The HFM BOCES main campus is on a two-hour delay today, Wednesday, Jan. 9.

The HFM BOCES School Library System (SLS) held its annual fall workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the HFM BOCES main campus.

A Canajoharie High School student with the school’s Computer Science Internship (CSI) program presents to HFM area school librarians Oct. 24.

School librarians in the HFM area requested the workshop, which focused on makerspaces, in reaction to the recent trend to expand the scope of school libraries as spaces to create.

The workshop included presentations by school librarians and students from the area. The event started with a makerspace panel composed of librarians representing the elementary, middle, and high school level, which outlined the myriad of ways they incorporate the idea of “making” in their libraries to enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The day continued with a presentation and hands-on session to introduce Breakout EDU taught by a student from Canajoharie High School’s Computer Science Intern program. Breakout EDU is an escape-room like critical thinking game. Students use teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking to solve curriculum based clues and “break-in” to a locked box.

The morning session finished with another session taught by a Canajoharie High School Computer Science Intern that focused on the website code.org. Librarians and

Area school librarians play an escape-room like critical thinking game during the HFM BOCES School Library System annual fall workshop.

teachers spent their time learning about the project, exploring the website, and using the site’s interactive feature to practice the basics of computer coding.

The afternoon was spent with a representative from Barnes & Noble, who brought many different types of makerspace materials, equipment, and of course books. Teachers and librarians were able to test the materials and equipment and discuss its application in their school libraries.

The event was well received and attended by 29 participants including 25 school librarians and teachers and four Computer Science Interns from Canajoharie High School. The HFM BOCES Instructional Resource Center has makerspace materials available for teachers to borrow on their website, media.hfmboces.org. You can contact the SLS at (518) 736-4370 or email HFM BOCES School Library Media Specialist Tariyka Chaulk, tchaulk@hfmboces.org, for more information.

The HFM BOCES School Library System (SLS) provides its member libraries with coordinated material sharing, access to resources, and maintains the shared SLS automation system. The SLS also investigates new technologies and leads to provide professional development for our member media specialists.

A representative from Barnes & Noble discusses different types of makerspace materials, equipment, and books.

HFM BOCES Itinerant Services is seeking applicants for a school counselor position that will be available Sept. 1, 2019.

New York State certification is required.

A letter of interest, resumé and copies of certifications should be forwarded to Aaron Flynn, Human Resources Manager, via OLAS no later than January 25, 2019.

The HFM BOCES Adirondack Academy is seeking applicants for a Living Environment teacher position that will be available Jan. 28.

New York State Science certification required.

This is a tenure-track, full-time 10-month position. Summer professional development days are required.

Successful candidates will be part of a team of teachers responsible for coordinating and delivering instructional offerings to students in a project-based learning environment.

Experience working with at-risk youths is preferred.

A letter of interest, resumé, three letters of recommendation, copies of college transcripts and copy of certification should be forwarded to Richard Potter, Principal of Adirondack Academy, via OLAS by Feb. 1, 2019.

Watch the video below and check out the many programs available at the HFM Career and Technical Center.

This video was produced by the HFM Digital Multimedia and Communications program.

Seventh graders learn about blood pressure in the HFM Medical Assisting program.

Gloversville Middle School seventh graders recently got some hands-on experience to help them think about possible future career paths.

Seventh graders in Family Arts and Consumer Science classes at GMS visited the HFM Career and Technical Center Jan. 14-17 and worked hands-on with CTE instructors and high school students in a variety of career areas.

The project began with HFM Career & Technical Director Jay A. DeTraglia and Coordinator Mike DiMezza visiting the seventh graders to talk about career paths and life after high school. Based on program descriptions and personal interest, the students then selected one of HFM’s 16 CTE programs to visit for half a day participating in class discussions, completing projects and speaking with instructors and CTE students.

The HFM Career and Technical Center offers local high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to pursue career and college training as part of their high school experience. More than 500 area high school students attend the Career and Technical Center each year. Most are enrolled in two-year programs that provide the knowledge, skills and credentials needed to succeed in college and the workplace in a variety of career fields.

