Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center

1500 Fourth Avenue | Altoona, PA 16602  www.gactc.edu
 
 
October '11 | Vol 3 Issue 1
  
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Contents
Student Services
Hoss's
Student Uniforms
Elaine's Wearable Art
Challenge Program
Open House
School Opening
Newlook Uniform
First Book
Postsecondary
Guitar Course
Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Adult Counselor
Chef Showcase
Sheetz
Stiffler-McGraw
Technical Assistance
Practical Nursing
Top to Bottom
GACTC Programs
GACTC Adult Programs
Tech News
Welding Upgrade
eNews Trivia
Mystery Person
Non-Discrimination
Sending Schools
Altoona
Bellwood
Central
Claysburg
Glendale
Hollidaysburg
Williamsburg
Co-Op Business Partners
Altoona Arthritis & Osteo
Amber Aire
Bartons Plumbing & Heating
Blair Sign Company
Courtesy Ford Kia
Dr. David Bowser, DMD
Dr. Larry Fisher, DDS
Dr's Thaler & Thaler, DMD
Hillview
Hines Auto Care
Klesius & Sheedy
Kmart
Lowe's
McLanahan Corp.
Metz Builders
Monroe Muffler
Partnering for Dental Services
Patternmaster
Paul Kane Trash Removal
Pleasant Valley Dental
Rockland Manufacturing
Sears
Smithmyer Plumbing & Heating, LLC.
TelPower
Thermo King
Value Drug Company 
Business Partner
50s Dance 2
GACTC LOGOGreetings!

  

We're back!  This is our first newsletter of the school year.... take some time and read what's happening at GACTC.  

 

Find us on Facebook by searching for "Greater Altoona CTC" Make sure you "Like" us while you're there! Find us on Facebook 

 

If your business missed out on being a Business Partner with us, it's not too late to jump aboard now. Call 814-505-1252 or email your interest to enews@gactc.com 

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE ENCOURAGED! PLEASE EMAIL enews@gactc.com Businesses interested in being included in our next eNews update can obtain information by emailing an information request to enews@gactc.com.
Student Services 

We would like to extend a warm welcome as the 2011-2012 school year begins! It is our ambition to make this year a successful one and we are off to a great start! We are eager to collaborate with students in navigating academic and personal goals as well as resolving barriers to success.  

 

It is important to behave our way to success from the outset of the year. Students can do so by maintaining consistent attendance, managing timely coursework and monitoring grades. The best way for students and parents alike to monitor grades is via progress book. Teachers distributed student login/password information to their classrooms for student use. The GACTC has mailed home a separate user login/password for parents regarding progress book so that academics can be tracked from the convenience of home. If you have not received the information; please contact the Altoona CTC at (814) 946-8450 x 1218.

 

Through our active involvement and cooperation with the students, parents and teachers; we are anticipating a phenomenal year!

 

Please be encouraged to contact our Guidance team with any questions. Students are assigned to Guidance Counselors respective to their program areas. Our contact information is as follows:

 

Mr. Treese, Guidance Department Chairperson

946-8450 ex. 1274, mark.treese@gactc.edu 

Manages and oversees all student-related services.

 

Ms. Swales, Guidance Counselor(946-8450 ex. 1289, gayle.swales@gactc.edu)

Computer Programming             Computer Technology             Digital Printing

Cosmetology                                    Health Occupations                        Culinary Arts                       

Drafting and Design                         Electronics Technology             Food Production

Multimedia & Web Design            Visual Arts Technology             Dental Assistant

 

Mrs. Taneyhill, Guidance Counselor (946-8450 ex. 1272, nicole.taneyhill@gactc.edu)

Outdoor Power Equipment                        Electrical Trades                        Masonry

Collision Repair & Refinishing            Automotive Diesel                        Welding

Interior Decorating & Finishing            Automotive Technology            HVAC/Plumbing

Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry            Carpentry/Construction            Emergency Services

Logistics & Materials Management            Precision Machining                       

Retail Marketing & Entrepreneurship           

 

Job Shadowing

The BASICS Committee (Businesses and Schools Investing in Cooperative Solutions) will be sponsoring the annual Job Shadow experience for interested juniors. This is an opportunity for students to encounter the workplace and learn about career opportunities in Blair County. The Job Shadow experience will take place during the week of November 14th through the 18th.

