During Rescue Heroes day five, the final day for Rescue Heroes 2026, a panel of female professionals shared their career highlights and answered questions from the students about how they handle all of the challenges that come with being of service to the community as a first responder!
The panel included Amy Jacobs, a 911 dispatcher for Herkimer County; Sgt. Jessica Alberts, of the Herkimer Police Department; Robin Polkosnik, a former police officer and current Herkimer BOCES Criminal Justice teacher; Anjali Saugh, a college student currently working as a correctional services coordinator; Mary View, a career firefighter and the first female fighter fighter in Herkimer County, and Officer Kendra Benoit, of the Ilion Police Department.
After a final luncheon, the day ended with a completion ceremony for the students.
Families were invited, and the students presented to them about what they learned at Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp. Awards were given out, and the students enjoyed an ice cream bar with their families as they celebrated the end of a great week.
The panel included Amy Jacobs, a 911 dispatcher for Herkimer County; Sgt. Jessica Alberts, of the Herkimer Police Department; Robin Polkosnik, a former police officer and current Herkimer BOCES Criminal Justice teacher; Anjali Saugh, a college student currently working as a correctional services coordinator; Mary View, a career firefighter and the first female fighter fighter in Herkimer County, and Officer Kendra Benoit, of the Ilion Police Department.
After a final luncheon, the day ended with a completion ceremony for the students.
Families were invited, and the students presented to them about what they learned at Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp. Awards were given out, and the students enjoyed an ice cream bar with their families as they celebrated the end of a great week.
Rescue Heroes day four began with Stop the Bleed Training, provided by Tom Moran, the trauma education, injury prevention and outreach coordinator for the Albany Med Health System.
All students received this hands-on training and certification, in addition to our own medical quality Stop the Bleed Kits with everything they would need in this emergency situation.
This was followed by our final field trip for the week, this time to learn about a volunteer fire department, with the staff at Cedarville Fire Department. Students got to tour all the rigs and equipment at their facility, learned about the history of female firefighters and were offered an opportunity to join their youth program and summer camp.
All students received this hands-on training and certification, in addition to our own medical quality Stop the Bleed Kits with everything they would need in this emergency situation.
This was followed by our final field trip for the week, this time to learn about a volunteer fire department, with the staff at Cedarville Fire Department. Students got to tour all the rigs and equipment at their facility, learned about the history of female firefighters and were offered an opportunity to join their youth program and summer camp.
Day 3 of Rescue Heroes was an informative and hands-on day at the Utica Fire Academy and Training Center!
Led by Lt. William Balsamico, the students learned about the benefits of a career as a professional firefighter and were able to test their strength in various aspects of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), a physical evaluation that simulates real-world firefighting tasks.
The fun included stair climbing with weighted vests, breaching a locked door, ceiling breach and pull, rescue drags and crawling through a dark maze. The day ended with all students getting a chance to use the fire hose.
Led by Lt. William Balsamico, the students learned about the benefits of a career as a professional firefighter and were able to test their strength in various aspects of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), a physical evaluation that simulates real-world firefighting tasks.
The fun included stair climbing with weighted vests, breaching a locked door, ceiling breach and pull, rescue drags and crawling through a dark maze. The day ended with all students getting a chance to use the fire hose.
This year's Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp included students from seven of the 10 Herkimer BOCES component districts!
Day 2 started with CPR training provided by the EMT professionals at Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps (MOVAC). All students received their CPR Certification, learned about the benefits of a career as an EMT, and they got to tour the ambulance and all of its emergency medical equipment and supplies.
After lunch, it was time for self-defense training with Captain Burns of the Herkimer Police Department. The students learned how to fight back and escape an attacker - as well as many life lessons on situational awareness.
Day 2 started with CPR training provided by the EMT professionals at Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps (MOVAC). All students received their CPR Certification, learned about the benefits of a career as an EMT, and they got to tour the ambulance and all of its emergency medical equipment and supplies.
After lunch, it was time for self-defense training with Captain Burns of the Herkimer Police Department. The students learned how to fight back and escape an attacker - as well as many life lessons on situational awareness.
Extended School Year students enjoyed a visit from the Utica ZooMobile during Animal Week last week!
They had the opportunity to learn about a sand snake, a painted turtle and a Madagascar hissing cockroach. Students also had fun dressing up as different animals and creating animal crafts.
This week, ESY "hits the beach!"
They had the opportunity to learn about a sand snake, a painted turtle and a Madagascar hissing cockroach. Students also had fun dressing up as different animals and creating animal crafts.
This week, ESY "hits the beach!"
We recently wrapped up our fourth annual Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp for young women in Herkimer County who want to learn more about careers as first responders!
