December 2024

Students in Mrs. Cassulis and Mrs. Colantuoni's geometry classes completed their Transformation Unit project this month. They drew pictures to meet certain criteria, then performed three transformations on their original images. These transformations include a reflection, a rotation and a translation. Once complete, the students compiled their images into a coloring book. They recently visited the Bridges program here at OHM BOCES to deliver copies of the coloring book to a variety of elementary classes along with candy canes to spread holiday cheer!

Last month, the Sunshine Club coordinated a potluck for staff and students alike to celebrate the season of giving and express thankfulness. Contributors brought a variety of dishes from entrees such as pasta and tomato pie to desserts like brownies and cupcakes. The event was a huge hit as everyone enjoyed this meal together.

Meanwhile, Ms. Macrina and Mrs. Foote facilitated a gratitude activity that the students worked on while they ate. Students traced their hands on construction paper, cut them out and wrote reasons why they are thankful on them. They hung their creations on the gratitude tree that Ms. Macrina and Mrs. Foote made. The tree is on display in the hallway here at P-TECH!

Mrs. Wagner's ninth grade ELA students have been working diligently on a children's story project. They began by developing characters through focusing on common character strengths. They also worked on corresponding story plots and visuals for their stories. Next, Mrs. Wagner brought the students to the Oneida Public Library where she worked alongside Megan Gillander, Youth Services Coordinator. They gave the students feedback and helped them reflect on how to finalize their stories. To conclude the project, the students will collaborate with the Career and Technical Education Early Childhood Education program and read their books to the children who attend the program.

Last month, we focused on excellence through our work with the Professional Skills Rubric. This is an assessment the students use to rate themselves in categories such as time and task management and communication. Over the course of their time in P-TECH, the students will assess themselves multiple times. They will also receive feedback on this rubric from their teachers. They compare the results of each assessment to evaluate their growth throughout the program. On this particular PRIDE Day, the freshmen assessed themselves for the first time.

Students also focused on respect through their work on another gratitude activity. After viewing a video about the topic, students discussed why gratitude is important and the impact it can have on a person's outlook. Each student wrote a letter or a journal entry for a person they are grateful to have in their lives. Some even delivered the letters!

This December, Maj. Justine Pescetello Parr (callsign Plat'num) of the United States Space Force conducted a video call with students in STEAM 9. She has a STEM degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and flew on the KC-135R as an in-flight refueler before moving for the Space Operations community. Maj. Pescetello Parr is a space weapons officer and satellite driver.

This session included an overview of what the United States Space Force does, potential careers in the Space Force, and the importance of satellites in our contemporary society. Maj. Pescetello Parr then covered with the students different types of threats the Space Force handles, including the origins of those threats.

Lastly, Maj. Pescetello Parr spoke to the students about Starfish Prime, a nuclear test conducted by the United States in 1962, including the results and impacts of that test. She also gave information regarding the Outer Space Treaty and the Space Catalog. She concluded the session with time for the students to ask questions. Thank you Maj. Pescetello Parr for spending time with our students!

Academic Club is held on certain Wednesdays each month from 2:00-3:30 p.m. During this time, students may work on assignments and get extra support from teachers. The following are upcoming Academic Club dates:

• January 8, 2025
• January 15, 2025

A partnership between the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, Mohawk Valley Community College, and Mohawk Valley EDGE.

🌐 www.oneida-boces.org/ptech | ☎️ 315.793.8666

🗺️ 4747 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413

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