CiTi BOCES Constructs Sign for OCO’s Discovery Learning Center

PHOENIX – When Emily Cornish, program engagement specialist with Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Education Services, decided the Discovery Learning Center sign, which has been there nearly 30 years, needed an upgrade she reached out to CiTi BOCES.

“I know there are plenty of talented students at Citi,” said Cornish. “I thought working on our sign would be a chance for some of CiTi’s art and construction students to get some valuable experience. I was thrilled when CTE Student Support Coordinator Martin Pasternak contacted me and said that he would be happy to take on the project.”

Pasternak chose CiTi’s Career and Technical Education Program as its students would benefit from the experience and are more skilled with the 3D printer than any of the other program. The students were excited to recreate something similar to the current sign with the lettering being raised off the board.

Students from Mr. Michael Burke’s and Ms. Morgan Cooper’s classes in Citi’s Project Explore Program were involved with the sign project.  Students in this program get exposed to multiple types of shop classes including wood working and 3D printing. After discussing design ideas with Cornish the students began working on the sign.

“Once we brought the sign to our campus, students deconstructed the previous design, took measurements for the design, and then split into groups,” explained Pasternak. “Ms. Cooper’s woodworking class was responsible for preparing the sign for letters, sanding and painting, while Mr. Burke’s classes created the full design, printed and placed the lettering.”

The sign, with its colorful new design, now adorns the grounds of Discovery Learning Center, 80 County Route 59 in Phoenix and greets everyone visiting the center.

A licensed center offering quality child care for children ages 12 months to 5 years, Discovery Learning Center staff utilize a research-based curriculum focused on language & literacy, creative representation, music, movement, logic & mathematics, and social development. Children enjoy active learning, or the “hands-on” approach, implemented in all of the classrooms. For more information on OCO’s Discovery Learning Center visit oco.org.

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