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HFM BOCES community celebrates staff milestones on
Closing Day
Program highlights accomplishments and goodbyes
 HFM
BOCES' annual closing day program each June may seem routine to some, but the 2009 affair included its
share of real affection, friendship and sense of
community. While everyone celebrated the end of another
school year, more than a few tears were shed for the
poignant goodbyes of several retiring colleagues.
HFM BOCES Board of Education President Robert Townsend
opened the program by welcoming the entire BOCES team,
praising everyone for rising above a year of uncertainty and
challenge to provide top-quality services to area students.
 “The
hallmark of this organization is your commitment to our
students, their growth, and the growth of our services to
school districts,” he said. “You exemplify greatness in your
resolve.”
Mr. Townsend went on to thank the seven staff members who
are retiring this year, singling out one person for special
mention.
Janet Cooper, Cindy Fratianni, Cheryl Howe, Elaine Mongin, Marilyn Normandin, Eileen Pollack, and Judy Shannon were recognized by their
colleagues and honored for their long service to BOCES.
“Cindy Fratianni is a special person,” Mr. Townsend said.
“Without her HFM BOCES would not exist.”
Mr. Townsend characterized Mrs. Fratianni as a compassionate
person who values the greatness of each person. He praised
her for her love for her students and her 33-year commitment
to the HFM BOCES Culinary Arts program.
He went on to tell the story of how, in 1995, the New York State
Commissioner of Education considered combining HFM BOCES with another area BOCES.
While the administrators and Board of Education argued the
facts and statistics in a reasoned defense for an
independent HFM BOCES, it was Mrs. Fratianni along with a
contingent of teachers and staff, who made a sincere and
emotional appeal that was instrumental in the commissioner’s
decision to allow HFM BOCES to remain separate.
 Mr.
Townsend said that Mrs. Fratianni has earned the admiration
and respect of everyone — her students, her peers, the
administration, and the New York State Education Department.
His comments were confirmed by a long, spontaneous standing
ovation for Mrs. Fratianni.
HFM BOCES Service Award
Mr. Townsend presented the 2009 HFM BOCES Service Award, the
organization’s highest honor, to another retiring member of
the team.
“Since 1996, this award has been given to someone, nominated
by a peer, who has exhibited outstanding performance and
achievement in furthering the mission of HFM BOCES," Mr.
Townsend said. “This year the honor goes to Elaine Mongin,
in recognition of 28 years of leadership and service.
 Mrs.
Mongin was praised further by Adult Literacy Coordinator
Laurie Bargstedt, who called her a powerful force in
increasing services for adult learners.
“Elaine was part of the contingent that helped save BOCES in
1995,” Ms. Bargstedt said, “She is dedicated to the belief
that BOCES can and should play a strong role in supporting
life-long learning.”
Besides Mrs. Mongin and Mrs. Fratianni, five other
retirees—Eileen Pollack, Janet Cooper, Cheryl Howe, Marilyn
Normandin and Judy Shannon—were recognized by their
colleagues and honored for their long service to BOCES.
 Mrs.
Normandin, an Itinerant Services teacher aide, and Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Hohenforst received
congratulations and pins for reaching the
20-years-of-service mark. Special Education teacher aide
Karen Ahl was honored for achieving 30 years of service with
HFM BOCES.
Watch your step
District Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey H. Davis said that it
has been full year since he has had to split his time
between HFM BOCES and serve as interim district
superintendent for ONC BOCES. He was quick to
acknowledge and thank the administrators and staff who have
“picked up the pieces” in his absence.
Dr. Davis also thanked the retirees for their service, and
acknowledged seven HFM BOCES staff members who have been laid
off due to district cuts. He emphasized his commitment to
working to reinstate those positions.
According to Dr. Davis, a study of BOCES staff health care
utilization revealed two surprises. First, utilization of
health care by the staff is higher than average, which is forcing HFM’s
premiums higher. On the horizon, he said, will be
consideration of improved health and
wellness initiatives.
Secondly, while recognizing that some staff members’ jobs
put them at an increased risk of injury, the survey
indicated that HFM BOCES was “very much above the norm” in
on-the-job injuries. Many of the injuries are related to
footwear and transitions in flooring, such as carpet to
tile. The higher level of injuries is prompting HFM's
insurance carrier to require additional safety training and
awareness measures in the near future.
After thanking the staff for their hard work and wishing
everyone well for the summer, Dr. Davis closed the program
with three parting words – “Watch your step.” |