Sean Mahon, HFM’s Cybersecurity & Computer Technology instructor, shows a seventh grader how to terminate a CAT6 ethernet cable.

GMS Family Arts and Consumer Science teachers Julie Frey-Brunetto and Amy Januska said the seventh grade visit to the Career and Technical Center is new this year. While a job shadowing experience in the community has been a part of the curriculum in the past, the CTE visit allowed students to not only learn more about a career field but to also learn about the opportunities available to them at the HFM Career and Technical Center.

“It’s extremely important for students to think about career choices early on,” Frey-Brunetto said. “Students who can ‘begin with the end in mind’ for a career path have a much stronger chance to graduate on time with their peers.”

“There’s a tremendous need for skilled workers in many career fields right now,” HFM Career and Technical Director Jay A. DeTraglia said. “Our programs help students develop marketable skills when they go on to college and enter the workforce.”

The HFM Career & Technical Center offers a total of 16 programs including Auto Body Repair, Auto Technology, Careers in Education, Cybersecurity & Computer Technology, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Technology, Environmental Conservation, Foundations of Food Services, Medical Assisting, New Visions Health Careers, Skilled Trades (electrical, HVAC and plumbing) and Veterinary and Animal Science.

A seventh grader looks at a hookworm specimen through a microscope in the Veterinary and Animal Science program.

Agriculture PTECH began the 2018-19 school year with three new business partners, adding to the depth of mentors and other real-world learning opportunities for its students.

New partner Alpha Garlic Farm is a 50-acre farm in Fort Plain specializing in garlic and fingerling potatoes. The company has been in operation since 1993.

Mohawk Drumlin Creamery, based in St. Johnsville, is another new partner this year. The creamery makes yogurt from sheep’s milk that is sold in more than 150 stores.

Ag PTECH also welcomed Palatine Dairy LLC as a partner. Based in Nelliston, the company makes a variety of cheddar cheeses and cheese curds.

“Partnerships like these are the backbone of the Ag PTECH program and a huge part of what sets us apart from a traditional school setting,” said Sarah Hafter, business and education partnership coordinator for Ag PTECH. “We’re grateful for our business partners who take time out of their busy days to share their work experiences and professional advice with students.”

Business partners provide authentic learning experiences in various ways, including talking with students about professional skills like resume building, inviting students to tour their facilities and participating on panels for project presentations. “Students hear first hand about things like what education requirements are needed to hold a certain position, what it takes to produce and sell your own product or what goes into sustainable crops,” Hafter said.

As Ag PTECH grows, Hafter is working to expand the school’s workplace connections. She encourages businesses that would like more information about partnerships and mentoring to contact her at sarah@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Current Ag PTECH business partners include:

• Alpacas @ Clear View Farm
• Alpha Garlic Farm
• Bellinger’s Orchard
• CG Roxane LLC Johnstown Plant
• Crum Creek CSA
• Dykeman & Son’s Inc.
• Empire State Health Solutions (Vireo Health New York LLC)
• F-M-S Workforce Development Board, Inc. (Workforce Solutions)
• Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Goderie’s Tree Farm
• Gray’s Garden & Greenhouse
• Hu-Hill Farm Store
• Hudson River Tractor Company
• Hulten Speed Sports
• Liberty ARC/ Liberty Fresh Market
• Little Falls Veterinary Clinic
• Milk Train, Inc.
• Mohawk Drumlin Creamery
• Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, Inc.
• Palatine Dairy LLC
• Randall Implements Co., Inc.
• RC Enterprises Bus & Truck Inc.
• Rockview Farms
• Rogers Family Orchard
• Settle Family Farms
• The Sportsman’s Den/ D&D Pet Supplies
• Wemple and Edick’s

The HFM BOCES Adult Literacy and Corrections Education Division seeks applicants for a part-time, hourly teacher aide position.

Interested parties should submit a letter of interest and resume to Laurie Bargstedt at 2755 State Hwy 67, Johnstown, NY 12095, email submissions (lbargstedt@hfmboces.org) are acceptable, by February 11, 2019.

