The Batavia Campus welcomed plenty of visitors to last week’s Open House! Families explored our CTE programs and Batavia Academy as students proudly shared their skills, projects and learning spaces.
Auto Body students showed off the painting booth, while Cosmetology students demonstrated hairstyling and gave tours of their salon. Batavia Academy students and staff welcomed families into their classrooms to see projects and learn more about their classroom activities.
Throughout the evening, visitors got a closer look at the learning experiences and opportunities available at Genesee Valley BOCES. Thank you to everyone who joined us! Photo Credit: Alecia Kaus
Auto Body students showed off the painting booth, while Cosmetology students demonstrated hairstyling and gave tours of their salon. Batavia Academy students and staff welcomed families into their classrooms to see projects and learn more about their classroom activities.
Throughout the evening, visitors got a closer look at the learning experiences and opportunities available at Genesee Valley BOCES. Thank you to everyone who joined us! Photo Credit: Alecia Kaus

New this school year, Genesee Valley BOCES is offering Careers in Education at the Mount Morris CTE Center.
This program introduces students to teaching and related careers while helping them build the academic, professional and interpersonal skills needed for college and the workplace. Through college-level coursework, research, collaboration and hands-on learning in educational settings, students explore the field of education and put their learning into practice.
Along the way, students strengthen their communication, leadership and problem-solving skills while earning up to 6 college credits through Genesee Community College (GCC). Opportunities to earn CPR/First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certifications are available, helping students prepare to support the learning and well-being of others.
This program introduces students to teaching and related careers while helping them build the academic, professional and interpersonal skills needed for college and the workplace. Through college-level coursework, research, collaboration and hands-on learning in educational settings, students explore the field of education and put their learning into practice.
Along the way, students strengthen their communication, leadership and problem-solving skills while earning up to 6 college credits through Genesee Community College (GCC). Opportunities to earn CPR/First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certifications are available, helping students prepare to support the learning and well-being of others.

October is National Principals Month!
This month, we recognize and celebrate the dedicated principals who lead, inspire and support students and staff each day. Their leadership, commitment and hard work make a lasting difference in our schools and communities.
Thank you to all principals for everything you do to help students and schools succeed!
This month, we recognize and celebrate the dedicated principals who lead, inspire and support students and staff each day. Their leadership, commitment and hard work make a lasting difference in our schools and communities.
Thank you to all principals for everything you do to help students and schools succeed!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: For the 4th annual Livingston County Special Education & Disability Resource Fair!
This year’s fair is set for Saturday, Nov. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Avon Middle School gymnasium, 191 Clinton St., Avon.
This free event is open to the public and aims to provide valuable resources and support for families of children with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The resource fair will feature organizations and agencies that service Livingston County and will serve as a one-stop resource hub for families seeking information and support tailored to their unique needs.
Families will have the opportunity to learn about essential services including advocacy support, care coordination, community and recreational programs, health and therapy services, and much more.
Questions? Contact event co-founder Rebecca Stewart at RebeccaStewart5710@gmail.com
This year’s fair is set for Saturday, Nov. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Avon Middle School gymnasium, 191 Clinton St., Avon.
This free event is open to the public and aims to provide valuable resources and support for families of children with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The resource fair will feature organizations and agencies that service Livingston County and will serve as a one-stop resource hub for families seeking information and support tailored to their unique needs.
Families will have the opportunity to learn about essential services including advocacy support, care coordination, community and recreational programs, health and therapy services, and much more.
Questions? Contact event co-founder Rebecca Stewart at RebeccaStewart5710@gmail.com

We're Hiring at our Mount Morris CTE Center!
Looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students? Join the Genesee Valley BOCES team!
We are currently hiring for the following positions at our Mount Morris Career and Technical Education Center:
🔹 Teacher Aide – Diesel Mechanics
🔹 Teacher Aide or Assistant – CTE Center
Be part of a supportive team that helps students develop hands-on skills, explore career pathways and prepare for their futures!
Looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students? Join the Genesee Valley BOCES team!
We are currently hiring for the following positions at our Mount Morris Career and Technical Education Center:
🔹 Teacher Aide – Diesel Mechanics
🔹 Teacher Aide or Assistant – CTE Center
Be part of a supportive team that helps students develop hands-on skills, explore career pathways and prepare for their futures!

