Dutchess BOCES

Are you or someone you know looking to take steps toward a better future? We offer low-cost vocational classes for English Language Learners that include ESL support. Some of our fully credentialed course offerings include: Home Health Aide, Nursing Assistant, Construction with NCCER Core certification, Culinary with ServSafe Food Handler certification and Guest Services with AHLEI Guest Services Gold/STAR Restaurant Server certification.
We also offer English for Speakers of Other Languages and Adult Basic Education. Whatever your needs, we have the tools you need to help you reach your goals. Join a supportive community where success stories happen every day.
Want to learn more? Come to our Open House on Wednesday, June 24, from 6–8 p.m. at Dutchess BOCES Conference Center, 5 BOCES Road, Poughkeepsie, NY or call us at 845-483-3640. Learnhttps://www.dcboces.org/ALI_ESL-GED

Here are some photos showing a variety of end-of-year activities Dutchess BOCES students participated in over the past few weeks. From field days at Resilience Academy and Salt Point Center to a visit from the Bubble Bus, the RA Variety Show and end-of-year celebrations for SkillsUSA and other clubs at the Career and Technical Institute and a scholarship night, students enjoyed celebrating accomplishments and the winding down of the school year.

Congratulations to the Career and Technical Institute’s Class of 2026!🎉 You not only learned trade skills, but life skills to help you in whatever you choose to do in life. We are so proud of our seniors who set a record this year with the amount of scholarships they earned. Bravo! Read more at dcboces.org.

Salt Point Center celebrated the accomplishments of 23 eighth graders who are moving on to high school during a Moving Up Day Ceremony and Celebration June 11. Students donned caps and gowns, decorated sashes, and were called up individually to receive their certificates. Poetry readings, musical numbers, and a chance for each student to honor someone who helped them grow were all part of the program. See more at https://www.dcboces.org/spcmoveup2026.

Ready to upskill for your career or learn a new trade? Whether you want to master auto maintenance like Antonio Perez, explore welding foundations like Nicholas Spinosa, or dive into fields like construction, education, healthcare, hospitality, or security, the Adult Learning Institute (ALI) has a program for you!
Our hands-on classes are designed to help you become self-sufficient and open doors to new job opportunities. Hear from our students about why they love the supportive, friendly environment at ALI, visit dcboces.org/alifall2026. This year, ALI is expanding its impact with new career-focused programming, including Vocational Math and a "Foundations of a Teacher’s Aide" certification.
Want to know what’s in store for the fall? Visit our Open House on Wednesday, June 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Dutchess BOCES Conference Center, 5 BOCES Road, Poughkeepsie, NY. Can’t make it, call at 845-483-3640 to learn more. Your future is waiting! Learn more at https://www.dcboces.org/ALItrades2026.

Dutchess BOCES students are earning regional recognition for their accomplishments. On Wednesday, Connor Van Norstrand from CTI's Automotive Technology program received the Student Scholar Award from the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents at the 58th Carroll F. Johnson Scholastic Achievement Dinner at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac. Earlier in the month, Henry Cavanaugh, from CTI's Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management program, received the Thomas Olivo Leadership Award from the Association for Career and Technical Education Administrators from Zone 4, which represents New York State. Congratulations to both of these students.

Congratulations to our 38 Career and Technical Institute seniors who are on their way to start a career or join a branch of the military. Students and their employers celebrated during a Signing Day ceremony at the school May 28. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. More at https://bit.ly/CTIsigning2026

Presenters from NAMI Mid-Hudson encouraged Resilience Academy students to “End the Silence” on Mental Health, sharing ways to cope with and recognize the warning signs of depression and other mental health conditions during a presentation recently as part of National Mental Health Awareness Month. They encouraged students to speak to a trusted adult at the school if they or someone they know is experiencing a mental health issue and provided a list of those people. Read more at dcboces.org.

Second-year students in CTI’s Cosmetology program spent 10 weeks coming up with proposals to open their own salons and shared digital presentations about them to the class earlier this spring. During the 10 weeks, students had to factor in operating and service costs, supplies they would need, the number of employees and environmental sustainability. Additionally, they researched the area they planned to set up shop in to determine what type of clients they would serve and who their competition would be.

Naomi Dongo, whose potential salon, Hae P***y, was named after her niece Hayden, encouraged future students to be creative with their proposals, keep organized and focus on the financial side of things. She planned to offer a loyalty program with a punch card where customers could get a free service valued at less than $60 after 10 punches.

Students from Dutchess BOCES’ Career and Technical Institute demonstrated one of the Welding & Fabrication programs welding simulators at the Council of Industry’s Manufacturing Champions Awards Breakfast and Workforce Expo last week. The school purchased two simulators recently to give students a realistic feeling of welding before they move on to use the actual welders with costly raw materials and supplies.
This annual event highlights the great work being done in manufacturing and recognizes local leaders who support the elevation of manufacturing through education and business leadership. Dutchess BOCES is a member of the Council.
Dutchess BOCES was represented by students Noah Flandreau, Noah Desilets and Timothy Dini; Director of CTE and Adult Learning Nicholas Millas; Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Denise Dzikowski; Work-Based Learning Coordinators Jason Imperiale and Sharon Myers; Welding Teacher Dempsey Burris; CTI Principal Jason Lloyd; and Adult Learning Institute Coordinator Janet Nelson.
“The students did an amazing job and represented the BOCES with knowledge and professionalism,” Millas said, adding that the agency will participate in the event next year.