DentalAssist ing

Putnam Career & Technical Center · December 2010

A Message from the Principal...

NONPROFITORG.

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT #20

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300 Roosevelt Blvd. · P.O. Box 640Eleanor, WV 25070Return Service Requested304-586-3494 • fax: 304-586-4467http://www.pctc.edu

Michael Erwin, PrincipalJonathan Pitzer, Asst. Principal The Putnam County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, socioeconomic status, handicapping condition, or national origin in employment or in its educational programs and activities. For more information or complaints contact, Pat Homberg, (304) 586-0500, ext. 111, or Barbara Brazeau, (304) 586-0500, ext. 109.

Putnam County Schools - http://putnamschools.com Graphic Design Class

As the principal of a top performing Career and Technical center in the state of West Virginia, I find it interesting that the national news states that the United States of America has a 9.5 % unemployment rate and yet can not find qualified employees. Students that graduate from PCTC not only possess the qualifications necessary to fill these positions, but have alternative options as well. In addition to entering the workforce, they can also choose to continue their education and have a head start on college requirements.

Since successful completion of each program at PCTC has college credit attached to it, the time it takes to complete an Associate Degree is shortened. Career and Technical students also have the application of their academics, thereby making them the “qualified employees.” Whether our graduates are furthering their education or entering the workforce, they are more qualified than people without the specific training received at Career and Technical Centers.

As the global economy evolves, Career and Technical Education is

becoming a standard that increases one’s employability. The result is an educated individual who not only knows how to do something, but who also has the industry training to prove it.

With continued support from Putnam County Schools (top performing county in the state) the dedication of our active Advisory Council/Committees, and the committment and continued efforts of the staff at PCTC, we will continue preparing the “qualified employees” that American employers demand.

TECHNICALTheView

6 PCTC Instructors chosen by WVDE to Retool State ExamSix instructors from Putnam

Career & Technical Center have been selected by the West Virginia Department of Education to retool the West Virginia State Performance Assessment. These exams are given to all Career and Technical Education students that complete the 4 core classes within program of study. The exams provide a more realistic approach to the traditional accademic means of testing. Instead of the standard paper and pencil test or a multiple choice computerized exam of the past, the students are

West Virginia Dental Lab Association

asked to perform tasks and/or complete projects that they might encounter in their everday if they were working in their chosen field. This gives the students the ability to apply the knowledge and skills that they have accquired over the course of their program to solve problems and complete projects. The students are then graded by professionals from their respective fields. These assessments are designed to measure student achievement in their Career and Technical Education program. The six instrustors that were

PCTC Student brings home National Bronze

chosen to retool these assessmants are Jennifer Bayless, Graphic Design; Jason Casto, Masonry; Kevin Childers, building construction; Joy Dalton, ProStart; Dave Lewis, Electrical Technology; and Karen Newhouse, Diversified Cooperative Education. It is a great honor for the faculty of PCTC to be asked to take on such a important endeavor.

Putnam County Dental Clinic

Your children may qualify for…Diagnostic and Preventive

Dental Care!Requirements for the free clinic:• Putnam County Resident• Students ages 0-18 (emergency exams and

possible extractions)• Patient cannot have insurance

(including assistance programs)

• Income based eligibilityUpon meeting requirements you must complete an application, which can be obtained by calling (304) 586-3111 or visiting Putnam Career and Technical Center’s main office located at 300 Roosevelt Blvd., Eleanor, WV 25070. Ghareeb Dental Group and the students in the Dental Assisting Program provide dental services to the patients in the clinic.

Alyson Fowler, a first-year adult student in the Graphic Design program, won the post-secondary bronze medal

in State Pin Design Contest at the SkillsUSA National Lead-ership and Skills Conference. The conference was held in Kansas City, MO on June 21-25, 2010. She was one of sev-enteen students from PCTC and several hundred students from across the nation at the

were competing in 91 hands-on, o c c u p a t i o n a l and leadership contests, includ-ing Culinary Arts, Small Engine Re-pair and Adver-tising Design.

The contestants had to design a trading pin to repre-sent their home state, and give a 5-7 minute presenta-

OUR VISION:We envision a school with exemplary community involvement where early intervention practices form the foundation for a support system that follows students as they progress throughout their life.

OUR MISSION:The mission of PCTC is to provide students a solid foundation for long-life learning, enabling them to become contributing, responsible, successful citizens in a diverse and changing world.

