Q U I N C Y A R E A V O C A T I O N A L T E C H N I C A L C E N T E R &

W E S T C E N T R A L R E G I O N A L E D U C A T I O N F O R E M P L O Y M E N T S Y S T E M # 2 4 0

DIRECTOR Mark E. Pfleiger

219 Baldwin Drive Quincy, IL 62301

217-224-3775

217-221-4800 Fax

pfleigma@qps.org

We’re on the web! www.qps.org/departments/qavtc

December 2014 Ian Heinze, CADD

Nominated by Kaleb Smith Grant Leenerts, POE

Nominated by Kaleb Smith

January 2015

Katie Brink, Graphic Comm. Nominated by Alison Ebbing

Julian Landsom, Business Nominated by Marti Dunker

W C R / Q A V T C S e r v e s t h e f o l l o w i n g S c h o o l D i s t r i c t s i n W e s t e r n I l l i n o i s : A d a m s C o u n t y : C e n t r a l C U S D # 3 , , L i b e r t y C U S D # 2 , P a y s o n C U S D # 1 , U n i t y

C U S D # 4 , Q u i n c y S c h o o l D i s t r i c t 1 7 2 . P i k e C o u n t y : G r i g g s v i l l e - P e r r y U n i t # 4 , P i k e l a n d U n i t # 1 0 , P l e a s a n t H i l l U n i t # 3 , W e s t e r n U n i t # 1 2 .

H a n c o c k C o u n t y : S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t # 3 3 7

Turn to pages 2 & 3 for more information on the December and January Students of the Month

Do you have students interested in taking classes at QAVTC? Bring them for a tour of the center! Students can walk the halls and visit every program that we have to offer. We can also arrange for stu-

dents to sit in on a class, meet instructors and talk with current stu-dents about the program. If you’re interested in arranging a tour,

email Meghan at townleme@qps.org.

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Congratulations to our December QAVTC Rotary Students of the Month: Grant Leenerts: Grant is a senior at Quincy High School, and was nominated by his Principles of Engineering instructor Kaleb Smith. Grant has been enrolled in classes with Mr. Smith for three years. During this class, Grant learns the basics of engineering skills. Grant enjoys trapshooting, and is an Eagle Scout. He is also a part of the Robotics Team at QHS. He works at his dad’s shop, H&B Quality Tooling, doing paperwork and running machines. He intends to study Mechanical Engineering at Bradley Univer-sity. Mr. Smith left these comments about Grant: Grant has been an example student since he entered the Vocational Center three years ago. He sets high goals for himself and achieves them through his work eth-ic. His assignments always meet the highest standards and he has been an absolute pleasure to have as a student.” Ian Heinze: Ian is a senior at Quincy High School, and was nominated by his Computer Aided Drafting instructor Kaleb Smith. Ian has been enrolled in classes with Mr. Smith for three years. During this class, Ian has designed and built objects with computer software and floorplans. Outside of class, Ian plays on the varsity baseball team, and is also in-volved with the Robotics Team. He enjoys play-ing baseball, seeing movies and working on com-puters in his free time. He works at AMC Movie Theater in Quincy. After high school, he plans to dual major in Computer Engineering and Com-puter Science, and minor in Graphic Design. Mr. Smith left these comments about Ian: “Ian is a student I have no issue recommending for any scholarship, job or university. Ian has been a stu-dent that can be relied upon to complete any task/assignment to the highest quality. He has been the model student in every course he has taken with me, and has impressed me with his search to find a career that truly interests him and will make him happy.”

In order for a student to receive this honor, they

must be nominated by their QAVTC instructors.

Once they are nominated, this award puts them

in the running to receive a scholarship at the end

of the year also provided by the Rotary Club.

The winner of that scholarship will be chosen by

members of Rotary around the month of April.

Past winners have received a scholarship of

$2,000, and the amount of the scholarship for

2015 will be determined by the Rotary.

