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A Publication of the Southern Westchester Center for Career Services
A Message from the Director As we approach the halfway marker of the school year, the Center for Career Service’s students are busy working on class projects that will reinforce the new Career and Technical Education skills they have acquired. Please be sure to speak with your teacher and/or parents/guardians if you are having trouble completing your assignments. This is the time when guidance counselors can help if you are experiencing problems with the workload and/or attendance. For our seniors, our guidance counselors are also here to assist you with the college process. It’s never too early to identify schools that you are interested in attending, completing the college applications and inquiring about financial aid if needed. You have made a smart choice in choosing to attend the Center for Career Service’s CTE programs, so make the most of this opportunity. Remember, employers and colleges are seeking students who have a strong work ethic and relevant job skills. As a reminder, you are encouraged to read literature that relates to your CTE field of interest. By doing this, you will be able to keep up with the ever-changing industry trends, as well as training yourself in becoming a lifelong learner. I look forward to seeing everyone returning from the holiday break well rested and eager to finish up the school year. Happy New Year from the staff and administrators at the Center for Career Services.
Dr. Linda Maria Suarez Director, Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Career Services
CONTENTS Women in STEM .................................................2 Skills USA ..........................................................3 Career Conference...........................................4-5 Toyota Mentors ...................................................6 Airbrush Workshop ............................................8 Back to School Night...........................................9 NYC Trip to Design Center ................................10 Students Create Mural for McDonald House.........11 Looking Forward to Spring.................................12
Check Us Out on the Web! http://www.swboces.org/services.cfm 1
Principal James Matera is comfortable in his new role.
James Matera Named Principal James Matera has been a familiar face at Career Services since 2001 when he came to SWBOCES as a School Counselor. Over the years, he has worked in all three programs: The Basic Occupational Education program (now known as Introduction to Career Trades), the Secondary Day Career and Technical Education program, and the Alternative High School/GED program. He has gotten to know the students, the staff, the programs and the campus inside and out. In addition, he has worked to make strong connections in our component districts. So it was with much pleasure that he was named Principal of the Introduction to Career Trades/GED Program over the summer. “This center is a wonderful place, and I extremely enjoy working here,” he said. “I am a true believer in Career and Technical Education, and I have seen first-hand the impact it has made on our students.” Continued on page 4
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Women in STEM
which this Veterinary Science course falls.
When it comes to supporting women in the sciences, the Southern Westchester Center for Career and Technical Education is at the forefront of the initiative – for teachers and students alike. Here, STEM – an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – is not a mere buzzword; it is the way to catapult today’s students into tomorrow’s demanding careers. “STEM workers in the U.S. are a part of an increasingly global economy of innovation,” according to the NYS STEM Education website. “This new reality is fueling demand both in traditional STEM occupations and throughout other sectors across the economy that demand similar competencies.” The site goes on to say that women and minorities are severely underrepresented in STEM fields, so here at SWBOCES, we are particularly proud to announce that our two new STEM teachers are women: Letizia Noce in Pre-Engineering and Stephanie Rhoades in Veterinary Science. Engineering “Engineering is challenging but exciting!” said Ms. Noce. “Engineering is about solving problems and thinking logically,” she continued. While it’s not necessary to love math or science, students need to be comfortable with the subjects and willing to work hard, she explained. The skills the students learn in engineering will help them succeed in any field. Her own education is stellar. Ms. Noce comes to us with extraordinary credentials. With more than 15 years experience in the field – she was a telecommunications engineer and also a construction engineer – she is uniquely qualified for the career/college-driven program. The Mahopac resident holds degrees in both science and education: a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College and a Master of Science degree in Adolescence Education from Mercy College. She additionally holds certification in many areas, including Teaching Mathematics, Grades 7-12; Mechanical Technology, Grades 7-12; and Teaching Students with Disabilities. She is currently pursuing Certification in Teaching Physics, Grades 7-12. She completed her student teaching requirement at Mahopac Middle School and Yorktown High School, and tutored mathematics at Westchester Community College. Ms. Noce is fluent in Italian and conversational in Spanish. Math has always been her passion, and she went into teaching because she became tired of
Although she grew up wanting to be a veterinarian – which is why she went to Cornell for Animal Science, her focus shifted when she became involved with the Future Farmers of America (FFA), the agricultural version of SkillsUSA. Her first summer as a camp counselor for FFA litIn photo at far left, Ms. Noce works with engineering student Sean Benavides. Near left, Stephanie Rhoades demonstrates how to hold a guinea pig.
