In our last newsletter, we shared updates about our ongoing work. It’s hard to believe we’re already approaching October—fall is almost here with its vibrant leaves, cozy sweaters, pumpkins, and warm drinks. As the nights grow cooler, we look forward to all the seasonal festivities and the spirit of togetherness that this time of year brings.

I’ve added some notes below to keep everyone informed about the progress of our initiatives:

Expanding Collaboration with ARC Ontario
We’re thrilled to work with ARC Ontario to enhance the college experience for some of our students! Students from MEC and Career Creations are attending Hobart William Smith and Finger Lakes Community College for half a day each week. This partnership is proving to be fantastic, and you’ll find an article about it in this newsletter.

Transitioning to Parent Square
This is still in progress!

Relaunching SDM
Check out the next article to see who has volunteered and been selected to assist with SDM!

Accessing Data Dashboards for All Sites
Our Principals and the Edutech team are diligently working on this, and we’re making good progress.

Pilot for a Mental Health Screener
We have sample licenses distributed at various sites and are awaiting feedback on whether the tool meets our needs. We’ll keep everyone updated on this.

Streamlining the Field Trip Request Process
Thanks to Eric Milillo for his tremendous help in transitioning to an online form. We expect this to roll out in the next few weeks, if not sooner.

Opening More Classrooms at FLES
We’re still in the process of recruiting staff for this location. However, we have some students moving from MEC to FLES to better meet their needs.

Launching a CTE Podcast
We’re excited about this project! Expect to "hear" something this month. A special thanks to Dan Ammon for spearheading this initiative!

Identifying Professional Development Needs for Iready
April Seeley is developing a rollout plan for this—stay tuned for more information!

Relaunching Curriculum Work from Last Year
This is currently in progress, with updates to come in our next newsletter!

Increasing Professional Development for our Paraprofessionals
Betsy Serapilio from SD will be leading this initiative. More details can be found below in this newsletter.

Planning for Big Picture Learning
Tammy Jones is leading this project, and you’ll find an update on BPL in this newsletter as well. We’re preparing for its launch next school year!

As we embrace the beauty of fall, let’s also look forward to the opportunities ahead. Thank you for your continued support and dedication! 🍁🌻🍂🎃

In case you haven't heard, WFL-BOCES is making plans to move from the Experiential School program to developing an alternative high school pathway based on Big Picture Learning. A committee has been formed to help with this transition. Big Picture is scheduled to open in September 2025 with a full roster of ninth graders.

Since the Big Bang 2024 Conference in Memphis, the advisory committee for this new high school initiative has grown from 5 original members to 8. We now have representatives on the board from administration, Math, ELA/Business Liaison, Science, Counselor, and Special Education. Out of the four main BPL school contacts made at the conference, three have been connected with via phone conversations, and site visits are scheduled for all three BPL schools: two in October and one in November.

The application process is underway, supported by letters from district administration (Lynne Rutnik) and other key stakeholders (Kathy Stuck, CSE/CPSE Chairperson, and Jennifer Hayden, Superintendent of Romulus). Kathi McGuigan is currently drafting her endorsement letter. The WFL-BOCES Communications Team is scheduled to film a video on October 4, 2024 as part of our application process.

All advisory committee members have read "The Big Picture: Education is Everyone’s Business" by Dennis Littky and Samantha Grabelle. Biweekly check-in meetings are established with a rolling agenda to document our efforts. Final submission for our BPL application is due on October 18. We will share the video submission in next month's newsletter!

Watch the video linked below to find out more about Big Picture Learning. Please reach out to Tamara Jones for any needed information!

We would like to extend a warm welcome and congratulations to our newest full-time bus driver, Cathy O’Connor. Cathy will work in partnership with Eric DeTaye, full-time bus driver, and Robert Corey, Director of Transportation, to ensure W-FL BOCES students are transported safely to and from all locations.

We’re excited to share that PTECH has started the school year with a strong focus on community building and fostering a sense of belonging among students and staff! Over the first three days, we engaged in purposeful activities to strengthen our culture, with many community circles being held throughout the building. Additionally, students in grades 11 and 12 have begun weekly visits to local industries and businesses as part of the FLCC Smart Systems Technology program. We look forward to extending additional opportunities to all grade levels with upcoming visits to the FLCC Newark, Canandaigua, and Victor campuses, further enhancing the student’s sense of belonging, engagement, and community!

Workforce: Growing internship opportunities for CTE students

Each of our Technical and Career Centers employs a Business and Community Lison that serves an essential role of working collaboratively with our community partners across the region to secure opportunities for job shadowing experiences, internships and co-ops. This month FLTCC established a new partnership with the Seneca County Sheriff's Office to offer students in our Criminal Justice program a 4-week internship with the department that includes exposure to ride along opportunities, traffic stops, evidence evaluation and corrections.

