Welcome to GST BOCES
  • GST BOCES students win Alfred State Tech Challenge

    A team of students from the GST BOCES Wildwood Education Center won first place at the Tech Challenge at Alfred State College in April.

    The team was recognized for Best Business Plan, Best Marketing Plan, Fastest Renegade Car and Best Design CAD Drawings.

    This year's challenge was to construct a working race car out of recycled materials. Cars competed on time and wind speed. Alfred State College automotive faculty and students served as judges in this component. Competitors also had to submit business and marketing plans, which were judged by ASC business department members, and a CAD drawing, which was judged by the CAD department.

    The team consisted of Digital Media Arts students Kaitlin Preston (Hornell), Elena Wallace (Hornell), Amber Clark (Hornell), Bree Hann (Alfred-Almond), Rachel Lehman (Alfred-Almond) and Sara Mullen (Canaseraga) and Building Construction students Shane Powers (Canisteo-Greenwood) and Cory Thompson (Bath). Instructors Gary Acker and Rob Lemay served as advisers.

  • CTE students win big at state conference

    Students in the New Visions Health Careers Exploration and Nurse Assisting programs from the Bush campus scored big at the recent HOSA Spring Leadership Conference, held in April in Syracuse.

    Denitra Ransome, a Waverly High School student who attends the Nurse Assisting program at the GST BOCES Bush Campus, was named the 2013-14 New York State president of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) at the conference.

    GST BOCES students brought home 17 first-place medals and 28 medals overall. Students competed in difficult team and individual medical competition categories such as Bio Medical Debate, Nutrition Knowledge and CPR/First Aid, just to name a few. Eleven GST BOCES medal winners will travel to the National HOSA Leadership Conference in June in Nashville to compete with 7,000 other students from across the country.

    Click here for the list of winners.

    "I was overjoyed by the number of students who placed so high in this competition," said New Visions Health Careers Exploration Instructor Beth Woodard. "This is the largest number of first-place medals my class has ever come home with. They worked really hard to prepare for this."

  • Criminal Justice students participate in mock DWI crash

    Students in the Coopers Campus Criminal Justice program acted the parts in a mock crash at the Bath Fairgrounds on April 24. The scene of the two-car "crash" included a high school couple on their way home from a prom, driving an SUV while "intoxicated," and another vehicle with two women and two children inside. The grandstand held an audience of approximately 300 area students who watched the hour-long reenactment, which was narrated by Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker.

    In this photo, first responders tend to the crash victims. Actual firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement, paramedics and a helicopter ambulance participated in the activity. Officers from the Steuben County Sheriff's Department and New York State Police also were on the scene.

    This event is a collaborative effort to increase awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence. It's timed before upcoming proms and graduation parties in hopes of preventing senseless tragedies.

    Criminal Justice is a popular CTE program offered at all three GST BOCES campuses. It prepares students for careers in law enforcement, safety and security. The instructors at the Coopers Campus are Erin Boyle and Scott Richardson.

  • Bush Campus greenhouse selling flowers

    It's time for the Spring Plant Sale beginning May 6 in the greenhouse of Building #3 on the Bush Campus in Elmira. This sale features many flower varieties at reasonable prices, grown by students in the CTE Conservation program. Plants are on sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, or by appointment by contacting Matt Bryant, Conservation teacher, at (607) 739-3581, ext. 1221. This annual event is a fundraiser for the SCT Future Conservationists FFA Chapter.

    The greenhouse is loaded with 10- and 12-inch hanging baskets perfect for Mother's Day gifts or for any occasion. In addition, there are potted geraniums, petunias, spikes, coleus, dusty millers, impatiens, gazanias, vinca and others, sold in starter packs or flats.

    "Come get your hanging baskets soon, before they sell out," said Bryant. The sale continues through May until plants are sold.

    Conservation is one of more than 20 CTE programs at GST BOCES. This program is offered at the Bush Campus only. Conservation students learn to operate heavy equipment such as backhoes and excavators, learn about wildlife, land management and aquaculture and gain leadership skills through FFA activities.

  • Adult Education and Training offers tailored training programs to local businesses

    Did you know that Adult Education and Training offers customized training for local business and industry? BOCES staff collaborate with area businesses leaders to tailor specific education programs that meet the needs of the business. These programs can cover a wide range of topics, including apprenticeship classes for businesses, computers, electricity, forklift certification, health careers, HVAC/R, machining, welding and health and safety.

