dcts blast - Dauphin County Technical School

DCTS BLAST
April 2014
Edition
Dauphin County Technical School, 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109
Phone: (717) 652-3170; Fax: (717) 541-9639
Message from the Principal, Dr. Jon Fox
Individual Highlights:
STEM Academy
2
Guidance Corner
2
Genuine Acts of Kindness 2
Students of the Month
3
Building Const. Cares
4
Competitions
5
Achievements
6
Activities
7
Important Dates
8
Public Notice
8
Spot Clothing Sale
8
Book Fair
8
Local Produce Tips
8
It is hard to imagine that spring is finally here after a cold and long winter.
Thankfully, it is and we are excited with the many happenings at Dauphin County
Technical School. The Class of 2014 has prepared and has tackled the National
Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Test. This test measures the
students written and practical skills in their program of study. We thank our
teachers for preparing students as they confidently will once again demonstrate
their knowledge. Our students are also in the process of taking the Keystone
Exams. The Keystone Examinations are end of the subject examinations that are
required in accordance to Chapter 4 Regulations. Students who did not score
proficient or advanced during the winter testing window and any student currently
taking 10th grade English, Biology, and Algebra I is also scheduled to take the
assessment. The testing window will be May 13-23. Students are asked to do their
very best on the exams, get plenty of rest before the testing window, come to
school prepared, and leave all electronic devices at home as they are not
permitted (please see www.dcts.org for information on electronics notification
during testing). We are proud of the work that their teachers have been doing to
prepare the students and confident that our students will put forth their best effort.
These tests are very important to our current freshmen (Class of 2017) as this is
the first class that must show their proficiency on the exams (or a state Project
Based Assessment (PBA)) in order to graduate. If you have questions concerning
the Keystone Exams, please do not hesitate to contact the high school guidance
office or the principal’s office for more information.
While our students are busy demonstrating their knowledge on many important
assessments, we are also gearing up for many important student activities. On
May 1, we honored our students who participated in the capstone cooperative
education program with a banquet to recognize their accomplishments and that of
their respected employers. We would like to thank the many local businesses for
their support. We also look forward to honoring selected seniors at our annual
awards night on May 22. At this prestigious evening, we will be celebrating the
success of the Class of the 2014. In addition, we are currently planning our annual
Field Day for all students who meet attendance and behavioral expectations on
June 5. This event allows our students the opportunity to participate in many
activities planned by our student organizations. We will complete the end the year
in style with the graduation of the Senior Class of 2014 on June 9 at the beautiful
and historic Forum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
As we inch closer to the start of summer, I encourage all parents/guardians to
continue to talk with their students about their classes and their grades.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to continue to monitor their student progress
through Powerschool access. We thank you for all of your continued support as
we finish the 2013-2014 school year with continued Wolverine Pride.
DCTS BLAST – April 2014 EDITION
Page 2 of 2
STEM Academy
On Saturday, April 5, DCTS hosted 80 students in
grades 7-8 from across Dauphin County at an
Advanced Manufacturing STEM Academy. The
purpose of the Academy was to promote career
awareness in high-priority advanced manufacturing
careers. The event was sponsored by the
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
(PASSHE) through a grant from the Pennsylvania
Department of Education.
The DCTS STEM Academy featured the following
programs: Drafting & Design (Mr. Lee Winton),
Precision Metals (Mr. Don Bennett), Carpentry (Mr.
Tim Carroll), and Robotics (Mr. Dean Jacobs).
The students rotated through four sessions during the
day:
Drafting & Design: Students learned about
engineering and the various fields of engineering.
They also learned about the different types of
technical graphics, and their relationship to
engineering. Students created a 3D flashlight using
modeling software and printed it out. The students
also saw a demonstration of the lab’s 3D printer and
its role in the engineering field.
Precision Metals: Students constructed aluminum
name tags and used a plasma torch to cut designs
from a steel sheet. Students learned about basic lab
safety, hand tool safety, and torch safety before the
hands-on portion began.
Carpentry: Students received an overview of the
carpentry trade. Emphasis was placed on our all girl
“Design It – Build It” team and on CNC technology.
Students built a small picture frame using half lap
joints.
Robotics: Students learned the importance of
electro-mechanical applications used throughout
industry and explored electrical controls,
programming, pneumatic devices, and drive system
design. Every student left with the knowledge of how
robotics can be used as a steppingstone to a career in
industrial automation.
