Western Suffolk Boces

STEM Magic: Coding, Fairy Tales, and STEM for Young Innovators Grades K-2 **IN PERSON** presented by Leslie Dalis Watnik - 9-12pm
2025-03-28 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a hands-on workshop designed for educators teaching primary grade students (K-2). Discover how to build a strong STEM and coding program that fosters computer science and digital literacy in young learners. Participants will explore age-appropriate coding challenges using fun robots, creative STEM activities inspired by fairytales, and building block design projects that incorporate the Engineering Design Process. Learn how to seamlessly integrate literacy with STEM while engaging students’ imaginations through playful, authentic challenges. Leave with innovative ideas to bring story-driven STEM adventures to your classroom! Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1/2 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WvBV3LOyCoxHXTSRtHI2wjRgB2oS0U0A/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4971077

Deeper Dive into New NYSED Biology Investigations-Session 1-For the Birds and Balancing Act **IN PERSON** Presented by Glen Cochrane-8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-01 08:30 - 14:30
Audience: Regents Biology teachers and science leaders Session 1 will allow the participants to explore two Investigations, For the Birds and Balancing Act”. Participants will discover how these performance tasks are a component of a broad NYSED’s System of Assessment”. These provide authentic, hands-on scientific and engineering experiences that allow students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills from the Learning Standards. Science teachers and administrators will deepen their knowledge of the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) with their expectations for three-dimensional student learning and how the investigations will prepare students for the 3-D scientific reasoning they will need to perform on the Life Science Biology regents examination. Included will be:
• Demonstration of how the investigations align with the NYSSLS;
• Suggestions for embedding the investigations in a NYSSLS-aligned curriculum;
• How the investigations are an assessment of student learning;
• A hands-on experience with the investigations;
• An opportunity to collaborate on strategies for successful implementation **Participants must bring paper copies of each Biology Investigation’s documents. These cannot be provided. **B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) – Participants should bring a fully charged laptop, Ipad, or tablet to download resources and access websites throughout the workshop. Sessions 1 and 2 are intended for educators who have not attended a workshop on Biology investigations. However, educators who have attended a past investigation workshop and want to attend either session or both sessions to have another hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of the intent of the investigations are welcome. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 consortium seat.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iRtKNCKVCChUwR_GE0ekSHsSe4yvA3N9/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4966527

From Challenge to Success: Best Practices in Teaching English Language Learners with Disabilities Presented by Consulting That Makes a Difference **IN PERSON** - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-01 08:30 - 14:30
This workshop is designed to equip educators with effective strategies and best practices for teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) with disabilities. Inclusive education is crucial in today’s diverse classrooms, and this workshop aims to provide practical tools to support both language acquisition and the unique needs of students with disabilities. Participants will explore a variety of instructional approaches tailored to the diverse learning styles and abilities present in ELLs with disabilities. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, attendees will delve into topics such as differentiated instruction, assistive technology, accommodation and modification strategies, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Audience: ENL Teachers, Special Educators, General Educators, Administrators Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-A91ONd9QtASL89syqQyzwC_YGSkXOnL/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4971648

Stepping into NYSSLS **IN PERSON** presented by Alyssa Weisenstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-02 08:30 - 14:30
Feeling overwhelmed with a switch to NYSSLS? If you said yes, then you need this training designed for NY teachers. In this training we will… -Overview 3-dimensional teaching & learning (for teachers & students) -Identify and locate good phenomena -Follow the path from phenomena to driving questions to investigations -Revamp an existing lab so it is student-driven -Observe and experience scaffolding strategies for the SEPs -Create 3-dimensional assessment questions This is not a sit-and-get” training. Be ready to experience and create resources. Audience: science teachers, grades 6-12 (all science disciplines) Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZZW28CAW8hBOIbrEXpL3ckDWt3GxYq0U/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4942207

