Nearly 100 educators gathered at Rockland BOCES on September 28 to listen to the insightful instruction of Greg Tang, National Presenter on Mathematics. The professional development workshop focused on critical concepts that are barriers to student success.

Through lecture and group work, Tang demonstrated his “back to basics” method. Attendees left motivated to help their students and share with colleagues a simplified approach to the tough topics.

“We have to teach concepts before convention,” explained Kleo Girandola, Math Instructional Specialist for Rockland BOCES. “We need to make sense before we use symbols.”

The programs and services of the Instructional Services and Professional Development Division provide quality professional development for teachers and administrators as they prepare students to meet the New York State Learning Standards. Our focus is on direct instruction and staff development. Learn more about professional development opportunities from Rockland BOCES.

When teachers receive professional development, students benefit!

STATEMENT BY ROCKLAND BOCES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER DR. MARY JEAN MARSICO AND DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT DR. CHARLENE JORDAN ON MASS SHOTING IN LAS VEGAS

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families involved in Sunday night’s horrific shooting in Nevada.

As we struggle to process this latest act of senseless violence in our nation, please be reassured that our Rockland BOCES schools are safe havens that nurture and support healthy learning. If you or child feel the need to talk or express emotion, please contact your individual school principal.

It is with great pleasure that we highlight Stephen Grover as the Jesse J. Kaplan School October “MOVER of the Month!”  Stephen now sits in a regular school chair for up to 30 minutes for daily classroom activities, including vocational tasks and sensory and fine motor activities.  As a result of the MOVE program, he also uses a ‘stander’ for up to 30 minutes.  (Special-needs standers provide independence, safety and reliability to individuals with mild to severe physical disabilities.) Great job Stephen!

Kaplan’s MOVE (Mobility Opportunities via Education) program combines therapy and education to teach children with physical disabilities and complex needs the functional skills of sitting, standing and walking. MOVE aims to give children an opportunity to lead more independent, and therefore more fulfilling lives. For some, this might be learning to hold their own cup; for others it might be learning to walk independently and having the opportunity to explore their environment.

Contact Rockland BOCES’  Jesse J. Kaplan School at (845) 627-4797 to learn how MOVE can help someone in your life. Every child deserves the chance to MOVE!

Studies show that physical activity promotes peak brain function. Exercise prepares the brain to learn, improves attention and lowers stress and anxiety.

New to the Hilltop School this year, the Get Fit room provides a space for students to build healthy bodies and minds. The Get Fit room is outfitted with exercise equipment to help motivate students to move and be healthy. Classes in grades K-8 will visit the room throughout the school year. Activities are adapted so all students can take advantage of the program. Our Rockland BOCES Hilltop School – Building Brighter Futures!

Students enrolled in the Rockland BOCES Youth Connections program recently celebrated a 100% passing rate for the New York Medical Assistant Certification Exam. The five students were hand-selected for the 288–hour course in preparation for the exam, which was held on October 12. Course fees and supplies were funded by the Youth Connections program.  Several of the students have accepted job offers and will begin working in the field immediately, while others have chosen to complete their undergraduate degrees before entering the workforce.

The Youth Connections program provides the opportunity for youth and young adults (ages 14-24) to learn the skills they need to achieve in their chosen career path. The program is a collaboration with the Rockland County Career Center and is supported by a Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act grant. Learn more about the Youth Connections program.

Congratulations to our newly certified Medical Assistants!

The Hilltop School @ Neary Campus
20 George Street
Haverstraw, NY 10927

There are seven (7) potable water outlets that remain out of service as a result of the water testing BOCES performed at this location on 9/30/16, as part of 2016 NYS mandated lead in water testing. They all had lead levels that exceeded the NYS Action Level for Lead in Drinking Water of greater than 15 parts per billion (pbb). Signage has been placed at these locations that reads:  Caution Non-Potable Water, Do Not Drink. Remediation of these outlets is still in progress, which may include replacement of piping, water fixtures and installation of water filters. Once remediation is complete, all seven (7) outlets will be retested to ensure the lead level is below the NYS action level referenced above. They will then be put back into service.

Rockland BOCES Main Campus
65 Parrott Road
West Nyack, NY 10994

There are two (2) potable water outlets that remain out of service as a result of the water testing BOCES performed at this location on 9/30/16, as part of 2016 NYS mandated lead in water testing. They both had lead levels that exceeded the NYS Action Level for Lead in Drinking Water of greater than 15 parts per billion (pbb). Signage has been placed by one of these locations that reads: Caution Non-Potable Water, Do Not Drink; the other outlet is only accessible through a key (remains locked).  A lead in water policy is in the process of being approved Rockland BOCES;  this policy will reclassify of both these outlets as non-potable – rendering them exempt from remediation and retesting. Creation of this is policy is in accordance with the State and local health department guidance.