• Mae Goh, Johnstown — Business
• Taylor Rose, Mayfield — Health Studies
• Hannah Ryder, Broadalbin — Health Studies
• Maddie Paul, Gloversville — Health Studies

Due to the weather forecast, the HFM BOCES Board of Education meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 30 has been rescheduled. The meeting will now be held at 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31.

The HFM BOCES Special Education Division is seeking applicants for a teacher of the deaf and hearing impaired position.

The position will be available March 6, 2019.

New York State certification required.

Interested parties should submit a letter of interest and resume to Director of Special Education Michael Jacob by Feb. 14, 2019.

After five years as the HFM PTECH principal, Mike Dardaris, has resigned his position to take a job in the Washington, D.C., area.

He was hired in the winter of 2014 to launch the Hamilton Fulton Montgomery Pathways in Technology Early College High School that September. Under his leadership, the program garnered national attention, earning a Model School designation in 2016 by the International Center for Leadership in Education. In 2017, HFM PTECH was again in the spotlight, being named one of 25 National Models of Innovative Successful Practices by the American Association of School Administrators and The Successful Practices Network.

Dardaris was named New York State High School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) in 2017. This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS who has set the pace, character and quality of education for the students in their school.

As the principal of HFM PTECH, Dardaris has said his goal was to redefine not only what leadership looks like, but what learning looks like in the public school through teacher leadership and student empowerment.

“While I am excited for what this new adventure holds for my family and me, it is difficult to leave behind the wonderful staff, parents and students of PTECH,” Dardaris said in a letter to parents and students. “Helping to build this school has been a great source of joy and pride, and I treasure all of you who have been on this journey with me.”

Dardaris will become the Head of Schools at K12 Education and plans to relocate with his family to Virginia. His last day will be Feb. 22. HFM BOCES central administration is finalizing arrangements for a veteran principal to serve as an interim until a new principal is in place.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunity I’ve had here and that the HFM community took a chance to do something different, to push the boundaries of what is possible in public education,” he said.

Colleagues, parents, business partners and former and current students are invited to an open house-style farewell celebration from 2:15 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Jansen Avenue School in Johnstown.

HFM BOCES is looking for an energetic and innovative leader for the HFM BOCES PTECH located at the Jansen Avenue PTECH program in Johnstown, NY.

This is a 12-month tenure-track administrative position within the Administrative bargaining unit. The position will be available February 25, 2019.

Strong written and oral communication skills are essential and a minimum of five years teaching experience is required; administrative experience is preferred.

A letter of application, an updated resumé and a copy of teaching and administrative certificate(s) should be forwarded to Aaron Flynn, Human Resources Manager via OLAS no later than Feb. 18, 2019.

The Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services is seeking applicants for the position of District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer.

To learn more about the position and to apply, visit the HFM BOCES District Superintendent Search webpage.

HFM PTECH students who stayed after school Thursday were evacuated from the building shortly before 3 p.m. after an unspecified bomb threat was made by email to the Jansen Avenue school.

Local law enforcement searched the building and determined the threat to be unfounded. According to the Associated Press, a spam email containing a bomb threat was sent to many schools, businesses and public facilities nationwide on Thursday. Authorities are now advising it appears to be a hoax.

The threat, however, was taken seriously at the time. As soon as staff was made aware of the email threat, law enforcement was notified and a lockdown initiated. That was followed shortly by evacuation.

About 50 students and staff were in the building for after-school activities at the time. After being evacuated, the students were kept safe in a bus nearby until their home district transportation arrived.

“Our students’ safety is our priority, and our staff did a wonderful job of ushering the students who were in the building to safety and quickly accounting for everyone,” Principal Mike Dardaris said. “We thank the Johnstown Police Department and HFM Regional Transportation Coordinator Terry Kersting for their quick and thorough response.”

Click here for a printer-friendly February breakfast menu
Click here for a printer-friendly February lunch menu

All students eat for free. Adult price $2.50 for breakfast and $4.15 for lunch.

