Click or tap to view the SWBOCES Reopening, Remote Learning, Contact Tracing and Testing plans.
Last month New York State announced a Micro-Cluster Strategy which designates geographic areas as yellow, orange or red based on COVID metrics. These Micro-Cluster designations require COVID testing of staff and students in order for schools to remain open. In yellow zones, which designate that numbers are rising and indicate an increased state of caution, random testing is done for at least 20% of staff and students. Testing requirements increase in orange and red zones.
Presently there are no SWBOCES programs located in a designated zone. However, with rising numbers, we want to ensure we are ready to test if one of our programs falls in a designated zone over the next few months.
The testing is only required for staff and students who are on-site. Students enrolled in the fully remote option do not need to be tested. The test used will be the Binax Rapid Antigen test provided by the Department Of Health and will be administered by nurses who will be wearing gloves, face masks, face shields and protective clothing. All social distancing requirements will be followed.
In the event that a staff or student tests positive, an immediate contact will be made on the day of testing. Anyone who does not receive a direct contact can assume the test was negative. However, since the Rapid Antigen tests are not as reliable as other tests, any individual who later becomes symptomatic should seek the guidance of their medical professional and additional testing as recommended.
We are currently preparing for the potential testing requirement by distributing permission forms. Collection of these forms will assure we are ready to move forward should we find ourselves in a designated testing zone.
STAFF FORM - Please follow this link and complete the form.
STUDENT FORM - Please follow this link and complete the form.
Completion of the form signifies your permission to test and provides important information for the testing process.
If the location of your program is in a designated testing zone and you are in the group that will be tested, you will receive a communication from your principal regarding the testing schedule. Please reach out to your principal with any questions you may have.
The school year has gotten off to a great start! The safety measures that have been in place are working and have created an environment conducive to learning for all our stakeholders. The updated student handbook is being distributed to students. Please review it with your child, fill out the required forms and have them return them to their classroom teachers.
The Center for Career Services principal has accepted another position, and I will be the interim acting principal until further notice. Mr. Matera’s leadership will be missed as he was the principal for many years on this campus. He was a dedicated and passionate educator who placed his students first and assured that they were well prepared for either post-secondary education or the world of work. On behalf of the CCS staff, I wish him the best of luck in his new role.
As Interim Principal, I will continue to ensure that CCS programs are up to date with industry standards so that our students receive the necessary skills that will enable them to be current with the 21st century skill sets required to secure and maintain employment and to pursue post-secondary education. I will also ensure that safety measures prescribed in the SWBOCES Reopening Plan are followed.
My door is always open if anyone has any questions or concerns or would like information about the wonderful programs offered at the Center for Career Services. Please email me at emichas@swboces.org or call me directly at (914) 761-3400, Ext. 2304. I would love to have a conversation with you!
Sincerely,
Evangelo Michas
Interim Principal
NEW! Video: Parent Guide to Student Illness
Just about everyone can understand the concept of there not being enough time in the day. That was the impetus for a new club at the Center for Career Services. Now Television Production students and those in the Sound Production program have more time to work on projects thanks to the A/V Club.
Interim Principal Evangelo Michas, Counselor Anna Macchia and others educators at the Center for Career Services give CTE students a look at the resources, supports and opportunities available to them at our Valhalla campus. Watch the Virtual Student Orientation at this link.
Who knew that the Center for Career Services had its own group of elves? Turns out they reside in the campus kitchens and each year around this time, they maintain a steady focus: baking Christmas cookies! For the past week or so students have been baking more than 50 pounds of cookies to sell as a fundraiser for the culinary program.
There are so many talented students who attend the Center for Career Services, it does not seem fair that so few people get to see, hear or learn more about the incredible work they do. Three teachers have collaborated to share their students’ work on a popular format: YouTube.
The latest Careers Central is out! Take a look and see how are students have been working hard to help the community, what happened when a senator came to visit campus and more!
Senator Shelley Mayer announced legislation she's proposing to help eliminate the "digital divide." She announced the legislation she is proposing at the Center for Career Services on Nov. 24.
8:25 AM to 10:55 AM
Buses leave CCS at 11:00 AM
11:55 AM to 2:25 PM
Buses leave CCS at 2:30 PM
