Home Page Archive  -  2009-10 School Year

February 2010

Going Global: Fashion students headed to Europe
The packing has begun for a group of Global Fashion Studies students, who are headed to Europe in February for a real-global-world educational experience. On the agenda: London, Paris and more - guided tours and talks, history trends and business, shopping and all things fashion.

Save the date and check us out!
Interested in medicine, law, journalism, theatre, education, human services, trades & technical careers?
Mark your calendars now and see what our school has to offer you:
February 9: New Visions: Journalism & Media Studies open house, Albany campus dining room, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
February 9-10: Schoharie campus school-day visitation days for 10th & 11th graders
February 10: Theatre Technology school-day and evening (6-8 pm) open house at Proctors, Schenectady
February 10: New Visions: Human Services & Special/Elementary Education open house, Albany campus dining room, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
February 11: New Visions: Law & Government open house, Albany campus dining room, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
February 12: Snow date for New Visions open house(s), Albany campus dining room, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
March 3: Evening open house for all New Visions programs, 6:30-8 p.m., Albany campus dining room

Schoharie Culinary, Management teams earn #2 ranking in NYS
Two teams of students from Chef Iannacone's Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology class at Schoharie campus earned rankings of number two in the state at the 2010 New York ProStart Competition on Feb. 5 at the Crowne Plaza, Albany. The Culinary Team cooked their way to second against 14 other student teams from across the state, while the Management Team matched managerial wits with nine other teams to bring home their trophy. The students competed with the support of the New York State Restaurant Association, member of the National Restaurant Association, which runs the ProStart professional education program.

In photo, top row: Chef Iannacone, Paul Pierce (Schoharie HS), Daric Collins (Cobleskill-Richmondville HS), Akeem Stewart (Berne-Knox-Westerlo HS), Chef Haas (work-based learning coordinator); middle row: Ashley Katz (BKW HS), Kyle Page (Cobleskill-Richmondville HS), Tiffany Felczak (Duanesburg HS); bottom row: Danielle Christensen (BKW HS), Christopher Blyth (Schoharie HS), Danille Cross (BKW HS). On team but not pictured: Victoria McCormick (BKW HS).

January 2010

If you can't stand the heat . . .
Schoharie Career & Tech Culinary students field-test national exam

Would you volunteer to take a hands-on, high-level, two-day test given by some of the nation's top chef-educators? Students in Chef Iannacone's Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology class at Career & Tech's Schoharie campus did so on December 15 and 16, when they field-tested a ProStart Practical Exam for the National Restaurant Association. ProStart is the association's education and certification program recognized nationally by educators and employers alike. Read more

Orbital Welder teaches global skills
At the Welding & Metal Fabrication program at Career & Tech’s Albany campus, instructors Mike Todd and Chris Lanese prepare high school and adult students to become nationally certified welders. They are also preparing them for careers and college in a field where lifelong learning is mandatory and in a region where their skills are rising rapidly in value. The Capital District has transformed into Tech Valley, and welding plays a critical role in the construction of high-tech facilities, labs and clean rooms. Welding students at Career & Tech are now learning how to use a state-of-the-art, Swagelok automated orbital welder. Read more

College and couture highlight Global Fashion class trip to NYC
College, couture and a good measure of shopping were highlights of a December 2009 Global Fashion Studies trip to Manhattan. The class toured and viewed admissions presentations at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and LIM (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising), respected schools that are on the radar of several students. Read more

December 2009

Student's up-do takes holiday spirit to new heights
It took her most of a school-week, but Cosmetology senior Kelly Visconti's holiday up-do project is inspiring much commentary from its display perch in the Albany campus career center. "Our assignment was to research hairstyles and then re-interpret them to reflect the spirit of the holidays," said Visconti, who's also a senior at RCS High School. Her style features braids, curls, beads, ornaments and lots of elevation.

Shaker end tables reflect carpentry, construction, culture
Jalon Patterson (sitting at left, Schenectady HS) and Dwayne Wolfe (Watervliet HS), students in Paul Roberts' Building Trades class at Career & Tech's Albany campus, recently completed Shaker end tables in a project that taught them about carpentry, construction and culture. Through a partnership with Albany's Shaker Heritage Society (America's first Shaker settlement is located just down the road), students learn about crafting Shaker-style furniture, known for its simple lines, sturdiness and functionality. Both students, who are juniors at Career & Tech, are considering careers in engineering.