I Got This: Developing Supports and Interventions for Problematic Classroom Behavior **IN PERSON** presented by Michelle Levy - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-02 08:30 - 14:30
Promoting healthy and safe learning environments where students can receive the instruction and other supports they need to learn and achieve at high levels is one of the primary responsibilities of each school. Research has suggested that teachers and other school personnel often have received inadequate training in the understanding and management of problematic student behavior. This circumstance has often made both teachers and clinicians alike feel helpless in the development of successful responses to these behaviors. It is therefore important for educators to take advantage of the use of researched based behavioral science approaches. Figuring out the reasons behind a behavior is critical for the development of an appropriate response or intervention. By understanding that behavior is a form of student communication that is purposeful, interactive, predictable, and learned through the visual representation of a behavior chain or pathway, teachers and clinicians can become better equipped with the skills necessary to manage behavior effectively and efficiently. In this session, participants will learn how to independently develop behavior interventions through a process that determines why a student engages in behaviors that impede learning and that are related to the classroom environment. Thinking about the circumstances and factors surrounding a behavior in a systematic manner will help teachers set up and manage their classrooms in a proactive and positive way. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
For full description please view Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oYRuzME7XnI-DhhPlqxNeegYQ8ccT97G/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4947735

Engaging Students with Desmos for NEW USERS **ONLINE** presented by Andy Malbouef - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-02 08:30 - 14:30
The Desmos activity platform is a free digital platform that allows math teachers to engage and interact with their students. Simply, it’s a sequence of screens, each with a different task, prompt, or question. The screens in each activity can be as simple or sophisticated as the teacher desires. Purpose Desmos has a mission that says it’s goal is to help every student learn math and love learning math”. This involves far more than just simply solving math problems and inputting answers. Activities ask students to: -Make connections between scenarios they encounter and mathematical ideas. -Look for patterns and represent those patterns mathematically. -Take chances, make mistakes, and adjust their thinking based on those mistakes. -Ask questions and share misconceptions in a safe environment. Workshop Objectives -Familiarize teachers with Desmos calculators, which are now available to use on NY Regents assessments as well as embedded in the new digital SAT (2024). -Practical ways to teach lessons using Desmos calculators and activities. -Proven techniques to employ to get students to engage in lessons. -Addresses all levels of teacher familiarity, from beginners to experienced users. -Strategies to improve the depth of student thinking using the Desmos platform. -Practical ways to create and use Computation Layer to add engagement to your lessons. Computation Layer is the code that allows the components within activities to talk” to one another. It lets you connect representations, customize content, and provide dynamic, interpretive feedback. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session. Virtual workshop. FOR FULL DESCRIPTION, PLEASE VIEW FLYER: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1shjKOMMXwsSlMtI91zS8Dv9q6vOHVw-7/view?usp=sharing
Registration; https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4983652

Science Coordinator Network Meeting **IN PERSON** facilitated by Mary Loesing & Joyce Barry - 8:30-11:30am
2025-04-03 08:30 - 11:30
PLEASE REGISTER INDIVIDUALLY PER MEETING!
These meetings are designed for coordinators, directors and administrators who have the responsibility of science supervision in their buildings or school districts. The latest information from Albany will be discussed, local vendors will do brief presentations and information will be shared. A full breakfast will be provided. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow supervisors.
CONSORTIUM MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE FOR ALL DISTRICTS
• participation for up to 25 district teachers to attend science related workshops
• 1 customized professional development workshop held in district
• Includes all Science Coordinator Meetings Please contact rallen@wsboces.org or mmartin@wsboces.org for further information. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE per meeting
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-vBgQObciAxy7j3D26eyjVCOwn_OvCL6/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4728828

