Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Students show district pathways: BOCES, IB, Project Lead the Way and robotics demo at Somers board workshop
Loading...
Summary
Students and district staff presented a range of academic and career pathways at the Nov. 18 Somers Board workshop, including IB and science research, Project Lead The Way engineering and biomed tracks, BOCES auto mechanics, and a live electronics/robotics demonstration; administrators said the programming positions students for new state graduation expectations.
At a Nov. 18 board workshop, Somers Central School District showcased student pathways across middle and high school, including IB and science research, Project Lead The Way courses in engineering and biomedical sciences, BOCES career programs and a live electronics and robotics demonstration.
District staff framed the presentation around the New York State 'portrait of a graduate' attributes and explained that statewide changes to graduation assessments make the district’s pathway offerings — including the Seal of Biliteracy and the pilot Seal of Civic Readiness — relevant preparation. Administrators told the board Somers already supports students through multiple avenues, noting that 15 students earned the Seal of Biliteracy last year and that over 40 Somers students participate in BOCES programs.
Students gave short testimonials about classes that engaged them. Olivia, a tenth‑grader, said psychology has "really prepared me for school and helped me maintain healthy relationships outside of school as well." Vince (Vincent), a BOCES student in auto mechanics, described a typical schedule of shop days and class days and said: "BOCES will help me in the future." He noted BOCES offers internships that can lead to jobs. In the electronics and robotics elective, students Braden and Michael explained design choices for their robots (different wheels and a claw used for robot‑soccer tasks) and invited board members to pilot the devices.
Board members and staff said programs such as science research, IB coursework, Project Lead The Way, senior experience projects and community projects give students multiple ways to demonstrate learning beyond a single standardized exam. Administrators emphasized that the district’s experiential and work‑based options (including BOCES) help prepare students for the statewide shift away from a regents‑only diploma model.
The demonstrations and student testimonials were followed by routine board business and the policy discussion and vote that adopted changes to Policy 47.50.