hearing people say, “I hate math!” The mother of three has been interested in technology her whole life, and it’s not surprising that she was always good at math and science. As a child, she enjoyed playing with automated toys, video games, Legos and puzzles. In college, she discovered that engineering was a male-dominated field and felt that she had to prove herself, which she clearly has accomplished. Now, she wants to share her experience and love for the field with her students. They will be learning engineering principles and concepts, exploring different fields of engineering, and doing hands-on projects, including building models. To students, she says: “If you think you want to do it, give it a try. You don’t have to be a nerd to be an engineer! Engineering is not out of your league. It’s a way to solve problems to make the world a better place.” Veterinary Teaching Veterinary Science: Animal Care and Exploration, Stephanie Rhoades comes to us with two degrees from Cornell University. Although she hails from upstate New York, Ms. Rhoades did her student teaching at John Bowne High School in Queens, and she has relocated to Westchester County to teach this course that is perfectly aligned with her background. As an undergraduate student, Ms. Rhoades studied Animal Science and Agricultural Science Education, and then went on to obtain a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. She is certified to teach Agricultural Sciences, the category under 2
erally changed the course of her life. “I fell in love with the camp and teaching the young campers,” she said. The campers ranged in age from 12 to 18, and her responsibilities included overseeing approximately 10 to 15 campers. She enjoyed it so much that she worked with FFA every summer, cultivating her leadership skills and teaching outdoor recreation activities. Eventually, Ms. Rhoades worked as an environmental educator and took on greater leadership positions, including the role of FFA State Officer. As such, she visited local chapters throughout the state, teaching the students about FFA opportunities and skills, and sharing her passion for science and animals. “I love animals, but the more I got involved with FFA, the more I realized I wanted to teach,” she said. Like students in SkillsUSA, FFA members learn leadership skills and public speaking through participating in contests that let them showcase their projects. Ms. Rhoades is now bringing her expertise to her current students who are learning everything from safe animal care and handling, to terminology and language, and anatomy and physiology. They will learn how to perform clinical exams, administer mediations, as well as how to manage an office, and more. “When they graduate, they will have a lot of possibilities open to them. They can study Animal Science and Pre-Vet, or they can go to school to be a vet tech or vet assistant, or any number of other career paths,” said Ms. Rhoades. “Whatever they do, they will have a good foundation in science, and with that, students will find there a lot of opportunities in agribusiness companies now.”
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It’s Standing Room Only as Students Pack SkillsUSA Interest Meeting It isn’t often that more than 100 students attend an interest meeting for a club or program, but that’s exactly what happened when teacher Skylar Kranz scheduled the SkillsUSA interest/recruitment meeting in late October. Mr. Kranz, adviser to the program, was smiling as he watched more and more students file in, crowding the room to hear about all the good things that SkillsUSA has to offer. By the time the presentation started, every seat was taken and it was standing room only. The hour-long meeting opened with a presentation by SkillsUSA President Celeste Berardi who quickly took control and addressed the group.
They also worked at the Career Conference in November when thousands of 10th grade students come to BOCES to see our campus and programs, and hear experts in the field discuss their careers. These students help organize the speakers and manage the entire event. Competitions Play A Role Competitions are the other component of the SkillsUSA program. They run the gamut from career and technical education projects that
There was great response to the SkillsUSA interest meeting.
“As SkillsUSA members, we’re the leaders on campus,” she said. “For those of us on the Board, it’s important that we do a good job, and to do that, attendance at our meetings is key.” She explained that being involved with and serious about SkillsUSA will open a lot of doors. “It’s more than a school club,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to meet people who can help you in the workforce. It’s about community service, and it’s like a fraternity or sorority. If you are serious about your career, SkillsUSA will be great for you.” SkillsUSA Explained So what exactly is SkillsUSA? “It’s a national organization that includes students, teachers and industry working together,” said Mr. Kranz. “It’s almost like a student government,” he explained. “It’s a way for students to learn leadership, entrepreneurial skills and team building. They develop a good work ethic and stronger communication and public speaking skills.” Mr. Kranz explained that each school unit is a chapter, and each chapter is part of a larger
region. Members meet twice a month to brainstorm and organize their activities. In terms of activities, he explained that the group is a very visible presence on campus, contributing their time and help at many school events. This community service aspect is a big part of the program, and anyone who attended Back to School Night saw the SkillsUSA students working hard to make sure everything went well, helping to make the night a huge success.