I Got 99 Problems: Teaching Problem Solving in Mathematics Classrooms **IN PERSON** presented by Phil Dituri, Ph.D. - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-03 08:30 - 14:30
It is commonly agreed upon that learning to be a good problem solver is an essential aspect of being a good mathematician. To that end, teaching your students to be good problem solvers is at the heart of good mathematics teaching. Unfortunately, problem solving is often left aside in the mathematics classroom. This is frequently due to curricular pressures and a fear of the unstructured nature of problem solving. In this workshop you will explore intriguing problems from various mathematical disciplines as well as several strategies and ideas that will help you teach your students to be successful problem solvers. In addition to solving these problems, we will also explore the group dynamics, routines, and structures needed for facilitating problem solving in your own classroom. **Open to all MS and HS Mathematics Educators** Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x0X_WO1qUL7M2nlxkKOHof8aO8g_mh_l/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4946132

Engaging Students with Desmos EXPERIENCED USERS **ONLINE** presented by Andy Malbouef - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-03 08:30 - 14:30
The Desmos activity platform is a free digital platform that allows math teachers to engage and interact with their students. Simply, it’s a sequence of screens, each with a different task, prompt, or question. The screens in each activity can be as simple or sophisticated as the teacher desires. Purpose Desmos has a mission that says it’s goal is to help every student learn math and love learning math”. This involves far more than just simply solving math problems and inputting answers. Activities ask students to: -Make connections between scenarios they encounter and mathematical ideas. -Look for patterns and represent those patterns mathematically. -Take chances, make mistakes, and adjust their thinking based on those mistakes. -Ask questions and share misconceptions in a safe environment. Workshop Objectives -Familiarize teachers with Desmos calculators, which are now available to use on NY Regents -assessments as well as embedded in the new digital SAT (2024). -Practical ways to teach lessons using Desmos calculators and activities. -Proven techniques to employ to get students to engage in lessons. -Addresses all levels of teacher familiarity, from beginners to experienced users. -Strategies to improve the depth of student thinking using the Desmos platform. -Practical ways to create and use Computation Layer to add engagement to your lessons. Computation Layer is the code that allows the components within activities to talk” to one another. It lets you connect representations, customize content, and provide dynamic, interpretive feedback. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session. FOR FULL DESCRIPTION, PLEASE VIEW FLYER: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1shjKOMMXwsSlMtI91zS8Dv9q6vOHVw-7/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4983654

Stepping into NYSSLS **IN PERSON** presented by Alyssa Weisenstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-03 08:30 - 14:30
Feeling overwhelmed with a switch to NYSSLS? If you said yes, then you need this training designed for NY teachers. In this training we will… -Overview 3-dimensional teaching & learning (for teachers & students) -Identify and locate good phenomena -Follow the path from phenomena to driving questions to investigations -Revamp an existing lab so it is student-driven -Observe and experience scaffolding strategies for the SEPs -Create 3-dimensional assessment questions This is not a sit-and-get” training. Be ready to experience and create resources. Audience: science teachers, grades 6-12 (all science disciplines) Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CDOrKto6ocozPaflWOWnKPHAKPKDj8Sm/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5008191

Effective Techniques for Teaching Literacy to English Language Learners **ONLINE** presented by Pamela Solomon-4-7pm
2025-04-03 16:00 - 19:00
Participants will explore various strategies to help English Language Learners enhance their literacy skills. We will discuss practical approaches that can be applied across all grade levels and subject areas to support students in mainstream classrooms. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use ½ consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_SBxZ_7eWmN-CGVmkxJ15RXdPEUtkfkl/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5022980

Innovate, Design, Build: Bringing STEM to Life with Mechanisms and 3D Printing Grades 3-8 **IN PERSON** presented by Leslie Dalis Watnik - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-04 08:30 - 14:30
Unlock the power of STEM and Digital Fluency education in your classroom with this hands-on workshop for educators. Dive into the fascinating world of mechanisms through engaging experiences with specialized, project-based units and explore the Engineering Design Process from concept to creation. You’ll gain practical skills in 3D printing and work with free CAD programs, all while aligning your lessons with Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards. By the end of this session, you’ll leave with a comprehensive design-portfolio ideas, real-world connections to NGSS, and innovative strategies to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers! Audience: Intermediate and Middle School (3rd-8th grade) Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AtFIsT26ps68Dbj7qSjt1ijUvkx2-pu2/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4971105

