Spotlight
Learn How EIB Can Support Your District
Curious about what EIB can do for you and your district? Watch this powerful conversation with Larry J. Leaven, Nassau BOCES Superintendent/CEO, James Widmer, Nassau BOCES Deputy Superintendent/COO and our new Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging Supervisor Kari-Lee Grant, Ph.D. Dr. Grant shares her insights into the purpose and vision of the EIB service and how it can support your educational community in fostering an environment where every student feels valued and included. She discusses her background and passion for equity in education, how EIB is an integral part of all communities, and provides an overview of several exciting workshop offerings and support services being developed for our component school districts. https://youtu.be/YRSYynF4Pqw
What is a RIC? Unpacking the Role of Regional Information Centers
Have you ever wondered how BOCES and Regional Information Centers (RICs) fit together--and what sets them apart? Join Dr. Meador Pratt, Executive Manager, Nassau BOCES Data and Management Services and RIC Director for an engaging and informative webinar, "What is a RIC?", where we'll dive into the vital role RICs play in supporting BOCES and component school districts across New York State. Learn about:
- The difference between the role of BOCES versus the role of the RIC and our leadership in New York State.
- The critical and innovative framework RICs bring to educational technology and support services.
- The unique technical, administrative and data services RICs provide and how they complement BOCES' offerings.
- How these two entities work together under the same umbrella to empower schools, educators and students.
Friday, December 13, 2024, 11 a.m.
Register here
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qfWl1ux9S5uWmTvOXFwQig
Nassau BOCES Launches New Website
Nassau BOCES' new, mobile-friendly website has a modern look and improved functionality. Key updates include intuitive content organization, an enhanced search feature, a streamlined index of services, and a commitment to accessibility. Our goal is to provide an easier, more user-friendly experience for visitors. Explore our new site today: www.nassauboces.org
LIHSA Has Record Number of Scholar-Artists
Eight students attending Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) have earned a place in the Long Island Arts Alliance (LIAA) 2024-2025 Scholar-Artist competition for students with exceptional abilities. These gifted young artists are among only 40 from across Long Island to be honored with these distinguished awards and profiled in Newsday. Five students were named Scholar-Artists and three earned Awards of Merit.
Utilize the Untapped Resources of Educator's EAP
You are likely familiar with the counseling programs available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Were you aware that Educators' EAP offers a myriad of other resources that can help you grow personally, develop professionally, save money and enhance your life? These include:
- Work/Life balance assistance
- Self-help resources for health, financial and legal issues
- Personal and professional coaching
- Educator resources addressing issues, challenges and opportunities for you and your students
- Lifestyle savings including deals, discounts and perks
- Personal development and training
- Wellness benefits for you and your family
Visit www.EducatorsEAP.com to fully explore and utilize these benefits.
Professional Development Opportunities
ELLs with Disabilities: Building on Students' Assets to Foster Success
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 9 a.m.-Noon
Robert E. Lupinskie Center for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology
English Language Learners with disabilities struggle daily with learning issues and/or emotional disorders, as well as language acquisition needs. They also possess many strengths and CAN achieve success. Educators working with this population need to build on students' assets and use research-based strategies. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss specific instructional methods and materials. The following topics will be explored:
- Incorporating students' cultural backgrounds, past experiences, learning styles, and interests into the curriculum
- Meeting students' social and emotional needs
- Designing engaging and meaningful lessons that include content, language, and cultural objectives
- Differentiating and scaffolding the instruction
- Supplementing research-based reading instruction with culturally responsive texts
- Motivating students to write every day
- Teaching students how to engage in academic discourse
- Activating creative and critical thinking skills
- Providing meaningful feedback and using different types of assessments
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with ELL families
Technology Integration Specialist Roundtable
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 1-3 p.m.
Robert E. Lupinskie Center for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology
The Instructional Technology Specialist Roundtable Meetings serve as a dynamic and collaborative community space for Instructional Technology Coaches and Specialists. Led by the Nassau BOCES Model Schools team, we engage in discussions covering a wide range of technology-related topics, including best integration practices, favorite/new programs, troubleshooting pressing technology (hardware, software, integration) issues, and more. The Roundtable meetings provide districts with the opportunity to leverage our collective expertise, thereby enhancing the utilization of technology within their respective districts.
Transformative Leadership: DEIB Begins with Me
Thursday, January 30, 2025, 9 a.m.-Noon
Robert E. Lupinskie Center for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology
Join educational leaders in this collaborative professional development workshop led by Dr. Kari-Lee Grant focused on strengthening our school communities through thoughtful leadership practices. Through guided self-reflection and strategic planning, participants will develop practical approaches for school-wide and district-wide initiatives. Using research-based tools including climate assessments, SWOT analysis, and the NYSED Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework, you'll create a customized roadmap for your school/district. This interactive session provides concrete strategies to enhance welcoming environments and support academic excellence for all students. Leave with an actionable plan that connects vision to practice, ready-to-use resources, and proven approaches for engaging your entire school community. Together, we'll explore how positive change begins with individual leadership and extends throughout our learning communities. Frontline Education
Nassau County Board of Cooperative Educational Services
Deborah Coates, President; Michael Weinick, Vice President
Susan Bergtraum; Ronald Ellerbe; Lawrence Greenstein; Martin R. Kaye;
Fran N. Langsner; Robert "B.A." Schoen; Eric B. Schultz
Larry J. Leaven, District Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer
James Widmer, Deputy Superintendent/Chief Operating Officer
Anthony N. Fierro, Chief Administrator of Facilities Services and Capital Projects
Colleen Lipponer, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services
Thomas McGrath, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources/RSIP
Susan McNulty, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education/Curriculum & Instruction