OCM BOCES

Congratulations to our littlest graduates at OCM BOCES!

Today, before a proud crowd of parents, grandparents, siblings and other friends, the children of Crayon Box Preschool at our OCM BOCES Thompson Road Campus celebrated an important milestone. One by one, they crossed a wooden bridge symbolizing their journey to the next level of education.

As they paused at the top of the bridge, students in our Early Childhood Education program — the same students who gained valuable hands-on experience helping to teach and manage the preschool during the year — shared each child’s fun and unique qualities. It was a special moment that highlighted both the growth of our preschoolers and the dedication of our future educators.

The ceremony wrapped up with a fun, photo-packed slideshow featuring memories and activities from throughout the year.

Thank you to Early Childhood Education teacher Melissa Kershner, her assistant, Denise Mecca, and all of our amazing students for making this a great year of fun and learning for these little ones.

We wish you all a safe, happy summer!

👏👏 Please join us in celebrating 35 Career & Technical Education students from our OCM BOCES Thompson Road Campus who have committed to working for 27 local businesses after graduation!👏👏

Today, during SkillsUSA National Signing Day, these students signed letters of intent alongside their future employers, surrounded by proud family members, friends, teachers, school administrators, Board of Education members, business leaders and community supporters. The event was filled with excitement, photo opportunities, sweet treats and plenty of reasons to celebrate their bright futures.

These students are taking the next step toward rewarding careers while helping to meet critical workforce needs right here in our community. Their dedication and training will strengthen local businesses, support our regional economy, and help employers find the employees they need to thrive.

We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful to our business partners for investing in their futures. Congratulations to all of our signees! We can't wait to see the impact you make in the years ahead! 👏👏

Big ideas, meaningful conversations and community-focused solutions were on display today as Cortland County students presented their Service Learning and Seal of Civic Readiness projects.

Students from our Cortlandville Campus, Cortland Alternative School and Seven Valleys New Tech Academy explored real-world issues that matter to their communities. Topics included AI’s impact on the environment, alternative energy and conservation, food insecurity among students, and ways to improve elder care.

By researching challenges, proposing solutions and sharing their findings, these students demonstrated the civic knowledge, skills and commitment needed to make a positive impact. We’re proud to see them using their voices and ideas to help build stronger communities. 🌎

📣 Shoutout to our Onondaga County students who presented their Seal of Civic Readiness projects today!

These students put their civic knowledge, leadership skills, and real-world experiences on display while showcasing what it means to be informed, engaged members of their communities. Through their hard work and dedication, they demonstrated they are ready to make a positive impact both locally and beyond. 🌎


New York State Education Department

Math came to life this week for a class of West Genesee sixth-graders, thanks to OCM BOCES Math Teacher Trainer Amanda Brenner! 👏

Students enjoyed a hands-on experience with the TI-Innovator Rover, using graphing calculators to guide the device through a series of challenging floor mazes. It was a great way to explore the exciting world of math and have fun at the same time.

We look forward to learning with more of the sixth-grade class in the next few weeks!

West Genesee Central School District

👏 👏 Please join us in celebrating Jodi Wiesing, recipient of the Central New York School Boards Association School Board Member Achievement Award!

Jodi is completing her ninth year as a member of the DeRuyter Central School District Board of Education, where she currently serves as Board President, and her seventh year as a member of the OCM BOCES Board of Education.

In a two-page letter of support, DeRuyter Superintendent Neal A. Capone, Ed.D., and OCM BOCES District Superintendent Matthew L. Cook, Ed.D., described Jodi as “a model of consistent, thoughtful, and student-centered leadership.”

Capone noted that Jodi’s service in DeRuyter has strengthened board governance, supported strategic planning, improved district policies and maintained a strong focus on student success. Cook highlighted Jodi’s impact at OCM BOCES, where she has served as a strong advocate for Career & Technical Education and graduation pathways connected to healthcare and workforce development.

Beyond her work in the boardroom, Jodi is a familiar face at school and community events, always supporting DeRuyter and OCM BOCES students, staff, programs, athletics, performances and other activities.

“Perhaps most importantly, Jodi’s service reflects a genuine love for her community and its students,” the letter said.

Congratulations, Jodi, and thank you for your continued service to the DeRuyter Central School District, OCM BOCES, and the students and staff throughout our region!

In the photo: Posing with Jodi Wiesing, from left to right, are OCM BOCES District Superintendent Matthew L. Cook, Ed.D., and OCM BOCES Board of Education members Stacy Petri, Vice President Joan Reeves, Margaret Peri and President Robert Crabtree.

What an incredible day!😎 Under beautiful sunny skies at the SUNY Cortland track, 255 student-athletes gathered for this year’s Cortland County Olympiad, filling the day with joy, friendly competitions and endless smiles.

From the enthusiastic high-fives, sparkling pom-poms, and the tunnel of cheering students welcoming athletes as they arrived, to the opening parade, running races, throwing and jumping events, cycling, yard games, and face painting, the day was filled with excitement from beginning to end. The cheers and encouragement from students, families, friends, educators and other fans crowded into the lively stands added an extra element of fun and energy 🏃

A heartfelt thank you to our 108 volunteers, including those students who dressed up as beloved movie and cartoon characters, as well as the many volunteers who spent hours face-painting, cheering on athletes, and helping the day run smoothly. We also extend our gratitude to all participating school districts and OCM BOCES, the organizations that made up our informative community fair, the student bands, emcee Tom Turck, SUNY Cortland, the organizers and support staff at OCM BOCES, and everyone whose hard work, enthusiasm and dedication helped make this annual event such a success!

With her bright smile and positive spirit, Fayetteville-Manlius senior Stella Barlow has quickly become a welcome part of the team at the new “Rooted” salon in Manlius.

Through the OCM BOCES Work-Based Learning Program, Stella works with a job coach to do a variety of jobs, including sweeping, dusting, tidying the coffee bar, collecting towels, and even tying belts and snapping buttons on the salon’s soft black robes. As a result, she’s gaining confidence, building job skills and finding a place where she is included and celebrated.

Read today’s story about Stella’s journey and the impact local businesses can have in creating opportunities for young adults with special needs. The link is in the comments below. 💛