Redefine your career path with Rockland Adult & Community Education (RACE). Our courses are designed to help improve your basic skills, prepare for college-level courses, get a better job or just live a good life. Featuring both classroom and practical instruction by our expert faculty, RACE programs can help you:

• learn a skilled trade through a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom education
• improve your basic skills so that you can move to a new or better job or to higher education
• prepare for a high school equivalency exam (TASC)
• learn to speak, read and write the English language

Together, Rockland BOCES and Rockland Community College offer a variety of classes designed to help students achieve their academic, professional and personal goals. Hot careers are waiting! Enroll today.

Register online for Spring-Summer 2018 classes here.

Click here for the full RACE catalogue.

Rockland BOCES in collaboration with Clarkstown, East Ramapo, Nanuet, North Rockland, Nyack, Pearl River, and South Orangetown school districts will host a career fair.

Date: Saturday, March 3, 2018
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Rockland BOCES – Building 10, 65 Parrott Road, West Nyack, NY 10994

Applicants will be screened for anticipated openings for the 2018-19 school year with opportunities in all areas!

Bilingual & Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. All applicants must also apply on OLAS.

*MUST BRING 8 COPIES OF RESUME AND COVER LETTER*

On February 28, state lawmakers in Albany learned first-hand about the power of Rockland BOCES, with students sharing personal success stories demonstrating how our programs uniquely serve their needs. In meetings with New York State Senator David Carlucci, Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee and Assemblyman James Skoufis, our students discussed their academic and personal achievements, showcasing the incredible strength of our Career and Technical Education (CTE), P-TECH (STEM) and Special Education programs. Our students and faculty joined dozens of fellow BOCES educators and students from across New York State who visited the state Capitol to make the case for more funding and other legislative action that will allow our specialized programs and services to be enhanced and expanded.

Our Rockland BOCES advocacy team urged representatives to support legislation that would help BOCES remain economically viable, and even expand offerings, including bills that would:

• Raise the cap on the maximum amount of a BOCES CTE employee’s salary that qualifies for state aid. The $30,000 level has not been updated since 1990, meaning the balance of the salary must be covered by cash-strapped school districts. Raising the aidable salary amount would make it possible for component districts to enroll additional students in BOCES programs.
• Fully exclude all BOCES services and capital expenses from the tax cap.
• Allow BOCES to establish reserve funds to cover long-term costs.
• Extend the deadline of a state law allowing BOCES to enroll students from neighboring states.

Dear Rockland BOCES Parents and Guardians,

In the wake of last month’s school tragedy in Parkland, Florida, we write to update you on Rockland BOCES’ initiatives to ensure the safety of our students and educators every day.

While no amount of planning can guarantee that such a tragedy will never happen again, please know that we are doing everything possible to keep our students safe.

Each Rockland BOCES building has a detailed school safety plan which is reviewed annually to tighten protocols and to provide continuity throughout the agency. Additionally, we have long standing, strong, collaborative relationships with all local police departments, the Rockland County Sherriff’s Office and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office to address our school communities’ needs regarding the safety of our children and adult learners and staff.

For the past several years, we have taken steps to enhance the safety of our buildings.  We have:

• Enabled electronic keyless door entry technology to limit access to all buildings
• Enhanced entry door security procedures in all buildings
• Installed live-streaming interior and exterior video surveillance cameras in all buildings
• Equipped key staff with handheld, two-way radios allowing instant communication between BOCES buildings and campuses
• Installed security film on exterior windows for added protection against projectiles and break-ins
• Outfitted the entire Rockland BOCES school bus fleet with powerful two-way radios to enable emergency communication
• Installed multiple cameras with audio capability aboard most Rockland BOCES buses

While our school safety plan is required by the New York State Education Department, details are not shared with the public, as doing so would compromise its intended effectiveness.  However, all plans are shared and drilled with law enforcement.