 

 

ACE (formerly known as dual enrollment program)

As in previous years, GACTC students will have the opportunity, if they so choose, to earn college credits through Penn Highlands Community College while taking a high school course. College credits may be earned in the following program areas; Computer Programming, Computer Technology, Multimedia & Web Design, Welding and English 12. For more information you may visit the GACTC website and/or contact Gayle Swales at (814) 946-8450 ex. 1289.

 

 hoss_oct11
Student Uniforms
Both high school and adult students at the GACTC are required to wear a uniform that is common to all students in a given program. Our experience has shown distinct benefits as a result of student uniforms. Uniforms contribute to more orderly student decorum and more closely resemble appearance and dress guidelines found in business and industry.
Elaine's Wearable Art - www.elaineswearableart.com
ewa_oct_11
Challenge Program
Challenge ProgramThe Challenge program, founded by Johnstown native and CEO of MTS Technologies, Inc., Dan Perkins, solicits corporate donations to provide $3,000 challenge awards to deserving students in more than 150 different secondary schools across five states. Two hundred fifty dollar awards are given in four categories to students in three grade levels (10, 11, and 12) including perfect attendance, highest scholastic achievement, greatest scholastic improvement, and community service. Awards were presented last spring to graduating seniors and at an assembly on September 13 to sophomores and juniors. The Blair Companies have been the sponsors at our school for many years and going forward the McLanahan Corporation and the Hite Company will share in this sponsorship. Don Devorris, George Sidney, and Lee Hite had lunch with the eight Challenge award winners on Friday, September 23, at the school.
Open House Winter 2011-December 1
Open House Placemat Winter 2011
School Opening

At a career and technology school that accepts students from a mixture of seven sponsoring high schools and several other tuition-based public schools or private schools, it is difficult to forge a common school calendar. The opening of the 2011-12 school term has been no exception. While the more than ten high schools that send students to the GACTC did not observe a common opening day, student attendance, nevertheless, has been high during the first month of school. This confirms our contention that while students sometimes say things to the contrary, they are always anxious to begin a new school year. If the remaining months of school go nearly as well as the first month, every student should experience a good school year.

800 South 20th Street | Altoona, PA | 814-944-5515


 
First Book
First Book
Logistics receiving their first book delivery!!

Postsecondary Programs

For the third consecutive year, full-time postsecondary enrollments have been at a high level. Adult student enrollments in welding have grown into a new full-time adult welding program that includes heavy exposure to blueprint reading and mathematics. This adult welding class is in session from 2:00 until 8:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The demand for welders with appropriate training and certification remains strong.

 

The Associate Degree Expanded Function Dental Assistant program has begun. All of the coursework, including general academic classwork, takes place at the GACTC and Altoona High School with instructors from Mount Aloysius College. At the end of two years, students earn a certificate in Expanded Function Dental Assistant from the GACTC and an Associate of Science Degree in Applied Technology from Mount Aloysius College.

NEW Guitar Course Offering

Guitar Course  

Congratulations! "How exciting!! We just won a 2011 SpaFinder Reader's Choice Award for the Best Mineral or Thermal Springs!!"

Omni's 2011-12 Ad
Adult Counselor

Given the number of full-time adult students, an adult counselor has been hired to assist these students in adjusting to full-time schooling. Kathy Butler, an experienced guidance counselor, assists full-time adult students on a regular basis.