BERC Campus
131 North Midland Ave.
Nyack, NY 10960

There are five (5) potable water outlets that remain out of service as a result of the water testing BOCES performed at this location on 9/30/16, as part of 2016 NYS mandated lead in water testing. All had lead levels that exceeded the NYS Action Level for Lead in Drinking Water of greater than 15 parts per billion (pbb). Signage has been placed by all these locations that reads: Caution Non-Potable Water, Do Not Drink. A lead in water policy is in the process of being approved by Rockland BOCES; this policy will reclassify these outlets as non-potable – rendering them exempt from remediation and retesting. Creation of this is policy is in accordance with the State and local health department guidance.

Hudson Valley- P-TECH at Tappan Zee Elementary School
561 Route 9W
Piermont, NY 10968

There are three (3) potable water outlets that remain out of service as a result of the water testing BOCES performed at this location on 9/21/16, as part of 2016 NYS mandated lead in water testing. They all had lead levels that exceeded the NYS Action Level for Lead in Drinking Water of  greater than 15 parts per billion (pbb). Signage has been placed at these locations that reads: Caution Non-Potable Water, Do Not Drink. Remediation of these outlets is still in progress, which may include replacement of piping, water fixtures and installation of water filters. Once remediation is complete, all three (3) outlets will be retested to ensure the lead level is below the NYS action level referenced above. They will then be put back into service.

It is with great pleasure that we highlight Simcha Gewirtzman as the Jesse J. Kaplan School November “MOVER of the Month!”

Simcha works hard at each center-based activity while participating in the MOVE curriculum. He sits in a chair with staff assistance,  uses a “stander,” and participates in sensory and augmentative communication activities for a longer duration of time. The tasks with music are his favorite. He independently moves his legs and arms up to a 90-degree position in a repetitive motion while lying on his back. Simcha also uses the mat in a sitting position with minimal assistance. Great work Simcha!

Kaplan’s MOVE (Mobility Opportunities via Education) program combines therapy and education to teach children with physical disabilities and complex needs the functional skills of sitting, standing and walking. MOVE aims to give children an opportunity to lead more independent, and therefore more fulfilling lives. For some, this might be learning to hold their own cup; for others it might be learning to walk independently and having the opportunity to explore their environment.

Contact Rockland BOCES’ Jesse J. Kaplan School at (845) 627-4797 to learn how MOVE can help someone in your life. Every child deserves the chance to MOVE!

On Thursday, November 9 families, friends, and staff came together to celebrate the achievement of 35 students who received their high school equivalency diploma through Rockland BOCES and SUNY RCC. The ceremony was one which conjured pride in all those in attendance.

“So many of you have had to overcome obstacles to get to this point today, and we are proud to stand here tonight and celebrate this journey with you,” said Dr. Charlene Jordan, District Superintendent of Rockland BOCES.

Brief remarks were also offered by RCC Executive Vice President Susan Deer, Associate VP, Academic & Community Partnerships Thomas Della Torre, Rockland BOCES Director of Adult & Continuing Education, Chris D’Ambrese, and several graduating students including Rachel Zareb and Diane Flohr. Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, who signed the student’s diploma’s, was also in attendance.

This is the third year New York State offered the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), which is generally acknowledged as more difficult than the previous GED exam first introduced in 1942. Many graduates cited their children as the reason for their perseverance. For more information on preparation courses for the TASC exam, visit rocklandboces.org.

For kindergarten students at the Rockland BOCES Hilltop School, learning to read can be challenging. Developing this skill needs encouragement. That is where Rosie comes in.

Rosie, a therapy dog, is specially trained to work with emerging readers through the Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.) program. Weekly with her owner, Annmarie, she visits the Hilltop School to provide a loving, non-judgmental space for the young students to practice their reading skills. Older students get one-on-one time as well to help them build confidence in reading aloud and public speaking.

“Rosie has a calming effect on our students,” says Dr. Christine Ditrano, principal of the Hilltop School. “She’s relaxed, so our students are relaxed, and that is the key to developing their enthusiasm for reading.”

The READ program has gained a nationwide reputation as an outstanding method for helping children of all ages to improve their reading skills and comprehension.  This is the second year that the Hilltop School has offered the program through a collaboration with Therapy Dogs of Rockland.

The 2018-19 Rockland BOCES Services Guide is now available! Rockland BOCES Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mary Jean Marsico and District Superintendent Dr. Charlene Jordan unveiled the catalog during a banquet at our Jesse J. Kaplan School in West Nyack on December 6. The 44-page publication offers a comprehensive look at the range of programs and cost-effective shared services offered by Rockland BOCES to our component school districts and local agencies.

This year, we’re proud to introduce a comprehensive Community Schools CoSer designed to improve student learning, while simultaneously building stronger families and healthier neighborhoods. This pioneering CoSer aligns resources so that academics, social and emotional needs and medical and dental services and supports are integrated into the fabric of our schools.

