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Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter
February 2012 |
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EASTERN's Foundation has one reason for existing - to encourage students in their pursuit of career ambitions that were developed and strengthened by attending EASTERN. The Foundation does this by rewarding student success and achievement through scholarships and awards. For more information on EASTERN's Foundation, please visit www.eastech.org/home/eastern-foundation/
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Mission Statement
The mission of Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, a leader in technology and in developing innovative, responsive programs, is to equip all students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to select, enter and succeed in a career, and to anticipate and adapt to change by providing high-quality technical instruction and specialized services. |
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 | Student Success - Andrew Weiss; January Student of the Month |
Andrew Weiss is the January 2012 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is in his second year of EASTERN's Computer Network Administration program and a senior at Upper Moreland High School.
At EASTERN, Andrew maintains high grades in his Computer Network Administration program while maintaining an active role in SkillsUSA as the 2011 - 2012 School-Wide Treasurer and volunteering at school events such as Parents Night and Tenth Grade Career Expo. SkillsUSA is a national student organization promoting good citizenship, student leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and recognizes student achievement and excellence.
He was selected to attend the Annual District 2 Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) Leadership Conference at the Pocono Manor Resort in November 2011 and was part of EASTERN teams that brought back gold, silver and bronze medals. He was the recipient of the 2011 CTSO Outstanding Student Award. At EASTERN's Awards Night in May 2011 Andrew received the Perfect Attendance Award.
At Upper Moreland High School, Andrew is a member of the Soccer and Bowling teams. He also participates in CYO Volleyball. He currently holds a part-time job at Bottom Dollar Food in Willow Grove.
Andrew will complete his program at EASTERN and graduate from Upper Moreland High School in June with 12 MCCC dual enrollment credits. After graduation from EASTERN and Upper Moreland High School, Andrew plans to finish his Associates at MCCC and matriculate from there to Drexel University. He ultimately plans to pursue a career in the computer network administration field.
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 | Alumnus Spotlight - Ian Carder
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EASTERN 1998 Computer Network Administration
/Jenkintown High School graduate, Ian Carder, is Upper Moreland School District's IT Coordinator. He turned his interest in computers into a successful career in the field, while gaining a head start at EASTERN.
Carder enjoyed working with his family's Apple Macintosh while growing up. He went so far as to purchase an external hard drive to boot from so he wouldn't cause any computer issues for the rest of his family. At Jenkintown High School, he took all the computer classes that were available, but was still very interested in learning more. He had some friends who enrolled in EASTERN's Commercial Art program, so he decided to research the school and its offerings. Ultimately, he found Computer Network Administration to be a perfect fit.
During his second year at EASTERN, he was hired as an Intern for EASTERN's Technology Management Systems department. Soon after, Upper Moreland School District was looking for a computer technician and interviewed students from the Computer Network Administration program. He secured the position and worked for Upper Moreland School District while going to college. When the Upper Moreland Network Administrator left in 2005, Carder was promoted into that position. In April of 2011, he was promoted, again, to IT Coordinator.
In his current position, he is involved in every aspect involving the IT Department. Along with supervising the department, he coordinates new projects and assists with the day-to-day operations of the network, servers, and applications. Recently, Carder hired a 2009 EASTERN graduate, Jim Bishop, who will begin to take on many of the network and server roles.
"If you're interested in how computer networks are designed, large or small, EASTERN's Computer Network Administration is the program for you," said Carder. "You're going to be exposed to more networking and server equipment, theory and practical experience than you'll likely find anywhere until you're working in the field. If you're already in the program, take full advantage of the opportunity to get a head start on everyone else your age who is considering the field."
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 | Upcoming Events - Open House
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Open House at EASTERN is Sunday, March 4, from 1 - 3:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity for parents of high school students in Eastern Montgomery County to see how EASTERN can give students a competitive edge in college or in a specialized career program. At the Open House, parents and students will learn how EASTERN students can earn college credits while still in high school through dual enrollment and articulation agreements, and enjoy learning in a hands-on setting. The Open House also offers an opportunity to hear from EASTERN instructors on the business environment that complements students' high school academics. Guests will also learn about EASTERN's Student Warranty. Many special activities in EASTERN's career programs are scheduled, and visitors will have the opportunity to sample culinary delights prepared by EASTERN's Culinary Arts students.
During the Open House, EASTERN's Automotive Technology program will be showcasing a natural gas vehicle provided by Conicelli Toyota in Norristown, and a plug-in Prius provided by Thompson Toyota in Doylestown. College and military representatives have also been invited so parents and students can explore all options for the future.
"The need for skilled workers has been in the news recently. Rising college debt has made headlines. EASTERN prepares students with technical skills, soft skills and confidence to successfully enter America's workforce," said Thomas Allen, EASTERN's Administrative Director. "EASTERN's Open House is a great opportunity to learn more about our programs for high school students and adults. We are an exceptional, high quality, first step to a career, college, or both. Don't miss this outstanding opportunity!"
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 | Inside EASTERN - Strategic Plan Mid-Point Review Summary
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On November 3, 2011, a formal mid-point review of the status of the implementation of the 2008 - 2013 Strategic Plan was conducted at EASTERN by the 26 member planning team. The Strategic Plan will guide EASTERN's planning, activities, and budget development through 2013, To read the 2008 - 2013 Mid-Point Review summary, please visit http://www.eastech.org/home/strategic-plan/.
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 | Dates to Remember |
- February 7 - Administrative Advisory Committee Meeting - 9:30 AM
- February 8 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting - 8 PM
- February 17 - Teacher In-Service
- March 4, 2012 - Open House - 1:00 - 3:30 PM
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 | Facts About Career and Technical Education |
According to the National Research Center for CTE, CTE students were significantly more likely than their non-CTE counterparts to report that they had developed problem-solving, project completion, research, math, college application, work-related, communication, time management and critical thinking skills during high school.
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All activities, services, education programs and employment practices at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology are nondiscriminatory as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 of federal law. If there are restrictions, they are based on one's ability and aptitude, not on one's sex, race, color, national origin or disability. Additionally, students and employees with disabilities may qualify for special services or instruction and equipment modifications. Students with limited English language skills will not be denied participation in any activity or program. Complaints or concerns about discriminatory treatment and racial or sexual harassment should be directed to EASTERN's Equity Coordinators at 3075 Terwood Road, Willow Grove, PA (215) 784-4800.
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