With warmer spring weather arriving, PE teachers from across Allegany and Cattaraugus counties met in Portville at the end of May for their final ACTIVE PE Forum of this school year. The PE Forum is an opportunity for the PE teachers from throughout the region to connect with one another and share ideas and participate in showcased activities by the host school.

Half of the districts in the CA BOCES region were represented as these teachers collaborated with colleagues in their content and participated in hands on activities surrounding the Portville Adventure Curriculum.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology continues to reshape traditional teaching methods. One such technology is Desmos, an online graphing calculator and educational platform. From algebra to calculus, Desmos offers an array of tools that empower both teachers and students to explore mathematical concepts in engaging and dynamic ways. ​

Desmos provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex mathematical operations. Its graphing calculator feature allows students to visualize functions, plot equations, and manipulate variables in real-time. This interactive approach not only enhances understanding but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty of mathematics. 
One of the primary benefits of Desmos is its ability to facilitate active learning. Rather than passively absorbing information, students actively participate in the learning process by experimenting with graphs, investigating patterns, and solving problems collaboratively. This hands-on approach cultivates critical thinking skills and encourages students to become active problem solvers. 
Furthermore, Desmos promotes inclusivity and accessibility in the classroom. Its intuitive design accommodates diverse learning styles and abilities, making math more accessible to all students. Whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners, Desmos provides tools and resources to meet the needs of every student, ensuring that no one gets left behind. 
Additionally, Desmos offers a plethora of interactive activities and lessons created by educators from around the world. These resources cover various mathematical topics and cater to different grade levels, allowing teachers to supplement their curriculum with engaging content that aligns with their instructional goals. Moreover, Desmos allows teachers to track student progress, monitor comprehension, and provide timely feedback, thus facilitating personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. 
In addition to mathematics, Desmos can be used as an interdisciplinary tool. In fact, Desmos has held a Global Art Contest since 2020, showcasing artwork that can be created using one’s knowledge of mathematics. 

By: Justin Shumaker, Senior Coordinator for Distance Learning​

The Environmental Education Program at CA BOCES has worked with four of our component school districts this year to help make the dream of an Ecology Camp a reality. Students at Cuba-Rushford, Franklinville, Olean, and Cattaraugus-Little Valley had the opportunity to spend a night or two at Camp Allegany, in the heart of the beautiful Allegany State Park. While there, students had the opportunity to fish, fly kites, and learn from experienced Allegany State Park staff about some of the animals and plants found in the park. Students had the chance to learn important skills such as backpacking, orienteering, and kayaking while at the camp. Many of the kids truly enjoyed the opportunity to spend the night in a cabin along with many of their friends. The students had a great time and created memories that will last forever! We look forward to helping with the Ecology Camps in the future. ​