For nearly 60 years, Rockland BOCES has provided innovative and cost-conscious solutions that serve students well and advance the mission of our local schools districts. Through our robust community connections and collaborative partnerships, we are able to enhance learning opportunities and develop academic options that help create career and college ready students and lifelong learners.

Click here to view the 2018-19 Rockland BOCES Services Guide.

It is with great pleasure that we highlight Krupa Kizhakkencheril as the Jesse J. Kaplan School December “MOVER of the Month!”

Krupa has been working hard throughout the school day and is on the MOVE! She walks throughout the classroom and the hallways with minimal staff assistance (holding one hand). She enjoys being helpful and is a willing participant to “run errands” for the classroom.  Whether it be assisting her peers to the nurses’ office for their feedings, delivering small items to neighboring classrooms, or checking the mailbox – Krupa will rise to the occasion! Krupa is active during gym as she walks and transitions from one activity to the next. She uses the stander several times a week and continues to work on her endurance.  Great work Krupa!

Kaplan’s MOVE (Mobility Opportunities via Education) program combines therapy and education to teach children with physical disabilities and complex needs the functional skills of sitting, standing and walking. MOVE aims to give children an opportunity to lead more independent, and therefore more fulfilling lives. For some, this might be learning to hold their own cup; for others it might be learning to walk independently and having the opportunity to explore their environment.

Contact Rockland BOCES’ Jesse J. Kaplan School at (845) 627-4797 to learn how MOVE can help someone in your life. Every child deserves the chance to MOVE!

It’s a Rockland BOCES tradition! Our CTEC Digital Design & Marketing students competed for the opportunity to showcase their agency-wide animated greeting card on the homepage of rocklandboces.org. This year’s winning card was designed by Jennette Tisbe, a senior at North Rockland High School. The annual competition showcases the knowledge and skills being taught to our CTEC students in experiential learning environments, providing opportunities to graduate high school with professional skills in high-demand fields. Happy holidays from Rockland BOCES!

Is that a DeLorean at Rockland BOCES?

Students in the Rockland BOCES CTEC Automotive Technology Academy received a very special gift in December  – a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12.

The vehicle was graciously donated by Pomona resident Richard Sumner, who saw it as a unique training opportunity.  Students are working to make the sports car fully operational, with major repairs to the fuel system. Our CTEC Automotive Collision Technology students will also handle cosmetic maintenance, smoothing out minor imperfections in the car’s space-age, stainless steel body.

CTEC Automotive Technology Academy programs at Rockland BOCES provide students with NATEF/ASE certifications. Our Automotive Collison Technology program is recognized as an Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair training site. Collision students work to earn their I-CAR certification, preparing them for emerging trends in the automotive repair field.

Learn more about our 1981 DeLorean and the many programs and offerings at the Career and Technical Education Center. Read The Journal News article.

We are proud to announce the Jesse J. Kaplan School January “MOVER™ of the Month” Emma Monahan!

Emma has been progressing well in the MOVE program. She is responsive to therapeutic positioning and can sit in her wheelchair using a lap belt only, with close supervision from staff.  Emma is alert with her eyes open and looks from side to side while in the stander, a device that provides proper positioning for therapy. She is able to turn her head while in supine position and lift her head with support while sitting.

We are so proud of Emma!

Kaplan’s MOVE™ (Mobility Opportunities via Education) program combines therapy and education to teach children with physical disabilities and complex needs the functional skills of sitting, standing and walking. MOVE™ aims to give children an opportunity to lead more independent, and therefore more fulfilling lives. For some, this might be learning to hold their own cup; for others it might be learning to walk independently and having the opportunity to explore their environment.

Contact Rockland BOCES’ Jesse J. Kaplan School at (845) 627-4797 to learn how MOVE™ can help someone in your life. Every child deserves the chance to MOVE™!

On January 10, 2018, Rockland BOCES Career and Technical Education Certified Automotive Technology II students took part in the 28th Annual Greater New York Automotive Dealer’s Association (GYNADA) New York Auto Tech Regional Competition. Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding work:

2nd place: Leonardo Alfaro (River Dell) and Sean McDermott (Pearl River)
4th Place: Jeremy Espinal (Pearl River) and Thomas Reeves (South Orangetown)
1st place alternate: Brendan Berrigan (Clarkstown).

The 2nd place team and 1st place alternate will go on to the state-wide competition this February with hopes of advancing to the national competition this April.

The Rockland BOCES Career and Technical Education Center offers a variety of programs to meet the rapidly changing needs of the automotive industry. Learn more about our Automotive Technology Programs.

On January 19, our Hudson Valley P-TECH students showcased their latest Industry Challenge projects to mentors and fellow classmates. The STEM-based projects demonstrated several months of critical thinking and creativity.

