School District: Capital Region BOCESSuperintendent: Anita MurphyContact: Denise Pallozzi, CDOS Coordinator, 518-464-6397Project Name: Capital Region BOCES CDOS Initiative

The Capital Region BOCES CDOS Initiative seeks to bolster lifelong opportunities for students with disabilities in New York’s Capital Region by increasing their access to work-based learning and, in turn, strengthening the likelihood they’ll earn a CDOS Commencement Credential and be better prepared for the world of work.

School District: Avon Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Aaron JohnsonContact: Kyle Adamczak, Public Relations Coordinator, 585-226-2455Project Name: The Braves Way

The Braves Way is a wrap-around program incorporating grades K-12. This program has established a positive school culture through building relationships, repairing harm and having a pro-active/preventative approach to help create success both in school and in the community.

School District: Baldwin Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Shari CamhiContact: Anthony Mignella, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, 516-434-6020Project Name: Personalized Learning: Academic Academies

The Academic Academy program provides students a rich academic program coupled with opportunities that foster career and college readiness through rigorous coursework and practical experiences in one of fi ve different career pathways. This program exposes students to a multitude of learning experiences, gaining skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the global community.

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School District: Baldwinsville Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Matthew McDonaldContact: Kelly Cary, School Information Offi cer, 315-638-6044Project Name: Baldwinsville Robotics Program and Club

The Baldwinsville Robotics program is designed for Grades 7-12. Students investigate automation and robotics, learning about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine and computer control systems. Students immerse themselves in designing, building and testing robotic models. The capstone event is to enter student-created designs at robotic tournaments.

School District: Ballston Spa Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Joseph DragoneContact: Stuart Williams, Coordinator of Community Resources, 518-884-7150Project Name: Scratching the Surface - Using Block Coding in the Core Classroom

Scratching the Surface, a collaboration between Ballston Spa Central School District and Albany Can Code, brings coding into 3rd grade core content classrooms. Through this project, students began to see themselves as coders and demonstrate science content knowledge through a performance based coding assessment project on the Life Cycle of Organisms.

School District: Brewster Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Valerie Henning-PiedmonteContact: Valerie Henning-Piedmonte, Superintendent, 845-279-8000Project Name: Strategic Coherence Plan

The Brewster Central School District uses innovation driven economy described by Tony Wagner and Ted Dintersmith in Most Likely to Succeed as a way to introduce 21st Century academic and social emotional skills to students. These skills will prepare all students to succeed in life, work and future learning.

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School District: Broome-Tioga BOCESSuperintendent: Alan BuyckContact: Douglas Titus, Supervisor, 607-763-3345Project Name: Tech Academy

Broome-Tioga BOCES’ Tech Academy is a unique program engaging 9th and 10th grade students in STEM. Tech Academy uses project-based learning as the linchpin of instruction. This approach aids success in the integrated coursework of science, ELA, math and art, while developing technical skills and career interests in STEM.

School District: Commack Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Donald JamesContact: Brenda Lentsch, Director of Media Relations, 631-858-3501Project Name: Enrichment for All

Ever watch a child teach herself to make SLIME, edit and post a video about it or observe her playing for hours with a box? Enrichment for All is connecting students’ natural drive and passion to learn. This enrichment program provides meaningful real-life experiences and choices.

School District: Commack Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Donald JamesContact: Brenda Lentsch, Director of Media Relations, 631-858-3501Project Name: Access, Opportunity, and Choice: Project-Based Learning for All Students

Access and Opportunity features coursework from International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, Project Lead the Way, etc. and focuses on project-based learning. The district formulated the program with an eye toward effectively demonstrating student success beyond test scores. Courses begin in the elementary and middle schools with project-based opportunities for all students.

School District: Comsewogue School DistrictSuperintendent: Joseph RellaContact: Joseph Rella, Superintendent, 631-474-8108Project Name: Comsewogue Project Based Consortium

During a time of high stakes testing, the Comsewogue School District asked what students need to know in the 21st Century. No matter a graduate’s path, essential qualities are needed to be successful beyond memorization and test taking. Project Based Learning teaches collaboration, public speaking and refl ection.

School District: Eastern Suffolk BOCESSuperintendent: David WicksContact: Ross Cohen, Program Administrator for Special Education, 631-218-4182Project Name: Centereach Academic Program

Centereach Academic Center (CAC) is an Eastern Suffolk BOCES High School program for students with emotional disabilities. CAC combines traditional academic coursework with a focus on industry-specifi c career training, post-graduate planning and social-emotional well-being. Community and regional partnerships bring students’ learning beyond the classroom’s four walls.