Chef Showcase 

Each Tuesday at approximately 4:20 p.m., Central PA Live, a new program on WTAJ-TV10, features one of the culinary instructors from our school. In the first segment, Chef Jim Bumgarner demonstrated how to make Caprese Salad and the benefits of using locally-grown produce. More recently, Chef Heather McCloskey prepared a basic crepe and applied it to make three different dishes on the program. We hope that you will be able to catch Chef Jim or Chef Heather live or view their demonstrations on wearecentralpa.com.

Sheetz
Sheetz My Card
Stiffler-McGraw & Associates, Inc.
Consulting Engineers & Surveyors

1731 North Juniata Street | Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
814-696-6280 p
814-696-6240 f

www.stiffler-mcgraw.com | info@stiffler-mcgraw.com
Technical Assistance Program

The GACTC is a participant in the Technical Assistance Program operated by the Bureau of Career & Technical Education in Harrisburg. As a Cohort II school, the GACTC has realized significant gains in the mathematics, reading, and technical achievement of its students. A few months ago, the school was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the achievement gains of its students compared to all other CTC's in the state.

Practical Nursing Graduating Class 
LPN grads 2011
Sharon Lantzy Photography | www.sharonlantzyphotography.com | (814) 674-6007

The Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center Practical Nursing Program held its commencement exercise for the 73rd graduating class on August 18, 2011, at the Altoona High School Auditorium.  Forty-seven graduates were awarded their diploma from Mr. John Beyer, Chair of the GACTC Joint Operating Committee.  The commencement address was given by Mr. Jason Allen, MBA, RN who also presented the first Mary Ann Allen Award on behalf of his mother, a former secretary of the program.

 

The following awards were presented:

A Average

A Average

(seated left to right) Jaime Arnold, Kelly Lewis, Heather Fisher(valedictorian)

(standing left to right) Melissa Nolan, Heather De Criscio, Kristy Kyper, Jane McCracken Krepich, Chrissy Friday, Jessica Giarth, Jesse Hasselbarth

 

Perfect Attendance

Perfect Attendance

(seated left to right) Jaime Arnold, Heather De Criscio, Shelly Blackburn

(standing left to right) Rosemary Briggs, Frank Hebler

 


Program Awards

Award Winners

(seated left to right)

Jaime Arnold - Work Ethic Award sponsored by Garvey Manor and Our Lady of the Alleghenies

Destiny McClelland - Skills Award sponsored by Altoona Regional Health System

Danelle Crist - Skills Award sponsored by Altoona Center for Nursing Care, Margaret Conway, RN, Nancy Stoner, LPN, Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, Olga Romerowicz, LPN, Adara Healthcare Staffing

 

(Standing left to right)

Amanda McLaughlin - Mary Ann Allen Award

Heather Fisher - Knowledge Award sponsored by Homewood at Martinsburg

Jesse Hasselbarth - Alice E. Garman Award - sponsored by Juniata V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary

Jessica Lingenfelter -Work Ethic Award sponsored by HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona

Connie Cretin - Mary Ann Allen Award

 

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GACTC Undergraduate and Intergenerational Programs 

FIRST FLOOR

Automotive/ DieselTechnology

The goal of the Automotive Heavy Duty Vehicle Maintenance Technology (HDVM) program is to train and instruct students and develop marketable skills in their chosen occupational field. Using the most up-to-date equipment available and in a safe and efficient manner...

 

Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology Program is a competency-based program designed to follow the standards specified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)...


Cabinetmaking/ Finished Carpentry

Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry is a part of the Building Construction trades group of programs. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level in the Cabinetmaking field...

 

Carpentry/Construction

The Carpentry program is part of the Building Construction cluster of programs. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as a carpenter building residential homes and commercial/industrial buildings...


Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology

The Auto Repair & Refinishing Technology program is a three-year program designed to prepare students for the Collision Repair/Refinishing trade. The complexity of the modern automobile has placed this trade in the category of highly skilled and much needed employment...

 

Electrical Trades

This course is designed to train students to enter the field of residential, commercial, and industrial wiring and maintenance. Electricians install electric wiring, switches, lighting fixtures, and other types of equipment. The electrician also learns about state and local codes, and is able to work from blueprints...


Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning/Plumbing

This field affords great opportunities for young persons. The individuals may attain employment with an industrial plant, HVAC/Plumbing contractor, or go into business for themselves...

 

Interior Decorating & Finishing

Although this course is planned to prepare students for gainful employment upon graduation, it also provides an excellent springboard for those students who want to continue their education at a University or Art and Design School...

 

Masonry

Masonry students at the GACTC learn theory and basic skills of the trade. Students have the opportunity to go outside the classroom and work at the GACTC house project. At the project, masonry students start by forming and pouring the footers...

 

Outdoor Power Equipment Technology

Quality technicians are in high demand around the country, the Outdoor Power Equipment course at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center is an industry-recognized training site certified by the Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC)...

 

Welding Technology

The Welding Technology course is a three-year program; grades 10 through 12. The course is open to both male and female students. The following entry level employment skills are included in the curriculum; oxyacetylene welding, brazing, oxy-fuel cutting both hand and machine operated...



SECOND FLOOR

Computer Technology/Cisco Academy

This course is a three-year program that encompasses most of the areas that make up the present day computer field. In the first year, students delve into the inner workings of computer system components...

 

Culinary Arts

A culinary education offers a clear path to a career, and the restaurant industry is the nation's largest employer outside the government. There are good jobs, great people, and extraordinary opportunities...

 

Dental Assistant

Instructional units in this course include dental terminology, dental anatomy, instrumentology, x-ray development, and model making. Students keep dental records, perform clerical and bookkeeping duties, and assist the dentist with preparations...

 

Electronics Technology

Over the past few decades, Electronics Technology has advanced to the stage where electronic devices are commonplace in all phases of living. This considerable advancement and increase in the number of electronic entertainment, communications, work-saving, and industrial devices make a strong working knowledge of electricity and electronics essential...

 

Emergency Services

Emergency Services is a three-year program providing students with a solid foundation of skills common to public safety including law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS), and fire fighting...

 

Health Occupations

Health Occupations is a three-year program of study and activities that prepare students for various positions in the health care field. It provides diversified career training with a future. In addition, it offers the required training...

 

Logistics & Materials Management

Logistics and Material Management is a three-year program designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the fields of materials handling and distribution. Businesses engaged in manufacturing, transportation, wholesaling, and retailing goods...

 

Precision Machining

Today's modern manufacturing requires the use of sophisticated machine tools. These tools encompass the use of computers which program and operate the machines. The machinist of today not only needs basic machining skills but now must have the expertise of computer operations...

 

Retail Marketing/Entrepreneurship

Retail Marketing/Entrepreneurship is a three year program providing students with entry level skills in marketing and distribution occupations. Businesses such as retail stores, restaurants, and service areas are looking for qualified entry level employees from this area of study...



THIRD FLOOR

Cosmetology

The course in Cosmetology is a scientific study of beauty culture. The student will learn the care of the hair, skin, and fingernails. Hands-on skill work will include hair styling, permanent waving, hair cutting, highlighting or hair tinting...




FOURTH FLOOR

 

Computer Programming/Oracle Academy

This course is structured to prepare the student for either entry-level employment into a variety of rapidly growing computer careers or continuing education at a post-secondary level..

 

Digital Printing Technologies

Digital Printing starts with an idea and the need to communicate that idea to someone. Printing is vital in communicating that idea in today's world. It is the process by which ideas, pictures and information are transferred in ink...

 

Drafting/Design Technology

Drafting/Design Technology is directed towards preparing high school students & adults who will apply for admission to an accredited four-year college or university, Commonwealth campus, junior college or technical school...

 

Multimedia & Web Design

Effectively interacting with an audience on many levels, from graphics to audio, is the challenge in this field. Corporate Web sites and interactive CD-ROMs and training materials become a canvas...

 

Visual Arts Technologies

Visual Arts Technologies is a three-year program focusing on advertising design and pre-press skills that are extremely marketable in this high-tech world. The curriculum includes hands-on as well as digital skills...