Industry mentors present P-TECH students with a real-world problem and challenge them to develop a solution. Topics vary from “Mastering the Mainframe” and “Designing Energy Efficiency Curriculum” to a Sensory Garden developed in collaboration with the Rockland BOCES CABAS program. This hands-on learning is a key component in the innovative P-TECH STEM curriculum.

Mentoring provides students an opportunity to experience their career pathway from the inside. Teens work alongside mentors to brainstorm tactics and outcomes.  We thank our Business Partners for their continued support in developing the future of their industry and inspiring our students to reach their potential. If you are interested in becoming a business mentor, visit our Hudson Valley P-Tech page.

Hilltop School @ Neary Campus
20 George Street
Haverstraw, NY 10927

All potable water outlets that are currently in service at this location fall below the NYS Action Level of greater than 15 parts per billion (ppb). All remediation/retesting, as part of 2016 NYS mandated lead in water testing, has been completed at this time.

Rockland BOCES Main Campus
65 Parrott Road
West Nyack, NY 10994

There are two (2) potable water outlets that remain out of service as a result of the water testing BOCES performed at this location on 9/30/16, as part of 2016 NYS mandated lead in water testing. They both had lead levels that exceeded the NYS Action Level for Lead in Drinking Water of greater than 15 parts per billion (pbb). Signage has been placed by one of these locations that reads: Caution Non-Potable Water, Do Not Drink; the other outlet is only accessible through a key (remains locked).  A lead in water policy is in the process of being approved Rockland BOCES;  this policy will reclassify of both these outlets as non-potable – rendering them exempt from remediation and retesting. Creation of this is policy is in accordance with the State and local health department guidance.

BERC Campus
131 North Midland Ave.
Nyack, NY 10960

There are five (5) potable water outlets that remain out of service as a result of the water testing BOCES performed at this location on 9/30/16, as part of 2016 NYS mandated lead in water testing. All had lead levels that exceeded the NYS Action Level for Lead in Drinking Water of greater than 15 parts per billion (pbb). Signage has been placed by all these locations that reads: Caution Non-Potable Water, Do Not Drink.A lead in water policy is in the process of being approved by Rockland BOCES; this policy will reclassify these outlets as non-potable – rendering them exempt from remediation and retesting. Creation of this is policy is in accordance with the State and local health department guidance. 

Hudson Valley- P-Tech at Tappan Zee Elementary School
561 Route 9W
Piermont, NY 10968

All potable water outlets that are currently in service at this location fall below the NYS Action Level of greater than 15 parts per billion (ppb). All remediation/retesting, as part of 2016 NYS mandated lead in water testing, has been completed at this time.

2018 Flu Precautions

As we are all aware, flu can be easily spread from person to person.  Rockland BOCES works closely with the Rockland County Department of Health to monitor health conditions and to keep our schools open and functioning normally during flu season.

Health officials remind us of these four tips, which are common sense and practiced daily, but are the best defense to keep yourself and your family well:

1. wash your hands frequently
2. use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing;  if a tissue is not available, sneeze into your elbow, not your hand
3. avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
4. avoid physical contact with anyone who displays symptoms

Please remember to keep sick children home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, learn the signs and symptoms of the flu, and DO NOT send ill children to school. Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to stay home if feeling unwell.

Rockland BOCES will continue to be proactive during this flu season.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention influenza page here. 

Thank you for your cooperation.

Announcing the Jesse J. Kaplan School February  “MOVER™ of the Month” Leslie Velasquez-Zamora!

Leslie has done amazing work within the MOVE program. She sits at the table with a lap belt for group activities and reaches for her own supplies. Leslie enjoys exploring her environment on the mat. She can roll to get her favorite toys from the shelf and plays with them while working on her core muscles. We are all very proud of her accomplishments this year!

Kaplan’s MOVE™ (Mobility Opportunities via Education) program combines therapy and education to teach children with physical disabilities and complex needs the functional skills of sitting, standing and walking. MOVE™ aims to give children an opportunity to lead more independent, and therefore more fulfilling lives. For some, this might be learning to hold their own cup; for others it might be learning to walk independently and having the opportunity to explore their environment.

Contact Rockland BOCES’ Jesse J. Kaplan School at (845) 627-4797 to learn how MOVE™ can help someone in your life. Every child deserves the chance to MOVE™!

Look who visited our Rockland BOCES Hilltop School in Haverstraw on Friday, February 16! U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey spent some quality time with our amazing students and staff, touring Hilltop’s specialized programs and learning about our Rockland BOCES Family Resource Center Foundation Backpack Food Pantry Program, which provides weekend nutrition to more than 150 students. Congresswoman Lowey is currently serving her fifteenth term in Congress, representing parts of Rockland and Westchester counties. We thank her for supporting our Rockland BOCES family!