Connor Delavak, our Student Placement Coordinator, has been diligently working to streamline the student placement process and enhance communication with districts. He has been revamping the referral system to better support programs and ensure smooth student placements.

Connor thoroughly reviews student paperwork and collaborates with districts to ensure all necessary and accurate information is submitted. In addition, he has been actively communicating with families about the various programs we offer and the support services available.

To make well-informed placement decisions, Connor has been visiting districts, placements, and tutoring centers to observe students firsthand. He also evaluates students currently in placement to determine if the program is meeting their needs, or if adjustments are necessary based on feedback from the building principal, the student’s team, and his own observations.

In the coming weeks, Connor will begin meeting with principals on a weekly basis to review students on the waitlist and incorporate their insights for appropriate placements. The overall goal is to establish a clear, streamlined process that ensures students are placed in the best programs to meet their individual needs.

Future: WTCC Receives Training Equipment for Growing H.E.R.O. Program

This month, the Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation (H.E.R.O.) program at WTCC received a custom-made Diesel Engine Trainer. This trainer is essentially a diesel engine that teachers can utilize as an instructional tool, exposing students to exactly what they would see in the field when working as a diesel or heavy equipment mechanic. The trainer provides diagnostics, can be disassembled and reassembled, preventative maintenance can be performed, and teachers are able to set up a ”bug” within the engine for students to troubleshoot. The purchase of this type of trainer was based on feedback from our H.E.R.O. program Consultant Committe consisting of partners from the local industry.

Dr. Kelly Brock, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), brings extensive expertise in education and behavior analysis. As a full-time Assistant Professor of Practice at Russell Sage College and Program Director for both the Graduate Special Education and Undergraduate Physical Education programs, Dr. Brock's background is rooted in special education, trauma-informed practices, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Dr. Brock will be working closely with our programs on several key areas, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), behavioral supports, and student staffing requirements. She will also guide our behavioral specialists, work alongside clinicians and support staff, and provide classroom behavior management strategies to teachers.

In addition, Dr. Brock will join us on October 11th for our conference day, where she will deliver professional development on behavior for our clinicians.

Her expertise in developing Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and classroom management systems makes her a valuable resource. She will also assist with implementing data collection systems and MTSS models that focus on academics, behavior, and mental health. Dr. Brock is a New York State-approved CTLE provider, specializing in working with individuals with developmental disabilities and emotional or behavioral disorders.

We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our programs!

Staffing and Hiring Process Overview

The P-16 hiring process is designed to be efficient and thorough. It begins when HR forwards both certified and non-certified candidates to the P-16 team. Upon receiving the candidates, they are immediately contacted to schedule an interview, which are conducted multiple days within a week.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Initial Screening: Candidates are reviewed based on qualifications and experience before interviews are scheduled.
2. Interviews: Held daily, the interviews assess both professional skills and cultural fit within the P-16 program.
3. Reference Checks: After a successful interview, references are checked to ensure the candidate’s suitability for the role. This step is critical and can determine the final decision.
4. Request for Offer: Once a candidate is selected, HR is promptly notified to prepare a formal offer, including salary details and employment terms.
5. Offer to Candidate: Upon receiving the finalized offer from HR, the candidate is contacted immediately, and the offer is extended. The candidate is given time to review and respond.

The entire process aims to be completed within 5 business days, depending on how quickly references are received. If you know of anyone interested in joining our team, please refer them to our website for current job opportunities and application details.

We are excited to announce a new collaboration between The Arc Ontario's College Experience program, the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Newark Education Center, and the Midlakes Education Center. This partnership provides students with a unique opportunity to develop independence, enhance life and work skills, and prepare for success in the workforce.

The College Experience program, offered at Finger Lakes Community College and Hobart & William Smith Colleges, gives students access to college life, resources, and personalized internships. Through this enriching environment, students can explore career opportunities, improve social skills, and engage with the community, all while working towards greater independence.

Program Highlights:

• Individualized Learning Paths: Tailored courses of study aligned with each student’s goals.
• College Access: Full access to campus facilities and resources.
• Career Exploration: Internships designed around individual interests.
• Community Engagement: Activities that build life skills and foster meaningful connections.

This collaboration marks a significant step in supporting our students' growth and success.

New York State Education Department (NYSED) Commissioner's Regulation 100.11 covers the participation of parents and teachers in shared decision making and school-based planning. The regulation's purpose is to improve the educational performance of all students, regardless of their race, sex, socioeconomic status, language background, or disability.

