Spring is a time of renewal and growth! Embrace the longer days, fresh air, and blooming nature to refresh your mind and lift your spirits! 🌸💛

Our combined thanks to all of the P16 stakeholders for being such an important part of our teams and the work especially all of our educators and paraprofessionals.

There have been some recent changes to some administrative roles so here's a recap:

Mr. Chris Singer is the Principal at RJEC. His previous AP position will be posted soon.

Dr. Jessica Newby is the Principal of Special Programs. This position was previously held by Greg Maine.

Mr. Greg Maine is the Coordinator of Instructional Technology. This position was previously held by Ryan Arthurton.

Ms. Tammy Treen is now the Principal at WEC. This position as previously held by Dr. Newby. Tammy was formerly the Assistant Principal at FLES. Dr. Tammy Jones is filling in on that role while we recruit for a replacement.

Mr. Josh Audsley is serving as Interim Administrator at WEC while we recruit to fill the vacant Assistant Principal position at WEC.

Mrs. Chelsea Caswell is completing her admin internship at WEC.

Mr. Chris Bennett is now a Principal on Special Assignment. Chris is currently providing instructional coaching at FLTCC and admin coaching at WEC.

Shortly after the April break, we will share an update on how we are doing with all of the goals assigned to P16 this year.

Look for that edition next!

Two of our students competed tonight against Rochester area high school students at MCC. Layla Steinruck took first place and Jaden Miller took second place. Respectfully they won $750 and $500 in MCC scholarship money but both are attending FLCC so they donated their winnings to the other competitors that are attending MCC.

Three Electrical Trades Seniors from WTCC received scholarships from the Electrical Association of Western New York. In 1993, the Electrical Association established a Scholarship Fund to help towards the cost of tuition for students.

In 1998, the association established a second category enabling School-to-Work Scholarships to be

used towards the cost of tools for individuals seeking a career in the trade. All applicants are judged on academic achievement in school and personal characteristics by an independent panel of college and high school educators. Applications are distributed to members of the Electrical Association in the fall. Funds for the program are raised by volunteers at various EAWNY functions throughout the year. We always welcome additional donations. The scholarship winners are decided by an independent committee of individuals from the education community, completely separate from the electrical industry.

The three WTCC awarded students are Nolan Rice from Newark CSD, Blake Byron from Williamson CSD and Jimi Lansdowne from Wayne CSD.

On Tuesday, March 25th, eight students from PTECH traveled to Mexico, New York, to participate in the PTECH Engineering Wars hosted by CiTi BOCES. This competition, exclusive to PTECH students in grades 9 and 10, marked the first year of participation for our PTECH program. Six sophomores and two freshmen were selected to form two teams of four students each.

The challenge required students to transform a drone into a hovercraft using limited materials: a paper plate, a cardboard tray, a four-inch length of paper towel roll, and hot glue. The hovercrafts raced down a straight track, with the fastest finish determining the winner. Both teams excelled in engineering their drones, with one team securing third place overall in the competition.

On Monday, March 31st, I had the privilege of attending the Holocaust Day of Learning, organized by NYSED, at the Center for Jewish History in New York City. The event was held alongside Anne Frank: The Exhibition. The significance of this date is that it coincides with the 1492 Alhambra Decree, when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella ordered the expulsion of all Jews from their kingdoms.

After checking in to the conference, I was among the first attendees to explore the exhibit. Unfortunately, there was a strict “no pictures” policy inside, so I will do my best to describe my experience. The first room featured a sophisticated display of the Frank family heirlooms, including fine china, Otto Frank’s desk, and even artifacts from his pectin company, Opekta. As I moved through the exhibit, I encountered a multitude of photographs, including one of Otto in his WWI German uniform. The next rooms were re-creations of the family’s attic living quarters. The realism was astounding, particularly in the re-created bedroom that Anne shared with her sister Margot. Magazine clippings of celebrities covered the walls, and Anne’s actual diary was on display.

Further along, I entered a large room with a glass floor that encapsulated a topographical map of Europe. As I walked over the map, I was met with images of various Nazi military campaigns and concentration camps. The exhibit concluded with a room dedicated to Otto Frank’s efforts to preserve his daughter’s legacy. There was also, quite possibly, a copy of every version of The Diary of Anne Frank ever printed. Her diary has been translated into over 70 languages and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. The exhibit encouraged visitors to reflect on further questions about the Holocaust. I honestly cannot imagine a more fitting way to conclude Women’s History Month than by experiencing this tribute to such an extraordinary young woman.

The conference began with a welcome from the center’s president, Dr. Gavriel Rosenfeld, as well as NYSED leaders and panelists. We received a crash course on the history of antisemitism, and the speakers echoed each other’s concerns about rising divisiveness both globally and domestically. The most rewarding experience of the day followed when we had the privilege of hearing from Toby Levy. At 91 years old, Toby continues to share her firsthand account as a Holocaust survivor. She urged us to encourage our students to discuss the Holocaust and the dangers of hate with their families.