Exhibition gives New Visions: Health Careers students a real insider's view
Students in Tom Slovic's New Visions: Health Careers class (pictured) gained a real insider's view of the human body when they recently traveled to Manhattan to see Bodies: The Exhibition. They saw just about every bodily system and organ at the exhibition, an amazing look into human physiology and functions. Students from Career & Tech's Nurse Assistant, Practical Nursing and Health Services programs also have benefited from "Bodies."

WAMC Student Town Meeting to feature New Visions: Law & Government class
New Visions: Law & Government students and their teacher, Rich Bader, spent November 24 behind the microphone as they were taped participating in WAMC/Northeast Public Radio's Student Town Meeting. The class chose the following topic for the show, which will air in late January or early February: "What motivates acts of domestic terrorism and what can be done by the government to effectively address the motivation of terrorists?" Read more

Career & Tech students add beauty to the holidays
Make an appointment with Cosmetology and help others
The Albany Campus Cosmetology Class is holding a Holiday Clinic on Thursday, December 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Students gain experience and donate any profits to charity. For an appointment, call 862-4716. Services available are: haircut ($4); wash and styling ($5); peppermint manicure with paraffin dip ($4.50); peppermint pedicure ($7); facial ($10); artificial nail enhancement ($14).

Arrangements and greens support Floral Design activities
Floral Design students at Albany campus invite the community to order holiday arrangements of flowers and greens to help support their classroom projects, field trips and efforts to help others. From candle rings to bouquets and wreaths to boxwood trees, beautiful choices await those who contact their shop, Bloomers, at 862-4780, before December 18 please.

Global Fashion Studies class wraps for Europe
Donate to the Global Fashion Studies class' latest fund-raiser and you'll end up with a smartly wrapped gift while supporting their upcoming study trip to Europe. the students also have created outrageous flip flops and custom mini-tote bags. They'll be wrapping a.m. session on December 17, 18, 21 and 22.

Note: Adult Ed classes (GED, ESOL, Adult Welding etc.), day and evening Adult PN and Adult NA classes are cancelled for Weds. 12/9, due to weather.

Learning at light speed in new IT lab
Students in Career & Tech's Computer & Network Technician/ Information Technology program, including seniors Natalie Horning (Bethlehem) and Richard Persaud (Schenectady), recently put the finishing touches on their new media lab. According to teacher Dave Patzarian, "The lab will enable the students to gain valuable experiences in fiber optics, automation, cabling and wireless technology. Adult classes in media technology are planned for the future." Five of the 25 fastest growing careers nationally involve computer systems, network and software. Computer & Network Technician/IT students are prepared for certifications such as Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician, A+ computer service technician, and N+ and S+ network technician. Read more

November 2009

Schoharie Cosmetology teaching assistant Loves Losing her Locks
Schoharie Campus Cosmetology Teaching Assistant Helen Wos lost 10 inches of her hair on November 17, thanks to Cosmetology alumnus Kiersten Bendel. But it was all for a great cause: the two teamed up to band, clip and donate Wos' tresses to Locks of Love, an organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Read more

Honors served up to Career & Tech for hosting, supporting Culinary Cornucopia
The 2009 Heart of the Cornucopia Award was presented to Career & Tech's Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology students and staff at the Albany Marriott on November 8, in honor of their support of and participation in the annual Culinary Cornucopia chefs competition and fund-raising dinner. The events benefit Living Resources Inc., which offers programs and services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and developmental disabilities. Read more.

Business After Hours event a hit at Schoharie campus
The inaugural Schoharie Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event held at Career & Tech's Schoharie campus on October 29 was a great success, with participation by numerous and varied local businesses and many Career & Tech students, faculty and staff. Georgia Van Dyke (in photo), a member of the chamber's board of directors was active in setting up the event. Van Dyke is an owner of Gobbler's Knob Family Fun Park in East Cobleskill. Read more.

Helping out in our community
Community service is a big part of the Career & Tech experience, with students and staff supporting many worthy causes throughout the year. Students lend a hand individually, as part of class projects and through groups such as SkillsUSA and National Technical Honor Society. Here's a small sample of what's happening now:
- SkillsUSA is heading up annual holiday food and fund-raising drives on each campus. Lend a hand and open your heart to making a needy family's holidays a little bit brighter.
- Early Childhood Education Teacher Cindy Jennings and Career & Tech Teaching Assistant Alyce Lyons are raising money for a good cause by participating in the Capital Region AIDS Walk this fall.

