News from Across Our BOCES

Sound Production Program, Mercy University Reach Articulation Agreement

Students in the Sound Production program at the Center for Career Services can now earn up to 15 credits at Mercy University as part of a new articulation agreement.

“This is vital for my students,” Sound Production teacher Sean Harty Rivera said. “Mercy saw the value of our program and the value of what our students can be.”

Career Exploration Summer Camp Provides Students a Preview of Programs

Young students were given the opportunity to learn skills and explore potential careers during the Center for Career Services' first-ever Career Exploration Summer Camp. Students had the option to choose from 3D Modeling and Printing; Automotive; TV/Video Production; Commercial Art; Computer Coding; Construction; Cosmetology; Fashion Design; Sound Production; and Culinary Arts.

Recently in Ms. Ana’s class at Tappan Hill School, students made delicious frozen treats! First, they crushed up Oreos, mixed them with Jello powder and butter, then pressed them into a pan and froze them for a half-hour. After that, they spread ice cream and finished them off with more of the Oreo mixture. Before making the treat, the class watched a video and wrote up instructions for students to bring home. Students learned to apply sequencing terms such as first, next, after that and finally.

State Education Department recognizes, rewards SWBOCES Adult Literacy Program

The quality of SWBOCES’ Adult Literacy Program offerings was recognized this past school year by the New York State Education Department, prompting a 30 percent increase in funding and, in turn, a commensurate increase in the number of instructional hours offered. Those programs are offered in schools and other locations in communities across the SWBOCES region.

“This vote of confidence by New York State, as demonstrated by its financial support of our vital community programs, is not simply about the number of students enrolled in our programs but rather the number of hours of instructional services provided to our students,” Director of Adult & Community Services Tracy Racicot said. “It’s a matter of quality over quantity."

The Center for Adult & Community Services hosted a job fair for students enrolled in its Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program on July 10, drawing some 30 students who met with representatives of regional employers. They included Northwell Health, Blythedale Children’s Hospital, White Plains Hospital, Epic Healthcare, and Open Door Family Medical Centers.

Job Fair participants were able to meet with hiring managers, share their resumes and learn about employment opportunities at some of the region’s top healthcare providers.

Funded by a Westchester County grant and in partnership with the Westchester County Association, the Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program brings together partners like SWBOCES, The STEM Alliance, Westchester Community College, state Department of Labor Career Centers and others to work with regional employers. By last spring, the program had placed 104 graduates in high-demand healthcare jobs locally while supporting 17 additional jobs.

The program has resulted in $3.7 million in new earnings, generating $9 million in sales in Westchester.

There is a heatwave outside, but at Tappan Hill School Ana Radeboldti’s classroom was full of summer spirit with a visit from BluePath Service Dogs! Canine visitor Hannah spent time with students and staff as they participated in summer activities! Special shout out to Teaching Assistant Marianne Weston for capturing these sweet moments!

336 students recognized for achievements at Career Services Recognition ceremony 

The Center for Career Services held its annual Recognition Ceremony on June 13, 2024, paying tribute to 336 members of the Class of 2024 who hail from Southern Westchester BOCES’ component districts. The event returned to the historic Westchester County Center for the first time in several years.

Rye Lake Lower Campus celebrates 5th Grade Moving Up ceremony

The Rye Lake Lower Campus held its 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony on June 21 for students in the TSP-I program. The event, filled with music, heartfelt speeches, and proud moments, celebrated the accomplishments of eight young graduates as they prepare to move on to middle school.

"The most important tip of all is to always remember to be yourself,” Teacher Danielle Schwartz told the graduates. "Change is intimidating, but we are confident that you will move on and be successful in middle school."

Classroom celebration caps a successful school year

Students in Teacher Janeelia Henry‘s class at Rye Lake Lower Campus celebrated the end of the school year with an awards ceremony recognizing their accomplishments and talents.

Rye Lake Lower Campus celebrates achievements of four AIIM graduates

The Rye Lake Lower Campus AlIM Graduation ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of the accomplishments and growth of four remarkable students. Held on June 21, the event was attended by proud parents, supportive families, administration, and staff who gathered to honor the graduates' hard work and perseverance.

“Each of you have helped each of us grow and have left us with irreplaceable memories. Today is about you… continue to be bright. Be brave. Be bold. Be beautiful. Be brilliant. Be you!” Principal Julia Dolan remarked.

Honorees include 36 newly sworn-in Americans and 48 GED recipients

Some 300 students were honored at the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Adult & Community Services Student Recognition Ceremony in New Rochelle on June 20. They were joined in the auditorium of St. Gabriel's School by family members of all ages bearing balloons and flowers and cheering eagerly for the accomplishments of their loved ones.

“You have much to be proud of,” Director of Adult & Community Services Tracy Racicot said. “We are so thrilled to be with you this evening.”

SWBOCES school PR Team sets new mark with 22 national awards

For the third straight year, the Southern Westchester BOCES School Communications team has bested its own record in the National School Public Relations Association's 2024 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards, taking home 22 awards overall, including 11 first-place honors.

In 2023, the team combined to win 19 NSPRA awards, in 2022 they won 14, and in 2021, the number was 11. The 22 awards came in nine distinct categories. A newly created Video Production service was launched a year ago, securing four NSPRA awards for the second straight year. 

"For our peers in the field of School P.R. to continually recognize us this way is deeply gratifying," Director of Communications Brian Howard said, "as is the recognition by school districts in our region that Southern Westchester BOCES is the place to go for communications expertise, experience and passion for storytelling."  

On Tuesday, June 18, after many visits to Scarsdale’s Edgewood Elementary School, students and staff welcomed Miss Brown and her third grade class to Tappan Hill School! Students and staff from Tappan Hill greeted the group from Scarsdale and led them in various activities during their visit. Special thank you to the Tappan Hill team, Dr. Connally for joining us ,  Miss Brown and the trip chaperones, and of course the students of Scarsdale and Tappan Hill for making this such an enriching experience!

Tappan Hill School graduation ‘Not the end but a beginning’

The Tappan Hill School community honored 13 students, four of whom graduated from programs there and will pursue new challenges and adventures elsewhere. Meanwhile, nine students will move up to new programs next school year.

“Over the years I have recognized what a monumental moment graduation is,” Principal Phyllis Rizzi told a packed gymnasium decorated for the commencement. “It’s the celebration of our students' hard work, determination and spirit. It’s a testament to the dedication of not only our staff but you, the families.”