School District: Elmira City School District Superintendent: Hillary AustinContact: Hillary Austin, Superintendent, 607-735-3010Project Name: Behavior Intervention Center - Community Schools Program

The Behavior Intervention Center was developed out of a partnership between the Elmira City School District and Glove House. This partnership is based upon commitment to a solid community schools model. The program serves as an alternative to out-of-school suspension and has successfully served more than 1,300 students.

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School District: Elmsford Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Mark Baiocco, Ed.D.Contact: Mark Baiocco, Ed.D., Superintendent, 914-592-6632Project Name: Elmsford UFSD Talking Points

The Elmsford Union Free School District Talking Points partnership leverages affordable, cutting-edge technology to break down language barriers between home and school. Using a simple and secure text message platform, educators and parents/guardians can communicate with each other in their respective native languages.

School District: Elwood Union Free School District Superintendent: Kenneth BossertContact: Kristen Tacconi, Assistant Account Executive, 631-757-1406Project Name: Elwood Family STEAM Nights

The Elwood Union Free School District’s STEAM events were inspired by the White House’s “Week of Making” challenge. This program invites students in grades K-8, and their families, to celebrate ingenuity and creatively solve problems during three 50 minute workshops led by teacher volunteers.

School District: Gates Chili Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Kimberle WardContact: Holly Valentine, Arts Integration TOSA, 585-247-5050Project Name: A.R.T.S. Partners (A.R.T.S.=Arts Reaching and Teaching in Schools)

A.R.T.S. Partners is a partnership between the Gates Chili Central School District and Rochester Broadway Theatre League that infuses and integrates the arts into classroom curriculum across all subject areas, while meeting all major core standards. Student-centered inquiries are developed that incorporate music, theatre and art into all levels of learning.

School District: Geneva City School DistrictSuperintendent: Trina NewtonContact: Heather Swanson, Public Relations Offi cer, 315-781-0400Project Name: Geneva Heroes

Geneva Heroes is an eight-week service and leadership program for 20-25 local school students, created and staffed by Hobart and William Smith students. Students participate in team building, leadership and service activities. In the past, the group assisted in restoring headstones, refurbished the food pantry and visited senior citizens.

School District: Glen Cove City School District Superintendent: Maria RiannaContact: Denise Shields, Account Executive, 516-801-7020Project Name: STREAM: Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art & Math

This STREAM program involves teaching creativity, problem solving and critical thinking in weekly scheduled classes. Students participate in the program from K through 5th grade. An interdisciplinary approach to learning provides an opportunity for differentiation to meet the needs of a very diverse population, allowing for success for all.

School District: Greenburgh Central SchoolsSuperintendent: Tahira ChaseContact: Tracey Wong, School Library Media Specialist, 914-761-6000Project Name: #LearnMakeGive

#LearnMakeGive teaches scholars to use local school library tools and resources to create and give back to the community. Children are learning to use Tinkered and a 3D Dremel printer to make limbs for animals in need.

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School District: Haldane Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Diana BowersContact: Peggy Clements, Board Member, 845-265-9254Project Name: Creation of Individual Learner Profi les Using Brain-based Neurodevelopmental Constructs

The Haldane School District is creating individualized learner profi les that help students determine their own neurodevelopmental makeup. Students are taught to use strategies to “bypass” their weaknesses by using their strengths. Students are empowered to understand, and control their growth mindset.

School District: Harborfi elds Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Francesco IanniContact: Jordan Cox, Executive Director for Instruction, 631-754-5320Project Name: Harborfi elds Technology 2.0 Plan

This plan will allow the integration of technology in a way that can enhance curriculum and the creativity of every child in the school. This fi ve year 1:1 technology plan supports the vision of Harborfi elds by ensuring an engaging and future-focused system of education centered around world class communication.

School District: Holland Central School District Superintendent: Cathy FabiatosContact: Michelle Krieger, Technology Integration Specialist, 716-537-8200Project Name: Advanced Computer Science Principles - Mobile Computer Science Principles

Mobile Computer Science Principles is a course that meets the criteria for the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles exam. Students in this course research and create original computing innovations such as mobile applications that are useful to society - potentially saving lives.

School District: Horseheads Central School District Superintendent: Thomas DouglasContact: Susan Pirozzolo, Community Information Specialist, 607-739-6373Project Name: Town of Big Flats Playground Project

Big Flats Elementary 4th grade students surveyed pre-K and kindergarten students to see what kind of playground equipment they enjoy playing on. Based on that data, as well as survey data collected from parents, students then collaborated with local architects, engineers and playground specialists to propose an innovative inclusive playground.

School District: Irvington Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Kristopher HarrisonContact: Jesse Lubinsky, Director of Technology/Chief Information Offi cer, 914-269-5540Project Name: Student Innovation Fund

The Student Innovation Fund is a vehicle for students to explore their passion, curiosity and talent to provide impactful, enriching learning experiences to the school community. Each student led-grant provides students the opportunity to become project managers while changing the face of learning for the students of Irvington.