Great gourds!
Congratulations to the following winners of Albany campus' annual career-themed pumpkin-carving contest:
AM winners:
Most representative of the trade-Early Childhood II (Mrs. Jennings)
Funniest-Culinary I (Chef Brucker)
Best in Show-Global Fashion Studies (Mrs. Hicks)
PM winners:
Most representative of the trade-HVAC (Mr. Ando)
Funniest-Building Trades (Mr. Harple)
Best in Show-Gaming (Mrs. Bigelow)
The Pizza party for Best in Show and the Ice Cream party will be awarded during Halloween week. Schoharie campus' contest is ongoing, to coincide with Halloween. Watch for the (not always) gruesome details.

October 2009
Nurse Assistant for Adult Students program begins in November
Classes for adults wishing to become Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) will begin in November at the Health Careers Center, Rosewood campus, across from our Albany campus on Watervliet-Shaker Road. The full-time study Nurse Assistant for Adult Students program will begin on November 16. Want to learn more? Download the fact sheet.

Helping out in our community
- Early Childhood Education Teacher Cindy Jennings and Career & Tech Teaching Assistant Alyce Lyons are raising money for a good cause by participating in the Capital Region AIDS Walk this fall.

Lift your earning potential: 15-hour Forklift Operator Training Course for Adults to be offered in Schoharie for just $25
A low-cost Forklift Operator Training Course for Adult Students will be offered at Career & Tech's Schoharie campus in November for a registration fee of just $25. The 15-hour, two-day program is underwritten through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to promote job training and employability in the region. Class will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Interested individuals age 18 or older must pre-register by calling Schoharie Career & Tech at (518) 295-3036.

News FLASH: Adult Welder Certification program is launched
Responding to the need for an expertly trained technical workforce in Tech Valley, the Capital Region BOCES Adult Education program is launching a new 450-hour Welder Certification Program for Adult Students. Students successfully completing the course will earn national credentials including: American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE Level 1 Welder Certification, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Phase 1 Welder Endorsement, and federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction Safety Card.

Through technical shop coursework and classroom lessons in weld theory, students will learn GTAW orbital welding, shielded metal arc (stick) welding, gas metal arc (MIG) welding, gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), flux cored arc welding, pipe welding (stick and TIG), and oxy-fuel cutting and plasma cutting.

Classes will run October to April at Career & Tech's Albany campus. The $4,707 tuition includes instruction, books, welding helmet, jacket gloves and safety glasses. Applicants must have a high school diploma or enroll in a GED program. For more information, contact the Adult Education office at 862-4707.

Cosmetology students and staff to raise funds, cancer awareness
Cosmetology students and staff at both campuses are raising funds and awareness to fight cancer. They are holding special on-campus clinics and fund-raisers and participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Albany's Washington Park, along with fellow Career & Tech students, staff, friends and family members from both campuses. To-date, they have raised more than $1,000 for the American Cancer Society, and last month raised $500 for a Cosmetology alumna,her family and the society.

At Career & Tech's Albany campus, Cosmetology seniors held an all-day (and into the evening) clinic on Oct. 20. They offered fantastic services including haircuts and styling for $8; haircuts only for $4; manicures with paraffin dips for $4.50; pedicures for $7; and artificial nail enhancements for $14. Donations were also accepted. "An alumni student of the Cosmetology program, Renee King, 25, lost her battle with cancer a few weeks ago," said Cosmetology Teacher Pat Gollub. "In her memory, money collected at the clinic and Open House will be donated to the American Cancer Society in her name."

On Thursday, Oct. 29, the Cosmetology class at Schoharie Career & Tech offered fabulous nail, skin and beauty services to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Services included spa manicures and pedicures, facials, scalp massages, and paraffin hand treatments. On Sept. 24, the class held a very successful Spa Day and fund-raiser to benefit Renee King and her family.


 

This is the house that our class built!
Students from Mr. Harple's Building Trades class recently visited a house they built, in their classroom(!), at its permanent location in Schenectady. The students constructed the first story of the home as two modular halves, which were then moved to the site to be sold as affordable housing by Better Neighborhoods Inc. Smiling in this photo in front of the house is Building Trades student Jonathan Miller of Voorheesville.