Guidance Corner
Dates to Remember
May 12 – 23
Senior Exit Interviews
May 13 – 21
Spring Keystone Exams
May 22
Parent/Guardian/Student Meeting on the
2014/15 Nursing Assistant Certification Program
May 30
Thomas O’Brien Memorial Scholarship
*Please see Guidance for additional information*
Genuine Acts of Kindness
On April 9, twelve students were recognized with a certificate by DCTS
Administration for their Genuine Acts of Kindness, a new initiative
implemented to reward students for demonstrating an act of kindness,
which is more than just doing the right thing. The initiative highlights the
importance of treating one another and property with respect and to let
students know that their acts of kindness do not go unnoticed. All DCTS
faculty and staff participate in this initiative. Pictured are: Raekwon TerryWarren, Kyle Wine, Rhileem Hill, Phillip Pham, Morvans Joseph, Amber
Hammaker, Kierstin Long, Logan Foster, Skylur Knobl, Jesus Lugaro.
Absent from the photo are Cody Miller and Jabari Tate.
Page 3 of 3
DCTS BLAST – April 2014 EDITION
Students of the Month
9th Grade – Sierra Burton, Cosmetology
Sierra’s home school is Central Dauphin. Her hobbies and interests include soccer,
music and spending time with friends. Sierra’s favorite teacher is Mr. Hollen and her
best DCT memory is lunch.
and
Angelica Cotto-Ortiz, Law Enforcement
Angelica’s home school is Lower Dauphin. Her hobbies and interests include
volleyball, listening to music and spending time with her friends. Angelica’s favorite
teacher is Mr. Brown and her best DCTS memory is lunch.
10th Grade – Jeremiah Ellison, Drafting & Design Technology
Jeremiah’s home school is Harrisburg. His hobbies and interests include drawing,
playing video games and being a volunteer baseball coach. Jeremiah’s favorite
teacher is Mrs. Kern and her best DCTS memory is being placed in his shop.
11th Grade – Teudy Gonzalez-Oviedo, Information Systems Technology
Teudy’s home school is Susquehanna Township. His hobbies and interests include
drawings, playing video games and playing soccer. Teudy’s favorite teacher is Mrs.
McConnell and his best DCTS memory is when he went to competition for the
Robotics team.
12th Grade – Marshall Everett, Building Construction Technology
Marshall’s home school is Central Dauphin East. His hobbies and interests include
food, friends and family. Marshall’s favorite teacher is Mr. Brightbill and his best
DCTS memory is when he came to DCTS.
Rotary – Neal Rose, Law Enforcement
Neal’s home school is Central Dauphin. His hobbies and interests include listening
to Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. Neal’s favorite teacher is Mr. Brown and his best
DCTS memory is when Mr. Brown ripped his pants during a training exercise.
Currently, Neal is a shift manager at Pizza Hut.
DCTS BLAST – April 2014 EDITION
Page 4 of 4
Building Construction Cares
Some of our students had the opportunity to travel to Crisfield, Maryland from March 25 – 29 to help rebuild a house damaged
during Superstorm Sandy. Those students include: Alexis Du’Bois, Clayton Early, Marshall Everett, Whitney Faust, Kacey Fry,
Zachary Logan, Kayla Lucas, Autumn Pate, Tyquan Reddick, Jailene Santiago, Hannah Welter, Cameron Williard and Sofia
Tadych.
If you would like to learn more about our students’ trip you can read their daily posts by visiting their blog spot at
buildingconstructioncares.blogspot.com.
Page 5 of 5
DCTS BLAST – April 2014 EDITION
Competitions
Normality Zero: The Robotics team competed in its last competition on
April 10 – 12. During the first round, our students were faced with many
obsticals and had to make some changes to the robot. The students did
much better during the second round and took the win. They did not qualify
during the third and final qualifying rounds so the competition came to an end.
The students left the competition with their heads held high knowing that
everyone there got something out of the weekend including their mentors.
HACC Math Competition: David Lin, Samantha Acri and
James Winaught competed against 20 area high schools. Wolverine
competitors finished 2nd and 3rd in their team bouts in math. The second
mind-intensive math competition was held at Harrisburg Area Community
College on April 11. IST’s David Lin placed as one of the top ten
individuals during the HACC competition.
Computer Competition: On April 1, Rebecca Eisenstein, Tyler Kelsey
and Matthew Molina competed in a computer competition at
Shippensburg University. Our students did not place but were
congratulated for using a program not used by other teams.
Skills USA: Skills USA competition was held April 9 – 11 in Hershey.
We had 11 DCTS students participate in this event.
1 state officer candidate – Kourtnee Neely 1 head delegate – Joshua Feeser
Carpentry – Chris Ceaser-Daniels
Building Construction Technology– Clayton Early
Masonry – Cody Miller
Nursing Assistant – Briana Dunlap – Won gold medal (1st place)
Internetworking – Zachary Schenfelt – Won silver (2nd place)
Crime Scene Investigations – Neal Rose, Harley Golden, Kristen Evans
Technical Computer Applications - Charles Farence - Won gold medal (1st place)
Brian Dulap, Charles Farance and Zachary Schenfelt will be
representing DCTS at Nationals in June.