With Skylar Kranz, center, the SkillsUSA Board members (l. to r.) Gerardo Capistran, Celeste Berardi, Brian Faulkner, Richard Dozin, John Finateri, Jordan Harold
demonstrate a belief in the American way of life and the purposes of SkillsUSA to projects in architectural drafting, auto mechanics, carpentry, culinary, nursing, plumbing, public speaking, first aid/CPR and many more categories. Competing at the state level is a memorable experience, said Celeste. “It’s a great opportunity to travel and meet students from all over the state.” Last year, 28 SWBOCES SkillsUSA students went to the competition in Syracuse. Celeste, with Board Vice President Gerardo Capistran, won a second-place prize, winning for their chapter display unit, a creative project that showed how advancements in technology are helping America move forward. This year, Mr. Kranz is hoping there will be a regional competition too for Westchester and surrounding counties. SkillsUSA means a lot to us,” said Celeste. “We (the Board) feel strongly about it because we love the people we work with, and we want to be the best we can be.” Students who were unable to make the meeting and are interested in getting involved with SkillsUSA should contact Mr. Kranz in Building B.
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Career Conference Helps High School Sophomores Find and Follow Their Dream Jobs
In his new position, James is responsible for the Introduction to Career Trades and GED programs, which are both being redesigned to better meet the needs of our districts. Last school year, he worked as an administrative intern at the CCS, in addition to his counseling responsibilities, and while doing so he filled in for two administrators who both unexpectedly went out on medical leave. It was an opportunity that supported his interest in administration and let him put to use his Advanced Certificate in Educational Supervision and Leadership, which he received from Long Island University.
Nearly 1,100 sophomores from high schools throughout Southern Westchester flooded the Center for Career and Technical Education on Friday, Nov. 22, for an opportunity to listen to career presentations given by professionals in dozens of fields.
A Natural Progression
Miguel Casellas, a guidance counselor from New Rochelle High School, has accompanied students to this program for at least 10 years. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for my students to gather information on potential careers and actually speak to the people who are in the profession,” he said. “It is so much better than reading it on the Internet because when students listen, they develop questions, and here their questions are answered. The speakers share their experiences so it is anecdotal and educational.”
When a position on the campus became available, it was only natural for Mr. Matera to segue into an administrative role. “I saw this as an opportunity to make an impact on a larger scale,” he said. With the many changes in education, districts are facing serious challenges regarding state mandates and budgetary concerns. He wants to help. “It is a challenging time, but an exciting time. I want to make a difference.” As a self-described “people person” who always wants to help and find the good in everyone, the former high school wrestling coach was a natural candidate for a career in service and the position of Principal. A 'Booster' for Career Center
Students, along with their guidance counselors, filled classrooms throughout the campus to get first-hand information and advice on how to follow their dreams. Working professionals from the arts and sciences to the military and culinary fields gladly shared their histories and stories, and then answered questions posed by the students.
Students interested in law were able to hear from an attorney, a judge, a law student and the chief clerk of a court, all in one classroom, which is indicative of the many options this career field can offer. “We try to steer you to the top, but there are many other avenues in law, too, from working as a paralegal to your local police depart-
The Classic Car Show that was held on campus the last two years is an example of his initiative. He saw it as a way to get students and teachers to team together and get excited about working on a cross-curriculum project, while introducing the campus to people who might not be familiar with Career and Technical Education programs. He hopes to do more projects like this in the future.
ment,” said The Hon. Anthony Scarpino, Jr., who also teaches at Pace University. The judge encouraged students to do their best and make good decisions. He impressed them with the fact that law school is attainable and that scholarships are available, more so now because the number of applications are down. A graduate of Mount Vernon High School, he said he was a better athlete in high school than he was a student, but still he went to law school. “It’s not too late. If you are struggling in math or did not do well on a Regents, you can still become a good student and get into college,” he said. “I developed my studying habits in college, and then went on to law school.” Drew Coburn, who is with Cubism Branding in Dobbs Ferry, shared his expertise in marketing and sales. He posed questions and had students break into groups, brainstorm and present their findings. It was a fast-paced program that made students think on their feet about different ideas, including which countries they’d like to visit and why those places might be good tourism brands. Continued on page 5
Drew Coburn, a marketing pro, shares his knowledge of the field.
Clearly, he considers himself a “booster” for the center. “So many people don’t know about us,” he said. “When people come to our campus for a tour, we always get a ‘Wow!’ reaction. We have to get the message out.”
