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Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter
December 2012 |
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| Want to support EASTERN student awards? |
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EASTERN's Foundation exists to encourage students in their pursuit of career ambitions that were developed and strengthened by attending EASTERN. The Foundation rewards student success and achievement through scholarships and awards. Please visit www.eastech.org/home/eastern-foundation/
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Mission Statement
The mission of EASTERN, 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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- Thomas Allen, Administrative Director
- Kevin Reilly, Assistant Director
- Allison Larson,
CTE Supervisor
- Amy Shields, Editor
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 | Student Success - Amy Pertuset; November Student of the Month |
Amy Pertuset is the November 2012 Student of the Month  at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. She is in her second year of EASTERN's Computer Network Administration program, a senior at Upper Moreland High School, and a freshman at Montgomery County Community College (MCCC). The Student of the Month Award is sponsored by EASTERN's faculty, Joint Committee and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success and service. Ten students each year are selected for this honor.
At EASTERN, Amy maintains an A average in the Computer Network Administration program, and is actively involved in SkillsUSA as the 2012 - 2013 SkillsUSA School-Wide Treasurer. Last June, Amy attended the SkillsUSA National Competition as a Delegate. During the 2011 - 2012 school year, Amy served as the SkillsUSA Vice President for the Computer Network Administration class. She was also selected by her Computer Network Administration Instructor, Karon Crickmore, to attend the Annual District 2 Career and Technical Student Organization's (CTSO) Leadership Conference at the Pocono Manor Resort.
Due to her advanced standing at both Upper Moreland and EASTERN, Amy was granted special permission from Upper Moreland High School to spend her senior year taking all college courses at MCCC in addition to her Computer Network Administration program at EASTERN. When she graduates with her high school diploma in June, she will also have completed 48 credits from MCCC. She received 12 of her credits through EASTERN's dual enrollment agreement with MCCC.
At EASTERN's 2012 Awards Night, Amy was recognized with the Computer Network Administration Outstanding Junior Award, the Director's Award, Straight A and Perfect Attendance.
After graduation from EASTERN, Upper Moreland High School, and MCCC, Amy plans to attend Princeton, Drexel or Penn State Abington.
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| | Alumnus Spotlight - Kelly Knorr
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 EASTERN 2003 Culinary Arts/Upper Moreland High School graduate, Kelly Knorr, is currently the Baking and Pastry Arts Instructor at Bucks County Technical High School. Prior to her teaching position at Bucks County Technical High School, Knorr worked as a pastry chef in Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia.
While in tenth grade, Knorr attended EASTERN's Open House. At that time she didn't know what she wanted to do as a career. She knew that the atmosphere and options at EASTERN were exactly what she was seeking. She also liked the idea of being in a class with students from other high schools and making new friends. Prior to EASTERN's Open House, Knorr had started to enjoy cooking at home, so she chose EASTERN's Culinary Arts program.
After graduation from EASTERN, Knorr attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she obtained her Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry and her Bachelor Degree in Food Service Management. She entered into this program with scholarships earned through her participation in SkillsUSA, EASTERN's student leadership organization, and through her role as School-Wide Secretary. She was also able to gain credit for her ServSafe certification for safety and sanitation since she already obtained it while at EASTERN - which saved her some time and money.
Since graduating from EASTERN, Knorr has come back every summer to teach the Cooking and Baking class for the Summer Fun program. She serves on EASTERN's Occupational Advisory Committee for Culinary Arts - a group from local business and industry that helps EASTERN's administration and instructors keep all programs up-to-date and cutting-edge. Knorr also serves on EASTERN's Foundation - a group whose sole mission is to reward EASTERN students' success and achievement through scholarships and awards.
"I had great teachers at EASTERN," said Knorr. "They made me want to go on to teach and share my industry knowledge. There are so many opportunities at EASTERN - opportunities to network with people who own their own businesses in the community, and opportunities to get a head start on college."
Knorr is currently at Temple University pursuing her Vocational Certification and her Masters in Career and Technical Education.
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| Upcoming Events at EASTERN - Tenth Grade Career Expo
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EASTERN is getting the word out to all participating school tenth grade classes starting this month through February. A presentation will be made at each high school addressing all of EASTERN's program offerings, our recruitment video, and of course, a few words from current EASTERN students.
As a follow up to the in-school presentations, all interested students are invited to visit EASTERN on January 30 during the morning session, or February 26 during the afternoon session. During this visit, students have the opportunity to visit three different programs for 50 minutes each.
For more information about Tenth Grade Career Expo, please contact Amy Shields, EASTERN's Organizational Advancement Director at 215-784-4806 or ashields@eastech.org.
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Inside EASTERN - EASTERN Student Makes Building Blocks for Primary School in Kenya
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EASTERN Construction Technology/Abington High School senior, John O'Riordan,  has chosen a unique venture for his senior project - to make building blocks for Katamoy Primary School in Kenya.
Earlier this year, John asked Mary Rodgers, Abington High School's Service Learning Facilitator, for some senior project suggestions. Knowing that John is in his second year of Construction Technology at EASTERN, Ms. Rodgers suggested the building block project using scrap lumber from EASTERN's Construction Technology program.
Last summer, Ms. Rodgers accompanied a group of students and parents from Abington High School on a community service trip to the Rift Valley in Kenya. The communities in this area are very poor and the primary schools do not have any educational toys. The building blocks idea came to Ms. Rodgers since it would provide a creative outlet for students that is non-mechanical and requires no batteries or maintenance. At the time of her visit, the only toy available was a ball made of paper bags and tape.
John, with the support of his EASTERN Construction Technology Instructor, Jeff Pakula, has recruited his EASTERN classmates to assist in his efforts. Ms. Rodgers provided John with the template, so the building blocks will be in the shape of columns, triangles, squares and rectangles. Ms. Rodgers will be bringing the blocks back to the school in Kenya this summer.
"This is a great and useful way to recycle the scrap wood for creative and educational purposes," said John. "I am proud to be a part of this project and I appreciate all of the support I have received from EASTERN and Abington High School."
John's project was documented by Phillyburbs.com - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2ndsiBHiho&feature=player_embedded.
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| Dates to Remember |
- December 12, 2012 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting - 8 p.m.
- December 24 - 25, 2012 - School Closed
- December 26 - 28, 2012 - Student-Teacher Holiday
- December 31, 2012 - January 1, 2013 - School Closed
- March 3, 2013 - Open House - 1 - 3:30 p.m.
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| Facts About Career and Technical Education |
According to a Russell Sage Foundation Study, CTE graduates are 10 - 15 percent more likely to be in the labor force, and earn 8 - 9 percent more than graduates of academic programs.
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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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