Most importantly, we promote a culture in which everyone has a responsibility to be hypervigilant and focused on safety. We remind students that they have an obligation to themselves and to their classmates to bring information about dangerous situations to adults at the school so that we may respond quickly and appropriately to protect their safety. We remind parents that they can help make our schools safer by reporting rumors and social media chatter to an administrator who will investigate and turn it over to the police, if necessary.

As parents and educators, we fully recognize that these are not easy times for any of us.  Please join us as we work together to continue to create a safe and positive learning environment for our children.

Cordially,

Mary Jean Marsico, Ed. D.
Chief Operating Officer
Rockland BOCES

Charlene Jordan, Ed. D.
District Superintendent
Rockland BOCES

Congratulations to Oliver Pierre, the Jesse J. Kaplan School MOVER™ of the Month for March! Oliver’s personality shines through the many activities he is able to accomplish. He can be seen in the classroom sitting at the table making requests for toys, activities, food and drinks. Oliver walks with assistance to the SMART board to participate in classroom activities, such as morning meeting and story time, and can eat and drink independently. His sense of humor makes everyone smile. Great job Oliver, we are proud of you!

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™!

Kudos to Rockland BOCES CTEC Digital Design and Marketing student Samantha Schaller! Samantha’s concept was selected for the 2018 tee shirt design for the United Way of Rockland County’s eighth annual spring “Day of Caring” event. The event will take place on Friday, April 20, 2018 at the Palisades Credit Union Park in Pomona. Her design was selected from a field of entries submitted to the UWRC Board of Directors. Samantha was recognized for her creativity by Suzanne Barish, Development Manager, United Way of Rockland (pictured at left).

Samantha, a senior at Tappan Zee High School (South Orangetown Central School District), also serves as the Rockland BOCES SkillsUSA AM president.

Dear Parents & Staff,

This morning at 9:02 A.M., the administration at the Jesse J. Kaplan School initiated a 911 call.  The Kaplan Principal confiscated a handgun from an employee.  Clarkstown Police secured the weapon and have questioned the employee, and removed her from the campus.  Students and staff are safe.  The safety and welfare of our Rockland BOCES community is always our top priority.  Anyone with questions is advised to contact the Superintendent’s Office – 845-627-4701.  Rockland BOCES is working with Clarkstown Police on the investigation.

Sincerely,

Mary Jean Marsico, Ed. D.
Chief Operating Officer
Rockland BOCES

Charlene Jordan, Ed. D.
District Superintendent
Rockland BOCES

Kudos to our Rockland BOCES Jesse J. Kaplan School MOVER of the Month – Esther Greenfeld!

As a result of the MOVE™ program, Esther now walks to various locations in the classroom with assistance. She has independent mat mobility and rolls around in search of musical toys, always using her forearms for stability. Esther now rises and pivots to assist in all transfers from her EasyStand trainer (standing technology for those with disabilities) to classroom chair for tabletop work. Thank you to Esther’s teachers and support staff for supporting her progress. She takes great pride in her ability to MOVE around the classroom!

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 more fulfilling lives. For some, this might be learning to hold their own cup; for others it might be learning to walk independently 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™!

The Boards of Education of the component school districts in Rockland BOCES voted unanimously to approve the agency’s 2018-19 administrative budget of $5.8 million.

In addition, incumbent trustees Rosemary Pitruzzella (South Orangetown) and Thomas DePrisco (Pearl River) were re-elected to the Rockland BOCES Board of Education for three-year terms which begin July 1. Thomas Morr was elected to represent the Nanuet Union Free School District, also starting July 1.

“Much like our component school districts, we have taken steps to minimize increases in costs, while at the same time sustaining exceptional programs and quality services that meet the needs of students throughout Rockland County,” said Rockland BOCES Chief Operating Officer Mary Jean Marsico, Ed. D. “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 and the community at-large.”

“Working collaboratively, we will continue to support local school districts and preserve opportunities for our students in the face of significant financial challenges to educational programs at both the state and federal levels,” said District Superintendent Charlene Jordan, Ed. D.

