Students Honored at National SkillsUSA Championships for Skilled Workforce

Kansas City, Mo. (Grassroots Newswire) June 28, 2012 -- Students from Pennsylvania high school and college technical education programs won the nation's highest awards at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Industry leaders representing over 1,100 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions recognized the students for their demonstrated excellence in 94 hands-on occupational and leadership contests, such as robotics, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking. All contests are designed, run and judged by industry using industry standards. Top student winners received gold, silver and bronze medallions. Many also received prizes such as tools of their trade and/or scholarships to further their careers and education. The SkillsUSA Championships is for high school and college-level students who are members of SkillsUSA. In addition, high scorers in the contests received Skill Point Certificates. The Skill Point Certificate was awarded in 86 occupational and leadership areas to students who achieved a high score defined by industry. The SkillsUSA Championships have been a premier event since 1967. The Skill Point Certificates were introduced in 2009 as a component of the SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System. The following students received both medallions and Skill Point Certificates: Team F (consisting of Logan Ostrander, Andrew DeVarney), from North Montco Technical Career Center (Lansdale), was awarded the High School Silver medal in Mechatronics. "Over 5,900 students from every state in the nation came to compete in the SkillsUSA Championships this week," said SkillsUSA executive director Tim Lawrence. "This is the SkillsUSA partnership at its best. Students, instructors and industries are working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce and every student excels. These students prove that career and technical education expands opportunities." According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who take three or more career and technical education (CTE) programs in high school are more likely to attend college and stay there to graduate. In fact, 79% of CTE concentrators enrolled in postsecondary education within two years of high school graduation. And, students in CTE programs have a higher-than-average high school graduation rate. The average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 90% compared to an average national freshman graduation rate of 74.9%. Industry support of the SkillsUSA Championships is valued at over $35 million in donated time, equipment, cash and material. All contests are run and judged by industry experts using industry standards for employment. Contests assess hands-on, employability and academic skills. Over 1,700 industry judges and technical committee members participated this year. The SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System was developed as an extension of the SkillsUSA mission and supported by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The System recognizes students for excellence in occupational training; it assesses and documents the entry-level technical proficiency and cumulative experiences of candidates. For more information about the SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System, visit www.workforcereadysystem.com. SkillsUSA helps students discover and grow their career passions. As a nationwide partnership of students, instructors and industry working together, SkillsUSA works to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It helps every student excel. The nationwide career and technical education (CTE) student organization serves more than 320,000 high school, college and postsecondary students-and their instructors-in technical, skilled, and service occupation instructional programs. CTE is learning that works for America. SkillsUSA has the active support of more than 1,100 corporations, trade associations, business and labor unions at the national level. Over 10.5 million people have been annual members of SkillsUSA since its founding as The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America in 1965. SkillsUSA programs teach leadership, citizenship and character development to complement technical skill training. The organization emphasizes respect for the dignity of work, ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety.

Automotive Dealer's Association competition tomorrow

Tomorrow two Automotive students, Austin and Caleb, will be competing in the Automotive Dealer’s Association hands-on competition against 11 other teams from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We wish them the best of luck!

SALON AT NORTH MONTCO OPEN

The Salon at North Montco is open to the public. Hours are Monday- Friday 8:10 -11:30 AM and 12:15- 2:00 PM (when school is in session). Be sure to check our website (www.nmtcc.org)for the calendar to verify that school is open.
For more information you may contact the salon at 215-368 1177 x113.

Please use our new entrance, facing Sumneytown Pike, when visiting the salon!

BAKERY NOW OPEN EVERY WED. AND THUR.

The bakery at North Montco is now open every Wednesday and Thursday (when school is in session.)

The hours for the bakery are 8:45-10:00 AM and again between 12:30 and 2:00 PM.

Items available will vary each week!
Stop by and purchase some delicious treats!

For more information call the North Montco bakery at 215-368-1177.

COFFEE FUNDRAISER

North Montco Technical Career Center is holding a Coffee fundraiser. If you have a Keurig Single Cup coffee brewer in your home or office, you can help raise funds to benefit North Montco’s student organizations, incentive programs and senior awards.

All you need to do is log on to www.CoffeeKing.com and purchase your K-cups. You must enter the promo code – NMONTCO - in the discount code field during checkout. This will allow the proceeds to be sent to North Montco. Coffee King will send your coffee order directly to you.

This promotion will run from now until the end of June. Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors.

Thank you for your support!

SKILLSUSA COMPETITION

North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) students competed at the Pennsylvania District 2 SkillsUSA competition held at Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center. The students competed against students from 9 other technical schools in 58 various competitions.

