CTE Bulletin
April 2026
Prospective Students Explore Professional Pathways at New Visions Information Sessions
On Feb. 27 and Mar. 13, juniors interested in the New Visions program attended information sessions at OHM BOCES. These sessions provided prospective students with a comprehensive look at the program's requirements, benefits and the professional expectations of the curriculum.
Current New Visions seniors led much of the discussion, sharing insights from their clinical and professional internship experiences. These peer-to-peer interactions offered juniors a realistic perspective on how the program integrates high-level academics with real-world application.
In addition to the program overview, students participated in networking exercises and collaborative activities. These sessions highlighted the importance of essential professional skills, including active listening, teamwork and critical thinking. By engaging with current students, the juniors gained a better understanding of the dedication and professional presence required for success in the New Visions pathways.
Animal Science Students Explore the World of Sled Dogs
Career and Technical Education Animal Science students at the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES took a turn toward the Alaskan wilderness as they studied the legendary Iditarod Dog Sled Race.
Program curriculum was enriched on Mar. 10 when local resident Christina Gates visited the classroom to provide an expert's perspective on the race, which officially began on Mar. 8.
School lessons transitioned from the Iditarod to various other disciplines within the sport, including Sprint Racing and Bike Rig Racing, as Gates shared her personal experience as a competitive racer.
Students received a hands-on demonstration from Gates’s two Siberian Huskies, Torch and Umbra, who showed the class exactly how dogs are harnessed and attached to gang lines for a run.
Class for the day concluded with a deep dive into canine athletic performance, where students learned about the surprisingly high caloric requirements and specialized nutrition needed to keep racing dogs at a healthy weight.
Sophomores Welcomed at Annual Career and Technical Education Visitation Days
On Mar. 3 and 4, sophomores from the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES component school districts visited the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center to explore diverse career pathways and hands-on learning opportunities. This annual visitation serves as a vital bridge for students as they begin to align their personal interests with future professional goals.
During the event, students toured specialized classrooms and advanced labs, engaging directly with instructors and current students to gain a realistic perspective on the BOCES experience. These interactions allowed sophomores to identify programs that match their passions, guiding them toward a path of "doing what they love" after graduation.
This initiative aligns with the New York State Education Department’s Portrait of a Graduate framework under the New York Inspires initiative, which prioritizes robust career exploration and essential skill development.
OHM BOCES programs are designed to prepare students for success in both college and the workforce, with many offerings providing paths to professional certifications and advanced college credit.
For more information on available career and technical education programs, visit https://www.oneida-boces.org/instructional/career-technical-education.
Jeffrey Reppel Selected for NYS Thruway Cup Welding Competition
On May 1-2, Whitesboro student Jeffrey Reppel will compete in the Third Annual New York State Thruway Cup in Albany. A second-year student in the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Welding program, Jeffrey was selected for this state-level competition following an outstanding performance at the District Six Thruway Cup in Rochester.
Jeffrey emerged as one of the top three students from District Six, a region that includes Northern New York, the Niagara Frontier, Rochester, Syracuse and the Twin Tiers. Having joined the CTE program in 2024, he will now represent both Whitesboro and the OHM BOCES at the state finals.
“It’s an honor to be selected to compete in the New York State Thruway Cup,” said Jeffrey, citing his love and passion for welding as the driving force behind his dedication.
Beyond his technical proficiency, Jeffrey is recognized as a leader by his teachers, administrators and classmates. The OHM BOCES CTE Principal Michael Hoover described him as an outstanding student who has reached the highest level of technical skill. Jeffrey credits his instructor, Joseph Kelleher, as an integral part of his success and feels well-prepared to enter the workforce.
Following his graduation in June 2026, Jeffrey aims to pursue a career in the high-skill shipyard welding industry. The Whitesboro community and the OHM BOCES, which provides specialized training in techniques like MIG, TIG and arc welding, wish Jeffrey the best of luck as he heads to the state finals in Albany.
SABA Hosts Career Fair at Westmoreland Road Elementary
On March 30, the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES School and Business Alliance (SABA) hosted an engaging and fast-paced Career Fair at Westmoreland Road Elementary School. This event provided students with a unique window into various professional paths and was carefully structured to ensure that every student, from the youngest learners to those preparing for middle school, could interact with guest presenters in a meaningful way.