Career & Tech elects SkillsUSA officers
The Albany and Schoharie campuses of Career & Tech have named their SkillsUSA officers for 2009-2010. Albany's officers were inducted on October 20, before Open House, while Schoharie's officers will be formally inducted at 5:30 p.m. on October 21, also before Open House.

Congratulations to Albany Career & Tech's newly elected SkillsUSA officers:
AM Session:
President- Alexandra (Allie) Redder (Early Childhood Education II, Guilderland HS)
Vice President- Amber Dickson (Culinary Arts II, RCS HS))
Secretary- Jocelyn Connor (Floral Design, Career & Tech School)
Treasurer- Lindsay Janowicz (Floral Design, Schalmont)
Parliamentarian- Sarah Johnston (Nurse Assistant, Colonie Central HS)
Historian- Kayla Peck (Early Childhood Ed. II, BKW HS))

PM Session:
President- Steve Van der Wouden (AYES Auto Technician Sr., Mohonasen HS)
Vice President- Roderick Williams (Auto Body Collision, Colonie Central HS)
Secretary- Kelly Visconti (Cosmetology II, RCS HS)
Treasurer- Sarah Zenobio (Culinary Arts Tech Prep, Scotia-Glenville HS)
Parliamentarian - Doug Hennessy (Culinary Arts Tech Prep, Niskayuna HS)
Historian - Nancy Madonia (Criminal Justice II, Schenectady HS)
Community Service Liaison- Melanie Kraus (Cosmetology II, Mohonasen HS)

Congratulations to Schoharie Career & Tech's SkillsUSA chapter officers:
AM Session:
Co-Presidents: Alyssa Bendel (Cosmetology, BKW HS)  and  Kirsten Slaver (Cosmetology, BKW HS)
Vice-President: Stephanie Woreth (Criminal Justice, CRCS HS)
Secretary: Sarah Pedros (Cosmetology, CRCS HS)
Treasurer: Brittany Schell (Cosmetology, Schoharie HS)
Parliamentarian: Margaret Ocana (Cosmetology, BKW HS)
Reporters: Ashley Chaisson (Cosmetology, CRCS HS) and  Meaghan Sherman (Cosmetology, BKW HS) 
Historians: Jennifer Crounse (Cosmetology, BKW HS)  and  Kristine Skinner (Cosmetology, BKW  HS)

PM Session:
President: Ashley Myers (Criminal Justice, CRCS HS)
Vice-President: Lucifer Merwin (Criminal Justice, CRCS HS)
Secretary: TBA
Treasurer: Jordan Gonyea (Residential Construction/Heavy Eq., BKW HS)
Parliamentarian: Sabrina Graham (Criminal Justice, BKW HS)
Reporter: Alyssa Corp (Cosmetology, Schoharie HS)
Historian: Morgan Duffy (Cosmetology, CRCS HS)

SkillsUSA is a national organization of career and technical education students that promotes leadership, professional and personal growth and service to school and community. Each campus of Career & Tech has a SkillsUSA chapter, with elected officers leading school events, fund-raisers and preparation for local, regional, state and national competition in career and technical and professional areas.

Schoharie campus to host Business After Hours event
Career & Tech's Schoharie campus will be the site of Business After Hours, a Schoharie Chamber of Commerce event, on Oct. 29 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Besides being a networking opportunity for Chamber members, the event will showcase students and staff, including the tasty efforts of and cooking demos by our Hospitality Technology & Culinary Arts class, and demos showcasing the talents and creativity of our Cosmetology students. The event will also support and promote Career & Tech's business and education partnership advisory committees, which now total more than 300 members. Such partners provide work-based learning opportunities, identify the needs of our regional employers for training, maintain links with Career & Tech alumni, and help promote BOCES programs for adult and high school students including career education, GED and workforce development.

Move over Great Pumpkin: Career O'Lanterns are on their way
Students at Career & Tech are tapping into their career and creative talents to transform ordinary pumpkins into career-themed gourds extraordinaire for the second annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Entries were displayed at Open House, with SkillsUSA officers judging for best in show, most representative of a trade/profession, and funniest.
 

Tomorrow's nurses are learning here today
Did you know the Capital Region BOCES offers part- and full-day study programs in Practical Nursing for adult students? Our students come from near and far, from the Capital Region, New York City and around the globe. Many are career changers, some are advancing from the Nurse Assistant level, others are beginning an exciting new career. While they study hard on campus and at clinical locations throughout the area, they also form lasting friendships and professional connections on their way to becoming NYS Licensed Practical Nurses. Some benefit from financial aid. Want to learn more? Visit our Practical Nursing page or contact the Health Careers office today.
 