Each school district’s share of the BOCES administrative and capital budgets is based upon the proportion that its students represent among all students in Rockland County, based upon each district’s Resident Weighted Average Daily Attendance (RWADA).

Component districts are eligible to receive BOCES operating aid from New York State on most administrative, capital and program expenditures, subject to certain restrictions. BOCES aid is wealth-equalized; thus less affluent districts receive more aid than wealthier districts.

Rockland BOCES’ total 2018-19 budget is $121 million.

One of 37 Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) throughout New York State, Rockland BOCES serves eight component school districts with a county-wide student population of more than 39,000.

Congratulations to veteran Jesse J. Kaplan School Teacher Sabrina Perykasz, among the 2018 Child Care Resources of Rockland “Children’s Champions.” Sabrina was honored alongside New York State Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Nanuet School District Superintendent Mark McNeill and Family Resource Center Coordinator Rose Ann Mercado, Rockland County Social Services Director Barbara Gavin and Benim Scholastic Academy Teacher’s Assistant Kathleen Calandrella for outstanding service in working with young children and their families in Rockland County. For 31 years, Ms. Perykasz has worked tirelessly to improve the behavioral skill set of teens with developmental disabilities. She not only accepts each student for who they are, but embraces their strengths and works systematically to reduce problem behavior and increase social and academic skills. Congratulations!

Our 50 Rockland BOCES Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) students (and five chaperones) returned from the 2018 New York State SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championships in Syracuse with stories of success! Our BOCES team walked away with gold and bronze medals in the following categories:

Health Knowledge Bowl: FIRST PLACE
• Tanya Alex (North Rockland) – New Visions
• Diane DeLosSantos (North Rockland) – New Visions
• Grainne McGinley (Pearl River) – Allied Health
• Sarah Taborda (Suffern Central) – New Visions

Health Occupations Professional: THIRD PLACE
• Vasthi Nicolas (East Ramapo) – Allied Health

Cabinetmaking: THIRD PLACE
• Jeremiah Murphy (Nanuet) – Carpentry ​

The annual SkillsUSA competitions allow high school students enrolled in career and technical programs to showcase the technical knowledge they have developed in their chosen career field. The Rockland BOCES team, representing all Rockland County school districts, competed against 2,600 students from schools across New York State. Congratulations to all of the competitors and to CTEC Principal Kim Bell and her dedicated staff.

Announcing our Jesse J. Kaplan School MOVER of the Month for May – Medha Tantri!

Medha loves participating in her MOVE™ activities. Her favorite tasks include sensory toys and the TAPit, an interactive screen. Medha has begun work with the gait trainer, a device that provides support and stability to children who need more than a conventional walker for mobility, and can sit in a chair with assistance.  She enjoys using the Somatron vibrating therapy mat and moves her legs and arms freely. 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 more fulfilling lives. For some, this might be learning to hold their own cup; for others it might be learning to walk independently 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™!

Hard work and dedication on display. Congratulations to the 82 Rockland BOCES Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) and Hudson Valley P-TECH students inducted on May 22 into the National Technical Honor Society! To qualify for NTHS distinction, a student must maintain at least a 90 average in career education courses, demonstrate leadership and skill development and be involved in school and/or community service.

As part of the annual ceremony at the Rockland BOCES Educational Resource Center in Nyack, an additional 86 CTEC and P-TECH students were recognized for achieving Principal’s Honor Roll status for the 2017-18 school year. Congratulations!