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Career Conference Helps... Continued from page 4
Fiji and China were two interesting and exotic destinations discussed. He offered tips along the way. “Don’t think of it as presenting. Just talk to us,” he encouraged. “That will take the fear out of it.” For those who might crave more structure in their lives, the military was also represented. Three representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps were on hand with Tony Dietz, who is not only a BOCES teacher in the EMT program but also a medic in the Navy reserve. Sgt. R.E. Valerio, who handles recruitment in the area, explained that the military offers specialized career training and that each branch has a different focus. “The Marines are the first responders, while the Army is more about long-term support.” He advised students to make good, logical decisions when thinking about career goals. “Talk to every branch and do your research,” he said. “Everyone’s decision is different. Choose wisely and do it for yourself.” Chef Desi Colon has been participating in this program with Gerry Murphy for several years. As EMS Teacher Hanifah Muhammad with Eastchester EMT Maria Cardenas demonstrated CPR techniques.
The Marine Corps were represented by Private First Class Corona, Sgt. R. E. Valerio and Private first Class Pop (l. to r.).
a culinary instructor at Westchester Community College, he emphasized that there will always be jobs in the food industry. “Everybody has to eat! Whether in restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels or even the armed forces, the industry is stable. You can work at a golf course or on a cruise ship, in New York or Hawaii,” he said. “When you pick your career, pick something you enjoy so you wake up looking forward to the day. Me? I enjoy baking. I enjoy eating!” There were also two doctors who spoke: Dr. Traci Gardner, a pediatrician, and Dr. David Colbourne, who is in emergency medicine at Flushing Hospital. “People call me Dr. Dave,” said the physician, who is also a professor at two medical schools. His refreshing style engaged the students, but his message was serious. “My family was poor, and there was no money for college,” he said. But he followed his mother’s advice, which was the following: No matter how many say no, find a way around it. He attended a SUNY college and worked as a resident adviser to 5
make money, and then paid for medical school by working as a paramedic, which paved the way for him to go into emergency medicine.
Students observe and then practice using medical equipment.
There are many new ways to enter the medical profession, he said. Becoming a medical technician is one of those ways. SWBOCES teacher Hanifah Muhammad, who presented with Eastchester EMT Maria Cardenas, supports that statement. “A lot of students who came to my class today expressed interest in becoming physicians and nurses,” said Ms. Muhammad. “This course can be a stepping stone to more education and a great introduction to medical school, or training for a career in itself. As medical technicians, students can experience everything from saving a life and easing an ailment to delivering a baby. It can be very rewarding.” The students were scheduled to visit two classroom presentations over the course of the morning. There were 35 programs to choose from, everything from STEM courses to design, business occupations, arts, dance, education, financial, food service and more.
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BOCES Automotive Mentors Create Road Map for Success Some people are connected through genetics, while others come together through less ancestral paths than blood lines, and these other connections can often be just as influential as family.
create partnerships between employers and technology schools, and BOCES is an AYES school. “Dealers like to grow their own technicians, and this is a great partnership for making that happen,” said the instructor. “They teach the interns in their own methods and ways, training them to
That’s the case for three SWBOCES students of the Automotive Technician program. They share a bond that has brought them all to New Rochelle Toyota, and while they are unrelated, you could say they all have cars in their blood. Brandon Magana, 17, is a senior in the two-year program. When Brandon starts talking about cars, it becomes clear that automobiles are his passion. “I’ve always liked cars,” said Brandon, who speaks with a confidence that belies his age. “You always dream of race cars, fast cars,” said the New Rochelle resident. “Then you start to realize that there’s money to be made in this field.” Excellent Candidate for Internship “Brandon is a car kid,” said automotive instructor Michael Ward, who has been with BOCES for 23 years and, in that time, has seen quite a few of his students excel. Last year, Mr. Ward realized Brandon was doing especially well, and, when the opportunity appeared, he determined that Brandon could benefit from an AYES internship. Automotive Youth Education Systems works to
Mentoring means a lot to (l. to r.) Carlos Mavila, Brandon Magana and Jason Tavares.