Student Media and Digital Literacy Half Day VIRTUAL 3-hour Workshop - Choice of March 3, April 4 OR April 23
2025-04-04 12:30 - 15:30
Audience: K-12 educators, Library Media Specialists, Administrators Overview: This workshop will facilitate first NYSED’s newly released ‘Media Literacy’ toolkit for educators designed to help teach students how to spot mis- dis- and mal-information online. -This toolkit gives teachers resources to develop students’ ability to analyze, evaluate, and assess all forms of media, including information delivered through social media. -The toolkit is the first in a series of resources on media literacy the Division intends to produce and serves as a primer for educators throughout New York looking to introduce their students to these concepts. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1/2 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MoPSUtp5d3V75ubcxbnFv31_NL3eJ8zt/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5005797

Charting the Course: Building a Strong Social Studies Scope & Sequence - Gr K-5 **IN PERSON** presented by Mike Ochs - 8:30-11:30am
2025-04-08 08:30 - 11:30
Simplify curriculum planning with a developmentally appropriate social studies scope and sequence. This workshop aligns instruction with state standards and includes both inquiry-based learning and effective direct instruction. Incorporate cognitive science strategies to enhance student retention and application of key concepts. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KtgAis-nG_Ggf-dUfhe4vC0-8qnca-vS/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4965469

Effective Techniques for Co-teaching English Language Learners **ONLINE** presented by Pamela Solomon - 4-7pm
2025-04-08 16:00 - 19:00
Participants will explore the facets of co-teaching and the 8 components of SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol). In addition, we will examine the 4 sections of the NYSESLAT (New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test) and review the skills needed for students to exit the ENL program. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use ½ consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session. Pamela Solomon has recently retired after teaching English as a Second Language for the past 32 years. She spent 24 years at the elementary level and 7 years at the middle school level. Pamela is looking forward to sharing her expertise and wisdom with her participants.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hrbaXOKMNN0kDCLTLlfAPnFFNgOEFgF2/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4998597

BOCES Board Meeting
2025-04-08 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-13 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-10 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-08 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-12 18:00 - 21:00
The Regular meeting of the Board of Western Suffolk BOCES will be held at the Western Suffolk BOCES Administrative Offices, 507 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746. This meeting is open to the public. The Regular meeting convenes at 6:00 pm. There is a proposed Executive Session, subject to Board approval. The public portion will resume, beginning with Item Number 1 on the Agenda, at 7:00 pm.

Project Based Learning in Math Grades 6-12 **IN PERSON** presented by Stacey Mooney - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-09 08:30 - 14:30
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world, authentic and personally meaningful projects. This style of teaching is student-centered and has emphasis on learning through doing. Based on the recently adopted Profile of a Graduate and updated NYS Graduation Measures, project-based learning is an accepted and encouraged method of instruction and evidence of learning. Participants will learn about, discuss and explore the following topics in this workshop: -Inquiry-based approach to instructional discovery learning for mathematics students in grades 6-12 -Options and possibilities to develop interdisciplinary PBLs with other topics or subject-areas -Developing Driving Questions to solve real-world problems or answer authentic student questions -Types of PBL and Exemplars -The Planning Process -Implementation, Assessing and Reflecting -Ways to showcase and celebrate learning Audience: Math Educators 6-12 Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qokRleTn7axWO18LAuxpxY7dC9v0586T/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4991098