The Dental Laboratory Technology class hosted the annual WV Dental Laboratory Association’s Fall Meeting on October 30, 2010. Current and past students who are working on certification received the experience

of attending a professional continuing education class as well as meeting potential employers. Dentsply International successfully provided a hands-on seminar for the WVDLA at Putnam Career & Technical Center. The WVDLA offers 12 hours CE every year at PCTC in the Dental Lab Technology classroom. The meetings are held last Saturday in October and first Saturday in

May. The meetings are always well attended by CDTs from WV, OH and KY. Some CDTs travel from as far as Alabama to attend the meeting. Attendees have always enjoyed the atmosphere of the school’s lab environment. Thanks again to Terrence Hill and Sundar of Dentsply International for a great seminar.

Return Service Requested

tion about the design, the software they used and general knowledge about the state they were representing. This is quite the accomplishment for Alyson as she was a first year student. Congratulations on your success and good luck in all your future endeavors!

SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Competition: 3rd Alyson Folwer Pin Design PS7th Denver Jordan Power Equipment Tech 7th Lauren French Prepared Speech9th David Sowards Carpentry P.S.11th Terry Ocheltree Power Equipment Tech P.S.17th Chester Brown Job Skill Demonstration P.S.20th Ryan Gdula Architectural Drafting 22nd Brandon Posey Internetworking 28th Jeremy Harris Collision Repair 31st Hayley Ferrell Culinary Arts 4th Opening & Closing Ceremony Team -

Cassie Jeffers Latasha Wheeler Hannah Shaw Sami Wine Tiffany Sisson Kristi Scott Morgan Lucas

Alyson Fowler and her WV State Pin Design

Upcoming Important Dates

1/14: Prep Day - No School1/17: Martin Luther King - No School1/27: Financial Aid Workshop - 5-8PM1/28: Mentoring in the AM

12/17: Mentoring in PM12/23: IS Day - students may attend 8-10AM12/24-31: Christmas Break1/10: Mentoring in the AM

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FREE College Credit for PCTC

StudentsWest Virginia EDGE was established

in 2001 and is an acronym for Earn a Degree – Graduate Early. The EDGE credit program allows students to earn community and technical college credit, free of charge, for secondary and postsecondary courses. All programs at PCTC offer EDGE credit to program graduates, and many PCTC students enter college with more transferable college credits on their transcripts than their high schools could offer.

In addition to providing students with credit before they enroll in college, EDGE credit also allows students to earn an Associate Degree with substantial savings. By taking the right courses in high school, students can save thousands of dollars in college tuition. Students taking EDGE courses during high school could potentially earn an Associate Degree within one year after graduation.

Students enrolled in EDGE courses must pass a comprehensive final exam with a 75% or higher. EDGE credits can be applied to a Certificate or an Associate Degree.

For more information about EDGE credit, contact Mrs. Bauer, the counselor at PCTC and the EDGE coordinator for the county. You may contact her at cbauer@access.k12.wv.us or by phone at 304-586-3494 x208. Information may also be obtained by calling the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia at 304-558-2411.

by: Kathy Hill, Building Construction Aide by: Barbara Collier, Licensed Practical Nursing Instructor

Intro to the Majors Students Visit PCTC

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation was chosen as the National Service Project by the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) at the 2010 National Leadership Conference. A 5K walk to benefit the JDRF was held Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the Putnam Career & Technical Center in Eleanor, WV. Josie Moore served as the PCTC JDRF Walk Princess and started the

walk. Kierstyn McDade was the Junior Princess for the walk. Both Josie and Kierstyn have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. These young ladies offered smiles and encouragement to all walk participants. There were approximately 103 walk participants. Throughout the walk course, facts about Type 1/Juvenile diabetes were posted to inform participants and passers-by of the impact Type 1 diabetes has on the lives of those diagnosed with the disease. Educational displays were provided by the Health Occupations classes, and free blood pressure screenings

were provided by the PCTC Practical Nursing Class. Water and healthy snacks were provided for all participants. Each JDRF walk participant was presented with a PCTC water bottle. Thanks to all who contributed or participated in the Putnam Career & Technical Center JDRF Walk. Due to the enthusiasm and hard work of the Health Occupations Students of America, Sally Harvey, Tonia Stover, Michelle Toler, Jennifer Beller, Barbara Collier, PCTC instructors, administrators and students, $3260.34 was raised and has been sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

SkillsUSA Officer Leadership Training Institute in DC

Latasha Wheeler, a senior enrolled in the Dental Assisting program, experienced, first hand, government operations and the true meaning of this country’s democracy during her visit to Washington D.C. and Leesburg, Virginia.Latasha serves as the West Virginia SkillsUSA Historian. The leadership training was conducted by the national SkillsUSA office and sponsored by State Farm Insurance. During the five days of training, she participated in seminars that served to prepare her to address the needs of continual funding for career and technical education through the Carl D. Perkins Act.