School District: Ithaca City School DistrictSuperintendent: Luvelle BrownContact: Elizabeth Coyle, Chief Academic Offi cer, 607-351-6259Project Name: Ithaca City Schools Transdisciplinary Curriculum Development Engage, Educate, Empower, Everyone through Case Studies

Ithaca’s elementary case studies are rooted in project-based learning with local relevance to students. Teachers develop place-based trans-disciplinary case studies that meet the needs of all students. Case studies borrow from many successful approaches, combining essential elements, uniquely applied to make student experiences engaging and empowering, developing true lifelong learners.

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School District: Johnstown School District Superintendent: Patricia KilburnContact: Ruthie Cook, Director of Communications and Instruction, 518-762-4611Project Name: Game On! The Johnstown High School Academy of Gaming Arts and Sciences

Game On! at Johnstown High School offers students a four-year pathway to study video gaming in a project-based and skills-based format. Students in grades 9-12 discover and apply knowledge of coding, graphic arts, design, creative writing and marketing to win their place in the emerging video game industry.

School District: Levittown Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Tonie McDonaldContact: Tonie McDonald, Superintendent, 516-434-7020Project Name: Outdoor Learning Center

The Levittown School District has embarked on an innovative way to teach science. By centrally locating a pond and utilizing a full size greenhouse, students in elementary school study the natural world in an enclosed courtyard, which also contains an outdoor classroom.

School District: Merrick Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Dominick PalmaContact: Jaclyn Greenblatt, STEAM Coach, 516-992-7240Project Name: STEAM Day

Students in the Merrick School District explore science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics during the district’s annual STEAM Day. Throughout the day, kindergarten - 6th graders attend STEAM-themed stations, where they investigate topics. Fifth and sixth graders who participate in the district’s Science Enrichment Program assist students at the stations.

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School District: Naples Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Matthew FrahmContact: Anneke Radin-Snaith, Staff Developer, 585-509-0551Project Name: Naples PBL

The Naples Central School District PBL project is an interdisciplinary, learner-centered, and student-driven experience that provides 7th graders the opportunity to explore real-world problems at local, national and global levels. Students analyze problems, develop solutions and share their learning with authentic audiences.

School District: Niagara Falls City School DistrictSuperintendent: Mark LaurrieContact: Judie Glaser, Community Relations Director, 716-286-4245Project Name: STEM: Vertically integrated, District-wide

The district’s vertically-aligned Pre-K to 12 STEM program is a community-wide effort to increase scientifi c educational outcomes, with the support of residents, hospitals, energy companies, universities and more.

School District: North Merrick Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Cynthia SeniukContact: Ronald Reinken, Principal, 516-379-3732Project Name: Inter-coastal and Marine Study at the Elementary Level

Second and 4th grade students engaged in a comprehensive study of inter-coastal marine life and related land formations. Through research and hands-on experimentation, the students explored life forms, life cycles and marine ecosystems. The study culminated with a comprehensive look at land and marine conservation efforts, along with erosion control.

School District: North Shore School DistrictSuperintendent: Peter GiarrizzoContact: Shelley Newman, Public Relations Director, 516-277-7701Project Name: iInnovate

Glen Head School is committed to providing students with authentic experiences where they engage with one another while looking at the world from different perspectives to make a positive impact in our world. iInnovate allows students to work collaboratively to identify problems and fi nd solutions to solving those problems.

School District: Nyack Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Jim MontesanoContact: Lisa Retallack, Public Relations & Community Outreach Specialist, 845-353-7015Project Name: Learner Active Technology Infused Classroom

The Nyack Public Schools LATI Classroom promotes learning opportunities for students to be creative problem solvers and innovators. Nyack students are inspired to be more curious than when they started.

School District: Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCESSuperintendent: Jody ManningContact: Jackie Wiegand, Marketing Coordinator, 315-433-2602Project Name: Embedded Career & Technology Education

Embedded Career & Technical Education programs transform classrooms into businesses or colleges, allowing students to work side-by-side with professional experts in specialized fi elds. Students work at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, a physical therapy practice, a public broadcast station and an auto dealership. They also earn up to 22 college credits.

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School District: Palmyra-Macedon Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Robert IkeContact: Dresden Engle, Director, 315-597-3401Project Name: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

Palmyra-Macedon Middle School’s mission is to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. Students are assigned jobs that have been previously done by adults. Faculty inspires and encourages students to fi nd their voices and take lead roles in their school.