Test day surprise was no match for Melissa
For some, knowledge is power. For Melissa Chiarini, knowledge is the power to heal. Seriously injured in a sledding accident 10 years ago, the now 25-year-old Schenectady resident cites learning about her traumatic brain injury and subsequent stroke as giving her "new tools to solve my problems." Coupled with a can-do attitude and a "drive to do stuff," Chiarini's pursuit of knowledge equipped her to pass the exam for her New York State General Equivalency Diploma (GED) on the very first try - despite a surprise on test day. Read more

Schoharie campus' Spa Day for Renee helped Cos alumna, family
Cosmetology students and staff at Career & Tech's Schoharie campus raised funds to help an alumna battling cancer and her family through a very successful Spa Day for Renee on Sept. 24. The event featured spa manicures, spa pedicures, facials, scalp massages and paraffin hand treatments for just $10 a service. Donations were also received, with all proceeds going directly to Renee King and her family to help defray medical expenses. Renee was a 25-year-old alumna of Career & Tech's Cosmetology program, Albany campus, and successful stylist at Shapes & Colours Salon in Colonie. "We're all very sad to learn of Renee's passing," said Schoharie Cosmetology Teacher Marlene Whitehead.

September 2009

In the media
Literacy and media bias were topics of the day for New Visions: Law & Government class at WAMC Northeast Public Radio taping
Literacy and media bias were topics of the day on Sept. 17, when Career & Tech's New Visions: Law & Government class sat in on the taping of WAMC Northeast Public Radio's "The Media Project." While the students weren't interviewed, their presence and Capital Region BOCES were acknowledged on the air. The program is posted online at http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news. After the taping, the students and teacher Rich Bader remained at WAMC for a half hour of discussion with panelists Times Union editor Rex Smith, WAMC's Alan Chartock, WTEN-TV Anchor Elisa Streeter and Kingston Daily Freeman Publisher Ira Fusfeld. This November, the New Visions: Law & Government class will be part of a WAMC Student Town Meeting.

"Style 101, We've Got It"
The center court of Colonie Center was packed on the afternoon of September 13 as students in Career & Tech's Global Fashion Studies class presented the area's biggest back-to-school fashion show, "Style 101, We've Got It." The event capped months of planning and coordinating with mall management, stores, local radio stations and of course dozens of models from young children to young adults. According to Global Fashion Studies Teacher Judy Hicks, "The show provides fashion students with hands-on experience to supplement textbook theory. The students act as model scouts, run the casting call event, teach/coach modeling lessons, act as fashion stylists for participating merchants to fit the models with their outfits for the show, write the actual fashion show commentary, assist with make-up and hair styling, and provide the behind-the-scenes management of the actual fashion show."

Reflecting on 9/11
With twisted beams from the World Trade Center as their backdrop, students in Rich Bader's New Visions: Law & Government class visited the N.Y.S. Museum in Albany on Sept. 11, to reflect upon the events of that date in 2001 by reading essays they composed. Three of the students were also interviewed by radio station WGY news reporter Jim Knapp.

This was the seventh year Bader took his class to the exhibit to discuss their essays, which described the impact of 9/11/01 upon their lives, their thinking and the U.S. government. "This is the first generation that has grown up in a post-9/11 world," noted Bader. "This is the formative event of their generation." While New Visions: Law & Government students are based in a classroom located at the State Education Building across from the state Capitol, they are frequently learning, interning or job shadowing at locations including the state Assembly and Senate, at various courts, State Police, and other agencies and public interest organizations.

Literacy and media bias were topics of the day for New Visions: Law & Government class at WAMC Northeast Public Radio taping
Literacy and media bias were topics of the day on Sept. 17, when Career & Tech's New Visions: Law & Government class sat in on the taping of WAMC Northeast Public Radio's "The Media Project." While the students weren't interviewed, their presence and capital Region BOCES will be recognized on the air. The program will be broadcast Sunday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. and Monday at 3 p.m. and will be posted online after Sunday at http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.

After the taping, the students and teacher Rich Bader remained at WAMC for a half hour of discussion with the panelists. "The Media Project" is an inside look at media coverage of current events with Times Union editor Rex Smith, WAMC's Alan Chartock, WTEN-TV Anchor Elisa Streeter and Kingston Daily Freeman Publisher Ira Fusfeld. This November, the New Visions: Law & Governmentclass will be part of a WAMC Student Town Meeting.