Deeper Dive into New NYSED Biology Investigations Session 2-Unraveling the Mystery of Lactose Tolerance **IN PERSON** Presented by Glen Cochrane-8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-09 08:30 - 14:30
Audience: Regents Biology teachers and science leaders Session 2 will allow the participants to explore Unraveling the Mystery of Lactose Tolerance”. Participants will discover this three-part Investigation is both an assessment and an opportunity for students to learn about a real-world, authentic, phenomenon. Science teachers and administrators will deepen their knowledge of the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) with their expectations for three-dimensional student learning and how the investigations will prepare students for the 3-D scientific reasoning they will need to perform on the Life Science Biology regents examination. Included will be:
• Demonstration of how the investigations align with the NYSSLS;
• Suggestions for embedding the investigation in a NYSSLS-aligned curriculum;
• How the investigations are an assessment of student learning;
• A hands-on experience with the investigations;
• An opportunity to collaborate on strategies for successful implementation **Participants must bring paper copies of each Biology Investigation’s documents. These cannot be provided. **B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) – Participants should bring a fully charged laptop, Ipad, or tablet to download resources and access websites throughout the workshop. Sessions 1 and 2 are intended for educators who have not attended a workshop on Biology investigations. However, educators who have attended a past investigation workshop and want to attend either session or both sessions to have another hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of the intent of the investigations are welcome. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 consortium seat.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OH-L24_ZtlB2qG1o7InsKnqSWX8UdPl7/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4966543

Geometry Shifts and Next Gen Implementation **IN PERSON** presented by Stacey Mooney - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-04-22 08:30 - 14:30
Explore the shifts from Common Core to NYS Next Generation Geometry Standards in-depth with guidance and curricular support. Go through released practice questions and the new design of the Geometry regents, review how the Math Practice Standards align to the Next Gen standards, and explore an abundance of high-quality instructional resources. Great opportunity to send small teams of teachers. Please contact smooney@wsboces.org if you are interested in in-district coaching. Audience: Regents Geometry Educators; AIS Support Staff; Math Coaches/ Coordinators/ Administrators Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13IuPA_GqvFndUkhapr1ENUTq8iPT0OkS/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5024985

Western Suffolk BOCES Workshop Listing
2025-07-08 00:00 - 2026-06-30 00:00
To view all Professional Development workshops offered at Western Suffolk BOCES, please view our catalog www.wsboces.org/webreg

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics K-12 **for ADMIN** VIRTUAL Workshop presented by Stacey Mooney-8:30-11:30am
2025-07-10 08:30 - 11:30 | Virtual Conference
*A thinking student is an engaged student* Peter Liljedahl’s book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12, focuses on how to move toward a thinking classroom, providing teachers 14 optimal practices for thinking that create an ideal setting for deep mathematics learning to occur. The practices suggested in Building Thinking Classrooms are designed to heighten thinking and learning in every math classroom, as well as to (re)inspire math educators to support innovative math practices to enhance learning for ALL students. This half-day virtual workshop will provide a brief overview of the BTC practices, resources to help support your teachers with implementation, and relevant look-fors and recommendations to provide teachers during walk-throughs and observations. Audience: Math Coordinators, Directors, Administrators Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1/2 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NeHWR0C-peFjB1FEpLkHqzmNd2XYG_BD/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5101289

Introduction to New Visions Science Curriculum: Biology (2-day Workshop) *IN PERSON* - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-08-26 08:30 - 2025-08-27 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This two-day, in-person professional learning experience supports educators in launching the free New Visions Biology curriculum designed for the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS). Participants explore the structure and design of New Visions science units and engage in hands-on, immersive experiences and collaborative sensemaking activities drawn from Unit 1 to prepare for its effective implementation. The launch includes a curriculum analysis experience to build understanding of how the materials are intentionally designed to support three-dimensional learning. Educators will leave with practical tools and the clarity needed to plan for the start of the school year. This experience is especially valuable for schools adopting the New Visions Biology course or exploring high-quality, NYSSLS-aligned materials for future use. By the end of this two-day professional learning experience, educators will be able to: -Confidently launch the New Visions Biology course, effectively integrating its structure and design into their classroom practice. -Articulate and apply the principles of three-dimensional learning as foundational to New Visions science curricula and the NYSSLS. -Utilize practical tools and resources from the New Visions Biology Unit 1 to plan and implement engaging, standards-aligned instruction for the start of the school year. Audience: Regents Biology teachers, Science and STEM Lead Teachers and Administrators Eligible for 12 hours CTLE credit. Can use 4 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GNn3ygZ9jXadCxE3xNKJ4-0iJVSDWVKJ/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5133609