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Congratulations to the QAVTC Rotary Students of the Month for January: Julian Landsom: Julian is a senior at QHS. He was nominated by his Business teacher Marti Dunk-er. He has been involved in the program for three years. In school, he is on the honor roll, and a part of National Technical Honor Society, Key Club, and the QHS Wrestling Team. Along with Busi-ness, Julian is enrolled in Spanish, Calculus AB, Business Law, World Literature, and Speech. Outside of school, he likes playing sports, and is employed by McDonald’s and is a carrier for the Quincy Herald-Whig. He plans to attend Quincy University and major in Accounting. Marti Dunk-er left these comments about Julian: “I have had the pleasure of having Julian in my business clas-ses for the past three years. Julian is exceptionally responsible and is an excellent role model. He comes to class prepared, participates in class dis-cussions, and promotes a positive classroom envi-ronment. He demonstrates positive leadership skills on a daily basis. In addition to his extra-curricular activities, Julian had learned the importance of giving back to others as demonstrated by his willingness to volunteer in the community. He has volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, participated in his church youth group, and delivered meals for the Meals-On-Wheels program. It is my honor to nomi-

nate him for Student-of-the-Month and he is very deserving of this honor.”–Mrs. Dunker Katie Brink: Katie is a senior at QHS. She was nominated by her Graphic Commu-nication teacher Alison Ebbing. Katie has been involved with the program for three years. She helps to run the print shop and teaches other students. Along with Graphics, Katie is also taking Physiology and Genre Studies at QHS. She is employed by Old Na-vy, Bonkers, and The Ambiance. She plans to become a Graphic Designer after high school, and run her own business. Alison Ebbing left these comments about Katie: “Katie is a great, mature student. She is a leader and a self-motivator. She stands out because she constantly is willingly assisting others and

takes on tasks independently to complete print jobs. She is a leader in the classroom daily as she shares her knowledge with other students.”–Ms. Ebbing

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Guest Writer: Dana Trantor

The QAVTC Health Occupations Program and HOSA have been busy with activities dur-ing 3rd quarter. In the next few weeks, the Health Occ. I students will finish clinical ses-sions at The Good Samaritan Home and will begin sessions at Blessing Hospital in vari-ous clinical areas. The Health Occ. II and II students continue clinical sessions at Blessing Hospital in Child Care and in Blessed Beginnings. The students are also continuing CPR instruction in the classroom and lab areas through the American Heart Association. QAVTC HOSA students have been actively involved with blood drives through the Amer-ican Red Cross. The fall makeup blood drive on Jan. 23, 2015 was successful with 37 units of blood collected. The Spring blood drive will be on Friday, May 01, 2015 in the QHS gym. In January, the HOSA students donated addi-tional clothing and food to QUANADA after the Christmas distribution in December. February activities included the “Pennies for Patients” collection to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission: To cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. The HOSA chapter collected $200 in coins for “Pennies for Patients.” Also in February, the HOSA members also participated in the Annual Give Kids a Smile Program at the Adams County Health Department and the Call Center Drill with the Ad-ams County Medical Reserve Corps and the Emergency Management Agency. On March 9th, the HOSA members shared Spring Art Designs with the residents at The Good Samaritan Home. Plans are underway to continue with an art project for April. The residents really enjoy the colorful art activities with the students and the students appreciate the opportunities to bond with the residents. Two senior students and HOSA members travelled to Springfield on March 17 to advo-cate for Career and Technical Education at the State Legislative Session. Elaina Rees and Haley Mester served as representatives for the Health Occupations students and HOSA members. The CNA students will be taking the state written evaluation in May 2015. The IL- AVC assessments have been helpful in reviewing classroom, lab, and clinical application infor-mation with preparation for the state evaluation and for future employment. Several of the students have tentatively secured employment positions in area health care settings.

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This year’s West Central Region Sophomore Career Fair has come and gone. Thank you to all the schools who helped to get their stu-dents to the fair, as well as all the teachers and staff members who came along as chaperones. We had just a little over a thousand stu-dents attend the fair, with around 44 business professionals speak-ing on their profession. We’d also like to send a thank you to John Wood Community College who is always a big help as the host of the event, as well as providing volunteers for the day. Meghan has sent out student surveys to all the schools who participated. When students are done filling those out, please return to: Meghan Townley 219 Baldwin Drive Quincy, IL 62301. If you or any staff members from your school have comments or suggestions for the Career Fair, please pass them along as well. You can email them townleme@qps.org.