know their cars and to succeed.” Jason Tavares, now 31, is Assistant Service Manager at New Rochelle Toyota, having worked his way up from technician. He attended the BOCES automotive program back in 1999-2000, working as a paid intern at New Rochelle Toyota during the summer of his junior year. Like Brandon, cars are his thing. “Regular school just wasn’t for me,” he said. “I felt I had something else to gain by going to trade school. I love cars, and BOCES turned out to be great.” 'People Appreciated Me' The internship taught him a lot more than nuts and bolts. “The internship gave me a feeling of empowerment,” said Jason, who lives in New Rochelle. “People appreciated me, and I felt I was succeeding. It was good to know that I had backing, and that people were helping me out.” Automotive instructor Michael Ward in the SWBOCES car shop with Brandon Magana. 6
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After he graduated, he started working full-time at the dealership. That was in 2001. Eventually, he became a professional diagnostician technician (PDT) and was promoted to his current managerial spot six months ago. The idea of giving back long appealed to him and drove his thinking when, after discussing it with his supervisor, he called his former teacher Mr. Ward to inquire if any students might be interested in interning over the summer at the dealership. 'He Deserved the Chance' Mr. Ward determined Brandon would be the right student for the job. “I saw his potential, and when Jason called me, I offered the internship opportunity to Brandon,” he said. “He is attentive and dedicated, and he deserved the chance.” Brandon, who already had brake certification,
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jumped at the idea of a paid internship that would offer him entrée into the working world. He started working five days a week through the summer. Now he continues to work on Saturdays. The internship has been powerful for him. “I have this opportunity to excel in this dealership. You learn a lot – how to manage your time, deal with customers, and work with different people.”
know. Jason was like a sponge,” he recalled. “He wanted to learn, and he soaked it up.” Carlos was just as pleased to be Brandon’s mentor when asked. “Brandon is getting his feet wet, and he has good potential.”
Jason said it’s working well: “Brandon is smart. He’s a good worker who is great to have around.”
“It is something like a trifecta,” said Brandon. “Jason is my boss, and Carlos is my mentor – he’s like a teacher, and he knows the cars,” said Brandon, who plans to go to college next year for automotive studies.
Carlos Mavila, 38, a master diagnostician technician (MDT) at the dealership, is the third piece of the BOCES connection. He has worked at New Rochelle Toyota more than 20 years, and he also was a BOCES automotive student. He attended the program through Adult Education in 1993 and went on to obtain an associate’s degree in the field at Columbia-Greene Community College.
“Cars are a giant puzzle, and everything is supposed to be in a certain order,” said Brandon. “When something is not working, Carlos knows what to look for. He’s good at explaining why it’s better to do a repair one way and not the other. His experience makes it easy for him to diagnose the problems, and he saves the customer time and money.”
A Natural Mentor
“Carlos is almost like my father, and Brandon is like a son” said Jason, pleased that he is passing on the good will. “We are like family. See how it works?” said Jason.
Carlos loves cars, and he also loves teaching, so he was a natural to be a mentor – to both Jason and now Brandon. “I like to pass on what I
PSA Posters Fight Cyberbullying The Commercial Art class finished an Anti-Cyberbullying PSA campaign in December, in conjunction with New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). After researching and developing ideas, each student was tasked with creating three Public Service Announcement posters that related to Anti-Cyberbullying. A total of 90 poster ideas were created. The students then had an “executive meeting” and limited the number of posters to 15, which were considered to be the “best of the best” by both the morning and afternoon Commercial Art classes. The final 15 posters were each printed three times. The posters will be located all over campus and create an awareness that bullying does not just happen within the confines of school wall and halls, but that bullying can happen in cyberspace, where many students spend time. Here, one of the 15 posters.
Brandon plans to study automotive technology in college.
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Autobody Students Try Their Hand at Airbrushing The last thing you would expect to see when walking into the car shop in Building E is a class of students standing in front of easels painting. After all, this is a car shop, not an artist’s studio, right? Yet, that’s exactly what happens every year in the fall as a teacher from Ohio Technical College in Cleveland comes to visit and share his expertise in the fine art of airbrushing. “Airbrushing is a skill that students enjoy learning, and our teacher Tom Banks knows exactly how to engage them,” said Ron Zelman, the admissions representative who was on hand for the day’s lessons on Nov. 14, which were delivered to both morning and afternoon sessions. Close to 40 students participated in the workshops that were taught by Mr. Banks, a teacher in the Collision Repair Program of OTC. Students learned how to handle and manipulate an airbrush, learning line control, quality, movement and more. A Popular Annual Workshop The college comes each year with all the tools and equipment needed to make the day a success on every level. The paint used for the event is donated by Auto-Air Colors. Auto Collision Teachers Glenn Demers and Paul Casagrande are always pleased with the instruction. “This is an annual event with Ohio Technical College, and it is predictably a fun and enriching day for our students,” they said. “Knowing how to airbrush is a valuable skill in the collision repair business, and students get to try it and see if they might like it.”