Introduction to New Visions Science Curriculum: Earth & Space Science (2-day Workshop) *IN PERSON* - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-08-28 08:30 - 2025-08-29 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This two-day, in-person professional learning experience supports educators in launching the free New Visions Earth & Space Science curriculum designed for the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS). Participants explore the structure and design of New Visions science units and engage in hands-on, immersive experiences and collaborative sensemaking activities drawn from Unit 1 to prepare for its effective implementation. The launch includes a curriculum analysis experience to build understanding of how the materials are intentionally designed to support three-dimensional learning. Educators will leave with practical tools and the clarity needed to plan for the start of the school year. This experience is especially valuable for schools adopting the New Visions Earth & Space Science course or exploring high-quality, NYSSLS-aligned materials for future use. By the end of this two-day professional learning experience, educators will be able to: -Confidently launch the New Visions Earth & Space Science course, effectively integrating its structure and design into their classroom practice. -Articulate and apply the principles of three-dimensional learning as foundational to New Visions science curricula and the NYSSLS. -Utilize practical tools and resources from the New Visions Earth & Space Science Unit 1 to plan and implement engaging, standards-aligned instruction for the start of the school year. Audience: Regents Earth and Space Science teachers, Science and STEM Lead Teachers and Administrators Eligible for 12 hours CTLE credit. Can use 4 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EyniSdlRWUfX40zBp_z-xp8oRxJwbDFY/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5134130

BOCES Board Meeting
2025-09-09 18:00 - 21:00
The Regular meeting of the Board of Western Suffolk BOCES will be held at the Western Suffolk BOCES Administrative Offices, 507 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746. This meeting is open to the public. The Regular meeting convenes at 6:00 pm. There is a proposed Executive Session, subject to Board approval. Â The public portion will resume, beginning with Item Number 1 on the Agenda, at 7:00 pm.

Smart Strategy: Developing AI Policy to Empower Teaching *ADMIN* IN PERSON presented by Leslie Dalis Watnik - 8:30-11:30am
2025-10-03 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This workshop is an opportunity for school and district leaders to explore how AI can be used to support and advance their faculty. Participants will learn how AI tools can help teachers create more effective, differentiated, and standards-aligned lessons-while saving time and aligning with district expectations. *Bring Your Own Device*Administrators will explore a curated set of vetted AI platforms, discuss implementation best practices, and engage in guided conversations with peers about emerging AI policies and how to shape them for their schools.Key Outcomes:-Understand how AI can elevate teacher planning and instructional quality-Preview trusted AI platforms that align with district goals-Explore models for school and district AI policy-Collaborate with peers on next steps for thoughtful implementationAudience: School and building leadersEligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1/2 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10K9snVe4x2tY-2AgkoOD-WhjvGW2DfUy/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5145660

AI as a Teaching Assistant: Using Artificial Intelligence to Tutor, Support, and Empower Student Learning *IN PERSON* presented by Dr. Maria Esposito - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-10-09 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
AI isn’t just for teachers-it can be a powerful tutor, feedback coach, and learning companion for students. In this hands-on workshop, K-12 educators will explore how tools like ChatGPT, SchoolAI, MagicSchool, and Brisk can help students review concepts, improve writing, ask better questions, and receive individualized support-without replacing the teacher. Learn how to integrate AI responsibly into instruction while building digital literacy, critical thinking, and trust.Audience: K-12 Educators, Ed Tech Coaches, Library Media Specialists, Support Staff, AdministratorsEligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 consortium seat.If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10RfaGtP6W74D7YeM3LtOd8eo2E7v9vna/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5139975
