NYSPRA, the New York School Public Relations Association, presented the Ulster BOCES Community Relations Team several awards this year at NYSPRA’s 30th Annual Communications Awards Luncheon on October 16, 2009. The Ulster BOCES Team was honored to receive four Awards of Excellence, 10 Awards of Honor and 12 Awards of Merit, in recognition of outstanding achievement in educational communications. The 2009 contest drew more than 400 entries in 14 categories statewide. The Awards of Excellence were: The 2008-2009 Ellenville School Calendar, The Kingston City School District Library Renovation Newsletter, the 2008-2009 Marlboro School Calendar, and the Onteora Central School District Brochure.   

The statewide awards provide an opportunity for acknowledgment of the outstanding work performed by school communication professionals who support student accomplishments and school improvement initiatives through valuable communications.

NYSPRA, a chapter of the National School Public Relations Association, is committed to the development and distribution of communications intended for parents, staff, community residents, partners in education, and other stakeholders. “This year’s winners should feel especially proud of their awards, which recognize excellence in school communications,” said Marcia Kelly, NYSPRA President. “Entries were judged by a distinguished panel of professionals from around the country. The judging was very competitive, with only one-third of all entries receiving awards.”

The Ulster BOCES Community Relations Team, headed by Holly Brooker, Community Relations Coordinator, provides a wide range of communications services throughout the year to Ulster BOCES, as well as to seven Ulster County, and three Orange County school districts. The BOCES Community Relations Team works hard to build and maintain strong communications with their communities. “Communication is such a vital component of school success, and the districts we work with through our cooperative service are committed to sharing information and building relationships with their communities” says Brooker.  The department handles all aspects of creating publications for a school’s internal and external audiences. These include newsletters, annual reports, calendars, brochures, pamphlets, event programs, commemorative journals, visual displays, posters, and PowerPoint presentations, as well as management of websites and web blogs. 

Ellenville Central School District – Ellenville Central Newsletter

Ellenville Central School District - Ellenville Central School Spring 2009 Newsletter

Ellenville Central School District – Teachers Use Technology to Engage Students

Highland Central School District – Highland 2009 Budget Newsletter

Kingston City School District – Kingston 2009 Budget Newsletter

New Paltz Central School District – New Paltz 2008-2009 School Calendar

New Paltz Central School District – New Paltz Community Newsletter

Onteora Central School District – Onteora 2008-2009 School Calendar

Onteora Central School District – Onteora Fall 2008 Newsletter

Ulster BOCES – Ulster BOCES 2008-2009 Calendar: Roots

Ellenville Central School District – Ellenville 2008-2009 School Calendar

Onteora Central School District – Onteora 2009 Budget Newsletter

Onteora Central School District – Onteora Newsletter

Onteora Central School District – Onteora Central School District Brochure

Rondout Valley Central School District - Rondout Valley 2008-2009 School Calendar

Saugerties Central School District – Saugerties 2008-2009 Calendar & Parent Guide

Ulster BOCES - Ulster BOCES 2007-2008 Annual Report

Ulster BOCES – School of Practical Nursing Photo

Ulster BOCES – Excellence in Education: Highlighting Public Schools Of Ulster County

Ulster BOCES - Ulster BOCES 2009-2010 Proposed Budget 

Ulster BOCES – Ali Simon Success Story

Ulster BOCES – Anne Heidecker Success Story