April 2025

Our P-TECH program's monthly PRIDE Day, dedicated to our foundational principles of Partnership, Respect, Innovation, Diversity, and Excellence, once again provided a unique learning experience this month. Stepping away from the regular schedule, we dove deep into Innovation through our exciting participation in the CTE Wars competition!

In teams of three or four, our students put their creative engineering skills to the test, designing and building contraptions to launch a ping pong ball as far as possible. Armed with the same materials and a limited timeframe, they brainstormed, constructed, and rigorously tested their designs. We were thrilled to have our partners from Trenton Technology on hand, who not only developed this engaging challenge but also provided invaluable support and feedback throughout the process. They meticulously measured each launch and offered constructive insights into the students' designs. Don't miss the video below showcasing the day's longest shot! A huge thank you to Trenton Technology for their continued partnership and dedication to our students' growth.

Our PRIDE Day also fostered Partnership through dynamic roundtable discussions. We were honored to welcome representatives from several key business partners: Erica Schoff (Griffiss Institute), Mike Joseph (Critical Technologies), Tim Kuhn (Trenton Technology), Craig Sestir (The Hartford), David Stayton (Sauquoit Valley Central School District), and Lenora D'Aprice (Community Wellness Partners). These professionals generously shared their diverse career journeys with our students, offering invaluable insights and answering their thoughtful questions. We extend our sincere gratitude to all our partners for their time and commitment to mentoring our future leaders!

Our amazing Elevating Student Voices team has launched a truly impactful initiative: "The Kindness Closet"! This resource provides a confidential way for students to access essential items they may need, ensuring everyone has what it takes to focus on their learning. Thanks to a generous initial donation, the closet is stocked with items like comfortable clothing (t-shirts, sweatshirts), important hygiene products (deodorant, toothpaste), snacks, and necessary school supplies (notebooks, pencils, and more).

The goal is simple: to eliminate barriers and ensure every student has their basic needs met when they come to school. If a student needs something from the Kindness Closet, they can discreetly request it by filling out the confidential form – just click the link or scan the QR code. Please remember, this resource is exclusively for students within the OHM BOCES network. A huge thank you to the Elevating Student Voices team for identifying this crucial need and taking action, and to Mrs. Foote for her unwavering support and positive impact on our P-TECH community!