Thelmo Aguirre, Culinary Arts, Nanuet High School
Tanya Alex, New Visions Health, North Rockland High School
Steve Aquino, Hudson Valley P-TECH
Anne Arnold, Allied Health Careers, Pearl River High School
Adena Assawakulpaibool, New Visions Health, Suffern High School
Brayan Avila-Guallpa, Culinary Arts, Spring Valley High School
Daniel Beckerle, TV/Video Production, Pearl River High School
Ryan Blake, Carpentry, Nanuet High School
Garret Capela, Welding and Fabrication, Ramsey High School
Elizabeth Caramante, Culinary Arts, Tappan Zee High School
Nayeli Carrillo, Culinary Arts, North Rockland High School
Michael Davis, Electrical Trades, Clarkstown High School South
Cierra DeLaCruz, Certified Nurse Assisting, Nanuet High School
Diane DeLosSantos, New Visions Health, North Rockland High School
Daniella Devaney, New Visions Health, North Rockland High School
Hugh Durcan, TV/Video Production, Pearl River High School
Trisila Favard, Certified Nurse Assisting, Clarkstown High School South
Christian Fidalgo, TV/Video Production, BOCES Riverview High School
Jayce Gales, Digital Design & Marketing, Pearl River High School
Kelly Garces Gutierrez, Hudson Valley P-TECH
Jomar Gloder, Digital Design & Marketing, Ramapo High School
Yovana Godinez, Cosmetology, Tappan Zee High School
Alexis Greenblatt, Allied Health Careers, Suffern High School
Matthew Hacker, Criminal Justice, Clarkstown High School North
Shannon Hanlon, Cosmetology, Nanuet High School
Cassidy Hansen, Allied Health Careers, Suffern High School
Ryan Hennessy, Carpentry, Tappan Zee High School
Faith Herity, Criminal Justice, River Dell High School
James Holtzman, Hudson Valley P-TECH
Jeimy Interiano-Merlos, Hudson Valley P-TECH
Hadassah Iyonsi, Allied Health Careers, River Dell High School
Joseph Jang, New Visions Health, Clarkstown High School South
Catherine Jones, Allied Health Careers, BOCES High School at Suffern
Amaya Kirkland, TV/Video Production, Clarkstown High School North
Alexis Krause, Allied Health Careers, Tappan Zee High School
Matthew Krische, Digital Design & Marketing, Clarkstown High School South
Gabrielle Kuehne, Allied Health Careers, Tappan Zee High School
Joseph Lamia, New Visions Health, Clarkstown High School South
Zoila Loja, Hudson Valley P-TECH
William Lucien, TV/Video Production, BOCES Riverview High School
Riley Luczkiewicz, Allied Health Careers, Nanuet High School
Thomas Maneri, Carpentry, Clarkstown High School South
Emily Marte, Criminal Justice, Nanuet High School
Dave Mathew, New Visions Health, Clarkstown High School South
Amanda Matos, Criminal Justice, Ramapo High School
William Matthews, Culinary Arts, North Rockland High School
Michael Maucione, Electrical Trades, Pearl River High School
McKenzie Mayer, New Visions Health, Clarkstown High School North
Madison McCarney, Criminal Justice, Nanuet High School
Skyler McGee, New Visions Health, Pearl River High School
Grainne McGinley, Allied Health Careers, Pearl River High School
Janet Mohsen, Cosmetology, Nanuet High School
Garcelle Montfleury, Allied Health Careers, Ramapo High School
Cecilia Morales-Ramirez, Cosmetology, Ramapo High School
Tararoz Morin, Allied Health Careers, Home Schooled
Kelsey Murphy, New Visions Health, Pearl River High School
Christy Mutala, Hudson Valley P-TECH
Vasthi Nicolas, Allied Health Careers, Ramapo High School
Freya Peters, New Visions Health, North Rockland High School
Vincent Pinciaro, TV/Video Production, Nanuet High School
Lucas Pinto, Electrical Trades, Suffern High School
Jasmine Ponciano, Allied Health Careers, North Rockland High School
Emma Reilly, Allied Health Careers, Tappan Zee High School
Diana Rizzo, New Visions Health, Tappan Zee High School
Yansi Rodriguez, Health Science Fundamentals, Tappan Zee High School
Kayleigh Ross, New Visions Health, Clarkstown High School South
Mark Shapiro, Certified Nurse Assisting, Tappan Zee High School
Jacob Shinder, Digital Design & Marketing, Clarkstown High School North
Tigist Smith, Computer Information Systems, Hudson Valley P-TECH
Jeremy Soto, Hudson Valley P-TECH
Riannan Stapleton, Health Science Fundamentals, Tappan Zee High School
Quinn Strohmeyer, Plumbing/HVAC, Pearl River High School
Sarah Taborda, New Visions Health, Suffern High School
Mary Tartaglione, Certified Nurse Assisting, River Dell High School
Peter Tetukevich, NATEF/ASECertified Auto Technology, Suffern High School
Hendricka Thomas, Allied Health Careers, Ramapo High School
Alexis VanDunk, Certified Nurse Assisting, Suffern High School
Timothy Varughese, Allied Health Careers, Clarkstown High School South
Cheridan Williams, Certified Nurse Assisting, Suffern High School
Evan Wood, Electrical Trades, Clarkstown High School North
Alexander Yerkovich, Digital Design & Marketing, Clarkstown High School North
Nicholas Zappier, Electrical Trades, Clarkstown High School North