Day 1 kicked off on a high note with a field trip to Mercy Flight in Rome. Rescue Heroes attendees learned about careers as a flight nurse or paramedic and the many benefits of working in a critical care air medical service setting. They watched one of the helicopters come in for a very precise landing, met with the crew and even got a tour of the helicopter and all of its emergency medical supplies!
Then, they were treated to a presentation and Q&A with nutritionist and personal trainer Kelly Daukontas, owner of Live Well Fitness, who also prepared delicious and nutritious protein bowls for them to enjoy!
Day 1 kicked off on a high note with a field trip to Mercy Flight in Rome. Rescue Heroes attendees learned about careers as a flight nurse or paramedic and the many benefits of working in a critical care air medical service setting. They watched one of the helicopters come in for a very precise landing, met with the crew and even got a tour of the helicopter and all of its emergency medical supplies!
Then, they were treated to a presentation and Q&A with nutritionist and personal trainer Kelly Daukontas, owner of Live Well Fitness, who also prepared delicious and nutritious protein bowls for them to enjoy!
Throwback Thursday to this spring, when Herkimer BOCES Special Programs was thrilled to welcome Herkimer BOCES Board of Education President Holly Pullis for Ag Literacy Week!
She teamed up with Sarah Schubert’s Child and Family Services CTE class for a truly special collaboration. Using this year’s selected book, "Seasons on the Farm" by Chelsea Tornetto, our CTE students stepped up to help read the story and designed a hands-on project to lead our 6:1:2 autism students.
It was a wonderful day of connection and inclusive learning!
She teamed up with Sarah Schubert’s Child and Family Services CTE class for a truly special collaboration. Using this year’s selected book, "Seasons on the Farm" by Chelsea Tornetto, our CTE students stepped up to help read the story and designed a hands-on project to lead our 6:1:2 autism students.
It was a wonderful day of connection and inclusive learning!
Herkimer BOCES Welding students constructed a bench under the guidance of Mason Fisher and Sam Weeks and gifted this amazing project to Rick and Brandie Reid in memory of their daughter, Mariah Lacey-Reid.
This bench will be placed at New Hartford Town Park. The bench will also be used for suicide awareness.
That’s a wrap on an incredible year!
The WEB Special Programs team officially celebrated the end of the school year and the start of summer! We are so proud of everything our students and staff accomplished this year, and we are especially excited that our BOCES Blue family is continuing to grow.
Thank you to our amazing community, families and staff for making this year so special. Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing and very happy summer from the WEB Special Programs team! See you next year!
The WEB Special Programs team officially celebrated the end of the school year and the start of summer! We are so proud of everything our students and staff accomplished this year, and we are especially excited that our BOCES Blue family is continuing to grow.
Thank you to our amazing community, families and staff for making this year so special. Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing and very happy summer from the WEB Special Programs team! See you next year!
During a Herkimer BOCES Board of Education meeting on June 11, staff receiving tenure were recognized.
Staff members are pictured below with District Superintendent D.J. Shepardson and administrators who recommended them for tenure during the meeting.
Amber Mead shared her recommendation of Melanie Bernier-Graham for tenure in the area of teaching assistant, effective Sept. 1, 2026.
Amber Mead shared her recommendation of Tara Evans for tenure in the area of teaching assistant, effective, Aug. 31, 2026.
Danielle Wayman shared her recommendation of Sarah Fox for tenure in the area of teaching assistant, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Danielle Wayman shared her recommendation of Maia Torres for tenure in the area of teaching assistant, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Sheri Perry shared her recommendation of Brandie Reid for tenure in the area of trade subjects, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Sheri Perry shared her recommendation of Robin Polkosnik for tenure in the area of trade subjects, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Zane Mahar shared his recommendation of Sheri Perry for tenure in the area of principal, effective June 30, 2026.
Cory Pike shared his recommendation of Kasy Gleitsmann for tenure in the area of physical education and recreation, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Cory Pike shared his recommendation of Martin Jakubowski for tenure in the area of science, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Ruth Leavitt shared her recommendation of Sarah Crowe for tenure in the area of instructional support services in curriculum and differentiated instructional support services, effective Sept. 1, 2026.
Staff members are pictured below with District Superintendent D.J. Shepardson and administrators who recommended them for tenure during the meeting.
Amber Mead shared her recommendation of Melanie Bernier-Graham for tenure in the area of teaching assistant, effective Sept. 1, 2026.
Amber Mead shared her recommendation of Tara Evans for tenure in the area of teaching assistant, effective, Aug. 31, 2026.
Danielle Wayman shared her recommendation of Sarah Fox for tenure in the area of teaching assistant, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Danielle Wayman shared her recommendation of Maia Torres for tenure in the area of teaching assistant, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Sheri Perry shared her recommendation of Brandie Reid for tenure in the area of trade subjects, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Sheri Perry shared her recommendation of Robin Polkosnik for tenure in the area of trade subjects, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Zane Mahar shared his recommendation of Sheri Perry for tenure in the area of principal, effective June 30, 2026.
