“These individuals embody what it means to belong to a community that truly believes in its
children,” said Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, who helped
coordinate the event on behalf of UCSBA. “Their dedication and generosity help create the
kind of supportive environment where every student can be seen, valued, and inspired to
succeed.”

While the doors to the Ulster BOCES Career Academies at iPark 87 officially opened to more than 1,400 of Ulster County’s high school juniors and seniors in early September, nearly 200 educators, business/industry leaders, government officials, state education officials, and representatives from higher education were able to explore the new facility on Friday, October 3. The guests joined over 100 Ulster BOCES young professionals, staff, and administrators at its new state-of-the-art training center in the former IBM-complex on Enterprise Drive in Kingston for an official ribbon-cutting event with the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

To support efforts to create distraction-free learning environments for all students, Ulster BOCES has adopted a new policy that limits the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day.

Ulster County’s best and brightest students were recognized for their academic achievements and contributions to the school community during the annual Ulster County Scholastic Achievement Breakfast, held at Wiltwyck Golf Course in Kingston. 

The Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center, a regional leader in career and technical education, celebrated the achievements of 574 young professionals at its annual completion celebration on May 29.

Educational technology expert Dr. Julianne B. Ross-Kleinmann, supervisor of Instructional Services at Educator Edge at Ulster BOCES, has been selected as one of 12 educational professionals nationwide to be a lead trainer for the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education initiative.

The Ulster BOCES Hudson Valley Pathways Academy (HVPA) marked a significant milestone on June 2, hosting a Completion Celebration for three young scholars who successfully completed six years of rigorous academic and professional training through HVPA and SUNY Ulster. The event was held at Selux Corporation, a longtime industry partner located in Highland.

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.