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Fall 2012      Mercer County Technical Schools ENewsletter

 

DISTRICT NEWS

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Kimberly J. Schneider

KJS HeadshotOn October 22, 2012,  Mrs. Jones (Assunpink Principal), Brianna Sheppard (HSA student) and I participated in the Assembly Education Committee's hearing on career and technical education highlighting the best practices at New Jersey's county vocational-technical schools and the positive impact of these programs on students and employers.  Committee Chairman Patrick Diegnan of Middlesex County said he hoped it would be the beginning of a dialogue about the value and importance of New Jersey's county vocational schools, which he termed "a hidden asset of the state."

 

Brianna Sheppard of Trenton, junior in the Health Science Academy, spoke about the array of academic and career opportunities available to her at Mercer County's first full-time program.  Mercer County legislators Bonnie Watson Coleman, Vice-Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, and Dan Benson, welcomed the chance to speak with Brianna at the hearing.  Brianna's testimony and her informal discussion with the lawmakers about her experience as a student in the Health Careers Academy impressed the area legislators. Assemblywoman Watson Coleman expressed support for the expansion of career and technical education programs, so that more students can benefit from career-focused learning opportunities.

  

The employer perspective was shared by Randy Warner, Operations Manager at Haldeman Ford in Hamilton Square.  All of the speakers testified to the importance of career and technical education and the effectiveness of county vocational schools throughout New Jersey in preparing all types of students for continued education and employment.  To listen to the hearing, click here.

 

Assembly education committee hearing 

Photo taken by Andrea Kane

In this photo (left): Brianna Sheppard testifies during Assembly Education Committee hearing

Welcome New Staff

The new school year brings many changes with the following additions to the Mercer County Technical Schools' family.  We're pleased to welcome the following new staff members:

 

  • SCOTT BRETTELL - Supervisor of Secondary Education, Assunpink Center
  • ALISON GOLDSTEIN - Biology Instructor, Assunpink Center
  • CORRINA GREEN - Health, Physical Education and Driver's Education Instructor, Arthur R. Sypek Center
  • DANA HICE DEPUGH - Supervisor of Secondary Education, Career Prep & Admissions
  • THOMAS HULL - Heating, Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Instructor, Assunpink Center
  • MICHELLE RUBANO - Language Arts Instructor, Arthur R. Sypek Center

Post-secondary Programs to Undergo Detailed

Evaluation for Accreditation

Middle StatesEight (8) of Mercer County Technical Schools' post-secondary programs will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit December 5-7, 2012, by a review team representing the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The programs include Licensed Practical Nurse, Health Technology, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapy, Cosmetology, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical Trades and Skin Care Specialist/Esthetician. The Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools accredit early-childhood through post-secondary non-degree granting public, private, faith-based educational institutions including special purpose schools, supplementary education centers, learning services providers, and distance education institutions. For the full story, click here.

NJAC Scholarship Winners

NJAC Scholarship Recipients 2012 

In this photo (left to right):  Front row - Hon. Lucylle R. S. Walter, Mikel Kidd-Phillips, Justin Smith, Hon. Ann Cannon, Hon. Pasquale "Pat" Colavita, Jr.  Back row -  Hon. Anthony Carabelli, Hon. Samuel Frisby, Hon. Andrew Koontz

Congratulations to the 2012 NJAC Scholarship Recipients!

 

Mikel Kidd-Phillips of Lawrence

Completed Cosmetology Program - 2012

Arthur R. Sypek Center

 

Justin Smith of Hamilton

Completed Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Program - 2012

Assunpink Center

ARTHUR R. SYPEK CENTER NEWS

Culinary Arts Students Tour Wegmans

 

wegmans logo
Students from the Culinary Arts program went on a field trip to the Wegmans store in Princeton. During the visit, students met and spoke with the management team to learn about departments such as produce, old world cheese, meat, seafood, bakery, prepared foods and the caf�. "Wegmans has found that hiring people with a culinary background provides our customers with an exceptional shopping experience," says Katie Streeper, Recruiter for Wegmans Food Market. The trip ended with a resume and interview presentation. Wegmans continues to be a valuable business partner.

ASSUNPINK CENTER NEWS

Health Science Academy Students

Attend Washington Leadership Academy

HOSA WLA 2012

In this photo (left to right):  Sunakshi Puri, Piyush Puri, Brianna Sheppard

Three 11th grade Health Science Academy students, who are also New Jersey HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) State Officers, attended the 2012-2013 Washington Leadership Academy on September 15-18, 2012. The conference offered valuable networking and teambuilding opportunities for the participants. Events like "HOSA Quest" had the students exploring Washington, D.C. in search of hidden messages among the monuments.