Cory Pike shared his recommendation of Kasy Gleitsmann for tenure in the area of physical education and recreation, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Cory Pike shared his recommendation of Martin Jakubowski for tenure in the area of science, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Ruth Leavitt shared her recommendation of Sarah Crowe for tenure in the area of instructional support services in curriculum and differentiated instructional support services, effective Sept. 1, 2026.
The Herkimer BOCES Board of Education recognized retirees during last week's board meeting - with retirees John Martin and Tamica Senft in attendance!
Congratulations to all our 2025-26 retirees! The other retirees are Melinda Kisker, Terri Scialdone-Buckley, James Nicholas, Melinda Maycock and Susan McMullen!
Congratulations to all our 2025-26 retirees! The other retirees are Melinda Kisker, Terri Scialdone-Buckley, James Nicholas, Melinda Maycock and Susan McMullen!
Communication is key!
Students at Pathways Academy recently had the opportunity to learn from Utica University student Emma Macrina, who shared her skills and passion for American Sign Language (ASL).
Emma, who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in ASL, worked with students to teach them how to sign their names, emotions, colors, animals and other fun everyday words.
Emma also joined the middle school ELA class during circle time, where she signed the entire conversation, providing students with an engaging and authentic ASL experience.
Experiences like these help our students build communication skills, foster inclusion and gain exposure to new ways of connecting with others.
Thank you, Emma, for sharing your talents and inspiring our students to communicate in new and meaningful ways!
#PathwaysAcademy #CommunicationIsKey #ASL
Students at Pathways Academy recently had the opportunity to learn from Utica University student Emma Macrina, who shared her skills and passion for American Sign Language (ASL).
Emma, who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in ASL, worked with students to teach them how to sign their names, emotions, colors, animals and other fun everyday words.
Emma also joined the middle school ELA class during circle time, where she signed the entire conversation, providing students with an engaging and authentic ASL experience.
Experiences like these help our students build communication skills, foster inclusion and gain exposure to new ways of connecting with others.
Thank you, Emma, for sharing your talents and inspiring our students to communicate in new and meaningful ways!
#PathwaysAcademy #CommunicationIsKey #ASL
Herkimer BOCES would like to say congratulations to our 2025-2026 retirees!
Calling the first responder in you!
The Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp at Herkimer BOCES returns this year July 20-24 for Herkimer County females ages 14-17 who are interested in a future as a first responder.
To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJFo6K_wxS56iNMdbJ3vhWvb0LyZCHbB_OVfGYRqd2o4d9uQ/viewform and complete the form.
The Rescue Heroes Summer Day Camp at Herkimer BOCES returns this year July 20-24 for Herkimer County females ages 14-17 who are interested in a future as a first responder.
To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJFo6K_wxS56iNMdbJ3vhWvb0LyZCHbB_OVfGYRqd2o4d9uQ/viewform and complete the form.
What a night to remember! This past Friday, May 15, the WEB Complex was transformed into a tropical paradise for our Special Programs Prom. 🍍✨
Our incredible students took the lead this year, choosing a vibrant luau theme and a delicious feast of Chinese food to fuel a night of celebration. From the moment the Grand March began, the energy was electric as students were introduced!
Many staff members, families and community members came out to support our students! Everyone was truly dressed to the 9s, bringing style, smiles and some serious moves to the dance floor.
Events like this don’t just happen, they take a village of dedicated hearts.
-Michelle Burton (Special Programs-special events coordinator): A massive thank you for leading the charge and making this vision a reality!
-Our amazing staff and volunteers: Thank you to every team member who helped with prep and ensured our students could participate to the fullest and have a great time!
-CTE Cosmetology program: Thank you for accepting appointments for our students to get prom-ready with hair and nail services!
Our incredible students took the lead this year, choosing a vibrant luau theme and a delicious feast of Chinese food to fuel a night of celebration. From the moment the Grand March began, the energy was electric as students were introduced!
Many staff members, families and community members came out to support our students! Everyone was truly dressed to the 9s, bringing style, smiles and some serious moves to the dance floor.
Events like this don’t just happen, they take a village of dedicated hearts.
-Michelle Burton (Special Programs-special events coordinator): A massive thank you for leading the charge and making this vision a reality!
-Our amazing staff and volunteers: Thank you to every team member who helped with prep and ensured our students could participate to the fullest and have a great time!
-CTE Cosmetology program: Thank you for accepting appointments for our students to get prom-ready with hair and nail services!