The morning session was dedicated to students in grades three through five, who spent an hour navigating the fair. To maximize their exposure to different industries, students rotated between professional stations every 10 minutes. During the afternoon session, the younger grades visited the school library for 30-minute intervals, featuring rapid rotations every three to five minutes to keep the experience energetic and age-appropriate.
To encourage active participation, students were equipped with grade-specific tools that helped them break the ice with presenters. Students in grades kindergarten through two were given bingo cards featuring simplified career questions, while students in grades three through five utilized "career passports" containing deeper, industry-specific questions. These resources ensured that students weren't just observers, but active participants in learning about the daily responsibilities of different careers.
Participating Businesses and Organizations:
- Bank of Utica
- CABVI
- ICAN
- MVCC
- Nimey’s New Generation
- NYSDOCCS
- U.S. Military
- Yorkville PD/Oneida Sheriff
In addition, students from the OHM BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) program also offered insights into the trades they are pursuing.
Participating CTE Students:
- Zachary Gordon
- Olivia Latella
- Brennan McQueeney
- Alex Phelps
- Jeff Reppel
- Cole Robinson
- Connor Robinson
- Gianna Spina
- Leo Wengert
The Career Fair successfully bridged the gap between the classroom and the workforce by introducing students to a wide range of possibilities. A special thank you to all of the participating businesses and organizations!
CTE Animal Science Teaches Responsible Pet Ownership
On April 1, the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Animal Science program taught students about responsible pet ownership with a visit from two rabbits in anticipation of Easter.
The Animal Science curriculum includes a focus on small animal care and management, encompassing essential aspects such as proper nutrition, appropriate housing and responsible handling. To provide students with direct practical experience in these areas, a rabbit was brought into the classroom during the week leading up to Easter.
The class engaged in discussions centered on the prevalent issue of rabbits being given as Easter gifts, often leading to neglect or abandonment once the initial novelty diminishes. A central purpose of this lesson was to comprehensively illustrate the responsibilities associated with caring for these animals, ultimately aiming to raise awareness about the potential downsides of acquiring live animals as holiday gifts and discourage this practice.
This engagement served to both reinforce recent classroom learning and connect with the seasonal context of Easter. It proved to be highly informative, effectively underscoring the critical importance of a thorough understanding of animal needs.
OHM BOCES Hosts 2026 Annual Meeting
The Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES Annual Meeting took place on April 1 at the Howard D. Mettelman Learning Center. This gathering of the OHM BOCES Cooperative Board and district representatives focused on collaborative opportunities for the upcoming school year.
The evening began with attendees enjoying culinary creations made by students in the OHM BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Culinary Arts program, followed by a musical performance by the Westmoreland CSD Jazz Ensemble. Participants also had the chance to observe demonstrations of hands-on learning activities from various CTE programs, including Conservation, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education and Nursing Assistant.
The event concluded with a meeting, featuring introductions of the OHM BOCES Cooperative Board candidates, a presentation of the proposed 2026-27 BOCES budget and an address by the OHM BOCES District Superintendent Patricia N. Kilburn, Ed.D.
This annual meeting provided component districts with an opportunity to learn about the proposed 2026-27 BOCES budget and board candidates prior to the vote. It also served as a platform to explore potential collaborations with the OHM BOCES to enhance educational programs and support student success.
A special thank you to all who attended and continue to support student success through our programs!
The Career and Technical Education Center
The Career and Technical Education Center programs focus on preparing students for employment, careers or post-secondary education through the development of technical and 21st-century skills. Working with state-of-the-art equipment, students apply theory and knowledge to a wide range of real life work assignments in shops and laboratories. In addition to technical skills, students learn critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, positive employment attitudes, job seeking skills, familiarization with related career opportunities and college readiness.
Email: mhoover@oneida-boces.org
Website: https://www.oneida-boces.org
Location: 4747 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY, USA
Phone: 315-793-8666
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohmboces1/
Twitter: @ohmboces