    In this photo, two World Kitchen employees are reading a schematic as part of customized training program. This 240-hour class is called Industrial Maintenance. It provides workers with industry-specific training in safety, measuring, electricity, machine tools, hydraulics, pneumatics and more. This class is taught at the Bush Campus in Building #8, a fully-equipped machine shop classroom. However, most programs can take place anywhere that meets the business's needs.

    Adult Education and Training also offers:
        • Career Training Programs
        • Computer and Software Training
        • Literacy and GED Programs
        • Leisure Learning and Enrichment Classes
        • Customized One-on-One Training, and
        • Online Courses.

    Click here to see the latest Course Catalog.

  • CTE student hosts local radio show as part of work-based learning

    A Career and Technical Education student had the chance to be the DJ for 94 Rock, a popular local radio station, for a morning. She is a senior in Allen Orshal's Audio Media Communications program, a two-year Bush Campus program that students take half a day during their junior and senior years of high school. (Note: student names are withheld with identifying photographs as part of BOCES Internet student safety policy.)

    Career and Technical Education students enrolled in a typical two-year GST BOCES do spend time on campus in class, but these are not your typical classrooms. For example, the Bush Campus Audio Media room is a broadcasting studio, with state-of-the-art computers and audio/video editing software.

    During their senior year, students get to work or intern at local businesses as part of the Work Experience Program. Having the opportunity to participate in a work experience gives CTE students on-the-job work experience and exposure to the skills needed to be successful in a career.

    "Having the opportunity to intern with an area business is a powerful experience for our CTE students," said Carolyn Connelly, Work Experience Coordinator for the Bush Campus. "Not only do they learn more about the industry that they are being trained for, but they develop confidence in themselves as employees. We are fortunate to have such a great relationship with our local business and industry partners."

  • CTE students interview with potential employers

    Career and Technical Education students recently interviewed for jobs as part of their senior year experience at GST BOCES. Students who participated in the annual Spring Employers' Day met with professionals representing dozens of local companies. Potential employers were matched with students trained in similar career areas.

    Most Bush Campus CTE classes participated in this event. Potential employers had the option of interviewing students for practice, to hire now or to possibly hire later. The interviews helped students practice dressing appropriately, making eye contact and other important interviewing skills. The adults conducting the interviews were eager to give constructive advice and feedback to students.

    In this photo, a senior from Odessa-Montour Junior/Senior High School in Dan McNaughton's Auto Technology class interviewed for a position with a local auto repair shop. She was optimistic about getting a job after school, and appreciated the opportunity to have a job interview as part of her BOCES education.

    "My parents really instilled a professional background in me, ever since I was little," she said. "They were very supportive about me going into the automotive field, even though it's not a traditional role for women."

    "We teach students interviewing skills, and this gives them a chance to practice what they've learned," said Dan McNaughton. "The confidence and experience they get from doing these practice interviews really helps them in real interviews, which helps them get jobs."

  • Student chooses Heavy Equipment program to prepare for military

    Students in the CTE Heavy Equipment program study the operation, maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Upon completion, students are ready to work in a wide variety of construction careers, where trained operators earn good salaries. The program offers a combination of classroom learning, technical skills, hands-on instruction and field projects.

    This student, a Bradford Central School senior, is completing the Heavy Equipment program at the GST BOCES Coopers campus. He enjoyed working on the large equipment, including the five-ton trucks. He will graduate with certificates in NCCR and OSHA requirements. He chose the program because of the hands-on nature of the course, and knows that what he's learned in his two years in the program will serve him well in the military.

    He plans to use his skills for a career in the United States Marine Corps.

    Heavy Equipment is offered at the Coopers and Wildwood campuses. On the Bush campus, the Conservation program includes training on similar earth-moving equipment. For more information on GST BOCES CTE programs, click here.

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Discover GST BOCES! Use the A to Z index or the Search Box located near the top of the page.
We deliver a variety of innovative programs and services from our three beautiful campuses. A full list of services can be found in the footer of this page.
Bush Campus
459 Philo Road, Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 739-3581 - Fax: (607) 795-5304
Coopers Campus
9579 Vocational Drive, Painted Post, NY 14870
(607) 962-3175 - Fax: (607) 962-1579
Wildwood Campus
1126 Bald Hill Road, Hornell, NY 14843
(607) 324-7880 - Fax: (607) 324-3842
Hall of Fame Banquet was May 15

Staff and community members attended the Hall of Fame Banquet on May 15, which was held at the GST BOCES Coopers campus in Building #7.

