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Multiply
Disabled Program celebrates achievements
Renewal and perseverance the theme for end-of-the-year
ceremony
 The trappings of graduation were all there; caps and gowns,
excited and proud parents, photo arrays of the students’ school
years, speeches and special presentations of awards and
diplomas. The 2010 End of the Year Celebration for students in
the HFM BOCES Special Education Multiply Disabled program was
held June 17 in Mayfield Central School’s auditorium.
Four students, wearing the cap and gown of their home school
district, made up the procession of graduates accompanied by
Paul Meher’s guitar playing “Pomp and Circumstance.” Mayfield’s
Jamie Walker, Gloverville’s Wendell Maye, Wells’ Brittany Snell
and Johnstown’s Lorinda Palmateer had front row seats for the
celebration of achievements and milestones.
 Welcomed by Mayfield High School Principal Robert Husain, the
audience of students, parents, teachers and friends cheered the
recognition of the graduates as well as many other students in
various classrooms for their own success.
HFM BOCES Director of Special Education Michael Jacob told how
overcoming challenges was a significant accomplishment in
itself.
His remarks, and much of what followed, commended the students’
achievements, and also reflected on the strong commitment and
collaboration of the parents, teachers, staff and students. The
audience was told that “perseverance is an important character
trait that we all should exemplify for our students.”
The BOCES 12:1:4 program is designed for students age 5-21 with
multiple disabilities who require the varied services of a team
approach. This team, which includes a special education teacher,
physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech and language
therapist and nurse, creates an individualized program of
instruction that develops the student’s motor skills as well as
language abilities, social skills and daily living capabilities.
The program is housed at Mayfield Central School and serves
students in HFM BOCES’ component districts. Its name, 12:1:4,
represents the student-teacher-aide ratio in the classroom.
Besides Mrs. Hatcher, who teaches students of high school age,
BOCES special education teachers Lisa Lane, Cheryl Ostrowski and
Nancy Turnbull work in the program at the elementary level.
Approximately 40 teacher aides support the program.
Music teacher Cathy Cole performed “We’ve only just begun,”
echoing the best wishes for the future by all the speakers and
presenters.
Photos, set to music, were projected large behind the podium,
highlighting the students’ school years. Presentations
recognized attendance, good character, good citizenship and
other noteworthy achievements. Parents enthusiastically
applauded every student’s accomplishment. Banks of cameras and
video equipment - manned by proud moms, dads and grandparents -
recorded everything that happened.
Finally, assisted by representatives from the student’s home
school districts, Mrs. Hatcher and Mrs. Ostrowski presented each
of the graduates with their diploma. In addition, students Owen
Groves and Robert Lightcap were recognized for moving up to new
programs.
 Retiring teacher aides Nancy Marotta and Anolla Rogers were each
recognized for more than 20 years of service. Both were lauded
as “invaluable assets” and recognized for their personalities,
their calm and steady influence, and dependability.
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