NMTCC students earned 8 gold medals, 6 silver medals and 5 bronze medals. Gold medal winners are eligible to compete against students from across Pennsylvania in the state level competition to be held in April. We are proud of all our competitors!

Congratulations to all of our Skills competitors!

The following students received First place medals:

David F., Prepared Speech

Jesse H., Advertising Design

Fallon H., Cosmetology

Cody C., Diesel

Ashley R. and Ashley L. (model), Esthetics

Dennis S., HVAC

Sam S., Technical Drafting

Second Place medals were awarded to:

John T., Architectural Drafting

Jake F., Auto Service Specialization

Christopher R., Motor Control

Christopher M., Precision Machining

Julian K., Technical Computer Applications

Casey S., Welding

And the following students received Third Place medals:

Crystal A., Action Skills

Taylor L., Medical Math

Sean M., Firefighting

Tyler M. and Dylan M., Web Design

All first place winners are eligible to compete in the state competition.

The following students will also be competing in the state competition:

Savannia B., Graphic Communications

Dillon C., Pin Design

Andrew D., Mechatronics

Logan O., Mechatronics

Congratulations to all our competitors and good luck to those who will be competing at the state competition!

SkillsUSA is a national organization for students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills.

BAKE SALE - FEB. 8TH and 9TH

The bakery at North Montco will be open to the public on Wednesday and Thursday - February 8th and 9th.
The bakery will be open during the hours of 8:45- 10:00 AM and again from 12:30-2:00 PM.
Items include cookies, cupcakes, Italian bread, cherry pies and much more (while supplies last).

SkillsUSA Competitions

Yesterday and today some of our students are competing in various skills competitions related to their technical programs. We wish our students all the best and will share the results when we receive them.

All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Dinner Fundraiser

Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012
(Snow date – February 4th)

Time: 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: North Montco Technical Career Center cafeteria
1265 Sumneytown Pike
Lansdale, PA 19446

Menu: Salad
Pasta with assorted sauces
Garlic bread
Desserts
Coffee, tea and cold beverages

Price: Adults $10.00
Seniors $7.50
Children (under 12) $5.00


Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting:
Mr. Mark Tarlecki 215-368-1177 x163

Tickets will also be sold during our Open House on January 19th.

CONTINUING EDUCATION - NEW COSMETOLOGY CLASSES

The Continuing Education Department at NMTCC will be offering Cosmetology classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 4:00-8:00 PM. These classes are available for individuals that have completed 900 hours or more and are looking to complete their 1250 clinical hours.

For additional information, please contact the Continuing Education Office at 215-855-3931.

FLORAL DESIGN STUDENTS WIN NUMEROUS AWARDS AT PA FARM SHOW

North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) Floral Design and Landscaping students competed against 12 other schools across the state in various Horticulture competitions. From cake toppers and table arrangements, to hospital arrangements, terrariums and wreaths, NMTCC students showed their creativity and earned the following awards at the Pennsylvania Farm show:

4 first place
4 second place
9 third place
6 fourth place
5 fifth place

OPEN HOUSE THIS THURSDAY - JANUARY 19TH

Join us for our annual open house on
Thursday, January 19th from 6:00-8:00 PM.

You’ll have the opportunity to tour the newly renovated school and see various demonstrations taking place throughout the school.

You can also purchase some delicious baked goods and tickets for the
All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Dinner being held on January 28th.

Walk around the school and take a chance on some fabulous door prizes.

Head to the multipurpose room to speak to counselors and also learn about
Continuing Education programs and Driver’s Education classes.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

North Montco Technical Career Center will be holding a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 10th from 9:30-11:30 AM. The price is $7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Price includes breakfast buffet and a special treat from Santa.

Bring your own camera for photos with Santa! Seating is limited. Call 215-368-1177 x163 for a reservation.

Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Manna on Main Street.

CULINARY ARTS STUDENT AWARD

Congratulations are in order for Culinary Arts student, Amber Neilson (12th grade, Methacton) who recently received a $1,000 scholarship from the Methacton Rotary Club. The Rotary Youth Achievement Award recognizes students with Outstanding Academic Performance who also adhere to the Rotary’s Guiding Principles which include truth, fairness, goodwill and concern for others.

We are proud of Amber’s accomplishment and wish her all the best as she continues to explore career options in the Culinary Arts field.

