The recent FIRST LEGO League Challenge brought together teams from across the region to showcase their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork in an exciting robotics competition. Here’s a recap of the winners:
Coach/Mentor Award
Corey Ryder from Wayland-Cohocton CSD was honored for his kindness, persistence, and calming leadership. His guidance helped his team overcome challenges and prepare for success.
Core Values Award
The Oakfield-Alabama Hi-Tech Hornets stood out for their enthusiasm, strong communication, and team spirit. Judges recognized their collaboration and mutual respect.
Innovation Project Award
The Batavia Middle White Robotics team earned this award for their impactful project focused on cleaning up Lake Ontario. Their creative and well-researched solutions demonstrated a commitment to real-world problem-solving.
Robot Design Award
The Gillam-Grant Team impressed judges with their strong engineering practices, excellent programming, and an efficient, durable robot.
Robot Performance Award
The Gillam-Grant Team also claimed this award with the top score during the Robot Game, showcasing outstanding execution and teamwork.
Champion’s Award
The Steam Knights Robotic Royals earned the competition's highest honor, excelling in all categories with their innovative water cleanup project and advanced robot design. They will advance to the Finger Lakes Regional Tournament in Buffalo, along with the Gillam-Grant Team and the Oakfield-Alabama Hi-Tech Hornets.
This year’s event featured teams from Wayland-Cohocton CSD, Batavia City Schools, LeRoy CSD, Oakfield-Alabama CSD, Keshequa CSD, Mount Morris CSD, Byron-Bergen CSD, Warsaw CSD, and Attica CSD. Congratulations to all participants for their creativity and collaboration! Best of luck to the advancing teams at regionals!
Lunar New Year is Almost Here! Did you know that the date of Lunar New Year changes every year? That's because it's based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon-falling on the first new moon of the year, which can be anywhere between January 21 and February 20. This year, Lunar New Year will be celebrated on January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Snake! More details on that coming up tomorrow!
LeRoy Central School 10th graders got hands-on in the Culinary Arts program during their half-day visit last week, crafting breakfast pizzas and apple cider cookies while exploring CTE opportunities!
Attica Central School District students had an exciting half-day visit to the Batavia CTE Center today! During their visit, students selected their top two CTE programs and spent an hour in each, engaging in hands-on activities and exploring potential career paths. Programs like Graphic Arts, Electro-Mechanical Trades, and Auto Body were among the many options that gave students a chance to dive into real-world skills and trades. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to discover their interests and begin thinking about their future goals.
Mount Morris Elementary BOCES students are having a blast staying active and engaged during PE class! From games to movement activities, they're learning the importance of fitness while having fun.
Students in Courtney Post's class have been diving into the Atom and Periodic Table science unit! For their mid-unit project, they created 3D atom models featuring protons, neutrons, and electrons, and paired them with research summaries to showcase their understanding of atomic structure. Science in action!
Last week, Mount Morris Elementary BOCES students embraced the winter weather with an exciting sledding adventure! The snowy hills were filled with laughter, teamwork, and joyful moments as students enjoyed the fresh air and seasonal fun. Experiences like this encourage outdoor play and create lasting memories.
Batavia CTE Cosmetology students are honing their skills in makeup application, practicing techniques on training packets and mannequins to perfect their craft. These hands-on experiences are critical for developing their artistic abilities and preparing them for future success in the beauty industry.
We're Hiring at Genesee Valley BOCES! Be part of a team that impacts students' lives every day. Take the next step in your career—apply now! Visit gvboces.org to learn more and submit your application today.
Cassandra Ploetz, the new Ag Production teacher at the Mount Morris CTE Center, has jumped right into hands-on teaching! Students are learning practical skills such as trimming goat hooves in the “rumped” position, simulating the use of OB chains and a modified chair to assist with a difficult calving process, and performing necropsies.
Batavia Culinary students showcased their skills during the Principal Luncheon, where principals gathered for a meeting followed by a professionally prepared four-course meal. From whipping up dishes to serving them with flair, students handled every detail, gaining hands-on experience in both back-of-house and front-of-house operations. They definitely brought the heat to the kitchen and served up success on every plate!
SUNY Geneseo LIVES students hosted a creative film festival, where teams showcased short films inspired by indie band names. After each screening, teams guessed the titles, adding an extra layer of fun to the event!
