The Tech Times | December 2025

As part of our ongoing professional development for students in P-TECH, Daneli Partners made another visit to our campus. This time, they worked on elevator pitches -- a short, persuasive speech (around 30-60 seconds) summarizing who you are, what you do, and your goals, designed to spark interest and open doors for further conversation, much like a brief elevator ride. They began with a review of important information from their last visit. They reminded students of the importance of understanding their strengths, as well as, how they work with others who have different strengths than they do. Students had the opportunity to review their strength assessment results as well.

Using this information, students developed their own elevator pitches. These are designed to give a brief but thorough overview of their strengths as potential employees. After developing their statements, they practiced reciting their speeches in preparation for future job interviews. They went through their pitches several times until it was second nature. This is excellent practice and preparation for our students' future endeavors. Thank you to Daneli Partners for your excellent work with our students!

P-TECH math teachers Mrs. Colantuoni and Mrs. Cassulis combined their classes to complete a colorful project. Their students created coloring books using shapes they created in their classes. Geometry students developed images using transformations. These included rotations, reflections and translations. Algebra students curated tiny town maps with specific deliverables. Each map assignment required students to graph and label vertical and horizontal lines. They also had to include two slanted lines that were perpendicular. Lastly, they graphed points for buildings and landmarks. On Dec. 18. students from the classes delivered the coloring books to Bridges classrooms and spoke to them about their projects. Thank you Mrs. Cassulis and Mrs. Colantuoni for carrying out this project with our students!

P-TECH STEAM teacher Mrs. Piatkowski led students in an exercise that will help shape how they represent their cohort. Students developed class motto and logo design examples as part of the Positivity Project. Mrs. Piatkowski then held a vote to decide the winners of each category. Each Positivity Project category had one winning logo; the categories are Courage, Humanity, Wisdom and Knowledge, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence. See below for example photos!

The students then chose one overall motto. The motto is, "Curiosity in every question." Thank you Mrs. Piatkowski for leading this exercise with our students!

In the P-TECH physics classes, students designed structures as a part of their most recent lab. Each student had to conceptualize and build a structure to hold weight. However, there were constraints for the project. The minimum height of the structure had to be that of at least one toothpick, which is a primary building material for this activity. They were also able to use marshmallows, but only for the joints of the structure. Lastly, the structure had to be free-standing rather than stuck into a base. At the end of the lab, the students measured how much weight their structures could hold! This activity put their calculations into action!

With the help of P-TECH Social Worker and Sunshine Club advisor Mrs. Foote, students were able to decorate sugar cookies to celebrate the holiday season. During their lunch period, students were able to choose from a variety of options to decorate their cookies. There were multiple colors of icing and types of sprinkles! Students were eager to decorate and eat their creations. Thank you Mrs. Foote and the P-TECH Sunshine club for spreading cheer with our students!

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, head to Lafa on Commercial Drive in New Hartford to support P-TECH OHM! Lafa will donate 20% of sales between 4-8 p.m. to P-TECH! Show the flyer in the restaurant to participate. Click below for a copy of the flyer. Thank you for your support!

Freshman | Anton Donchuk: Anton is from the New York Mills Union Free School District. Teachers note than Anton works very hard on his academics. He participates in class regularly and goes out of his way to help his peers. Anton also demonstrates profound professionalism, always setting a good example for other P-TECH students.

Sophomore | Aeriana McNeil: Aeriana is from the New York Mills Union Free School District. Peers point out that Aeriana always goes above and beyond in group projects. She asks for help when necessary and remains focused during class time. Aeriana has also worked very hard to learn difficult content this year.

Junior | Augustine Oo: Augustine is from the New York Mills Union Free School District. Augustine works very hard on all of her assignments. Teachers have noticed that she is a natural leader as well. Augustine also gets along well with all of her peers.

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

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

🗺️ 4747 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413