The Hall of Fame was established to recognize the personal and professional achievements of past students who best exemplify the qualities and characteristics inherent in a successful BOCES program graduate.

This annual banquet is hosted by the GST BOCES Career and Technical Education Advisory Council. The CTE Hall of Fame is a long-standing tradition at GST BOCES. Anyone who has completed an Adult Education, Alternative High School or CTE program is eligible for nomination to the Hall of Fame, after their sixth year of program completion.

This year's nominees are:

Martin DiPetta is a 2002 graduate of Southside High School. He attended the New Visions Health Careers Exploration program at the Bush Education Center during his senior year. He graduated in 2010 as a Doctor of Chiropractic and now owns DiPetta Chiropractic in Elmira. His business continues to grow and he regularly allows New Visions students to shadow him at his office.

Winifred (Winnie) Hinman completed the BOCES Practical Nursing program at the Bush campus in 1989, receiving her LPN license. She worked for 19 years at the Chemung County Nursing Facility, where she was team leader, staff nurse, infection control nurse, clinical supervisor and building supervisor. She graduated from Keuka College in 2010 with her BSN, and is currently working on her MSN degree. She also is the Nursing Coordinator of GST BOCES Practical Nursing program.

Kimberly Weaver graduated from Corning West High School and completed the New Visions Medical program at the Coopers campus in 2002. She graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine in 2009 with honors. In 2011, she opened her own business, Healing Hands Chiropractic in Addison, which she still operates today. She also serves as the Anatomy and Physiology instructor for the New Visions Medical program at the Wildwood and Coopers campuses.

Human Resources Department located at Bush Campus

The GST BOCES HR Department is located in Building #1 at the Bush Campus, near the main entrance to Administration. Check out their Employment tab at the top of the home page for current job openings and application information.

Department Staff
HR Main Number - 739-3581
HR Fax - 654-2280
Doug Johnson
Director of Human Resources and Employee Relations - Ext. 2233
Tina Hazzard
Senior Stenographer - Ext. 2273
Shelly Bacmanski
Personnel Clerk - Ext. 2308
Bridgett Freelove
Payroll Specialist - Ext. 2221
Robin Morrell
Senior Account Clerk – Ext. 2204
Roxanne Ragan
Personnel Clerk - Ext. 2250
Leslie Roof
Personnel Clerk - Ext. 2290

Important NYS updates on teacher certification

There are several specific pathways to become certified to teach in New York State schools. One of them has been individual evaluation, but this pathway will end on May 1, 2014, for all classroom titles except childhood education. Click here for new details on the Teacher Certification webpage.

Need help navigating the path to teacher certification? Ask Betty DeNardo, the GST BOCES regional teacher certification specialist. Her office is located in Building #11 on the Bush Campus. Betty provides teacher and coaching certification evaluation service to those living in our GST BOCES region and those employed in our 21 component school districts. In addition, she is the in-house expert on Civil Service employment. To reach Betty DeNardo from inside BOCES, dial extension 2215. To call from outside BOCES, call 739-3581, extension 2215.

CTE students compete and place in SkillsUSA contests

Fifty-eight Career and Technical Education students from across all three GST BOCES campuses recently competed and placed in the Area 1 SkillsUSA competition, held March 5 at Alfred State College's Alfred and Wellsville campuses. More than 950 students participated at this event in categories ranging from Advertising Design to TV/Video Production.

Click here to see the Bush Campus winners.

Click here to see the Coopers Campus winners

Click here to see the Wildwood Campus winners.

STEM training helps teachers make curriculum engaging
Hendy third-graders observe crayfish.

STEM staff development provides strong instructional leadership by specialized GST BOCES staff for area teachers. Here's what Mary Ann Cleary, a third-grade teacher at Hendy Avenue Elementary in the Elmira City School District, wrote about STEM teaching in her classroom:

"This is my second full year implementing STEM in my third-grade classroom. It never fails to amaze me that when the equipment comes out, the children are at their best.

It is my observation that this 'hands-on' method of teaching science totally captures the attention of the children. So many skills are cohesively taught within the STEM lessons, including math, reading and writing. Because of this, children are aware that the curriculum taught throughout the day does come together in the real world and is interconnected.

It is interesting to note the enthusiasm of the children this month as they come into the room each morning. They first check out their crayfish habitat then immediately go to measure the growth of their plants. Hydroponics has become part of their vocabulary; a term I would not have expected to be commonplace in a third-grade class.