The Batavia CTE Animal Science program has been busy! From hoof trimming and bandaging to taking vital signs, students have been diving into hands-on learning. Activities like creating pasta skeleton models, dissecting chicken wings to study anatomy, and even hosting a doggy birthday party have made the classroom engaging and fun! Here's a look at some highlights from their adventures in animal science!
The Genesee Valley School Boards Association hosted their 2025 Annual Leadership Breakfast and Awards Ceremony at Elba Central Schools, honoring 24 area districts and Genesee Valley BOCES for their outstanding contributions to education. A special congratulations to the GV BOCES Batavia Culinary Arts Program for receiving the Excellence in Student Services Award! Your dedication to fostering student success is inspiring. Following the awards, superintendents and educators met with legislators, including Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Senator George Borrello, Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey, and Chris Zeltmann from Senator Schumer's office, to discuss the future of education.
Today, we reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a courageous leader who
fought tirelessly for justice, equality, and peace. His words continue to inspire us to stand up for what is right, to embrace kindness, and to work toward a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Earn Your CDL with Genesee Valley BOCES! Take the wheel of your future with our Adult Education CDL Training Program! Whether you're looking to drive tractor-trailers, dump trucks, or school buses, we’ve got you covered with Class A and B Trainings! Classes are ongoing- and you can start your future career by registering here: https://www.gvboces.org/o/gvb/page/cdl-training
At Genesee Valley BOCES, we celebrate the health and wellness journeys of our staff because staying active and prioritizing fitness is no easy task. Kevin Connell, Labor Relations Attorney, exemplifies this dedication with his inspiring story of perseverance and personal growth.
As a Labor Relations Attorney at Genesee Valley BOCES, Kevin is no stranger to managing a busy schedule. Yet, he has committed himself to a remarkable fitness journey. Last September, he completed his first half marathon—a goal he set to regain his fitness and stay accountable to his training. That initial success paved the way for an even greater challenge: the Four Seasons Challenge, which involves running four half marathons in a single year.
To prepare, Kevin maintains a disciplined training schedule, running 4-5 times per week at a steady 7:30-minute pace. His routine includes short runs of 4-6 miles, moderate runs of 8-10 miles, and long runs up to 15 miles. By incorporating running into his evenings, Kevin balances his professional responsibilities while staying consistent and overcoming weather-related obstacles by using a treadmill.
Completing January’s Winter Warrior Half Marathon in freezing, snowy conditions was no small feat, but Kevin’s determination carried him through. “Race day was cold, windy, and exhausting, but finishing the race reminded me how far I’ve come,” he shared. He credits his success to consistency, an upbeat music playlist, and support from his family—especially his mom, who has been his biggest cheerleader.
Kevin is now in the best shape of his life, and his commitment to fitness has improved not only his physical health but also his mental resilience. “Running has transformed me both physically and mentally. Whether it’s the endorphins or the self-discipline, it’s made me a happier and healthier person,” he says.
For anyone considering a similar challenge, Kevin’s advice is both motivating and practical: “Progress takes time, so celebrate your small victories and learn from setbacks. Stay consistent, listen to your body, and prioritize recovery. When you take care of your body, it will take care of you.”
Kevin’s incredible journey reminds us all that with dedication and resilience, we can achieve great things. Keep up the great work, Kevin, and thank you for inspiring others to take on their own fitness goals!
As shared last night on 13WHAM’s Bright Spot!
Genesee Valley BOCES hosted its annual ICE competition, bringing together students from local school districts to showcase their talents in literature, drama, and creative writing.
Congratulations to Team Blue from Livonia for winning the coveted ICE Cup and to the Scarlett Letterhead team from Avon for finishing as runners-up!
Check out the full story here: https://13wham.com/features/bright-spot/bright-spot-genesee-valley-boces-celebrates-student-creativity-at-annual-ice-competition.
Your journey to success starts with GV BOCES Adult Education Programs! We’re here to help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your personal and professional goals. Whether you're advancing your career, exploring new opportunities, or starting fresh, our programs are tailored to support your success.
We’re also looking for your feedback to help shape future offerings! Your input is essential as we grow and adapt to meet the needs of our community.
Take the first step today by filling out our Adult Education Interest Form and sharing your thoughts. Be part of the story that inspires success! Scan the QR Code to fill out the form!
Become part of our Alumni Spotlight! We’re looking for more amazing alumni to share their stories of life after their time with us! Whether you’ve started a new career, pursued further education, or just have an inspiring journey to tell, we’d love to hear from you! If you're interested in being featured, please email us at lherkimer@gvboces.org. Let’s celebrate where you've been and what you're doing now!