GACTC Adult Programs 
FIFTH FLOOR

Licensed Practical Nursing

The Practical Nursing Program is a comprehensive, one year educational program that prepares graduates for employment as Licensed Practical Nurses in a wide variety of health-care settings. There is a two-year part-time program currently in operation...

Continuing Education Full and Part-Time Programs
Adult programs are those courses taught strictly to adult students. Applications are accepted yearly. Classes generally operate six hours daily from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. for 180 days. Half-time or modified scheduling may be available under special circumstances.

Adult Full Time Programs Include...

Baker/Pastry Cook
Culinary Arts
Medical Assisting
Medical Office Specialist
Administrative Office Specialist
Phlebotomy
Certified Nurse Aide
Commercial Truck Driver
HVAC/P (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Plumbing)
EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assisting)

Adult Part Time Programs including...

Air Conditioning
Cabinetmaking/Woodworking
Computer Aided Drafting and more...
Click here for details on Part-Time classes we have to offer. 

Technology News

 

Technology News(October)

Technology is an excellent way to remind ourselves that our world is advancing, in this case we are advancing in human services. When you think of someone who's visually impaired, you picture them walking around with a dog as a guide, a person directing them around from one destination to another, or walking with a stick to help determine their path. However, with this technology they don't have to strongly rely on any of those things. This device is called Tacit. Tacit is a wrist-mounted device and is uses a sonar to determine a person's surroundings. Tacit was originally meant to be a video game, but after Steve Hoefer realized it's ability he couldn't help but use it for this cause. Tacit works as simply as the user puts the device around their wrist, and as they're walking and as objects become closer, pressure is applied to the wrist, and it gets stronger with the shorter the distant an object is away from them. It costs only $65 and they're coming up with ideas that are user-friendly for the blind.

Welding Upgrade

Significant improvements have been undertaken in the welding classroom and laboratory. New downdraft welding stations have been installed throughout the laboratory. These improvements, in combination with new lighting and painting, brighten the welding practice area considerably. As an American Welding Society (AWS) authorized training and teaching center, the GACTC welding facility is highly utilized. Customized AWS testing continues to take place as required for several local employers.

eNews Trivia
Our June 2011 Trivia Winner: No one - 0/10
Our June 2011 Riddles Winner: No one - 0/2

Nobody Correctly Answered All of the Questions

Riddles

1. Which word becomes shorter even if you add 2 more letters to it?

2. There was this magician who was playing some smart tricks on the road side. One boy went to him and the man said to the boy, "I will just touch your forehead and write your actual name on this paper. If I am wrong then I will give you some of my magic stuffs, otherwise you have to give me $50." The boy agreed as he thought that no matter what name he writes, he will deny it. At the end, the boy was the one who lost the bet. How?

3. What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?

4. Give me food, and I will live; give me water, and I will die. What am I?

5. The man who invented it doesn't want it. The man who bought it doesn't need it. The man who needs it doesn't know it. What is it?

 

 

Email all answers to enews@gactc.com
Mystery Person

  

 

April
2011 Winner: Alli Herbaugh
April 2011 Mystery Person Was: Shakira
October Mystery Person

Recognize this face? This baby was born in Orange County and his "crooked mouth" is immobile due to having dead nerves in his lip. No, this baby is not Sylvester Stallone, but he worked with him in well known Rocky Balboa.  You may know him by his role as Peter Petrelli in the TV series Heroes, or his gust appearance as Jess Mariano in Gilmore Girls.


 

Email your answers to enews@gactc.com
Non-Discrimination Policy

The Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For information regarding civil rights, grievance procedures or access, contact Title IX Section 504 Coordinator, Daniel Bender, at 1500 Fourth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602-3695 or telephone (814) 946-8457.

We encourage you to forward our school news to friends and business associates. Comments and suggestions are encouraged at enews@gactc.com
 
Sincerely,
 
Multimedia and Web Design Program of the GACTC