MOBOCES welcomed back our 300+ instructional staff members for the 2023-24 school year with a day of speakers and activities that promoted health and wellness.

This year’s keynote speaker was motivational humorist Brad Montgomery, who shared the science behind happiness and strategies staff can use to increase their own happiness levels.

Montgomery followed presentations by the Center for Family Life and Recovery on mental health strategies and an ongoing music therapy partnership with The KEYS Program, a music-focused education and advocacy nonprofit. KEYS led the staff in music exercises that they can use with students in their classrooms to help set behavior expectations, discuss feelings and emotions, and increase engagement.

District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer Scott Budelmann and Board President Rich Engelbrecht started the day by reminding staff of the impact they make on students in the region through their leadership, their commitment to hands-on learning, and their work in making BOCES programs more accessible to learners. These are areas that the state has prioritized over the past few years.

“Are we making sure that every student has access to CTE-type experiences and hands-on learning? I think we are,” Budelmann said. “You are leaders among all the educators in our region.”

The Common Chords, a staff band made up on teachers and administrators, kept their annual tradition of playing at Opening Day. This year’s three-song set list included one with original lyrics and two covers.

Before heading into department and program meetings, staff enjoyed a picnic lunch and ice cream, with administrators at the grill and additional food and setup from our Building Services and School Lunch departments.

Instructional staff will return on Wednesday for the second Superintendent’s Conference Day before students arrive for the first day of school on Thursday, September 7.