On October 2, GV BOCES welcomed district teams for the first session of the New York Inspires Transformation Coalition, a statewide initiative designed by the New York State Education Department and implemented in partnership with BOCES.
This three-part series brings educators together to explore statewide guidance, share ideas, and develop local plans that reflect the needs of their students, schools, and communities. Our regional participation was so well attended that educational leaders worked across two conference rooms, with both spaces engaged in the same learning and planning opportunities!
We look forward to continuing this work together in February and May, as districts shape what New York Inspires will mean for their school communities.
This three-part series brings educators together to explore statewide guidance, share ideas, and develop local plans that reflect the needs of their students, schools, and communities. Our regional participation was so well attended that educational leaders worked across two conference rooms, with both spaces engaged in the same learning and planning opportunities!
We look forward to continuing this work together in February and May, as districts shape what New York Inspires will mean for their school communities.

Batavia Academy seniors kicked off their senior year with a Senior Sunrise Breakfast, sharing a delicious meal, music and time together in the cafeteria. A special thank-you to our Graduation/Senior Committee staff for preparing pancakes, waffles, eggs and all the breakfast favorites that made the morning special. This is just the beginning of a year filled with memories and celebrations for our seniors! Photo Credit: Erin Staley

Students recently headed outside for a day filled with activities, laughter, and plenty of friendly competition. From games and challenges to taking their best shot at the dunk tank, it was a great opportunity for students to enjoy time together and make some fun memories outside the classroom. What a great day at Batavia Academy!

GV BOCES students were in action at GLOW With Your Hands! 🛠️Metal Trades, Building Trades, and Electro-Mechanical Trades CTE programs demonstrated their skills and gave visiting students a chance to see these programs up close. Students from the Batavia Campus and Early College High School also explored the event, getting hands-on with careers, connecting with local employers, and discovering future opportunities. We’re proud to see our students on both sides of the experience—sharing what they’ve learned and exploring what could be next!

During School Board Recognition Week, we’re celebrating the dedicated members of the Genesee Valley BOCES Board of Education!
Serving 22 component school districts, our board members bring experience, perspective, and a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for learners throughout our region. Behind their service are hours of preparation, thoughtful conversations, and decisions that help support our students, staff, and school communities.
Thank you to Board President Norbert Fuest, Vice President J. David Woodruff, and trustees Christy Crandall-Bean, Margaret Foster, Robert DeBruycker, Ernest Haywood, Thadieus Mix, Roger Kostecky, Edward Levinstein, Michael Riner, and Paul Webster. We also recognize Student Board Members Delilah Husted, and Natalie Royse for bringing a valuable student voice to the board.
We appreciate your time, leadership, and belief in what our students can achieve. Please join us in thanking our board members for all they do for GV BOCES!
Serving 22 component school districts, our board members bring experience, perspective, and a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for learners throughout our region. Behind their service are hours of preparation, thoughtful conversations, and decisions that help support our students, staff, and school communities.
Thank you to Board President Norbert Fuest, Vice President J. David Woodruff, and trustees Christy Crandall-Bean, Margaret Foster, Robert DeBruycker, Ernest Haywood, Thadieus Mix, Roger Kostecky, Edward Levinstein, Michael Riner, and Paul Webster. We also recognize Student Board Members Delilah Husted, and Natalie Royse for bringing a valuable student voice to the board.
We appreciate your time, leadership, and belief in what our students can achieve. Please join us in thanking our board members for all they do for GV BOCES!