Welcome and welcome back!
A big welcome to all students arriving on campus at Career & Tech, both new and returning students. We're glad you are here!

Schoharie Career & Tech offers fall course for adults in Heavy Equipment/CDL Prep
Evening/Saturday class fits adult learners’ schedules
Area adults are welcome to sign up for courses in Heavy Equipment Operation/CDL Permit Preparation for Adult Students to be offered at Career & Tech’s Schoharie campus, Sept. 9 - Nov. 14, on Wednesdays from 4:30-8:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 am - 4 pm. Cost just $65. For more information, contact Career & Tech's Schoharie campus at 295-3000.

In the media
Theatre Tech Boot Campers featured in Daily Gazette
Career & Tech's own Jeff Knorr, Theatre Technology teacher, and his crew of summer Theatre Tech Boot Campers at Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, were recently featured in the Daily Gazette. The early August camp brought together teens from throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

August 2009

Schoharie Career & Tech offers fall courses for adults in Heavy Equipment/CDL Prep, and Building & Grounds Maintenance
Evening/Saturday classes fit adult learners’ schedules
Area adults are welcome to sign up for courses in Heavy Equipment Operation/CDL Permit Preparation, or Building & Grounds Maintenance for Adult Students to be offered at Career & Tech’s Schoharie campus this fall. Classes will run from Sept. 9 - Nov. 14, on Wednesdays from 4:30-8:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 am - 4 pm, and cost just $65. For more information, contact Career & Tech's Schoharie campus at 295-3000. Read the news release

Home and business owners, job seekers, retirees all encouraged to enroll in home & building repair course
Capital Region residents interested in repairing their homes or businesses, building job skills or just learning new things are encourage to Do It Yourself by enrolling in the Capital Region BOCES Adult Education Program’s 108-hour Building & Grounds Maintenance Program for Adult Students. Classes start on September 9, 2009, and will meet Wednesday evenings and Saturdays at Career & Tech's Schoharie campus. Tuition is just $65 and the program will cover electrical, carpentry, plumbing, masonry, groundskeeping, blueprints, power tools, Forklift Operator Certification and more. Read the news release.
 

Theatre Tech Boot Campers had great tour of duty at Proctors
Music, staging, lighting, production: Theatre Tech Boot Campers '09 did it all, and had fun, too! The early August camp for teens was a joint project of Career & Tech and Proctors Theatre, who together also offer a Theatre Technology class during the school year. What were the campers' favorite parts? "It was hands-on, and we got to work with people on stage," said one. "I liked that the teacher (Mr. Knorr) knows about doing stuff because he also works at SPAC and plays music," added another. More than one camper cited the backstage and insider tours of Proctors as highlights of their weeklong experience.

If they build it, it will race
With a blazing midday sun providing the clean, green fuel, campers raced their fleet of custom-built solar cars to the finish in the parking lot of Career & Tech's Albany campus on July 15 during Future Green: An Exploration of Green Energy Technologies, a Career Pathways Summer Institute offered by the school at no cost to the students and their families.

Fifteen 9th and 10th graders from throughout the Capital District are taking part in the weeklong camp, where creating solar cars is just one of several cool and green activities.

The campers also learned about an electrically powered bus brought to campus by CDTA and are exploring fuel cells, wind energy and green energy science. Their counselors include Computer & Network Technician Teacher Dave Patzarian and Science Teacher Don Orlando.

July 2009

News FLASH: Adult Welder Certification program is launched
Responding to the need for an expertly trained technical workforce in Tech Valley, the Capital Region BOCES Adult Education program is launching a new 450-hour Welder Certification Program for Adult Students. Students successfully completing the course will earn national credentials including: American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE Level 1 Welder Certification, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Phase 1 Welder Endorsement, and federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction Safety Card.

Through technical shop coursework and classroom lessons in weld theory, students will learn GTAW orbital welding, shielded metal arc (stick) welding, gas metal arc (MIG) welding, gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), flux cored arc welding, pipe welding (stick and TIG), and oxy-fuel cutting and plasma cutting.

Classes will run from September to February, Monday through Thursday, from 2:30-8 pm at Career & Tech's Albany campus. The $4,995 tuition includes instruction, books, welding helmet, jacket gloves and safety glasses. Applicants must have a high school diploma or enroll in a GED program. For more information, download the flier or contact Rick Rose at 862-4709.