The STEM program has become the highlight of our third-grade days. I hope that all districts see the value of the FOSS program and continue to support it."

Click here to read the latest STEM newsletter.
Click here to visit the STEM website.

Elsmere Deli closing on May 21

The Elsmere Deli in Building #1, Room 54, on the Bush Campus will be closing for the school year on May 21. It will remain open until then for snacks and lunches Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays. The menu changes each week. Current offerings are emailed to Bush Campus staff, who can order by calling extension 1163 after 9:30 a.m.

Students receiving Special Education services in the Elsmere Program learn real-life work experience by managing the Deli. Three classrooms take turns planning, preparing and staffing it on the three days it's open. They start serving lunch around 10:45, and clean up around 12:45 p.m.

The Elsmere Program is part of GST BOCES Special Education services for children K-12 with development disabilities.

Phone tips from the switchboard operator

The switchboard is staffed by Dianne Impson weekdays from 7:30-3:30. After hours, calls are answered by an automated system. GST BOCES has more than 800 employees and extensions, and trying to locate an employee without complete information takes time and slows efficiency. Here are some tips for more efficient phone usage.

  1. Internally, the most accurate way to find a four-digit extension is using Directories button on your phone.
  2. Another way to find an extension is with People Finder tool online.
  3. Printable phone directories are on the Intranet. Under Documents, click Information. In Campus Information you'll find updated phone extension lists.
  4. The following school districts are linked to our phone system through the Directories search button on your phone. Most people at these locations can be dialed with four digits.
    • Addison
    • GST BOCES
    • Campbell-Savona
    • Elmira (administration only)
    • Elmira Heights
    • Hornell
    • Jasper-Troopsburg
    • Odessa-Montour
    • Prattsburgh and
    • Spencer-Van Etten.

Upcoming Events
May 27, 2013
Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
All Campus Locations
 
 
May 28, 2013
CTE Program Exams
 
 
May 29, 2013
CTE Program Exams
 
 
May 30, 2013
CTE End of 8th Marking Period
All Campus Locations
 
 
June 4, 2013
5:30 p.m.
BOCES Board Meeting
Coopers Campus, Painted Post, NY
Go to http://www.gstboces.org/#/pages/boardofeducation.cfm for details.  
 
June 5, 2013
10:30 a.m.
Coopers CTE Annual Senior Day Picnic
Coopers Campus, Painted Post, NY
 
 
June 6, 2013
5:30 p.m.
Wildwood Campus Alternative Education Graduation
Building #3 Cafeteria
 
 
June 7, 2013
CTE Last Day of Classes for Students
All Campus Locations
 
 
Print Shop located in Horseheads

The GST BOCES Print Shop moved from their old College Avenue address in Elmira to their new location at 3153 Lake Road, Horseheads. The building, which was formerly Aldi Foods, was completely updated and renovated.

Click here for their Printing Request Form.

The Print Shop may be called directly with a four digit extension within BOCES. Dial 1810 for the Print Shop, or 1811 for Kathleen Graves, Print Shop Supervisor. From outside the BOCES phone system, call 734-4937.

Help Desk can solve your computer problems

The GST BOCES Help Desk provides a speedy solution to technology issues throughout the BOCES organization and component school districts. This service provides end users with the capability and access to solutions with any computer problem, by phone, or e-mail. This includes any desktop computer or computer network-related problem.

The Help Desk is open Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To call the Help Desk from within BOCES, dial 1324, to call from Addison dial 7001324. To call from outside BOCES, dial 795-5324.

Click here to e-mail the Help Desk with your questions or request. To log a request electronically, log in to the Technical Support Request link. Please do not e-mail the technicians directly.

Before you call the Help Desk, try the TechKnow website for the answers to your questions. Here you'll find technical and instructional assistance for both software and hardware applications. New PCs have Windows 7 operating systems and Office 2010 for their software productivity suite. If staff members need tutorials in either of these, visit the TechKnow site – http://techknow.gstboces.org

Protect BOCES from phishing scams

Rule #1: Your network username and password should always be kept secure and confidential. NEVER give this information out to anyone. EVER.

Rule #2: NEVER provide your personal login or password information at a website or via email. BE SMART! Legitimate businesses will not ask you for this information via email or a web site. GST BOCES WILL NEVER ASK YOU FOR THIS INFORMATION VIA EMAIL!