Rockland BOCES held its Tenure and Retirement Celebration on Wednesday, May 23 at the BOCES Conference Center in West Nyack. Nearly 100 people gathered for the annual event to recognize employees for achievement of tenure and years of dedicated service to the agency.

Rockland BOCES Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mary Jean Marsico, District Superintendent Dr. Charlene Jordan and Board of Education President Peggy Zugibe offered opening remarks for the event. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ana Reluzco served as Master of Ceremonies.

This year’s 22 retirees have given more than 400 combined years of service to Rockland BOCES. Thank you!

Tenure recipients included:
Michele Ables – Teaching Assistant
Rainy Abraham – Teaching Assistant
Meghan E. Byrne – General Special Education
Evelisse Caniglia – Teaching Assistant
Robin Chillino – Teaching Assistant
Christopher M. D’Ambrese – Director Adult Education
John J. Dennehy – Teaching Assistant
Zizette Deutsch – Assistant Principal
Silvana DiMaulo – Teaching Assistant
Christine J. Ditrano – Principal, Hilltop School
James J. Erardy III – Crisis Teaching Assistant
Erica Kaslaitis – Teaching Assistant
Jeffrey Marcellari – Teaching Assistant
Jessica Payan – Teaching Assistant
Stephanie M. Pedro – Teaching Assistant
Amara L. Ramirez – Teaching Assistant
Julius Rollins – Crisis Teaching Assistant
Suzanne E. Ruckel – Teaching Assistant
Joy Ruggiero – Teaching Assistant
Fara Schueller – Hearing Impaired Teacher
Cindy Torrellas – School Psychologist
Stephen Trevisani – Carpentry Teacher
Lyuba Vitelli – Teaching Assistant
Jenna Vomero – School Social Worker
Brendalee M. Williams – Teaching Assistant

Honored retirees included:
Lucy Almadovar – General Special Education Teacher
Dieuseul Charleus – Teaching Assistant
Susan DiGregorio – Teaching Assistant
Jean Euler – Senior Clerk Typist
Julie Ferguson – Secretarial Assistant I
Doreen Fraino – Physical Therapy Assistant
Barbara Galli – General Special Education Teacher
Richard Gelman – School Psychologist
Benita Ginsberg – General Special Education Teacher
Jacques Laine – Assistant Principal
Laurie Levine – SETRC Regional Training Specialist
Diane Maloney – Teaching Assistant
Margaret Marin – Teaching Assistant
Audrey McGrady – Teaching Assistant
Joyce Mucci – Principal, River View High School
Joan T. Nelson – General Special Education Teacher
Kathleen Nemeth – Remedial Speech Teacher
Mary Ann Ritrovato – Teaching Assistant
Kathleen Ryan-Triola – Assistant Principal
Nancy Shakouri – Physical Therapy Assistant
Darlene Westinghouse – Director, Instructional Services
Karen Zambrano – Teaching Assistant

Students at our Rockland BOCES Hilltop School are the focus of a new, school-wide campaign aimed at promoting independent reading!

