CTE Bulletin

On September 6, students at the OHM BOCES CTEC posed outside for a photo taken via aerial drone to celebrate the start of the 2024-25 school year!

On September 10, students in the Animal Science Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES learned about the duties and abilities of police K-9s from New York State Police Troopers Tom Smoulcey and Kevin Conners.

In honor of the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, students learned about how dogs were involved in searching for and rescuing victims in the aftermath of the attacks. Troopers Smoulcey and Conners, who brought along a K-9 for the lesson, educated students about how sensitive dogs’ sense of smell is, how and why they’re able to detect victims under rubble, how they’re able to find drugs and explosives, and how they’re used for protection. It was an informative lesson that gave students insight into the many capabilities of working dogs.

Jason Swartz is one of OHM BOCES' Welding teachers and this is his first year at BOCES. He has been welding since he was 15 years old in Pennsylvania. He started welding in high school and continued his education at Triangle Tech. He has worked in the natural gas industry and he has also welded heavy equipment, tractor trailers and building components used in some of the largest buildings, such as the Rams' football stadium, the American Dream mall and hospitals around the world. He has also welded industrial stainless steel ovens and some of the largest bridges along the east coast. He has worked closely with the New York State Department of Transportation in order to make the bridges in New York City safe. Most of the new bridges in NYC, he had some part in building. He then returned to Triangle Tech to teach as a welding instructor.

Karl Humphrey is a teacher assistant in the Auto Body class. He worked at St. Luke's Home as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant prior to coming to the OHM BOCES. Prior to that, he worked for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision at Marcy Correctional Facility and the Central New York Psychiatric Center in Marcy. He was also a grounds supervisor, and prior to that he worked for the Oneida County Highway Department.

Matt Miller is the new instructor for both Introduction to Trades and Electricity 1. This is Matt’s first year with us at BOCES as a CTE teacher. Before joining CTEC, Matt worked in the New Hartford Central School District in building maintenance, where he was responsible for electrical, HVAC and general facility maintenance and upkeep. Additionally, he earned an Electrical Service Technician AOS degree from Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC). Prior to that, Matt attended the OHM BOCES Career and Technical Education Center and is a graduate of the Electricity program.

Nickcole Garcia is the CTE and P-TECH registered nurse. She came to the OHM BOCES last year in the middle of the school year. Prior to coming to BOCES, Nickcole was a circulator nurse at S. Luke's and the Wynn Hospital operating room.

Patrick Higgins is a professional executive chef with experience overseeing multiple properties with varied restaurant concepts, catering and banquet facilities. Prior to coming to the OHM BOCES, he was the executive chef at Parkhurst Dining, Sckett’s Table and The Aurora Inn.

Shayla McMath is the Early Childhood Education I instructor. This is her first year here at BOCES. Prior to coming to BOCES, she was a site supervisor at John E. Joy Elementary for the Rome YMCA child care program.

Zacharie Merwin is our Conservation teacher assistant. Prior to coming to BOCES, he worked as an employee specialist at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter.

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