The Ulster BOCES Community Relations team was recognized by the New York School Public Relations Association (NYSPRA) with six awards in the annual communications contest. The winning communication pieces were selected from a competitive field of 430 entries. The Community Relations team provides communication support to Ulster County public school districts, including the Ulster BOCES programs.

The career path that Ulster BOCES Director of Technology Silas Whittaker has traveled has traversed almost every part of Ulster BOCES, from student to manager of the Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center (MHRIC), uniquely equipping him for his latest role as Ulster BOCES director of technology. 

Education leaders from across Ulster County are continuing to work together to strengthen schools and expand opportunities for students. By examining regional strengths, resources, gaps, challenges, and trends, superintendents, assistant superintendents, and PPS administrators are engaging in ongoing discussions about ways to collaborate and create more equitable student opportunities across districts.

Students at the Ulster BOCES Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) at Mt. Marion recently celebrated the culmination of a month-long project-based learning (PBL) cycle during the school’s Country Exploration Celebration of Learning, held on February 21 and 28. This immersive experience transformed classrooms into different “countries,” allowing students to showcase their research and discoveries about diverse cultures, traditions, and landmarks without ever leaving their school.

Tucker Chase is an outstanding example of what young scholars at the Hudson Valley Pathways Academy (HVPA) at Ulster BOCES can achieve. Tucker has been awarded a scholarship from the Career Readiness Educators Association (CREA) of New York State for his exemplary participation in a work-based learning program or experience. Tucker was also named as one of three “Work-Based Learning Students of the Year” by CREA. 

A team of educators from the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) recently delved into the next phase of designing learning environments that reflect Ulster BOCES’ commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and inspired so they can reach their fullest potential.

In a field where precision and strength often take center stage, Emma Fredericks, a young professional from Kingston High School who attends the Ulster BOCES welding and metal fabrication program, dared to think outside the box—quite literally.

Kelly Czermerys, a Biology teacher at the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Port Ewen, was selected as one of only 12 educators nationwide to participate in an exclusive program that connected students with scientists stationed in Antarctica.

After an action-packed day of demonstrating their technical skills and leadership qualities while facing off against students from across the region during the 2025 SkillsUSA Regional Competition, 46 young professionals from the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center took to the stage to accept medals.

Ulster County students enrolled in the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center (CTC) and Hudson Valley Pathways Academy (HVPA) are earning a strong reputation for their workplace learning success across New York State by taking on various roles where they are able to showcase their career readiness.

More than a dozen students, known as young professionals at CTC and young scholars at HVPA, recently played pivotal roles in the New York State Career Readiness Educators Association (NYS CREA) Conference. The event brought career and technical teachers, administrators, and work-based learning coordinators from across New York State together at the Venue Uptown in Kingston, New York, for a two-day professional development and networking experience designed to support members in providing their students with "real-world" career development opportunities. 

Students at the Ulster BOCES Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) at Mount Marion engaged in creative hands-on activities to learn about the traditions of the 15-day Lunar New Year celebration.

New Paltz High School’s Ethan Greger and Jacob Frost, who attend two innovative Ulster BOCES Career Pathways Programs, have been working together to complete a project that many adult professionals could only dream of: designing, programming, and fabricating 48 matching doors that will be used to deploy satellites on the International Space Station. 

The Ulster Adult Career Education Center’s new winter catalog has countless opportunities to learn something new, refine your skills, or just meet new friends.

The future of Georgia Maritsas, a former young professional of the Ulster BOCES Transitional Occupation Program (TOP A) who graduated from Kingston City School District in 2024, is in the bag–a granola bag, that is. Since completing the program in June, Georgia has successfully launched a local business selling her own healthy granola mixture, known as Georgia’s Organic Granola.

During a casual “icebreaker” activity in Special Education teacher Mary Ellen Kieser’s classroom at the Ulster BOCES Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) at Port Ewen, students were talking about their favorite snacks.

Young professionals enrolled in Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center programs recently gained hands-on experience in community leadership by supporting the fifth annual Mid-Hudson Valley Leadership Day.

Ulster BOCES has announced that Katherine Faye Hammill has been appointed Director of the Mid-Hudson Information Center (MHRIC). Hammill, who currently resides in Rochester, is planning to relocate to the Kingston area. She will assume her duties at the MHRIC’s New Paltz offices in January.

Young professionals who attend the Ulster BOCES Transitional Occupation Program Top-A and Top-C, along with those from the Phoenix Academy, recently came together for a multi-program collaboration to bake 200 pumpkin pies and provide marketing support for a community festival, hosted by local Saugerties entrepreneur in the automotive industry, Brian Morris.

What does the future of education look like? Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent at Ulster Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), aims to uncover the answer in its new podcast, Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES, where he and his guests explore the bold ideas and innovative leadership transforming today’s schools—starting with a timely look at New York State's evolving graduation standards.