School District: Patchogue-Medford Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Michael Hynes Ed.DContact: Chris Vaccaro, Public Relations, 631-687-8700 Project Name: E.A.S. - Road to Success

In educating the whole child, physical, emotional, academic and social opportunities are valued equally. Discovery Centers, 40 minute recess, mindfulness, yoga, STEM and STEAM are at the core. Shifting the educational paradigm has fostered innovation throughout the district and community.

School District: Pelham Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Cheryl ChampContact: Alex Wolff, Public Relations Offi cer, 914-738-3434Project Name: MakerSpaces K-12

The maker movement continues to grow across the nation, attracting young and adult learners to collaborate, create, tinker, experiment and innovate. The MakerSpaces are cross disciplinary learning environments that promote learning through play, offering materials and tools encouraging students to create rather than consume.

School District: Port Washington Union Free School DistrictSuperintendent: Kathleen MooneyContact: Beth Izzo, Account Manager, 516-767-5002Project Name: Weber Tech STEM CARES

The STEM CARES program was designed to instill students with an inquiry driven mindset that will prepare them to meet the challenges and expectations of a technologically progressive global workforce. High-energy and highly engaging competitions challenge students to expand their collaborative abilities and willingness to venture outside of their box.

School District: Questar III BocesSuperintendent: Gladys CruzContact: Sarah Fiess, School Outreach Coordinator, 518-862-4958Project Name: Tech Valley High School

Tech Valley High School is a free, regional public high school supported by area schools, businesses and the state. Students learn through authentic hands-on projects. Located on Albany’s CNSE campus, TVHS is uniquely situated to provide access to technology resources and partnerships that help students excel in the global economy.

School District: Rush-Henrietta Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Kenneth GrahamContact: Travis Anderson, Offi ce of Community Relations, 585-359-5015Project Name: Rush-Henrietta Information and Communication Technology Five Year Plan 2014-2019

Rush-Henrietta’s fi ve year Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Plan ensures all students develop technology and information literacy skills according to the International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Students. By deconstructing standards into grade level-specifi c ICT skills, the curriculum maps assessments, and professional development center around measuring and mastering ISTE standards.

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School District: Schalmont Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Carol PallasContact: Mary Shands, Teacher, 518-355-9200Project Name: Make the Most of Makerspace

Increasing educational opportunities such as STEM for students is a goal shared by all schools but can be challenging with limited resources. This program mollifi es these challenges by enlisting middle and high school students to support elementary students and truly make the most of makerspace.

School District: Schalmont Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Carol PallasContact: Kacie Rea, Teacher of Digital Literacy, 518-332-9200Project Name: Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is designed to promote critical thinking and inquiry through the use of technology. Students are introduced to a variety of applications and learn how to use them responsibly. Digital Citizenship topics are covered through project based learning, where students investigate authentic problems and create real world solutions.

School District: Springville Griffi th Institute Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Kimberly MoritzContact: Jennifer Sullivan, Board Vice President, 716-941-6262Project Name: Kids Can Make a Difference

Kids Can Make a Difference program is a year long interdisciplinary English and social studies project that challenges students to take informed civic action for a cause they care about. The project engages students in community service and challenges them to be informed about an issue through research and writing.

School District: Unatego Central School DistrictSuperintendent: David RichardsContact: Marcy Anderson, Teacher, 607-988-5000Project Name: Igniting Student Interest in STEM Concepts and Learning

The Afterschool Lego Robotics program teaches students to work with partners to create a variety of builds that contain interacting mechanisms that function in a variety of ways. Students learn how gear ratios work, and experiment with making alterations to their builds to change the functioning of their machines.

School District: Union-Endicott Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Suzanne McLeodContact: Linda Myers, Public Information Offi cer, 607-757-2111Project Name: Tiger Ventures

Tiger Ventures is an alternative, entrepreneurship focused school. Students set goals, engage in a wide variety of personalized activities, and evaluate learning as they take on the role of “leaders of their own learning.” An incubator wing built into the building leads to close collaboration between adult mentors and students.

School District: Valley Central School DistrictSuperintendent: John XanthisContact: Sheila Lease-Murphy, Deputy Superintendent, 845-457-2400Project Name: Valley Central’s Alternative Learning Center

Students who suffer from anxiety, school phobia and other related issues struggle in traditional classrooms. The Valley Central School District Alternative Learning Center is a non-traditional learning environment where students are attending school regularly and are completing their requirements for graduation.

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School District: Waterloo Central School DistrictSuperintendent: Terri BavisContact: Terri Bavis, Superintendent, 315-539-3456Project Name: Stop Motion Animation

The Stop Motion Animation Project is an innovative unit to engage non-traditional students who struggle with content in a creative way through the arts. Students combine their knowledge of technology, art and history to create their fi nal product.