There was an additional policy panel and a session on the Relevancy & Importance of Teaching Holocaust Instruction in NYS Schools. Both emphasized that NYS mandates Holocaust education while allowing individual districts to determine their approach. The speakers reiterated the importance of teaching civic readiness and responsibility—an integral part of NYS’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative. In closing, educators were encouraged to go beyond simply teaching social justice. Instead of merely attaching a belief, moral, or lesson to our Holocaust units, we were challenged to promote critical thinking in our classrooms so that students can arrive at meaningful conclusions on their own.

Holocaust teacher training and professional development are paramount in today’s educational climate. The vast number of resources available can feel overwhelming, but NYSED is currently working on a curated collection of recommended materials to help us engage students in deeper inquiry and critical thinking. We can expect to receive it this coming summer. I also invite you to reach out to me and collaborate on Holocaust pedagogy.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Lisa Meade and our leadership at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES for making this invaluable experience possible. I also want to thank my team at Wayne Education Center for their flexibility in covering my absence. Perhaps the greatest support our administration can provide is the time and space for us to grow as educators.

Your fellow educator,

Michael Decker
Special Education Teacher
Social Studies Teacher
Wayne Education Center
Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES

In March, MEC celebrated Music in our School's Month with many celebrations. These celebrations included a TV show theme song sing along, a concert for families to enjoy and a talent show! Below are two students who shared amazing lip-synch versions of a song!

The 2nd Annual PTECH Shark Tank competition was a success! PTECH Sophomores sharpened their public speaking and presentation skills while mastering the basics of business and marketing during their 3rd Quarter Shark Tank Unit! This project is part of our Careers in Technology class and has a host of cross-curricular benefits. From trying their hands at graphic design to the real-world application of business math, students are challenged from start to finish with this project-based learning approach!

This year's champion is Owin Gephart, and his contest-winning business concept is "Impeachment," the metaphorical superhero of the comic book publishing world. Owin's idea takes aim a placing the power back in the hands of the artists through a publishing firm that protects artists' rights and preserves the recognition of their intellectual property. Owin was also this year's PTECH Shark Tank Official Logo Designer, so he was presented with a framed poster of his design!

Please save August 11 - August 15 for some Summer PD opportunities you may be interested in! The draft information is below. These sessions are for P16 Instructional and Clinical Staff.

Everyday Math, Restorative Practices, Second Step, UFLI and Iready!

P16 Summer Learning Institute Proposal

Get ready to level up your professional learning experience with the ProLearning Portal! Say goodbye to sifting through endless emails for updates. Everything you need—whether it’s exciting new P-16 initiatives or the latest learning opportunities—is now in one place. And because it’s seamlessly connected to Classlink, accessing your resources has never been easier!

This portal isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s going to be your go-to resource, constantly updated with fresh content, tools, and opportunities. So, whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore initiatives, or just find something new and exciting, this is the place to be!

Don’t miss out—dive in, explore, and get ready to grow with us! We can’t wait to see how this portal helps you take your professional learning to new heights.

Just a friendly reminder regarding the pilot expectations for Everyday Math: 25% of lessons should be taught at the grade level where the teacher spends the majority of their time. It's important that the lessons align with students' grade levels as much as possible. Of course, more can always be done, so feel free to go beyond this minimum expectation as needed. Thanks for your continued focus on providing quality learning experiences!

Deanna Tones (RJEC), Stacy Marasco (MEC), Anna Harasimowicz (NEC), Jonathan Giglio (FLTCC), Malinda Byrne (FLSS), Ingrid Lagoe (PTECH), Kate Haywood (WEC), Lauren MacNeil (WEC), Tyler Sweeting (RSC), Shannon Brown (RSC), John Kelly (RSC) and Lisa Meade (RSC)

P-Tech Students:

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps people of all ages develop the skills they need to live life to the fullest. In schools, OTs play a vital role in supporting students' success by fostering independence, improving motor skills, enhancing sensory regulation, and promoting participation in learning and social activities.

Whether it’s helping a child improve handwriting, develop self-regulation strategies, use assistive technology, build social skills, or navigate daily school routines, school-based OTs empower students with the tools they need to thrive. They collaborate with teachers, families, and other professionals to create inclusive learning environments where every child can reach their full potential.

This month, we celebrate the dedication, creativity, and expertise of occupational therapists who make a difference every day! Join us in recognizing the incredible impact of OT in schools and beyond! 💙

#OTMonth #SchoolOT #OccupationalTherapy #HelpingStudentsThrive #InclusiveEducation

Submitted by Lisa Brockhuizen

April is Stress Awareness Month, you could tie your TCIS skills to help manage stress during this month! Here are a few tips to think about!

Springtime Shifts: Recognizing and Responding to Behavior Changes

As the days grow longer and the school year moves into its final stretch, educators often notice shifts in student behavior. Spring brings excitement, but it can also heighten anxiety, restlessness, and emotional challenges. Factors like changes in routine, upcoming standardized testing, and the anticipation of summer can impact students in unexpected ways.

