CA BOCES Success Stories
Stories of Success from School Districts and CA BOCES Instructional Support Services
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History came to life and stories jumped off the page as districts took advantage of our 403 Arts in Education CoSer to start their 2024-2025 school year. On September 23rd and 24th nearly five-hundred 4th and 7th grade students from Belfast, Bolivar Richburg, Fillmore, Franklinville, Friendship, Hinsdale, Pioneer, Scio and West Valley school districts traveled to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to visit part of the “Flight of Five” locks. History came to life and stories jumped off the page as districts took advantage of our 403 Arts in Education CoSer to start their 2024-2025 school year.
On September 23rd and 24th nearly five-hundred 4th and 7th grade students from Belfast, Bolivar Richburg, Fillmore, Franklinville, Friendship, Hinsdale, Pioneer, Scio and West Valley school districts traveled to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to visit part of the “Flight of Five” locks. By: Sean Conklin, Coordinator for Arts Integration and Extra Curricular Events I have the privilege to work with administrators and teachers at Franklinville Central School District. During my time there last year, Jaimie Hulin, 7th-grade ELA teacher at TBA, planned and tested a creative idea to support NYS NG ELA standard 7RI8, trace and evaluation the development of an argument. Those who are closely connected to ELA know that this is a “priority standard,” connecting not only to NYS middle-level NG ELA assessments but also the 11th-grade ELA Regents exam. Here’s Jaimie and her students’ story: Students in seventh grade at Franklinville Central School District started their argument unit a bit differently this year. I have found that students struggle to understand the components of argument writing and how to connect them to their own lives. As such, I decided to begin my unit with a mini project that connects to pop culture. I used YouTube videos by a YouTuber named MatPat. He has a series called “Food Theory,” and while not all of his videos are useful for this purpose or appropriate for school, many are. They are funny and students are interested in his topics. We viewed and analyzed the parts of three different videos, highlighting the parts of the argument and how he used different tools to present his argument. Then, students, in small groups, were tasked with making their own argument videos.
They did not have to do a Food Theory style video, but many did do food topics. Students choose topics ranging from whether aliens exist to is bottled water worth the price. They were guided through the process using the same analysis tools we used to look at his videos. While there were things that I will tweak in coming years, this introduction to the unit was a smash hit that really improved students’ understanding of the process for evaluating and developing arguments. By: Anne Mitchell, Coordinator for Curriculum and Professional Development  Julie Sylor and a student work through the steps to print a student-designed bubble wand. A unique and inspiring project took shape at Franklinville Elementary School, where 5th graders embarked on a creative journey with the help of teacher Julie Sylor. The students designed and 3D printed their very own custom bubble wands, a hands-on experience that was not only fun but also fostered essential 21st-century skills.
Sylor’s class embraced the power of technology to bring their imaginations to life. By designing their bubble wands, students developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills. Once the designs were finalized, they were sent to a 3D printer, transforming digital creations into tangible objects. This innovative approach to learning offered numerous benefits beyond just the final product. By engaging in the design process, students developed a deeper understanding of how objects are created and the engineering principles behind them. It also encouraged collaboration and teamwork as students worked together to refine their designs and provide feedback. Moreover, 3D printing empowered students to become inventors and innovators. The ability to quickly and efficiently prototype their ideas allowed them to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. This iterative process fostered a growth mindset and resilience, qualities that were essential for success in any field. As the 5th graders at Franklinville Elementary explored the world of 3D printing and product design, they were not only creating unique bubble wands but also building a strong foundation for future learning and exploration. Their experience demonstrated the transformative potential of technology to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. By: Rick Weinberg, Coordinator for Curriculum and Professional Development 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. By: Matt Bucholz, Environmental Education Teacher
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Our TeamStories come from school districts within the CA BOCES region and are authored by our Instructional Support Services Team. Archives
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