, she will serve as the SWBOCES Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) Coordinator, leading the development of the DEI Strategic Plan and advancing initiatives within the organization. With degrees in Communications and Speech and Language Pathology, along with an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership, Clarke is well-equipped to promote inclusivity and holistic well-being in the educational community.

50 School Districts and BOCES Receive Grants to Address Learning Loss and Support Mental Health Services

Governor Kathy Hochul has awarded $100 million to 50 school districts and BOCES, including Southern Westchester BOCES, to address learning loss from the pandemic and enhance mental health support for students. This funding, part of the RECOVS grant program, will improve access to evidence-based interventions and provide resources to help school staff and students identify and respond to academic and mental health challenges. The initiative aligns with Governor Hochul's commitment to expanding mental health services in schools, ensuring that both student well-being and academic recovery are prioritized statewide. 

Igniting Equity, Dr. Hope Weinberg

In this blog, Dr. Hope Weinberg, Supervisor of Literacy and Learning, reflects on the powerful message of The Right to Read, a film advocating for literacy as a fundamental human right. She emphasizes that without the ability to read fluently, individuals are at a disadvantage, which deeply resonates with her as both an educator and a parent. Weinberg connects literacy and equity, highlighting the need for equitable literacy instruction to ensure all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed academically and socially.

Dr. Weinberg's commitment to literacy equity is rooted in her lifelong involvement in equity work, advocating for social justice and the disruption of systemic inequities in schools. She stresses that achieving equity in literacy requires ongoing reflection, data analysis, and improvement of strategies. Drawing on Horace Mann's belief that "Reading is the great equalizer," she reaffirms the center’s dedication to this mission through initiatives like the Summer Literacy Symposium and continued collaboration with regional districts. For Weinberg, literacy is a critical tool for advancing equity, and she is passionate about supporting this important work.

What Would You Say if I Asked You Why?

Dr. Hope Weinberg reflects annually on her professional journey, drawing inspiration from Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. This tradition began ten years ago and focuses on understanding her "WHY" – the deeper purpose behind her work. Initially uncertain of her motivation, she now sees it clearly. Her regular reflection has profoundly shaped her professional development, especially in her role as Supervisor of Literacy and Learning at SWBOCES' Center for Professional Learning. As a leader, she encourages educators to examine their purpose and legacy, emphasizing that legacy-building happens daily through intentional actions in schools. As 2024 begins, Dr. Weinberg urges educators to reflect on their own "WHY," purpose, and impact, using these insights to drive meaningful work and shape their legacy in education.

PLCS Welcomes Dr. Hope Weinberg

The Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is pleased to announce Dr. Hope Weinberg as the new Supervisor of Literacy and Learning. With a strong background in instructional leadership, literacy, and fostering inclusive learning environments, Dr. Weinberg brings extensive experience from her previous roles, including Supervisor of Instruction in New Jersey and Assistant Principal in the Ardsley Union Free School District. She has actively contributed to BOCES initiatives, including facilitating the LGBTQ+ collaborative network and presenting at the PCS DEI Summer Institutes. Dr. Weinberg’s evidence-driven, pedagogically grounded leadership will be an asset as she collaborates with the PLCS team to enhance curriculum and instructional practices across the region.

Teacher Collaboration: Essential for the Success of Students & Teachers Alike

Adam Weinstock, Assistant Director at the Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support (PLCS), emphasizes the importance of teacher collaboration in fostering student success and supporting educators. Reflecting on his early teaching career in New York City, he highlights how intentional relationship-building and professional collaboration shaped his growth and helped create positive school environments. Weinstock shares his experiences working with middle school teams to address student literacy through data-driven strategies, underscoring the value of collaborative inquiry. He draws on insights from education experts like Justin Cohen and Bill Daggett, advocating for teamwork among teachers to implement innovative practices that meet 21st-century demands. Weinstock believes that supporting teachers through structured collaboration is key to sustained student achievement.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Doing the Work

Adam Weinstock, Assistant Director at the Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES, reflects on his first week on the job, which coincided with the 4th Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summer Institute. Weinstock draws parallels between the ongoing work needed to realize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of equity and the mission of the Institute, which brought together educators and experts to explore how to create inclusive, affirming environments in schools. Keynote speakers, such as Dr. Anael Alston and Dr. Aurelia Henriquez, emphasized the importance of educational equity, affirming students' brilliance, and fostering diverse leadership. Weinstock expresses gratitude for the insights shared during the event and a renewed commitment to advancing DEI efforts in schools to ensure all students experience transformative learning.

PLCS Welcomes Adam Weinstock

The Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Weinstock as Assistant Director. In this role, Weinstock will work with Senior Director Dr. Mary Elizabeth Wilson and the PLCS team to design and implement professional learning programs for educators, focusing on leadership and humanities. Weinstock brings extensive experience in teaching, school leadership, and district-level curriculum development, with a passion for fostering equitable, supportive learning environments. Weinstock's deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and educational excellence makes him a valuable addition to the PLCS leadership team.

The Newest CTE Offering to Train Young Barbers

With David Biviano, a barber shop owner in Ossining, as its new instructor, the Center for Career Services' new Barbering program will teach the latest haircutting, shaving and hair coloring techniques to students.

The opening days of school at Southern Westchester BOCES' Center for Special Services Valhalla Center location have been a time of enthusiasm and welcome as students returned for the 2024-25 school year. The promise of the year ahead is that of learning, friendships and growth. 

 An Equity Lens: Sadika Clarke puts spotlight on factors that impact learning

Southern Westchester BOCES educators at Irvington High School participated in a workshop focused on viewing education through an equity lens, led by Sadika Clarke, Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness at the Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support. The session, titled An Equity Lens, encouraged two dozen educators to engage in courageous conversations about educational disparities, opportunity gaps, and systemic racism. Clarke highlighted the importance of addressing factors such as racial discrimination and trauma, emphasizing the role of educators in promoting equitable outcomes. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of personal biases, foster understanding of the Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education (CR-SE) framework, and equip educators with strategies to create more inclusive classrooms.