Note:

NYSED Regulation 100.11 does not grant specific authority to a school-based planning team to
enforce decisions but rather creates a framework for how discussions should take place. Subsequent NYSED Commissioner’s decisions [eg. Appeal of Zaleski & Appeal of Tulip] have clarified that school-based planning teams cannot replace the statutory authority of the Board of Education and as such serve as a body to advise but not compel administrative action.

All work completed by this year's SDM will be presented to our Deputy Superintendent for consideration.

We will meet 3 times this year as a SDM group with the first meeting being October 22, 2024.

Thank you to the 73 respondents for our Shared Decision Making survey! We had strong responses to almost all of the suggested topic areas (see screen shots below).

We will decide which work to tackle when we convene at our first meeting in late October.

Congratulations to the following individuals for being selected to serve. 🥳🎉

WEC - Jessica Newby, Michael Decker

MEC - Heather Smith, Nichole Ruggles

WTCC - Jim Buck

RJEC - Chris Singer, Bolina Laber

PTECH - Daisy Fantauzzi

FLSS - Alison Sacheli

FLTCC - Dan Ammon, Hannah Young

NEC - Nicki Adams

Parents/Guardians: TBD

Chairperson: Lisa Meade

BOE Member: Pam Pendleton

Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility (O & M) organize regular “meetups” for students who are visually impaired. These gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with peers facing similar challenges, share experiences, and learn essential skills. Each year, a new theme is chosen to keep things exciting. This year’s theme is “Seasons.” All students who receive TVI and O&M services are invited to each event. Feel free to reach out to Kas Wheeler if you have any questions or need more information!

Pending Board approval, audiologist, Dr. Amy Wenner, will be joining the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES shared services department. Dr. Wenner will pave the way for us to provide a range of audiological services to enhance the educational experience and success of students with hearing loss. She will support component districts and W-FL BOCES programs. These services typically include:

• Comprehensive Audiological Evaluations: Assessments of hearing, middle ear function, and auditory processing skills.

• Hearing Screenings: Pure-tone audiometry and tympanometry to identify hearing issues.

• Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT): Fitting and verification of devices like FM/DM systems, hearing aids, and cochlear implants.

• Consultation and Training: Support for students, families, and school staff on managing hearing loss and using assistive technology effectively.

• Ongoing Support: Regular checks and maintenance of hearing devices to ensure they function properly in educational settings.

Translation Services

Propio Language Services are now available to all W-FL BOCES sites. Propio Language Services is dedicated to bridging communication gaps and fostering understanding across diverse languages and cultures. They offer comprehensive language solutions including interpretation and translation via phone and video conference. Contact your building principal for access to Propio Language services in your building.

Welcome to October! This month, we shine a spotlight on three important awareness campaigns that aim to educate, inspire, and bring about positive change in our communities.

National Bullying Prevention Month: Join us as we stand united against bullying. This campaign, initiated by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, encourages everyone to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Together, we can create a safer environment for all. For free resources use this link Classroom Tool Kits - National Bullying Prevention Center (pacer.org)

National Physical Therapy Month: Let’s celebrate the vital role of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in enhancing our health and well-being. This year’s theme is falls prevention, emphasizing the benefits of physical therapy in maintaining balance and preventing falls. Thank you to the dedicated physical therapists who make success possible every day here at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month: We honor the achievements and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome. This month is dedicated to raising awareness and fostering acceptance, showcasing the unique talents and abilities of people with Down syndrome. Use this link for information and resources National Down Syndrome Awareness Month (specialolympics.org)

One of the goals we were given before the start of the school year was to expand the after school professional development opportunities we have for all paraprofessionals. We will be working closely with Betsy Serapilio, a Staff Development Trainer for WFL BOCES to launch this work. The image below gives an advance look at what is being worked on!

All humans are hardwired to connect. Just like we need food, water, and shelter, human beings need connections with others to thrive. In TCIS, developmental relationships are the active ingredient in creating learning environments where all students experience a sense of belonging.

So, what is a developmental relationship? Simply stated, it’s when a developed adult supports a developing student. No matter which classroom we teach in, building developmental relationships is crucial for students' academic success and social-emotional well-being.

Think of this active ingredient like fluoride in toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens and protects our teeth, and without it, our dental health suffers. In the same way, without developmental relationships, students can struggle with a lack of connection, affecting their growth and success.

One pathway to building developmental relationships is by increasing students’ sense of belonging in the classroom. Take a minute to read and watch the video below on fostering belongings in the classroom.

October TCI-S Training

Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

We are excited to partner with Mosiac Health Dental Clinics and offer students at FLSS, NEC, FLES, MEC, WEC and RJEC dental services at school (with parent permission and registration). Shannon Brown is coordinating the clinics for all sites in collaboration with your school nurses. All sites except WEC and NEC (will receive post cards this coming week) have sent home postcards with a QR code for parents/families to register. Paper copies were also provided to each office in case a parent or guardian is unable to access the QR code.

