Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Newsletter

February 2015

In This Issue

Student Success - Student of the Month

Alumni Spotlight - Eric Maier

EASTERN Events

Inside EASTERN

Facts about CTE

Dates to Remember

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.

- Thomas Allen,
Administrative Director

- Joseph Greb,
Assistant Director

- Allison Larson,
CTE Supervisor

- Amy Shields,
Editor

Student Success - January Student of the Month

Danyelle Sanders is the January 2015 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. She is in EASTERN's Culinary Arts program and a senior at Springfield High School. 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.

Danyelle developed a love of cooking and baking at a young age thanks to her mother and the Food Network. When she was introduced to EASTERN while in 10th grade, she knew Culinary Arts would be the first step in pursuing her dream of a successful career in the food industry.

Danyelle currently maintains an A average in her Culinary Arts program at EASTERN, and is on the SkillsUSA Culinary Arts council for the 2014 - 2015 school year. She volunteers her culinary skills and services at many EASTERN events such as Open House, the EASTERN Foundation Auction Fundraiser, Parents Night, and the Advisory Appreciation Brunch.

Danyelle was selected by her instructors to attend the CTSO Leadership Conference in the Poconos in November 2014. She was part of the team that achieved first place for the Cheer competition and also part of the team that received third place for the Notebook competition.

After graduation from Springfield High School and EASTERN, Danyelle will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Baking & Pastry Arts and Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC. Ultimately, she would like to own her own bakery.

Alumni Spotlight - Eric Maier

Eric Maier, a 1976 EASTERN Construction Technology and Lower Moreland graduate, is currently a substitute teacher for several EASTERN programs, including Protective Services, Construction Technology, Electrical Technology, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Automotive Technology, Collision Repair Technology, Computer Network Administration, and Welding Technology. As a former firefighter, EMT, and Municipal Fire Marshal, he has a wide- range of talents and skills to offer our programs as a substitute teacher.

Maier grew up with a fascination with buildings and how they were constructed. Through his high school, he heard about the Construction Technology program at EASTERN, then called Carpentry, and saw it as a great opportunity to learn more about the construction field. Maier has been a volunteer firefighter since the age of 16 and is a nationally certified firefighter and fire officer. When he became a Municipal Fire Marshal, he was able to combine his two main interests, construction and firefighting, as one of his main job responsibilities: building and life safety fire inspections. He is still a member of the Huntingdon Valley Fire Company today.

Upon graduating from EASTERN, Maier began his career as a carpenter and worked several years in the trade, then he changed careers as a certified tool and die/manufacturing engineer, which included programming computer numerical control (CNC) equipment. He then decided to further his education in fire science at Montgomery County Community College. He then matriculated to Harris University where he completed his Bachelor Degree in Fire Science. Maier is also a Licensed Certified Neuromuscular Therapist and has a private practice.

"I am happy to come back to EASTERN and share my experiences and knowledge with the students," said Maier. "I love to teach, and I think this is an amazing school."

Last year, Maier saw an advertisement for substitute teachers at EASTERN, and looked at it as a great new opportunity. He especially enjoys teaching Protective Services, in which firefighting is a critical element and Construction Technology, where they still do many of the same projects he did when he attended EASTERN.

EASTERN Events - Open House is March 1, 2015

Open House at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove is Sunday, March 1, 2015 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.

EASTERN's half-day career programs for 11^th and 12^th grade students include: Allied Health; Automotive Technology; Collision Repair Technology; Commercial Art; Computer Network Administration; Construction Technology; Cosmetology; Culinary Arts; Electrical Technology; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Office Management; Protective Services; and Welding Technology.

College and military representatives have also been invited so parents and students can explore all options for the future.

"EASTERN is the right choice for students who learn best by doing, who want to get a head start on their career or college, and for those who want to learn a skill that will benefit them for the rest of their lives," said Thomas Allen, EASTERN's Administrative Director. "Our instructors, staff and administrators are looking forward to welcoming the community and increasing the knowledge and understanding of the programs we offer for both high school students and adults."

Inside EASTERN - Students Receive Commendation from Senator Greenleaf

On January 16, 2015, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) students who placed in the November Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Leadership conference were commended and awarded certificates of accomplishment from Senator Stewart Greenleaf.

Senator Greenleaf presented the students with their certificates and asked each student about their trade area and future goals. He encouraged them to continue to pursue their dreams and congratulated them for taking the first steps toward their future career goals.

	Facts About Career and Technical Education
Nearly one in six hot jobs, paying above the median wage and having above average growth, will require an associate degree or some postsecondary training. (American Association of Community Colleges)

	Dates to Remember
- February 4, 2015 - 10th Grade Career Expo Visitation, AM Session - February 11, 2015 - Joint Operating Committee Meeting; 8 p.m. - February 13, 2015 - In-Service; No Classes - February 16, 2015 - School District Closed - February 25, 2015 - 10th Grade Career Expo Visitation; PM Session - March 1, 2015 - Open House; 1 - 3:30 p.m. - May 27, 2015 - Awards Night; 7 p.m.

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Eastern Center for Arts and Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity Coordinator, 3075 Terwood Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090. 215-784-4800.