CTE Bulletin
January 2026
Culinary Visits Turning Stone
Students in Chef Courto's and Chef Higgins's Culinary II classes recently had the opportunity to participate in an educational field trip to the Turning Stone Resort Casino, where they toured the impressive culinary facilities and gained first-hand insight into large-scale, professional food service operations.
Students were guided through the facility by Chef Carbone and Chef Scott, who generously shared their time, expertise and knowledge of industry standards, kitchen organization and career pathways within the culinary field. The students were able to see how teamwork, efficiency and high-volume production come together in a real-world setting.
One highlight of the visit was viewing Turning Stone’s stunning gingerbread display, which showcased remarkable creativity, craftsmanship and attention to detail -- an inspiring example of how culinary arts blend technical skill with artistic expression.
The trip concluded with a delicious lunch generously provided by Turning Stone, allowing students to experience the quality and professionalism that define the resort's culinary program.
This field trip was a valuable and memorable learning experience for our Culinary II students, reinforcing classroom instruction while exposing them to potential future career opportunities.
OHM BOCES Celebrates the Season with Festive Traditions and Community Spirit
Prior to the winter recess, the OHM BOCES campus was transformed into a hub of holiday cheer and community service. From student-led conservation efforts to festive parades and impactful donations, the entire BOCES community came together to celebrate the season by giving back.
Caring for the Community and Environment
Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) students were busy blending their classroom learning with the spirit of the season.
The Conservation program continued its beloved annual tradition of handcrafting holiday wreaths and centerpieces. Utilizing resources from our own backyard, students cut fresh pine boughs directly from the OHM BOCES main campus and assembled the festive decorations in the program’s pole barn. These items were sold as a fundraiser, with the proceeds supporting student activities and initiatives throughout the year.
Nearby, Animal Science students took advantage of the mild December weather to care for our wilder neighbors. The students decorated a tree near campus with animal-friendly "ornaments," including popcorn garlands and apple slices, providing a vital wintertime food source for local wildlife.
Impactful Community Service
The season of giving was also in full swing within our SkillsUSA chapter. On Dec. 17, members of the Service Orientation Committee refreshed the inventory of our in-school food pantry with newer items to ensure students have access to fresh resources.
Following the pantry update, students loaded 283 food items weighing 324 pounds for our third donation of the year to Feed Our Vets, supporting local veterans in need. The spirit of generosity continued on Dec. 18, as members packed up a successful SkillsUSA coat drive to benefit the Rescue Mission of Utica, helping to keep our neighbors warm this winter.
Conservation Students Bring Spirit Through Wreath Making
Experience the holiday tradition at OHM BOCES as our Conservation students bring the spirit of the season to life!
In the video below, go behind the scenes to see how our students handcraft beautiful holiday wreaths and centerpieces. This annual project is more than just a festive tradition; it's a fundraiser that showcases the hands-on skills our students develop throughout the year.
Our Sustainable Process:
- Locally Sourced: The fresh pine boughs are carefully cut from the land right here on the OHM BOCES main campus.
- Student-Built: Every wreath and centerpiece is meticulously assembled by students in our pole barn workshop.
From the forest to your front door, our students take pride in every step of the process. Thank you for supporting our Conservation program and our future environmental leaders!
Criminial Justice Assists With New York Mills Traffic Detail
On Dec. 6 and 7, OHM BOCES Criminal Justice students braved the cold to support the New York Mills Police Department during the annual New York Mills PTSO Craft Fair. Over the two days, students helped with traffic control and parking, directing vehicles in the school lots and the overflow lot at the Utica Business Park, interacting with hundreds of craft fair visitors.
On Sunday, students also assisted with traffic control for the 200 runners who participated in the village’s Ugly Sweater 5K. We’re grateful for the continued partnership with Chief Robert Frankland and the New York Mills Police Department, which provides our students with valuable work‑based learning experiences.
A Special Treat for Our Wild Neighbors!
Our Animal Science students took advantage of December's sunshine and warmer temperatures to spread some seasonal cheer to the wildlife near the OHM BOCES campus!
To help provide essential wintertime food sources, the students spent time decorating a tree with handmade, animal-friendly snacks. They created and hung:
- Popcorn garlands
- Apple ornaments
- and other delicious, wildlife-safe treats!
It was a great day to be outside and a wonderful way for our students to care for the local environment and its inhabitants.
The Career and Technical Education Center
The Career and Technical Education Center programs focus on preparing students for employment, careers or post-secondary education through the development of technical and 21st-century skills. Working with state-of-the-art equipment, students apply theory and knowledge to a wide range of real life work assignments in shops and laboratories. In addition to technical skills, students learn critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, positive employment attitudes, job seeking skills, familiarization with related career opportunities and college readiness.
Email: mhoover@oneida-boces.org
Website: https://www.oneida-boces.org
Location: 4747 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY, USA
Phone: 315-793-8666
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohmboces1/
Twitter: @ohmboces