Guest Writer: Cinda Hummel The students in the Childcare clas-ses have been studying about chil-dren with special needs. They have visited Transitions School and the Early childhood and Family Center to see some of the adaptations and special lessons needed to teach spe-cial needs children. The children in the Preschool have been learning about dental health and their own healthy body. The Childcare students have been planning and imple-

menting lessons and activities to enhance these areas for the Preschool children.

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Guest Writer: Robert Scheiter Augmented Reality (AR) in an environment that in-cludes both virtual reality and real-world elements. Augmented reality helps to add informational digital content as well as geographic locations about a place or object. Digital information appears on the screen when you scan any object or place using your tablet, phone or smart device with AR technology. This digital information is gathered from 3D models, various websites, videos, etc. AR attempts to enhance one’s personal environment, rather than replace it by com-bining real-world environments with enhanced computer generated elements . Generally, Augmented Reality works on two methodologies: Marker-based and Location-based. Marker-based AR works with software that recognizes in a specific pattern, like a symbol or barcode called a trig-

ger. In this, when a camera points on an object (trigger), it creates a digital image on the screen. Location-based AR utilizes the capabil-ity of a specific device to record the object’s position in the globe. It is then provide data about the object that is appropriate to the loca-tion. You can use location-based AR to find your way around a city or when looking at the stars in the sky. Using AR in the classroom adds another dimension to learning. It provides students opportu-nities to create and explore multi-media content in a way that is both engaging and active, which leads to an immediate and immer-sive learning experience or on-demand learning technique where the learning environment adapts to the needs and inputs of learn-ers. Augmented Reality Learning can provide rich contextual cus-tomized learning environments and contents for each individual. Augmented Reality is well aligned with constructive learning no-tions, as learners can control their own learning and manipulate objects that are not real in an augmented environment to derive and

acquire understanding and knowledge. Here at Southeastern High School we developed interactive Year-book Posters to tell students prices, due dates, and general information about purchasing a Yearbook. The 2015 Yearbook will also include video profiles, sports highlights, class play and assembly footage all done with Augmented Reality. The Students in our Computers 2 - Multimedia Class created a Virtual Augment-ed Tour of our school which included a Classroom Informational Placard. Students or visitors can scan the Classroom Placard of any instructor and see that figure come to life, telling more about him or herself and the classes they teach. Augmented reality can be best used in the classroom for creating interactive assign-ments that involve moving through the classroom or campus, as well as at home. We have even developed a usages with homework worksheets. When the student scans a homework page, a video of their teacher will start, assisting them in an example of the assigned homework or even solving a problem. There are several Augmented Applications available, like Aurasma and Daqri, which we have used to create these interactive experiences. We have used these in conjunction with iPads using iMovie software to create videos and pic-ture slide shows that can be quickly developed and edited. If you would like to learn more about using Aug-mented Reality in the classroom, sign up for the Augmented Reality and Apps for the Classroom Work-shop this summer at the Annual Curriculum Revitalization Project Summer Academy. The Summer Acade-my will be held June 23, 24, and 25 in Springfield and sponsored by the SIU Center For Workforce Devel-opment.

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Article from American Society of Welding newsletter- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via San Francisco Chronicle

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Manufacturing-jobs-going-unfilled-6103903.php An estimated 2 million U.S. manufacturing jobs will go unfilled over the next decade because workers lack the skills to fill those positions, according to a study released this week by an indus-try research group and a major accounting firm. But skeptics say that shortfall would be significantly lower if manufacturers raised their wages. The estimate by the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte is based on projections that 2.7 million Ba-by Boomers who work in manufacturing will retire in the next decade and that economic growth during that period will create 700,000 more manufacturing jobs. The 450 manufacturing execu-tives surveyed by the two organizations said they are worried that about 60 percent of their jobs are unfilled because applicants lack the required skills. Applying that 60 percent rate to the 3.4 million projected openings results in an estimated 2 mil-lion jobs going unfilled between now and 2025.

The Manufacturing Institute is the research arm of the National Association of Manufacturers. Deloitte is a global accounting firm that also provides consulting and other services. Their projection assumes workers will retire at age 64. About two-thirds of those surveyed last year by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, a Washington research group, said they retired when they were 64 or younger. Skeptics questioned whether the skills shortage explains why so many manufacturing jobs go un-filled.