May is officially National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, and we couldn't be prouder of the magic happening in our hallways. While many people think of "speech" as just practicing "R" sounds or correcting a lisp, our team at Herkimer BOCES knows it goes so much deeper than that. We are incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated and compassionate team of providers.
Our Speech team works tirelessly to ensure every student from our littlest Pre-K learners to our school-age students has a voice. The real "behind-the-scenes" victory isn't just a clearer sentence; it’s the confidence that comes with being understood.
To our Speech team: We see the hard work you put into every session, and our school community is stronger because of you! Thank You!
Pictured, top left: Deavon Eysaman. Top, right: Maria Koutsouflakis. Bottom, left to right: Ali Nelson, Isabella Bailey, Savannah Trunzo, Erin Reed and Danielle Sponable. Not pictured: Anika Tabassum.
Our Speech team works tirelessly to ensure every student from our littlest Pre-K learners to our school-age students has a voice. The real "behind-the-scenes" victory isn't just a clearer sentence; it’s the confidence that comes with being understood.
To our Speech team: We see the hard work you put into every session, and our school community is stronger because of you! Thank You!
Pictured, top left: Deavon Eysaman. Top, right: Maria Koutsouflakis. Bottom, left to right: Ali Nelson, Isabella Bailey, Savannah Trunzo, Erin Reed and Danielle Sponable. Not pictured: Anika Tabassum.
The Student and Community Job Fair takes place two weeks from today and has a public portion for members of the community who are seeking jobs!
The event takes place on June 2 in the Dolgeville High School Gym at 38 Slawson St. in Dolgeville.
The session from 1-2:30 p.m. is for high school juniors and seniors only.
The 3-4 p.m. session welcomes the greater community.
More than 20 local businesses will be present, recruiting for a wide variety of industries. Bring copies of your resume.
This event is presented by the Herkimer BOCES School to Careers program and Dolgeville Central School District.
The event takes place on June 2 in the Dolgeville High School Gym at 38 Slawson St. in Dolgeville.
The session from 1-2:30 p.m. is for high school juniors and seniors only.
The 3-4 p.m. session welcomes the greater community.
More than 20 local businesses will be present, recruiting for a wide variety of industries. Bring copies of your resume.
This event is presented by the Herkimer BOCES School to Careers program and Dolgeville Central School District.
Many local schools are hosting art shows this spring - it's a great chance to celebrate the amazing artwork students are creating!
In April, we celebrate Occupational Therapy Month, and we proudly recognize our incredible occupational therapists at Herkimer BOCES!
We are grateful for the care, creativity and commitment they bring to our programs and our students.
Thank you for all that you do!
Occupational therapists support students in developing the skills needed to participate in learning and daily school routines. They focus on areas including fine motor skills and helping students with tasks such as writing, cutting and managing classroom tools. OTs also promote independence by teaching strategies and adapting activities, so students can complete tasks more confidently on their own.
Pictured, from left, top row: Jillian Iacovissi, Kayla Hulser and Olivia Murray. Bottom row: LayLay Mar, Jamilyn Dillon, Bethany Gonzalez and Michelle Caccioppoli.
Not pictured: Kelly Servello and Donna Roback.
We are grateful for the care, creativity and commitment they bring to our programs and our students.
Thank you for all that you do!
Occupational therapists support students in developing the skills needed to participate in learning and daily school routines. They focus on areas including fine motor skills and helping students with tasks such as writing, cutting and managing classroom tools. OTs also promote independence by teaching strategies and adapting activities, so students can complete tasks more confidently on their own.
Pictured, from left, top row: Jillian Iacovissi, Kayla Hulser and Olivia Murray. Bottom row: LayLay Mar, Jamilyn Dillon, Bethany Gonzalez and Michelle Caccioppoli.
Not pictured: Kelly Servello and Donna Roback.
The Marine Corps took over PE at Pathways Academy earlier this week - and brought the energy with them!
Staff Sgt. Paredes led students in grades K-12 through a challenging and engaging obstacle course, pushing everyone to give their best effort while having fun along the way. Even our staff couldn't resist jumping in and joining the action!
Following the sessions, Staff Sgt. Paredes hosted a meet and greet where students had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about physical fitness, discipline, leadership and the many benefits and career Pathways available through the Marine Corps.
A huge thank you to Staff Sgt. Paredes for an unforgettable experience and for inspiring our students!
Staff Sgt. Paredes led students in grades K-12 through a challenging and engaging obstacle course, pushing everyone to give their best effort while having fun along the way. Even our staff couldn't resist jumping in and joining the action!
Following the sessions, Staff Sgt. Paredes hosted a meet and greet where students had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about physical fitness, discipline, leadership and the many benefits and career Pathways available through the Marine Corps.
A huge thank you to Staff Sgt. Paredes for an unforgettable experience and for inspiring our students!