Based on the national library campaign featuring celebrities and their favorite books, Hilltop students who complete a book independently are spotlighted as the subject of a “Hilltop Reads” poster, which is displayed in the school’s public areas.

“We want our students to see themselves as successful readers and be inspired by their classmates,” said Dr. Sarah Chauncey, Rockland BOCES Director of Instructional Technology & Curriculum Development. “After the final chapter is read, students are photographed with the book and favorite object, like a football or video game. Posters are then created for school display, with another sent home in celebration of their reading success.”

In addition to the “Hilltop Reads” campaign, school administrators recently launched an “I Want a Book” program. This effort allows the purchase of specific book titles for students through donations or other funds. Hilltop teachers are also helping every student secure a library card.

Hilltop students not only enjoy reading the books but are comprehending and discussing the theme, plot and character development.

Chauncey says Hilltop is accepting donations of age-appropriate, gently used or new books and gift cards from Barnes & Noble.

During an evening filled with memorable moments, 35 adult students celebrated completion of the Rockland BOCES Practical Nursing program on June 5.  As part of the traditional “pinning” ceremony, proud graduates pledged to “raise the standards and prestige of practical nursing.” In an address to fellow classmates, Nicole Maikish recalled how they “ventured, persevered and withstood the rigors of the program” and gained the courage to face future challenges.

Several students were also presented with academic achievement awards from local nursing and healthcare organizations.  Congratulations to all our graduates.

For nearly 60 years, Rockland BOCES has offered students the practical knowledge and training to provide devoted service to their patients. Articulation agreements with several institutions of higher learning allow BOCES graduates to take challenge exams to qualify for entry into the colleges’ RN programs.

To learn more about the Practical Nursing program, visit rocklandboces.org.
  

2018 Practical Nursing Graduates:
Diana Agyei
Amanda Amador
Samantha Anselme
Alex Ascencion
Christian Avancena
Tracey Clebert
Kaitlyn Coates
Tanesha Crosby
Arielle Davis
Maura Edwards
Shenell Ellis
Peterson Ervard
Durnsta Fleurismond
Tina George
Angie Gerardo
Elisabeth Langlois Olibrice
Nicole Maikish
Sandy Marc
Abena Marfo
Danielle Moran
Taneil Nicholas
Amy Ouattara
Norma Pastuizaca
Khadeen Patrick Thomas
Wennielle Payumo
Zunelia Pratts
Jasmine Reynoso
Lilybeth Rodriguez
Brianna Shiver
Yocheved Sperlin
Amanda Stassa
Teena Thomas
Jasmine Tucker
Melissa Vassey
Jennifer Wilson

We are thrilled to announce the Jesse J. Kaplan School June “MOVER™ of the Month” Maximus Pisklo! Max has been participating in the MOVE program for the past two years.  He is now able to sit upright in an armchair during classroom activities throughout the school day.  He loves being social and engages with his environment and the people around him. Max can often be seen in the hallways walking with his gait trainer, waving to people passing by. He takes great pride in being more independent. Thank you to all the educators who have helped Max MOVE; teachers, related service providers, and teaching assistants. We are all very proud of his 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 more fulfilling lives. For some, this might be learning to hold their own cup; for others it might be learning to walk independently 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™!

A historic moment at Rockland BOCES! Four years after its initial launch, Hudson Valley P-TECH has recognized its first group of students completing the successful STEM program.

Eight students representing five Rockland County school districts have completed their high school requirements and are poised to earn their associate degrees from Rockland Community College by 2020.

“Our small but mighty group of students – and their families – took a chance on a new approach to secondary education four years ago,” said Rockland BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Charlene Jordan. “Today, these trailblazers remind us that hard work, creative thinking, perseverance and a love of learning lead to success, both academically and personally. Their classroom and workplace experiences during the past four years have played a major role in strengthening the Hudson Valley P-TECH program for all those students coming behind them.”