Farm to School Harvest of the Month: locally grown pears and apples

Feb. 1
Breakfast: Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
Lunch: Stuffed Crust Pizza w/assorted toppings Capri Vegetables

Feb. 4
Breakfast: French Toast mini w/Warm Syrup
Lunch: Chicken Fajita w/ Vegetables and Tortilla (2) Seasoned Corn

Feb. 5
Breakfast: Assorted Bagels with Choice of Toppers
Lunch: Homemade Stuffed Peppers w/ Sauce Warm Bread Stick and Seasoned Cauliflower

Feb. 6
Breakfast: Ultimate Breakfast Round
Lunch: Brunch for Lunch: French Toast with Warm Syrupm Baked Sausage Patties and Golden Tater Tots

Feb. 7
Breakfast: Breakfast Wrap
Lunch: Homemade Chunky Chicken Salad w/ Croissant and Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup with Crackers

Feb. 8
Breakfast: Apple Spice Muffin
Lunch: Homemade Pizza Wrap and Baked Beans

Feb. 11
Breakfast: Bacon Egg & Cheese Sandwich
Lunch: Mac & Cheese, Dinner Roll, Seasoned Broccoli and Homemade Best Ever Brownie

Feb. 12
Breakfast: Assorted Cereal Bowls and Whole Wheat Toast
Lunch: Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potato Bowl and Baby Carrots w/Dip

Feb. 13
Breakfast: Super Bread Fruit Variety
Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger with Bun and BBQ Baked Beans

Feb. 14
Breakfast: Assorted Bagels with choice of Toppers
Lunch: New Orleans Chicken, Rice Bowl, Roasted Garlic Green Beans and Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Feb. 15
Breakfast: Apple Spice Muffin
Lunch: Homemade Cheese Pizza or Broccoli & Cheese Pizza and Glazed Carrots

Feb. 18-22: Winter Break, No School

Feb. 25
Breakfast: Cinni Minis
Lunch: Homemade Grilled Cheese & Bacon Sandwich and Tomato Soup with Crackers and Fresh Broccoli with Dip

Feb. 26
Breakfast: Egg and Bacon Breakfast Sandwich
Lunch: Homemade Chicken Broccoli Alfredo with Marinated Rainbow Peppers and Apple Crisp

Feb. 27
Breakfast: Mini Strawberry Bagels
Lunch: Mexican Taco on Whole Grain Tortilla or (2)Hard Shells and Black Bean & Corn Salad

Feb. 28
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
Lunch: Homemade Hot Turkey Sandwich with Gravy and French Fries

DAILY BREAKFAST ALTERNATES – Toasted Bagel, Fruit Muffin or Assorted Cereal Bowl w/ WW Toast or Yogurt Parfait w/Graham Crackers. Available daily with meal milk 1% low fat or non-fat fruit & juice assortment and condiments.
DAILY LUNCH ALTERNATES – PBJ Sandwich or Yogurt w/Biscuits or Rolls
Crispy Chicken Salad w/ breadstick available Tuesday and Thursday. Available daily with meal milk 1% low fat or non-fat fruit & juice assortment, side salad or hot vegetables and assorted condiments.

Menus subject to change without notice. Questions please contact Darla Sandford Food Service Director (518) 736-4308.

Agriculture PTECH began the 2018-19 school year with three new business partners, adding to the depth of mentors and other real-world learning opportunities for its students.

New partner Alpha Garlic Farm is a 50-acre farm in Fort Plain specializing in garlic and fingerling potatoes. The company has been in operation since 1993.

Mohawk Drumlin Creamery, based in St. Johnsville, is another new partner this year. The creamery makes yogurt from sheep’s milk that is sold in more than 150 stores.

Ag PTECH also welcomed Palatine Dairy LLC as a partner. Based in Nelliston, the company makes a variety of cheddar cheeses and cheese curds.

“Partnerships like these are the backbone of the Ag PTECH program and a huge part of what sets us apart from a traditional school setting,” said Sarah Hafter, business and education partnership coordinator for Ag PTECH. “We’re grateful for our business partners who take time out of their busy days to share their work experiences and professional advice with students.”

Business partners provide authentic learning experiences in various ways, including talking with students about professional skills like resume building, inviting students to tour their facilities and participating on panels for project presentations. “Students hear first hand about things like what education requirements are needed to hold a certain position, what it takes to produce and sell your own product or what goes into sustainable crops,” Hafter said.