In the media
Bidding farewell to New Visions classmates is no easy task

Adult PN grads will help meet pressing need for nurses
Thanks to one of the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School's most popular programs for adult students, more than 100 new healthcare professionals will soon be answering the rising call for nurses in our region and beyond. On June 30, 115 men and women celebrated their successful completion of Career & Tech's Practical Nursing Program for Adult Students at a graduation ceremony at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. The joyous event was attended by a packed house of families, friends, and BOCES Board of Education members, business and educational partners and staff, all of whom witnessed the awarding of Nursing pins, certificates and more than 40 special student awards. Career & Tech offers both part-time and full-day study options in the Practical Nursing program.
 

Attention parents and students:
Enlist now for Theatre Tech Boot Camp at Proctors
Explore the jobs, learn the skills and experience the magic behind the scenes in theatre at Theatre Tech Boot Camp! Proctors has partnered with the Capital Region Career and Technical School’s Theatre Technology class to provide incoming 9th through 12th grade students a week of intense career exploration. Through working on a real production with theatre professionals, students will learn about the technical elements of scenery, lights, sound, props and wardrobe all while tackling life skills of teamwork, safety and creative problem solving! Led by Career & Tech Theatre Technology teacher and performing arts professional Jeff Knorr, Theatre Tech Boot Camp will run from August 3 -7, from 12-4 p.m., at the Hearst Education Center at Proctors on State Street, Schenectady. Theatre Tech Boot Camp is designed for ages 15-18 (grades 9-12), and tuition is $125. For registration information, download the Proctors Summer Adventures 09 catalog, or contact Proctors at (518) 382-3884, ext. 139.

Phone system malfunction at Health Careers & Services
A problem was recently discovered with the voicemail system at Career & Tech's Health Careers & Services office, which oversees the Adult Practical Nursing and the Nurse Assistant programs. In late June through early July, messages were recorded but not indicated for staff as being received. Staff apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates callers' patience as they address the backlog of messages.

Pathways to fun . . . and cool green technologies: Free Summer Institute camps offered at both campuses
This summer, Career & Tech and the Greater Capital Region Career Pathways Consortium are giving teens an opportunity to explore emerging career opportunities right in our own backyard –Tech Valley! Tuition for the camps is free but space is limited. Meal expenses and transportation are not provided. Career Pathways Summer Institute camps being offered by Career & Tech include:
At Career & Tech's Albany campus:
Future Green: An Exploration of Green Energy Technologies
July 13-17, 2009
Learn how solar power, wind turbines and fuel cells have not only sparked new sources of energy, but also environmentally friendly, fun and rewarding careers. This institute is for students entering 9th and 10th grades this fall who are interested in learning about a future career in green technology. Students will be exposed to a blend of new and emerging technologies through creative field trips and fun, hands-on activities including constructing and racing a solar-powered car, creating a wind turbine and testing its power output, experimenting with fuel cells, and taking a field trip to a local power facility. (Limit: 16 students) Contact Tracy Gyoerkoe. Read the news release about Capital Region Career & Tech's camps.

At Career & Tech's Schoharie campus:
Girls Going Green!
July 13-17, 2009
Who says a career in heavy equipment and building trades is just for guys? Construction is cool – it can be green, too! This institute is for girls entering 9th grade in the fall who are interested in exploring a non-traditional career in heavy equipment and building trades using green technologies.(Limit: 20 female students). Contact Denise Capece. Read the news release about Capital Region Career & Tech's camps..Green Power!
July 20-24, 2009
A career in heavy equipment and building trades can be cool and green too! Learn how construction and heavy equipment can be environmentally friendly, fun and rewarding. This institute is for students entering 10th grade in the fall who are interested in exploring a career in heavy equipment and building trades using green technologies. (Limit: 10 male and 10 female students). Contact Denise Capece. Read the news release about Capital Region Career & Tech's camps..

The Greater Capital Region Career Pathways Consortium, a partnership of several area colleges and BOCES, is offering a total of eight different Career Pathways Summer Institutes that explore emerging careers in our region for students entering 9th grade or older, tuition-free, in July and August. Except where noted, the Summer Institutes are daytime programs which run for one week each, are offered tuition-free and enroll an average of 15-20 students. Read the news release about all 8 camps or visit the Web page: https://www.questar.org/summer09.