While one to three SWBOCES students typically attend Ohio Technical College after graduation, the majority does not. “The class is a great learning exercise for everyone who participates, no matter where they go on to school,” said Mr. Zelman. “This is our way of giving back to a school that has supported us for years.”
Students have the opportunity to experience the type of training that college offers and consider the potential for what they could learn. The workshop also broadens their experience base in terms of the industry possibilities. This year, even a student from the ComArt student Shelby Curly, who is in Damian Powers’ class, enjoys airbrushing mercial Art program workshop. participated, taking while teaching them some basic skills. advantage of the opportunity to expand her tool kit. “It’s all about possibilities,” said Mr. Banks, “OTC is one of many colleges that come to our campus, and it’s great for the kids. This program, who appeals to the young students with his hip in particular, is special for me,” said Mr. Demers. style and familiar approach. As a teacher in the college’s Custom Paint and Graphics program, “Because I attend a teacher airbrush seminar in he has the right touch, both on the airbrush and Ohio every year, OTC offers $2,500 in scholarwith the students. ship money for any student from our school. It’s a win-win day ¬– for the college and our students.” 'Kids Love Him' Mr. Zelman agrees. “This is an opportunity for the “Kids love him,” said Mr. Zelman. “His positive students to get a taste of our program and also teaching style engages the students. They relate learn some basic airbrushing techniques,” said to him, and we always enjoy these students. Mr. Zelman, who added that Ohio Technical They are eager to learn and are cooperative. College has been partnering with SWBOCES as It is always a pleasure to be here.” a visiting college for 20 years or more.
Bringing colleges in for training days like this makes the program more interesting, and it exposes students to possibilities after graduation,
Instructor Glenn Demers gives some tips to student Jorge Pena.
Glenn Demers, Tom Banks, Paul Casagrande and Ron Zelman ( l. to r.) always enjoy this workshop. 8
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Back to School Night Welcomes Parents, Community It was a cold autumn evening, but the nip in the air and the gray skies did nothing to deter parents, students and community members from attending the popular Back to School Night at the Center for Career Services on Oct. 10. Some 200 proud parents/guardians streamed into the Center from 6 to 8:30 p.m. to meet teachers and staff while appreciating the work their children have been producing since school started in September. Debra and Tedd Dratell with their son, Alec, and his teacher Tony Ely in the TV/Video production room. "He’s a great kid," said Mr. Ely.
They were welcomed by BOCES staff members who directed them around the campus and invited them to enjoy the delicious food platters prepared by the students in the Culinary Arts Program and placed in all the buildings. Debra and Tedd Drattell admired the video facilities in the TV/Video Production rooms. Their son, Alec, a first-year student, is very happy here, they said. “He loves it,” said Debra. “We are big BOCES fans. Alec’s older sister studied fashion design in BOCES on Long Island and went on to F.I.T. in the city. So it’s our second round of wonderful BOCES, and we are very pleased.”
In Cosmetology, second-year students Kelly Briceno and Andrea Valencia were treating visitors to paraffin wax hand treatments. Kelly, 17, said the program is an excellent opportunity because cosmetology programs are expensive, and here she can study as part of high
well as training in policing and HAZMAT controls, they get college credit for their courses. Teacher Ray Sulla explained that the program is articulated with a number of colleges, which is a plus when it comes to college admission. Aravely and Johnson Tavarez were in the Commercial Art classroom talking about their daughter, Gabriella, with teacher Damian Powers. As a Andrew Lamb's father also went to SWBOCES to study Auto Collision Technology.
school.“This will be a good part-time job for me when I am in college,” said Kelly who intends to go to college for business and IT management.
Kaye Arnzen and daughter, Antonia, feel the Emergency and Protective Services (EPS) program will be a good fit. Her mother said that while Antonia, 16, wasn’t sure what she wanted to study when she started, she is now. “My daughter is caring and motivated to help, but she didn’t know how she wanted to channel that interest. Now she is here, and she fell in love with it.” Antonia describes the program as “awesome.” The Irvington High School junior said it makes her feel smart. And she is smart, because students in the program know that they will graduate with a leg up on the college competition. Not only do grads receive certification in CPR & First Aid, as
first-year student, Gabriella wasn’t sure art was her passion, but she is enjoying it, said her mom. “The teacher is the key factor,” said Mrs. Tavarez. “Mr. Powers pulls out the ideas and gets their creative juices flowing. He is helping her thrive.” Mr. Powers reported happily: “She is doing great. I tell her it’s about the process.”