The agenda included a guided tour of the monuments and memorials in Washington D.C., and a dinner meeting, and social activities at the national headquarters in Leesburg, Virginia. The West Virginia delegation met with representatives from Senator Goodwin’s office, Representative Nick Rahall’s office and a visit with Representative Shelly Capito.

As part of her agreement to represent West Virginia at this event, she completed her requirements for the national Statesman’s Award for which was recognized, along with her advisor, Karen Newhouse, during the awards ceremony.

Juvenile Diabetes Walk at PCTC

Latasha Wheeler (left) with fellow SkillsUSA Officer Leadership Candi-dates in Washington DC

Financial Aid Workshop at PCTCThursday, January 27, 2011from 5-8 pm in the Success LabExperts will be available on-site that evening to help with FAFSA and Federal Taxes. Contact Carol Bauer, Counselor for more information. 304 586-3494 x208

Two New Faces Beth Smith is Putnam Career and Technical Center’s new Postsecondary and Financial Aid

s e c r e t a r y. She has 20 years of secretarial/ accounting experience, w h i c h includes 13

years for Putnam C o u n t y Schools. Most recently, she worked for the Director of Elementary Education and Community Outreach at the central office. She is a 1983 graduate of Poca High School. She enjoys working in the school setting and looks forwards to new challenges. Beth and her husband, David, reside in Winfield with one son and a spoiled pup. Beth enjoys visiting her parents in Florida, vacationing at any beach, and shopping.Putnam Career & Technical Center also has a new instructor, Mr. Todd Wilkinson, joining the Automotive Technology Program. Since PCTC has 2 Auto Tech classes, he and Mr. R o b e r t s will be oc cupy ing the shop on alternating d a y s through the week. Mr. Wilkinson comes to PCTC with 25 years of experience. He was most recently employed by Tom Peden Country, which was a car dealership located in Ripley, WV. Mr. Wilkinson is a graduate of Ripley High School and Arch Moore Vocational Technical Center in 1985. Mr. Wilkinson is married, has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys building and flying Remote Control Airplanes.

PCTC Students “Construct” History

Photo courtesy of: Carly Rushbrook

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Have you ever wanted to be a part of history? Nick Francis, Daniel Bias, Scott Roush and Jeremy Harper have done just that. PCTC’s Building Construction class was asked to construct a casket for Captain Phillip James Thurmond. Thurmond, a confederate soldier, was killed in battle in Winfield on October 26, 1864 and buried behind the Hoge House. His body was exhumed in March and plans were made to re-bury the body behind the Hoge House which had been moved behind the courthouse.The class was asked to construct a casket that would have been from that period. They had to research the type of construction and materials that would have been used to make it look authentic. The students worked for two weeks from whatever information they could find to construct the casket. The wood, yellow pine, was found locally in Putnam County. The handles were made of rope and copper. The students even used themselves for a live model to ensure the size was correct. The casket and Capt. Thurmond were laid to rest on October 30, 2010, behind the Hoge House once again.

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Left to right: Kathy Hill, Jeremy Harper, Nick Francis, Daniel Bias, & Kevin Childers, Instructor

Josie Moore (left), JDRF Walk Princess and Kierstyn McDade (right), Junior Princess

Students enrolled in Introduction to the Majors class at all four High School have the opportunity to experience the “hands-on” method of learning during their visits to PCTC. These students are exploring options they may select for their high school major, their future and their career while enrolled in the Intro class. They receive information and insight about the various programs offered at the Tech Center. Each student selects 3 to 4 programs to visit during their trip to PCTC where they are able to speak with the Instructor and students that are enrolled in those programs. They will learn about how much

college credit is offered in each course, how much money they could expect to make working in that field, as well as get an idea of what people in that class and career will do in the real world. At the conclusion of the visit, the students leave with a better understanding of the opportunities available to them at Putnam Career & Technical Center.