In partnership with GCC and @logansrescue, three of our Batavia CTE Senior Animal Science students—Bella G., Lily R., and Meg G.—worked alongside veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and volunteers to spay and neuter 19 cats seeking homes. Under the guidance of Licensed Veterinary Technicians, the students gained valuable hands-on experience in surgery prep, intubation, vaccination, microchipping, and anesthetic recovery. This opportunity offered them insight into veterinary careers while supporting community animal welfare. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with the GCC’s Veterinary Technology program and Logan’s Rescue for future spay/neuter services.

A first for our first-year Batavia Culinary students! They made rolls for the first time and did an outstanding job. We’re proud of the care and effort they put into every batch!

Fall calving season is here at the Mount Morris CTE Center! 🐄 Animal Science students practiced hands-on skills for caring for cows and calves, including animal health, sanitation and safely helping when a cow needs assistance.
Students also visited Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park to learn about agritourism and zoology!
Students also visited Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park to learn about agritourism and zoology!

On October 2, GV BOCES welcomed district teams for the first session of the New York Inspires Transformation Coalition, a statewide initiative designed by the New York State Education Department and implemented in partnership with BOCES.
This three-part series brings educators together to explore statewide guidance, share ideas, and develop local plans that reflect the needs of their students, schools, and communities. Our regional participation was so well attended that educational leaders worked across two conference rooms, with both spaces engaged in the same learning and planning opportunities!
We look forward to continuing this work together in February and May, as districts shape what New York Inspires will mean for their school communities.
This three-part series brings educators together to explore statewide guidance, share ideas, and develop local plans that reflect the needs of their students, schools, and communities. Our regional participation was so well attended that educational leaders worked across two conference rooms, with both spaces engaged in the same learning and planning opportunities!
We look forward to continuing this work together in February and May, as districts shape what New York Inspires will mean for their school communities.
Students in the Mount Morris CTE Animal Science Program are putting their skills to work to make a difference for animals throughout our community!
In partnership with Hand to Paw Rescue, students recently welcomed Steve Drave, Vice President of Hand to Paw Rescue, for a lesson about cat rescue and welfare. Students learned about spay/neuter efforts, vaccinations, caring for domestic and feral cats, animal cruelty laws, TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) and how they can play a role in saving lives.
This project has already received incredible support from the community! Throughout the summer, many community members generously donated supplies to help make the project possible, with collection locations established throughout the area. Posts promoting the collection also reached more than 72,000 views, helping spread the word and bring even more people together to support the effort.
Now, students are turning that support into action! They’re working toward a goal of building 100 outdoor cat houses that will be distributed to rescues across three counties. Each house will feature student-created artwork and a special message.
Students will also receive updates on where the houses go, TNVR progress and the cats their work helps along the way.
We love seeing our students, staff, community members and local partners come together to turn classroom learning into a meaningful community impact! 💙💚
In partnership with Hand to Paw Rescue, students recently welcomed Steve Drave, Vice President of Hand to Paw Rescue, for a lesson about cat rescue and welfare. Students learned about spay/neuter efforts, vaccinations, caring for domestic and feral cats, animal cruelty laws, TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) and how they can play a role in saving lives.
This project has already received incredible support from the community! Throughout the summer, many community members generously donated supplies to help make the project possible, with collection locations established throughout the area. Posts promoting the collection also reached more than 72,000 views, helping spread the word and bring even more people together to support the effort.
Now, students are turning that support into action! They’re working toward a goal of building 100 outdoor cat houses that will be distributed to rescues across three counties. Each house will feature student-created artwork and a special message.
Students will also receive updates on where the houses go, TNVR progress and the cats their work helps along the way.
We love seeing our students, staff, community members and local partners come together to turn classroom learning into a meaningful community impact! 💙💚
Last week, three Batavia Conservation students headed to Crow Creek on Kroetz Road in Orangeville for an internship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The students used heavy equipment to repair damage to a stream restoration project completed in 2021–2022. Their work will help support eastern brook trout, New York’s state fish. 🐟
The students used heavy equipment to repair damage to a stream restoration project completed in 2021–2022. Their work will help support eastern brook trout, New York’s state fish. 🐟