 

While in the nation's capitol, HOSA members also met with Congressional and Senatorial aids from New Jersey to discuss important issues concerning career and technical education and career and technical student organization grants. "Attending the WLA opened my eyes to the true meaning of leadership, the true meaning of HOSA. The conference made me realize that our organization is more than the competitions and the work; it's about the mark you choose to leave in your community," states Sunakishi Puri, New Jersey HOSA Secretary/Treasurer.

CAREER PREP NEWS

Students Tour NJ State Police Museum

 Career Prep 12th grade students enrolled in the Introduction to Criminal Justice System Class at Mercer County Community College recently took a class trip to the New Jersey State Police Museum. These students are currently earning college credits in the study of Criminal Justice. They were escorted by Elizabeth L. Bondurant, MS, CPM, former retired Plainsboro Police Chief and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the college.

ADULT EVENING PROGRAM NEWS

Auto Instructor Travels to Japan for Competition

Frank Deliman, Adult Evening Program Automotive Technology instructor and technician at the Dick Greenfield Dealership in Lawrenceville, will be representing North America in the Seventh Annual Isuzu World Technical Competition. Frank made it through a rigorous screening process to be able to compete amongst teams from more than 20 different countries. The competition is a test of skills which will involve fixing a problem quickly and economically. For 33 years, Frank has serviced all Diesel Dodge Cummins and the Isuzu truck line. He is proud to have been chosen for the competition, which will take place on November 21, 2012 at the Isuzu Training Headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan. The students and staff at the Mercer County Technical Schools wish him the best!

HEALTH CAREERS CENTER NEWS

60 Graduates Ready for Health Careers

On July 20,  2012, 60 students from the Health Careers Center received diplomas at a graduation ceremony at Robbinsville High School. The keynote speaker was Mercer County Freeholder Samuel Frisby, Strategic Planner and Chief Executive Officer of the Trenton YMCA.  Students graduated from the Practical Nursing program, Medical Assistant program, Health Technology program and Massage Therapy program prepared to meet the needs of the healthcare community.

MCTS IN THE NEWS!

October 5, 2012: Mercer County Technical Schools Hope to Lock in Financial Aid

May 4, 2012: Lawrenceville Patch - Mercer Students Win at SkillsUSA N.J. Competition

May 3, 2012: NJ.com - Mercer Science Fair

April 7, 2012: The Times of Trenton - Lawrence Teen Creates Fair to Share Her Love of Science

April 5, 2012: Princeton Packet - Goggles, Golf Carts Drive Drunk Driving Lesson Home

The Mercer County Technical School District guarantees equal opportunity to all, regardless of race, color, age, creed, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, nationality or sex.

GET STARTED!

Interested students can apply online for career and technical education programs.

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IN THIS ISSUE

District News
Arthur R. Sypek Center News
Assunpink Center News
Career Prep News
Adult Evening School News
Health Careers Center News
MCTS IN THE NEWS!

UPCOMING EVENTS

DISTRICT INFORMATION SESSION

December 8, 2012

10am - 11am

Arthur R. Sypek Center

129 Bull Run Road

Pennington, NJ 08534

(Input Trenton if using GPS) 

OPEN HOUSE

January 27, 2013

11am - 1pm

Arthur R. Sypek Center

129 Bull Run Road

Pennington, NJ 08534

(Input Trenton if using GPS) 

DISTRICT INFORMATION SESSION

February 21, 2013

6pm - 7pm

Arthur R. Sypek Center

129 Bull Run Road

Pennington, NJ 08534

(Input Trenton if using GPS) 

  

The Honorable
Brian M. Hughes

County Executive

 

 

BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS

  

Hon. Lucylle R. S. Walter

Chair

 

 Hon. John Cimino 

 Vice Chair

   

Hon. Ann Cannon

 

Hon. Anthony Carabelli

 

Hon. Pasquale "Pat" Colavita, Jr.

 

Hon. Samuel Frisby 

 

Hon. Andrew Koontz

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTY OF MERCER

 

 

Mr. Albert W. Pitman

President

 

Mr. John Zoller

Vice President

 

Ms. Judith Iszard 

 

Ms. Yolanda Stinger

 

 Dr. Samuel Stewart

Executive County Superintendent

 

Ms. Nancy Swirsky

Business Administrator/

Board Secretary

 

 

ADMINISTRATION

 
Dr. Kimberly J. Schneider
Superintendent
 
Ms. Mary Smith-Jones
Principal
Arthur R. Sypek Center

 

Ms. S. Lucille Jones

Principal

Assunpink Center

 

 Mr. Peter Frascella

Principal

Adult Evening School

 

Ms. Sharon Nemeth

Principal

Health Careers Center

    

Ms. Dana Hice DePugh

Admissions & Career Prep

 

Ms. Lori Perlow

Communications

VOTED BEST IN SCM BY NJSPRA 2012 

GET STARTED!

Interested students can apply online for career and technical education programs.

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