As Ag PTECH grows, Hafter is working to expand the school’s workplace connections. She encourages businesses that would like more information about partnerships and mentoring to contact her at sarah@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Current Ag PTECH business partners include:

• Alpacas @ Clear View Farm
• Alpha Garlic Farm
• Bellinger’s Orchard
• CG Roxane LLC Johnstown Plant
• Crum Creek CSA
• Dykeman & Son’s Inc.
• Empire State Health Solutions (Vireo Health New York LLC)
• F-M-S Workforce Development Board, Inc. (Workforce Solutions)
• Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Goderie’s Tree Farm
• Gray’s Garden & Greenhouse
• Hu-Hill Farm Store
• Hudson River Tractor Company
• Hulten Speed Sports
• Liberty ARC/ Liberty Fresh Market
• Little Falls Veterinary Clinic
• Milk Train, Inc.
• Mohawk Drumlin Creamery
• Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, Inc.
• Palatine Dairy LLC
• Randall Implements Co., Inc.
• RC Enterprises Bus & Truck Inc.
• Rockview Farms
• Rogers Family Orchard
• Settle Family Farms
• The Sportsman’s Den/ D&D Pet Supplies
• Wemple and Edick’s

Due to the weather forecast, the HFM BOCES Board of Education meeting originally scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, Feb. 27,  has been rescheduled. The meeting is now set for 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 1.

The Mayfield Board of Education is seeking an experienced, passionate and energetic school leader who understands the value and strength of small-town school districts and communities.

To learn more about the position and to learn how to apply view the Mayfield Superintendent Search Brochure. Also, please vist the Mayfield CSD website for additional information.

Click here to download the Mayfield Superintendent Application.

Application materials must be postmarked by March 22, 2019 to the address listed on the application.

Agriculture PTECH began the 2018-19 school year with three new business partners, adding to the depth of mentors and other real-world learning opportunities for its students.

New partner Alpha Garlic Farm is a 50-acre farm in Fort Plain specializing in garlic and fingerling potatoes. The company has been in operation since 1993.

Mohawk Drumlin Creamery, based in St. Johnsville, is another new partner this year. The creamery makes yogurt from sheep’s milk that is sold in more than 150 stores.

Ag PTECH also welcomed Palatine Dairy LLC as a partner. Based in Nelliston, the company makes a variety of cheddar cheeses and cheese curds.

“Partnerships like these are the backbone of the Ag PTECH program and a huge part of what sets us apart from a traditional school setting,” said Sarah Hafter, business and education partnership coordinator for Ag PTECH. “We’re grateful for our business partners who take time out of their busy days to share their work experiences and professional advice with students.”

Business partners provide authentic learning experiences in various ways, including talking with students about professional skills like resume building, inviting students to tour their facilities and participating on panels for project presentations. “Students hear first hand about things like what education requirements are needed to hold a certain position, what it takes to produce and sell your own product or what goes into sustainable crops,” Hafter said.

As Ag PTECH grows, Hafter is working to expand the school’s workplace connections. She encourages businesses that would like more information about partnerships and mentoring to contact her at sarah@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Current Ag PTECH business partners include:

• Alpacas @ Clear View Farm
• Alpha Garlic Farm
• Bellinger’s Orchard
• CG Roxane LLC Johnstown Plant
• Crum Creek CSA
• Dykeman & Son’s Inc.
• Empire State Health Solutions (Vireo Health New York LLC)
• F-M-S Workforce Development Board, Inc. (Workforce Solutions)
• Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Goderie’s Tree Farm
• Gray’s Garden & Greenhouse
• Hu-Hill Farm Store
• Hudson River Tractor Company
• Hulten Speed Sports
• Liberty ARC/ Liberty Fresh Market
• Little Falls Veterinary Clinic
• Milk Train, Inc.
• Mohawk Drumlin Creamery
• Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, Inc.
• Palatine Dairy LLC
• Randall Implements Co., Inc.
• RC Enterprises Bus & Truck Inc.
• Rockview Farms
• Rogers Family Orchard
• Settle Family Farms
• The Sportsman’s Den/ D&D Pet Supplies
• Wemple and Edick’s