“I wouldn’t go anywhere near that 60 percent,” said Arthur Wheaton of Cornell University’s Worker Institute. “The skills shortage disappears once you raise wages.” Wheaton said the failure of applicants to pass drug-screening tests could also explain why some jobs go unfilled.

Alan Tonelson — whose RealityChek blog covers economic, trade and related issues — said slug-gish growth in manufacturing wages since the recession ended in mid-2009 may have something to do with the unfilled positions. “You have to wonder if more generous wages and compensation numbers would go a long way” to alleviating the shortage, Tonelson said. A spokesman for Oberg Industries said the study’s estimate of the skills shortage is believable even though it does not apply to the Pittsburgh-area manufacturer. David Getty said he ran the 60 per-cent figure by several colleagues and “they can’t seem to dispute those numbers even though they seem to be high.” Oberg, which produces machined and stamped metal components, currently has 17 job openings and soon may add eight to 10 more, Getty said. That would represent about 5 percent of its cur-rent Pennsylvania workforce of more than 600, he said. Getty said Oberg plans for Baby Boomer retirements by enrolling about 30 candidates annually in its apprenticeship program. Some of the shortage of skilled workers also can be traced to unfavorable perceptions about man-ufacturing. Deloitte and the institute surveyed 1,000 households and found that only 37 percent of parents would encourage their children to pursue manufacturing careers. They were concerned that manufacturing jobs are the first to be shipped overseas and that such a career lacks stability.

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Guest Writer: Kelly Campbell The Intro to Family and Consumer Science class of Pleasant Hill High School took masking tape and made it into personalized art. Each student was given a roll of masking tape. They were then given directions to look at themselves in the mirror and construct an item that best represented them-selves. As seen in the photo, students were creative in their artistic abilities. To complete this project, stu-dents had to brain storm what they were going to make. They first had to draw a rough draft on graph-ic paper. Then they had to hand in their final draft before starting the actual art piece, essentially free handing the art without any help. Some had a rough go at first but kept on going. Some made some adjust-ments as they went along, and others even resubmit-ted a final draft at the end because of the changes they made.

At the St. Louis Regional Competition of the FIRST Robotics “Recycle Rush” challenge on March 20-21, the QAVTC Devils Robotics Team started strong dur-ing qualification rounds on Friday, being as high as second in the standings at one point. However the competition was strong as well, with 42 other teams compet-ing from Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky schools representing major metro areas such as St. Louis, Kansas City and Louisville. The Devils ended the 12 rounds of qualifications eleventh in the standings, earning a place in the championship round of eight alliance teams. The Devils and their two alliance partners were not able to overcome strong performances by the top four alliance teams and therefore were not able to advance to the semifinal round. However, the QAVTC Devils Robotics Team can be proud of their accomplishments. The Devil's robot per-formed well - with a well executed design, fabrication work that held strong, and controller programming code that operated reliably throughout the competition. The eleventh place finish was the best ever for the QAVTC Robotics team in four years of participation in FIRST Robotics. Congratulations to the Devils Robotics Team for an outstanding performance!

A group of five students from QHS traveled to Illinois’ capital on March 17 to show support and raise awareness on the importance of career and technical classes. The trip was in conjunction with the IACTE CTE Legislative Day. Attending along with the students were Mark Pflei-ger and Meghan Townley from the Quincy Area Voca-tional Technical Center. While at the capitol, stu-dents met with Representa-tives Randy Frese and Nori-ne Hammond, and State Senator John Sullivan. They also got to take a picture with Governor Bruce Rauner. During the trip, students took a tour of the Capitol building, and observed the legislative process in action in the House of Representatives Chamber and State Senate Chamber. Four students from QHS spoke at a student rally on their experiences taking classes at QAVTC. Attending on the trip were Katie Brink, Chandler Fey, Grant Leenerts, Haley

Mester and Elaina Rees. They represent-ed the following QAVTC programs: Graphic Communica-tions, Construction Trades, Principles of Engineering, and Health Occupations.

