School counselors and administrators recently gathered at the HFM BOCES main campus for a day-long workshop focused on educational updates and to learn about resources and supports that are available in the region aimed at assisting students and families.
The annual fall regional counselor’s meeting, which included more than 30 people, was held on Friday, Oct. 25 and was hosted by HFM Career & Technical Education (CTE).
The annual fall regional counselor’s meeting, which included more than 30 people, was held on Friday, Oct. 25 and was hosted by HFM Career & Technical Education (CTE).
Melissa Montague, Associate in Instructional Services with the New York State Department of Education (NYSED), was one of the guest speakers. She spoke to the audience virtually and shared information about pathways updates and the Graduation Measures initiative.
Permanently adopted in March 2024, the media arts course flexibility allows students pursuing the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway or a NYSED-approved CTE program to earn arts or CTE credit for specific media arts courses.
Montague also informed the group that one additional assessment has been added to the list of NYSED-approved Pathway Assessments in Career Development and Occupational Studies. Students can now use the NOCTI JROTC Leadership and Employability Skills assessment to earn the CDOS Commencement Credential.
While more information on the Graduation Measures initiative will be provided at the Board of Regents meeting in November, Montague stated the current requirements remain in place for all high school students. Additional information related to the initiative, including an implementation timeline, will be shared at the Board of Regents meeting.
Catherine Geniti, a counselor with SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College’s Educational Opportunities Program (EOP), was also in attendance. She gave an overview of the program which is designed to offer academic support, financial aid, and other resources to students who might not otherwise be able to attend college.
Michael DiMezza, principal of HFM CTE, reported that nearly 600 area high school juniors and seniors are enrolled in CTE programs this year. He also stated that CTE has five new, industry expert teachers for the 2024-25 year.
Plans are in place at HFM CTE to introduce a new program of study starting next academic year. Fire Science will be the 17th pathway and will kick off in the fall of 2025. It will be geared toward students who aspire to become a volunteer or career firefighter.
Kristina Marshall, Administrative Coordinator for CTE, informed the audience that CTE will play host to its first ever ‘Women in the Workforce’ event later this school year.
“The event will be geared toward current and prospective female students who are interested in careers in non-traditional pathways,” she said. “We want to inform these future young professionals about the non-traditional jobs available in the area and how they can be successful in those roles.”
The US Department of Labor defines non-traditional careers as those careers for which individuals from one gender comprise less than 25% of the individuals employed in each such occupation.
Celeste Keane, principal of HFM PTECH, also presented to the group about the program. PTECH, or Pathways in Technology Early College High School, is a 6-year program that incorporates project based learning and professional skills training as students work toward their 2-year degree from Fulton Montgomery Community College or SUNY Cobleskill at no cost to their families.
Additionally, the group heard Matt Zarro from College Board who spoke about critical updates for school counselors related to the SAT, PSAT, and Advanced Placement and Janine Dykeman of the Mental Health Association in Fulton & Montgomery Counties who spoke of the resources that are available to students and staff members in the region.