In the Automotive Technician garage, Marco Antonio Gatica was with his father, George. “It’s fun and exciting for me,” said the first-year student, whose father took the night off from work to be here. “For my son, this is excellent. I am here for him tonight. He likes hands-on work, and the teacher (Greg Battochi) said he is doing good and is very interested.” Marco Antonio has planned ahead. “He wants to go to college for automotive engineering, and this will help him follow his dreams,” said his father. Kaye Arnzen and daughter, Antonia. 9
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Trip to Design Center in NYC Reveals the Possibilities for Design Students It was like watching kids in a candy store, as they say, to see the Career Center’s Art Design students tour the New York Design Center in late November. Despite traffic on the ride down, the group of 12 students and several chaperones arrived ready and excited to view the treasures displayed in the building at 200 Lexington Ave. in NYC.
Amber Sanders, the internship coordinator, was happy to meet the students and have them apply. “Internships are a way for us to support students in the field, and we’re pleased to have these students here,” she said. The showrooms were all fascinating, some extremely modern, others vintage; some were simple and others very elaborate. It was interesting for the students to observe the different styles and periods. One space that all the students related to was the business SMARTBoard showroom. Since they are all familiar with SMARTBoards, they could see how the Boards work in different corporate and academic settings. Every student had a favorite space: Mariel Robkoff and Kaitlyn Klippert (both New Rochelle) loved the lighting fixtures and day itself. “I love it!” said Kaitlyn. “I could spend so much time here.”
Marcus Boykin and Shane Cabin tour Design Center,and Giselle Leonardo and Mariela Oliveros apply for internships.
For those not familiar with the study of Interior Design, the destination is easy to explain: the Design Center could very well be the epicenter of the decorating universe. The 16-story building is filled with nearly 100 showrooms of furniture, lighting fixtures, fabrics, and other decorative accessories. Built in 1926 as the New York Furniture Exchange, the renowned location is the country’s oldest furniture and design building, and is certainly a treat for professionals and students interested in art of any kind. The students, all in Christine Ireland’s Graphic and Interior Art Design class, were prepared for the trip through lectures and research about the resources in the showrooms. When they arrived, they worked on a coinciding assignment that put them on a treasure hunt for specific items. Ms. Ireland had asked them to find very precise items throughout the building: for example, a sectional that seats six people, two occasional chairs, a cocktail table and lighting. The students had to poke around to find the items and complete the assignment. It became very interactive. For five of these students, the trip had extra meaning. They are interested in interning here next year. “We all know how important interning is these days,” said Ms. Ireland. “It’s a great way to get experience and to network your
way into a real job.” It’s thanks to Ms. Ireland’s networking skills that the field trip took place. Before she was a teacher, Ms. Ireland was an interior designer and worked in this very building for Cliff Young, Ltd., on the fifth floor. Because she maintained ties with her former employer, it was easy to arrange the trip and provide the opportunity for the five girls to make their introductions. The Cliff Young showroom is full of hand-crafted furniture for the home and office as well as coordinated seating, area rugs, wall hangings, etc.
Jaleeza Franklin (New Rochelle) enjoyed seeing how different pieces in one showroom are put together. “It’s inspiring!” she said. Giselle Leonardo (Port Chester) was excited to see all the options there are: “There’s so much to see.” Mariela Oliveros (New Rochelle) hopes to get one of the internships: “It gets you ready for life.” The internships would take place during the summer or perhaps even during the school year. While they are not paid internships, the employer does provide travel expenses. Ms. Ireland is optimistic that at least some of her students will be offered spots. “The students are enthusiastic and bright, and I think that their spirit came across to the internship coordinator. I am very pleased and optimistic that there will be some placements,” she said. “Internships are wonderful opportunities, and the day was a win-win for all the students who were exposed to an entirely different corporate workplace.”
Christine Ireland's class arrives at the New York Design Center for a day of illuminating experiences. 10
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Art Students Create Mural at Ronald McDonald House
Above, the finished mural.