Through the four to six-year program, P-TECH students earn one of three different associate degrees at no cost to their families and are considered for jobs with participating companies upon graduation.

Hudson Valley P-TECH includes college-level, credit-bearing coursework from freshman year and allows students to choose their own “pathways” to middle-level skilled jobs, including Computer Information Technology, Engineering and Green Building Technology and Management.

Said Dr. Jordan, “The completion rates for students who start community college and obtain an associate’s degree in two years are less than 20% statewide. But, this group of students will receive their degree in two years or less. Over the next several years, close to 100 Hudson Valley P-TECH students will achieve the same. These degrees feed directly into the college data, making P-TECH a true symbiotic partnership for Rockland BOCES and Rockland Community College.

Dr. Jordan noted that several of the students in P-TECH’s inaugural class are on track to earn their associate degrees by June 2019 to finish the program in five years.

The students who are completing the Rockland BOCES Hudson Valley P-TECH program this spring are as follows:

Jaydon Estevez (North Rockland)
Kelly Gutierrez (East Ramapo)
Chris Harris (Nyack)
James Holtzman (Suffern)
Anthony Pichardo (North Rockland)
Jeremy Soto (Suffern)
Austin Vazquez (South Orangetown)
Richardson Vil (East Ramapo)

The Rockland BOCES Communications team continues to garner industry accolades, this time from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). For 2018, the judges of the annual Publications and Digital Media Contest evaluated more than 1,000 entries from public and private schools, educational organizations and business partners from across the nation for outstanding work in all types and forms of educational communication and marketing, including print, electronic, video, audio, websites and social media.

The six-member Rockland BOCES Office of Communications was recognized for the following:

Rockland BOCES

2016-2017 Annual Report (Excellence in Writing and Graphic Design)
Honorable Mention

Rockland BOCES for the Suffern Central School District

Video – Athletics and Physical Fitness at the Suffern Central School District
Award of Merit
Watch Video

Print Newsletter – “Excelsior” – The Newsletter of the Suffern Central School District
Honorable Mention

Suffern Central School District Website (Concept and Design)
Honorable Mention
View Site

Rockland BOCES for the South Orangetown Central School District

Video – “Elevate, Engage, & Inspire: Teachers College Reading & Writing Project”
Award of Merit
Watch Video

Video – “Elevate, Engage, & Inspire: K-12 Robotics”
Award of Merit
Watch Video

The Rockland BOCES Communications team:
Scott Salotto, Director
Jen Citrolo
Michele Kessler
Jenny Mirmelstein
Bridget Clark
Ashley Columbia

At Rockland BOCES, our Office of Communications defines what matters. Recommending strategy. Targeting stakeholders. Creating content. Orchestrating outreach. Building trust. Want us to help tell your stories? Call (845) 627-4705.

At the Rockland BOCES Board of Education annual reorganization meeting on July 11, 2018, President Peggy Zugibe and Vice President Rosemary Pitruzzella were re-elected to their second consecutive one-year terms in the leadership roles.

Mrs. Zugibe represents the Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District Board of Education and has been a member of the Rockland BOCES Board of Education since 2008. She has served on the Haverstraw-Stony Point Board of Ed since 1993 and is treasurer of the Rockland County School Boards Association.

President Zugibe also serves as the Area 10 Director of the New York State School Boards Association, representing boards in Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties.

Vice President Pitruzzella represents the South Orangetown Central School District.

Board member Thomas DePrisco, representing the Pearl River School District, was also re-elected to the board for what will be his third term.

The officers welcomed Thomas Morr as new board member. Morr will serve a three-year term representing the Nanuet Union Free School District.

Additionally, Dr. Charlene Jordan was sworn for another term as Rockland BOCES District Superintendent during the annual reorganization meeting.

Each Board of Cooperative Educational Services is governed by a board of education made up of representatives from component school districts. The nine members of the Rockland Board of Cooperative Educational Services serve unpaid, three-year terms and are elected by component boards of education.