Dutchess BOCES’ new “One Campus” is what the future of education in New York State is all about. The completion of the project was celebrated April 15 with a ribbon cutting, EXPO and open houses.
The campus brings together all of the district’s schools: Salt Point Center, Career and Technical Institute and Alternative High School - and their students and staff, along with administration.
Together, the schools and staff provide students with academics, specialized career training and supports for physical, occupational, speech and mental health needs to help them succeed.
“The Board of Regents is expanding the idea of what it means to graduate high school in New York state - it’s not just about taking Regent’s classes,” Member Fran Wills said, during her speech. “I believe this is an excellent example of multiple pathways for student success and achievement. It says we respect you, we believe in you,” she said in an interview.
Superintendent Jason B. Schetelick credited his predecessor, Dr. Richard Hooley, the BOCES staff and elected officials for making the project a reality, despite the challenges that emerged from COVID, supply chain issues and some of the early contractors. During an interview he said that whenever you have a construction project, “you have a plan A, a plan B and a plan C and often you end up doing D or E.”
But it was all worth it.
“For us, first and foremost, when you talk to the students and you provide them with an environment that shows you respect and care for them they will be more engaged and involved. We’ve already seen it,” he said.
And, the same goes for staff, whom he credited for enduring multiple moves and often work above and beyond their normal duties to make it happen.
Of course, there’s more work to be done, as some things had to be left off the project so there will be paving work, more kitchen equipment and investment in CTI classrooms, Shetelick said.
Board President Michael Riel echoed this sentiment, saying staff are now fully exploring the capabilities of the new building and adding new programs.
“All of our classrooms are being utilized and, in the future, we’ll have to look at adding classrooms because of the participation of our member districts,” Riel said.
Hooley, who visited the campus for the event, shared that, “there was a moment when we weren’t sure if we would get the vote passed. I can’t believe how beautiful it is,” he said. “It was truly a collaborative effort and wouldn’t have happened without the support from everybody in the agency.”
Hooley and others spoke about how getting this project passed required buy-in from every school district across Dutchess County - and it passed by a 2-1 margin.
State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, gesturing to the crowd which had a number of students from various CTI programs, said, “These are the jobs of the future. Thank you to the students because you are going to be the ones standing here.”
Students, staff showcase work
Following the ceremony, the buildings were open for tours during which students showcased some of their work and staff were able to talk about their programs and services.
In the small conference center room, fashion design and merchandising student Jaden Peguero, a senior at John Jay High School, showed off a pair of jeans he made out of pockets from older jeans.
“They’re all functional,” he said of the pockets. The idea came as he was deconstructing old jeans and removing the pockets.
“I took a look at what I had and looked at the parts and realized I could make my own design and make it wearable.”
Classmate Isabelle Benassutti, a junior from Red Hook High School, shared about her summer outfit and bag.
“I knew I wanted a summer outfit,” she said, so she merged shorts with a tank top and then created two bags to go with it. “My favorite part is the back with the big bows,” she said, adding that it took her about a week to create it.
“I just made this bag yesterday,” she said, gesturing to a three-sided, star-shaped bag.
Other students were in the Media Center/Library, showing off their musical abilities while others had their artwork on display in the halls.
The large conference center hosted a job fair for students and members of the public. More than 20 business partners attended to recruit employees.
Down the hill, at Salt Point Center, Principal Melissa Murphy and her staff were demonstrating some of the sensory devices they use to help students.
For example, students who may have difficulty holding a pen or pencil or may learn to write by writing letters in shaving cream. “It connects the physical to the mental,” Murphy said. Then she moved to the sound station - a table draped with a covering on all sides with a sound machine inside which can be used to help calm students down.
There was also a sensory foot path, kinetic sand and water stations and examples of the four zones students use to help identify which social-emotional state they are in and some of the tools they can use to help them while in that state.
About 200 staff members, local and state dignitaries and community members attended.