Why Do Behaviors Shift in Spring?

• Increased Energy & Restlessness – Warmer weather and longer days can make it harder for students to focus in class. Thinking back to your student days, and becoming attuned that our students want to be out of school having fun!

• Testing Anxiety – As assessments approach, students may exhibit signs of stress, frustration, or disengagement. Take a moment and reflect on the last time you had a test what happened to you?

• Anticipation of Change – The transition to summer break, or even a new grade, can bring uncertainty, leading to emotional outbursts or withdrawal. Reflect on how your feeling with summer break approaching.

• Social Dynamics – Friendships may shift, and conflicts can arise as students become more aware of social expectations and peer relationships. When school breaks happen so many of our students lose a significant piece of their ablitiy for social interactions.

How Can Educators Use TCIS Strategies to Respond?

✅ Recognize Triggers Early – Pay attention to behavior shifts and intervene before they escalate. Look for patterns in mood, engagement, and interactions. Also, be self-aware if your triggers have shifted.

✅ Use Emotional First Aid – If a student is struggling, offer a moment to pause and regulate. Simple grounding exercises, deep breathing, or a quiet conversation can help. Remember helping students in the moment has significant results in building reslient students. Check out some strategies to use when someone is highly agitated. Check out this

5-4-3-2-1 grounding techniques

✅ Maintain Structure & Routine – Consistency is key in preventing dysregulation. Reinforce classroom expectations and provide clear transitions. Check out this article to help with Spring time shifts Student engagement in the spring

✅ Promote Connection & Check-Ins – A quick, daily emotional check-in can help students feel seen and supported. Add check in and check out to student’s plans!

✅ Encourage Movement & Brain Breaks – Short movement activities or sensory breaks can help students release built-up energy in a positive way.

By recognizing the seasonal changes that affect students and proactively using TCIS strategies, educators can create a supportive environment that minimizes crisis situations and fosters resilience.

Currently, WFL BOCES has TCIS trainers at all educational sites, providing staff with the knowledge and skills needed to apply TCIS effectively. These trainers also offer ongoing support and training to enhance the application of these skills.

All of our new staff (since January) should have attended a 3 hour training with Lisa B as well as any other TCI-S refreshers given at the building level. If you are a teacher, aide or TA at a special education site and you haven't earned 10 hours of TCI-S yet this year, please seek out your Principal or building TCI-S Trainer. The 10 hours applies to all of our instructional staff in a site.

The Arc Ontario’s College Experience program has been in operation for the past 20 years, recently opening its doors to Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES students in September 2024.

With locations at both Finger Lakes Community College and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, students have access to campus amenities and are immersed in campus life. They have the opportunity to audit classes, participate in student clubs and unpaid work experiences, as well as various student-life activities.

Undergraduate students that are enrolled full-time at FLCC or HWS can earn service-learning credits by working with students in The Arc Ontario’s program, helping them achieve personal goals such as learning Spanish or working on securing their NYS Driver Learner’s Permit. The College Experience gives students with disabilities the chance to gain college and career readiness skills.

In total, nine W-FL BOCES students participated in this community work readiness program last semester, five of which studied at FLCC on Mondays and four who studied at HWS on Thursdays.

“We’re very happy with the success we’ve seen with our students this semester,” said Kathy Kanada, Director of Employment Services for The Arc Ontario. “Next fall, we’d love to see the program expand and have W-FL BOCES students on campus five days a week.”

This program presents an exciting opportunity for W-FL BOCES to help the students it serves capitalize on all our region has to offer, said Lisa Meade, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at BOCES.

“We’re thrilled to see this program open doors for our Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES students,” Meade said. “It’s got a wonderful legacy that we’re thankful to build upon.”

Dozens of students have graduated from this program since its inception in 2005, said Kanada, and The Arc Ontario is excited to bring W-FL BOCES students into the fold.

“This program provides the possibility to be fully immersed in a college setting to people who would not have traditionally been afforded the opportunity,” Kanada said. “It gives students the skills to be successful in work and life, and they can walk away with the skills to be competitive, successful and marketable after the program is done.”

Those interested in learning more about this program can find that information online at www.thearcontario.org/career-services.

We are on track to open Big Picture Learning Academy this Fall 2025. Students who have Resource Room or Consultant Teacher can be considered for this Regents track program.

• Each student at a Big Picture Learning school is part of a small learning community of 5-10 students called an advisory.
• Each advisory is supported and lead by an advisor, a teacher that works closely with the group of students and forms personalized relationships with each advisee.
• Each student works closely with his or her advisor to identify interests and personalize learning.
• The student as the center of learning truly engages and challenges the student, and makes learning authentic and relevant.

We are starting with grade 9 this Fall and plan to add a grade each year. Reach out to Dr. Tammy Jones or Shannon Brown for more information.

• Parent Square
• Updating our Field Trip Request process
• Observations/Evaluations
• PDP Plan Development
• Regional Summer School
• ESY Planning
• Summer PD