There’s something bright and sunny filling the playroom of the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley in Valhalla, and it’s thanks to the Commercial Art students in Damian Powers' class. Now, instead of a plain beige wall, a colorful mural painted on a lavender background brightens an entire wall of the children’s playroom. The mural depicts a sunny landscape brimming with hearts, butterflies, flowers, rainbows and love, and honors the memory of Jamie Levy, a little girl who passed away from leukemia at the age of 5. Jamie was the niece of one of the board members of the Ronald McDonald House, whose family named the playroom in her honor. She loved art and was always drawing and painting. Her own artwork inspired the design, and some of her actual images are included in the mural. The project began with a visit by Chistina Picucci, the House Manager of the Ronald McDonald House, to the SWBOCES Center for Career Services (CCS) in the fall. In Building B, she noticed and admired
Teacher Damian Powers with some students from the Commercial Art class as work begins on mural.
the murals lining the corridors. She later inquired, through Marty Sommer, a CCS guidance counselor, if it would be possible to create a mural in the children’s playroom at the Ronald McDonald House. “We really wanted to brighten the playroom and make it a fun, happy place for the families and children staying at the house,” said Ms. Picucci. The house keeps families together by giving them a place to stay while their child is treated in the hospital.
Anthony Duque adjusts a portion of the mural that utilizes Jamie's art.
“Once the room was named in Jamie's memory,” she continued, “I said, what better way to bring her spirit into the room than to bring her artwork alive through a mural." 11
After a number of discussions that involved logistical, as well as creative hurdles, the project was approved and has now come to fruition. Anthony Duque of New Rochelle takes credit for much of the finished design. He worked on at least 20 designs before the final product was approved. The junior was inspired by artwork that Jamie created, and 10 students in the class did the actual painting. “It’s awesome,” said Mr. Powers. “I am so proud of the work this group did. It involved a lot of creativity and teamwork, and we have a terrific mural with an inspirational story.”
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Back to School Night Welcomes Parents, Community... Continued from page 9
SWBOCES Center for Career Services 65 Grasslands Road Valhalla, NY 10595 914-761-3400 Dr. Linda Maria Suarez, Director Dr. Clement Ceccarelli, Supervisor, Advanced Career and Technical Education James Matera, Principal of the Introduction to Career Trades/GED Program Debra Keiser, Newsletter Editor
First-year student Andrew Lamb is also studying to be an Auto Collision Technician. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Richard, who attended BOCES here some 30 years back, and his older brother, Chris, who attended a few years ago. Andrew’s dad is retired after successfully owning two auto shops over the years. “I worked hard and it treated me well,” said Mr. Lamb. Michael McCrain, a first year student in the Auto Collision Program, attended with his parents, Alaina and Steve, who were speaking with
teacher Peter Schwartzott. Michael’s friend John Casullo, a student in Purchase College, came along with them for the event. Why was he interested? “I have a passion for cars and always have,” he explained. Now, he is considering attending the BOCES adult education program for automotives. In addition to the tours, parents were invited to a number of informational workshops that included topics such as: College and Career Readiness, Common Core Learning Standards, Workforce Readiness and CTE Technical Colleges: The What, Where, When of the college selection process.
Southern Westchester BOCES 17 Berkley Drive Rye Brook, NY 10573 914-937-3820 www.swboces.org
Aravely and Johnson Tavarez meet art teacher Damian Powers and discuss daughter Gabriella’s progess.
Board of Education Joseph Wooley, President James E. Miller, Vice President John DeSantis Catherine Draper Lynn Frazer McBride Richard Glickstein Harold Coles, Psy.D., District Superintendent Sandra A. Simpson, Chief Operating Officer/ Deputy District Superintendent
Below, Andrea Valencia ( l. ) and Kelly Briceno practice hand treatments.
Assistant Superintendents Jacqueline O'Donnell, Regional Services Thomas Elliott, Ph.D., Ed.D., Educational Services Stephen Tibbetts, Business and Administrative Services The Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services, its officers and employees, shall not discriminate against any student, employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, gender, age, handicapping condition or sexual orientation. This policy of nondiscrimination includes access by students to educational programs, counseling services for students, course offerings and student activities, recruitment, appointment and promotion of employees, and employment pay and benefits, and it is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended and then promulgated thereunder, not to discriminate in such a manner. SWBOCES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Section 504 Coordinator Thomas DiBuono, Director of Facilities and Operations
“The Mission of Southern Westchester BOCES is to collaborate with school districts and communities to meet their educational challenges by providing regional leadership and cost-effective, high-quality services.”
Looking Forward to Spring The spring promises warmer weather, along with some great upcoming events at the Center for Career Services: • Car Show • Media Show • Fashion Show • Open House For details and dates, please watch the website: www.swboces.org/services.cfm, and follow us on Facebook! 12