Shannon Brown will reach out to each site Principal to determine a date/time for the clinic.

• Expanding collaborations with ARC Ontario
• Parent Square
• Updating our Field Trip Request process
• Finalizing Arrangements for October 11, 2024
• Launching SDM
• Articulating what Tier 1 looks like in a MTSS model for WFL-BOCES

We've been working hard to complete some needed projects and bring coherence to the work across all sites. Here are some links you may find helpful!

NEW🙂

Related Services Form

1:1 Aide Form

Annual Review/Re-eval CSE Meeting Checklist

Re-evaluation/Evaluation Request form (for districts)

FROM LAST NEWSLETTER😎

PD Plan Link

Casemanager Link

Second Step Pacing Guide – This is a good printable for you! Thank you Chris Singer and Tamara Jones for their leadership on this.

Timeout Tip Sheet

Code of Conduct

District Safety Plan - from John Kelly

"The Wayne-Finger Lakes Teacher Center in Newark was established in 1985 to train teachers and support staff to build capacity, instructional skills and assist in setting high standards that help lead students to greater achievement.

The Center is an approved provide of CTLE credit hours for required state teacher professional licensing renewals. All offerings are free of charge.

The Center, along with 20 facilitators, serve approximately 3,500 educators from nearly 30 different educational institutions (public and nonpublic schools, higher education, and more) in Ontario and Wayne counties."

Find out more at https://www.trc.org/.

Certification – We are now also cross contracting with Cap Region BOCES for an EXCELLENT resource to assist with all certification questions. Reach out if you need assistance.

Regional Certification Office

900 Watervliet Shaker Road, Suite 102

Albany, NY 12205

certification@neric.org

518-862-4918 phone

518-862-4903 fax

We have been meeting with the incredible Communications team to expand public relations opportunities for P16. We will be intentional about celebrating all of the amazing work occurring in your buildings. Please use only this form moving forward to request support. https://forms.office.com/r/5x1kHxmYL4

The "Second Step" program is a key component of our social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives for children, and we’re excited to announce its expansion to upper secondary grades. This program is accessible across all our sites and provides essential support for developing emotional and social skills.

As we know, social-emotional learning and relationship-building are foundational to effective academic learning. By explicitly integrating SEL into our programs, we aim to ensure that students have the emotional resilience and interpersonal skills necessary for academic success and personal growth. This expansion underscores our commitment to fostering a well-rounded educational experience where emotional well-being supports and enhances academic achievement.

A pacing calendar to keep us all on track with this important work has also been developed.

Second Step Pacing Guide

The secondary version of Second Step is currently being set up and a roll out plan is being developed by Principals, Mr. Singer and Mrs. Jones.

We are excited to announce three additional full-day workshops focused on community-building restorative practice strategies for teachers, administrators, and behavior specialists from WEC, FLSS, and RJEC. These sessions will be facilitated by Lisa Meade, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.

You can choose to attend one of the following dates: October 8th, or November 19th, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. These workshops will be held at the Regional Support Center, Maple Building, in the P-16 conference room.

The workshop on with WEC and FLSS on August 23rd was a tremendous success, and we are committed to continuing our staff training in this critical area. This workshop series marks the first step in implementing restorative practices across our buildings. Your participation is essential for our collective growth and the effective advancement of our programs.

See your Principal if you are interested.

P-16 will align systems, resources and practices to ensure at least a 50% reduction of students, from our component districts, on waiting lists no later than January 2025.

P-16 will hire a CTE Director to create alignment and equitable systems, processes and resources as well as program offerings for the two CTE Campuses as evidenced by a BOE and CSO presentation no later than March 2025.

P-16 will audit, review and update all special education programs, descriptions and ratios. We will reimagine what our classrooms look like by piloting a new ratio (8:1:3) beginning in October 2024. (This new ratio will only apply to NEWLY created classrooms, opening for the first time this year. In addition, this ratio does not apply to NEC at this time as well.)

P-16 will work collaboratively with building leaders and associations to create three new programs to serve the needs of the WFL Region in the area of autism, secondary alternative education and an additional CTE option for students with disabilities, no later than June 2025; as evidenced by the creation of FLES, Big Picture Learning Program and a redesigned "Career Academy" Program for secondary students.

P-16 will increase professional development available to all BOCES Special Education and CTE programs; this will include an emphasis on understanding the why around Restorative Practices, no later than June 2025.

P-16 will increase communication to all stakeholders by launching Parent Square across all sites, publishing a monthly newsletter and curating a semi-regular podcast to increase communication, celebrate highlights and provide transparency with P-16 stakeholders and component district representatives beginning no later than October 2023 and occurring every month (newsletter and Parent Square) or every other month (podcast) of the school year.