Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Students Showcase Collaboration That Benefits All

BOCES students in both the Special Education Department and Career & Technical Education recently worked collaboratively to the benefit of both programs.

As a PBIS reward, students at Moravia High School were able to visit the Cosmetology program on the main campus to receive a day of pampering. This included haircuts, braids, nail polish and more.

“Our students were rewarded for their efforts, and the cosmetology students were able to practice on real customers,” Special Education Principal Erica Sinicropi said. “Both groups benefited, which is what collaboration is all about.”

Sinicropi called the experience a group effort. She noted how proud she was of the Moravia students for showcasing their classroom values of being safe, responsible and respectful.

Teacher Janie Campbell said the field trip not only showcased PBIS skills, but social and emotional learning (SEL) as well.

“The students didn’t know the cosmetology students that were working on them, so it was them coming out of their comfort zone. And that is great,” Campbell said.

Cosmetology Teacher Mary Conley said the experience was a great opportunity for her students to work on their skills, including how to interact with clients.

“The Cosmetology students were excited to try skills they had only been able to practice on Manikins before and learn how to interact with clients they had never met before. I was very proud of how willing they were to try out their skills on real clients,” she said. “It was also a pleasure to see them interacting with the Moravia students. Everyone left with big smiles on their faces. We are already planning our next visit from these students.”

Moravia student Emma Townsend, who received a hair trim and nail polish, said the whole experience was so much fun for her and her classmates.

“I was so excited to go,” she said. “I would love to thank the Cosmetology students for all their hard work.”

Classmate Emilio Oralls agreed.

“I would like to say thank you very much for allowing for this opportunity. They trimmed my hair and did my nails, and they did just an amazing job,” he said.

Campbell said she would like to thank the BOCES administration for allowing her class to have the opportunity to get into the community and share experiences that they may otherwise not have had the opportunity for.

“We all had fun, and it gave us time on the bus to learn more about each other. Sometimes, school isn’t all about books and reading and all the work. Sometimes, it’s about enjoying each other’s company and having some fun while we do it,” she said.