CTE Bulletin

The 2023-24 school year started with over 900 students in attendance on September 7. With expanding programs, new staff members and staff members in new roles, it is an exciting time to be part of CTE. This year, two programs have sustained expansion including Modules of Integrated Technology (MiTech) 10 and Electricity I. MiTech gives students the chance to engage in separate modules, such as automotive technology, carpentry, culinary and welding. In addition, students receive credit in ELA and math as part of the program. In Electricity I, CTE welcomed 50 students into the building in two separate sections. This program, which also features a mechatronics pathway in the second year, is rapidly expanding due to interest in the field and high demand for positions region-wide.

Each year, as part of the Death Investigation instructional session, OHM BOCES Criminal Justice 2 students conduct a Body Farm lab. The use of several "victims" in various environments allows the students to see firsthand how a dead body might decay over time. This year, the victims included five fresh fetal pigs and one preserved pig; one in local pond water, one in salt water, one hanging, one fully exposed to the weather and two in a shallow grave (one fresh, one preserved).

Over a period of two weeks, CJ 2 students monitored ambient, ground, water, victim body temperatures and noted any visible changes to the bodies. Specifically, students looked for changes to the skin (bloating, discoloration, tearing, etc.) and the presence of adult flies, maggots, beetles and other insects on and around each of the pigs. These conditions were noted because changes in body composition and temperature and the presence of insects are helpful in the determination of the time of death during an investigation.

On September 19, students and staff from the grade 11 Criminal Justice class and grade 12 Forensics class at Holy Cross Academy in Oneida, NY visited the body farm. As part of their curriculum, the Holy Cross students asked questions related to the experiment, took photos, notes and collected evidence.

"It was very interesting to see something we have never seen before," Gianna Spartano, a second-year student from Whitesboro said.

“[I was] surprised at how many maggots infested the buried pig and how the blood settled," Skylar Albin of Oriskany said.

Lectures and labs on entomology and pathology enable students to learn about various types and quantities of insects found on decaying matter. This information assists in determining the time of death of an organism. This information also determines how to perform an autopsy. With the assistance of Mr. Frantz, students will conduct actual autopsies on fetal pigs.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Advertising Design & MultiMedia Productions I (ADMP) class! Last week, our students had the incredible opportunity to visit PJ Green Printing Services, located right here in Utica, New York.

This field trip was a part of our ongoing commitment to providing our students with real-world experiences and insights into the digital media industry. PJ Green Printing Services, a prominent player in the printing production sector, generously opened its doors to our class, giving them a firsthand look at the inner workings of this dynamic industry. During the visit, our students were able to Explore Cutting-Edge Printing Technology, Learn About Sustainable Practices and Engage in Q&A Sessions,

This experience has undoubtedly broadened our students’ horizons and provided valuable insights that will benefit our academic and career pursuits.

The ADMP I class is always on the lookout for opportunities to learn, grow and excel in the world of digital media production.

Mr. Herb teaches Electrical 1 and Career Exploration for CTEC. Prior to teaching, Mr. Herb was a general contractor for over 35 years. He also taught at the Madison Oneida BOCES as an instructor in continuing education, as well as in the Youth Build program at MVCC. Mr. Herb has been with the OHM BOCES for the past year in Construction Trades.

Mr. Kelleher teaches in our Welding and Fabrication in our CTEC program. This is his second year here at the OHM BOCES. Prior to joining us at BOCES he taught welding at MVCC for four years.

Mrs. Kobielski is the teacher in our Early Childhood Education program here at OHM BOCES.

Mrs. Kobielski has worked at the OHM BOCES for five years, but this is her second year as the early childhood education instructor. Prior to coming to the OHM BOCES, she worked at St. John the Evangelist Nursery School as an educator.

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