PREPARING FOR RESTAURANT OPENING

Culinary Arts students are preparing for the opening of the new restaurant at North Montco. Students were recently assigned the task of preparing a dinner party. From the number of guests to the table set up, the students used their knowledge and creativity to prepare wonderful presentations. The Culinary Arts students worked with Floral Design students to create centerpieces for the table presentation, and also worked with Graphic Arts students to create invitations for their event.

The students will continue practicing the proper techniques for “front of the house” operations. You will soon have the opportunity to see their work when the restaurant opens to the public in the new year.

STOP TEXTING AND DRIVING

Biotechnology student, Justin Gorton (Souderton), brought an important message to NMTCC by having Johnny Mac and Jeanne Brown, along with their daughter Katrina, speak to the 11th grade students about the dangers of texting and driving. The Browns have been traveling around the country, speaking to high school students, since their 17 year old daughter, Alex, was killed in a single-vehicle accident as she was replying to a text message while she was driving.

The Browns spoke of Alex making a series of choices that kept her from being alive. They told the students that they may either "reap the benefits or suffer the consequences" from the choices they make.

WPVI-Channell 6 ABC news featured this presentation on their broadcast because it occurred the same week PA passed the law making texting behind the wheel a primary offense. Copy this link into your browser to view the broadcast.
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=8416600

For more information about the dangers of texting and driving, visit the website dedicated to Alex Brown.
http://rememberalexbrownfoundation.org/

SkillsUSA National Competition

Over the summer, two NMTCC students had the opportunity to compete at the national level SkillsUSA competition held in Kansas City, Missouri. More than 5,600 outstanding career and technical education students - all state contest winners - competed hands-on in 94 different trade, technical and leadership fields. During the competition students worked against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in various occupations including: computer-aided drafting, computer maintenance, electronics and medical assisting.

Contests are run with the help of industry, trade associations, and labor organizations, and test competencies are set by industry.

After winning first place in the state level competition, Robert Greisemer competed against students from across the country in the Computer Maintenance Technology competition. Robert is currently completing his 12th grade in the Internet Technologies program at NMTCC.

Brendon Miller competed against students from across the country in the Technical Drafting competition. Brendon's hard work was rewarded when he earned 4th place in the nation! He is continuing to pursue his interest in the drafting field and is currently working at Aerotech Inc., a company that designs helicopter parts.

Graphic Arts Student Wins Contest

North Montco Technical Career Center Graphic Arts students had the opportunity to participate in the Third Annual "DatingViolence Awareness/Prevention" High School student poster contest sponsored by the Dating Violence Prevention Program of Laurel House. This contest was open to all high school students in Montgomery County, PA. The theme for this year's competition was "Dating Violence and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline." Judging was based on originality, creativity, development and reflection of the theme.

NMTCC Graphic Arts student, Theresa Miller (11th grade, Methacton) received the first place award for her design. She was recently recognized for her poster design at an unveiling ceremony held at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute. Theresa is in her third year of Graphic Arts at NMTCC and plans to become a graphic artist after high schoo.

Cosmetology students in the community

Recently, several Cosmetology students and their instructor, Mrs. Lucas, provided manicures and facials to the mothers of the students who attend Easter Seals. The mothers appreciate this day of pampering and request that NMTCC Cosmetology students visit them each year.

Easter Seals holds annual family visiting days throughout the year (Mother's day, Father's day, Grand Parent's day). The Mother's day event was a day to celebrate the mothers of these very special children. They provide a "spa experience" to help mothers unwind and relax from their daily stresses. The NMTCC cosmetology students provided wonderful manicures and facials and local massage therapists pampered the moms with soothing massages.

NMTCC’s Cosmetology students have been performing this service for over nine years.

Automotive program accreditation

NMTCC’s Automotive Technology program has achieved renewal of accreditation by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in the areas of:

Automatic Transmission & Transaxle
Brakes
Electrical/Electronic Systems
Engine Performance
Engine Repair
Heating & Air Conditioning
Manual Drive Train & Axles
Suspension & Steering

NMTCC’s Automotive Technology program was evaluated according to strict standards set by the automotive industry. The program was evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) in all areas from the facilities to the number of instructional hours. The results of the evaluation indicate that NMTCC’s Automotive Technology program continues to meet the requirements for NATEF Master Accreditation – the highest level of achievement recognized by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation. NMTCC’s Automotive Technology program has skilled instructors and the latest tools and equipment. Now, more than ever, NMTCC graduates will be prepared to enter productive entry-level positions and are assured a competitive edge when seeking employment.

NMTCC is proud of this coveted recognition and the ability to produce competent technicians and employable students so desperately needed by the automotive industry.