DCTS BLAST – April 2014 EDITION
Page 6 of 6
Student Achievements
Skills USA: Congratulations to Kourtnee Neely who is now a PA State Officer!
Kourtnee is a Junior in the Child Care shop. Kourtnee’s future goal is to go to
College at Bucknell University to study animal behavior. After college she hopes
to work as a dog Trainer for Susquehanna Service Dogs. Her hobbies include
hanging out with friends and working at Get The Picture located in Hershey Park.
Shaker Wall Clock: Our Junior Carpentry students built a shaker wall clock
as part of a finish carpentry unit. The demonstration clock was auctioned off
and sold for $100.00. Funds raised support our Carpentry program.
2014 Builders Show: Instead of a week, we only had two days to get everything
accomplished. Masonry installed a patio along with some walls and an outdoor
barbecue. They also built the foundation for the springhouse. Ornamental
Horticulture made a dry river bed with some accent boulders and plant
material with mulch.
Carpentry entered the Design It Build It Shed Challenge and the 11th grade
girls made a Victorian-style shed that earned them a 3rd place in the
competition.
Frey Village Clinical Training: The Medical Occupations Technology
program took 14 senior students to Frey Village to complete their
last step to be eligible for the nurse aide certification state exam.
Students had to complete 90% or higher during their clinical
performance.
Page 7 of 7
DCTS BLAST – April 2014 EDITION
Student Activities
Penn State Earth Day 2014: On April 22, students from the
Ornamental Horticulture program at DCTS participated in Penn State
Harrisburg’s Earth Day event. The students assisted attendees with
creating floral centerpieces. The students did a great job interacting
well with the students of Penn State and were very busy the entire
time. Crime and Punishment Museum: Students from Law Enforcement
raised enough money to visit the Crime and Punishment Museum in
Washington, DC on May 2. This historic three story brick building
contained 19th and early 20th Century displays, current history from the
time of prohibition and a number of forensic lab experiences. Students
participated in an hour long “fact or fiction” lab experience.
Holocaust Survivor: On April 15, DCTS was able to welcome
Holocaust survivor Ms. Hilda Mantelmacher to come and share her
stories with students. For a little over two hours, Ms. Mantelmacher
detailed her experiences as a prisoner in Auschwitz and BergenBelsen. Students gasped and/or cried when she explained her life in
the concentration camps. She was the only member of her family to
survive. Her parents, grandparents and brother Josh were all victims
of the Nazis.
Ms. Mantelmacher was invited as a guest speaker for the 11th grade
World History classes as a way to help bring history “alive” to the
students, by letting them engage with a person who lived through this
tragic time. Ms. Mantelmacher began speaking to high school
students almost a decade ago, after witnessing a news story with
white supremacists proclaiming the Holocaust was “a hoax.”
Project Youth: Project Youth 2014 is a conference for youth from
local schools to meet and speak to one another about issues and
challenges that young people face in our communities. Project Youth
2014 focused on violence and bullying, and what young people are
able to do to impact positive changes. Several students from DCTS
attended Project Youth 2014 at the Harrisburg Area Community
College on March 11. Students attended sessions to address issues
related to violence and bullying and discussed goal setting strategies
to make positive differences related to these issues. The students also
had the opportunity to learn about the IMPACT Program, which is a
global initiative for positive community changes. DCTS BLAST – April 2014 EDITION
Page 8 of 8
Important Dates…
2014/15 Nursing Assistant Certification Informational Night – May 22 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Senior Awards Night – May 22
Memorial Day Holiday (No School) – May 26
Senior Final Failure List – May 29
Senior Trip – June 3
Field Day – June 5
Senior ½ Day – June 6
Graduation at Forum – June 9
Last Student Day – June 9
Public Notice
6001 Locust Lane
Harrisburg, PA 17109
PHONE:
(717) 652-3170
DCTS is required to identify students who may have disabilities. The required Public Notice for
Child Find for DCTS is currently available online. Visit www.dcst.org and select about us to view
the special education page and public notice. If you have difficulty accessing this or have
questions, please contact Jan Zeager, Supervisor of Special Education, at (717) 652-3170
x 7123 or email jzeager@dcts.org.
Spot Clothing Sale
Year End Blowout
All Clothing Just $10.00 While Supplies Last
Scholastic Book Fair
We’re on the Web!
Visit our buy one get one free book fair in the Library from May 27 – 30.
See us at:
www.dcts.org
Why Buy Locally Grown Produce?
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Local produce tastes better and is better for you.
Local food supports local farm families.
Local food uses less packaging.
Local food promotes energy conservation.
Local food protects genetic diversity.
Local food preserves open space, and can support a diverse environment.
Local food builds community.
Local food is about the future.
How To Buy Locally Grown Produce?
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Farm Stands
Farmers Markets
Food Cooperative
U-Pick
Community Supported Agriculture