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The QAVTC Construction Trades class has been hard at work for the past almost two years remodeling a formally Quincy Public School District owned house. Located at 2424 High Street (a quiet one block street just north of Madison School) the house was previously used by the Special Education department. QAVTC then bought the house after it was no longer in use, and has been remodeling it since. Instructor Dave Bellis reports the students did a great job of putting the finishing touches on this extensive remodeling project. The three bedroom stucco bungalow style house will soon be going up for sale and will make lucky new owners a great home in the heart of Quincy. The one and one-half story house features two bedrooms and a full bath on the main level, a large bedroom and full bath on the second level, and an unfinished basement with endless possi-bilities. There is ample closet space in all bedrooms. The kitchen features all new cabinetry and coun-tertops, a breakfast bar, built in microwave oven, ceramic tile floors, and opens into a nice sized dining or family room with an enclosure for a washer and dryer. A nice sized living room finishes out the living space. New entry doors, new windows, a freshly painted exterior and a nice covered porch adorn the exterior of the home. The house has a 200 amp electrical service, has been fully insulated, with new plumbing and bath fixtures, a new furnace, and new drywall and paint throughout. New carpeting and

hardwood style flooring complete the package. The property also features an insulated two car garage with a brand new roof, shop area and concrete drive-way. An open house is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, from 1:00pm-4:00pm. For more information about the house, please call the QAVTC office at 217-224-3775. The next project for the class will be building a garage structure at the new Monroe School site to serve as a con-struction office for the district construc-tion manager, and will eventually pro-vide a storage building for grounds keep-ing equipment at the site.

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QAVTC would like to extend our thanks to QHS Junior Will Legge who helped to design our racing themed bulletin board. Will is enrolled in the

Graphic Communications class with Cathy Bower.

April 2-6 Spring break– No school

QHS/QAVTC

April 28 WCR Meeting

QPS BOE Office

May 20 Last day of STP classes

QAVTC

May 25 Memorial Day– No school

QHS/QAVTC

June 1 Last day of day classes

QHS/QAVTC

June 9 WCR Meeting

TBD

*These dates may change to reflect missed schools due to weather

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Mark Pfleiger, QAVTC/WCR Director

March mayhem is upon us with the 4th quarter underway already I hope your year has been filled with many accomplishments for you to brag about. We have learned of many great accomplish-ments in CTE programs around the region that are featured in this newsletter. Moreover, we are hav-ing a great year at QAVTC with students participating in great learning activities in-class as well as in extra-curricular student organization activities and career awareness activities (see related articles in this newsletter). We are proud to “show off” the accomplishments of our career-tech students at all of our West Central Region high schools and QAVTC. Here are just a few items of note as we wrap up 14-15 and get ready for the 15-16 school year. CTE faculty at each high school are asked to be working with their principal on program improve-ment needs for their CTE programs yet for this year, and to begin planning for next year. Two rea-sons – one, we need to actually show items to be procured in our regional system grant application for next year, and two, we would like to get items purchased sooner (even as soon as this summer) so we can get them into the CTE classrooms and labs sooner for student to use in learning activities. Just a reminder that if you have a professional development (PD) activity pending yet this year or over the summer (i.e. the Ag Conference, etc.), please get your receipts in to the WCR office as soon as possible after attending the PD activity, so we can get reimbursement processed to you. Also don’t forget to submit a short write up on how the PD activity will enhance your teaching and student learning in the CTE classroom. Finally, while the overall CTE line item has been proposed to be level funded in the ISBE budget for next year, the Governor’s proposed budget does seek to eliminate the separate Agriculture Education line item. This is the source of the Agriculture Incentive Grant funding each high school receives in support of their Ag programs. I encourage all of you to communicate with lawmakers the value of the Agriculture Education Incentive Funding program and request their support to reinstate this im-portant source of CTE program funding. Thanks to all for another great year in the West Central Region Education for Employment System and for all you do for your students. We look forward to working with all of our member schools in the coming year. If you have any questions about where we have going on in the West Central Office, please feel free to contact us or stop by. Best wishes to all for a great fourth quarter of school and a safe and relaxing summer.

If you would like to include newsworthy items, pictures, good news, announcements, changes in your program, or an exciting project your class is working on, we would love to feature it in

Tech Times. You can submit your information to Meghan Townley at townleme@qps.org. Please note when including pictures and information about students that this newsletter may

be sent to members of the press and media.