We were pleased to welcome New York State Assemblyman Steve Hawley to our Batavia Campus yesterday!
His visit began in the Building Trades classroom at the Career and Technical Education Center, where students were hard at work in the shop. Students and their teacher shared what they’re currently working on and talked about the house they will be building as part of the program this school year.
During his visit, Assemblyman Hawley met with District Superintendent Julie Donlon, Interim Deputy Superintendent Matt Wilkins, and Executive Director of CTE Matt Flowers. Together, they talked about the many programs and opportunities GV BOCES provides to students across the region, as well as future capital project plans.
Thank you, Assemblyman Hawley, for taking the time to visit our campus, meet with our students and staff, and learn more about GV BOCES and the work happening across our organization.
His visit began in the Building Trades classroom at the Career and Technical Education Center, where students were hard at work in the shop. Students and their teacher shared what they’re currently working on and talked about the house they will be building as part of the program this school year.
During his visit, Assemblyman Hawley met with District Superintendent Julie Donlon, Interim Deputy Superintendent Matt Wilkins, and Executive Director of CTE Matt Flowers. Together, they talked about the many programs and opportunities GV BOCES provides to students across the region, as well as future capital project plans.
Thank you, Assemblyman Hawley, for taking the time to visit our campus, meet with our students and staff, and learn more about GV BOCES and the work happening across our organization.

Yesterday, Genesee Valley BOCES officially welcomed staff back for the 2026–2027 school year at our annual Opening Day!
This year’s theme was “Light Up the School Year” and even when a morning storm rolled through and knocked out the power, our staff found a way to light up the room with plenty of laughter, cheers and excitement for the year ahead.
District Superintendent Dr. Julie Donlon-Yates welcomed staff and shared her excitement for the new school year, while Matt DellaPenna provided an update on the progress of our Capital Project. We were also honored to hear from Board President Norb Fuest, Ex Officio Student Board Member Delilah Husted and GV BOCES alumna Claire Donlon, who shared her success story and the impact GV BOCES has had on her journey.
Staff also heard from Casey VanEpps before motivational speaker and live painter Sam Glenn took the stage. Sam reminded us of the power of perspective, how our attitudes can change the way we experience each day and, most importantly, that you never know who might need a little light. His message encouraged us to recognize the gifts we’ve been given and use them to make a difference for others.
It was the perfect way to begin a new year together — celebrating our people, our purpose and the light each member of GV BOCES brings to our students and communities. Here’s to a bright 2026–2027 school year!
This year’s theme was “Light Up the School Year” and even when a morning storm rolled through and knocked out the power, our staff found a way to light up the room with plenty of laughter, cheers and excitement for the year ahead.
District Superintendent Dr. Julie Donlon-Yates welcomed staff and shared her excitement for the new school year, while Matt DellaPenna provided an update on the progress of our Capital Project. We were also honored to hear from Board President Norb Fuest, Ex Officio Student Board Member Delilah Husted and GV BOCES alumna Claire Donlon, who shared her success story and the impact GV BOCES has had on her journey.
Staff also heard from Casey VanEpps before motivational speaker and live painter Sam Glenn took the stage. Sam reminded us of the power of perspective, how our attitudes can change the way we experience each day and, most importantly, that you never know who might need a little light. His message encouraged us to recognize the gifts we’ve been given and use them to make a difference for others.
It was the perfect way to begin a new year together — celebrating our people, our purpose and the light each member of GV BOCES brings to our students and communities. Here’s to a bright 2026–2027 school year!
Congratulations to the Mount Morris CTE Center Class of 2026! 🎓Students, families, staff, and community partners gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduates and recognize outstanding student achievements during the annual Awards and Graduation Night. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their careers, communities, and beyond.

A special end-of-year tradition: staff lined the front of the school to send students off with smiles and waves on the last day of classes. Thank you for a great year, and enjoy your summer!

