Archive of past home page articles 2006-2007 school year

June 2007

Schoharie campus celebrates, names Outstanding Student and Joe Fuchs Award winners
June 13 was a day of celebration for Schoharie campus students as they marked completion of their studies and special honors at a morning ceremony at the Holiday Inn Express. Hospitality & Culinary Technology student and Berne-Knox-Westerlo senior Zachery Davis (pictured at left with teacher Chef Nancy Iannacone and Dean of Students Debbie Davis) was named Outstanding Student of the Year, in honor of excellence in the classroom, at competitions and events and activities with his Career & Tech peers.

Hospitality & Culinary Technology student and Sharon Springs senior Angela Engo (pictured, at right, with Debbie Davis, dean of students) won the Joseph Fuchs Outstanding Uniquely Challenged Student Award in recognition of growth in achievement, career skills, citizenship and pride in her chosen occupation.
 

Albany campus honors Outstanding Student, Joe Fuchs Award winner
Floral Design and Cohoes High School senior Jessyca Keffer (at left) was named Outstanding Student of the Year for Career & Tech's Albany campus at a June 5 awards ceremony at Proctor's Theatre, Schenectady. An excellent student, Jessyca is ranked number one in the state and region in Floral Design, having won competitions in Syracuse and Schenectady earlier this year.

Food Services and Duanesburg senior Anne Cushing (at right) received the 2007 Albany campus Joseph Fuchs Outstanding Uniquely Challenged Student Award in recognition of growth in achievement, career skills, citizenship and pride in her chosen occupation. Anne has been described by her teachers as hard-working and attentive and has done commendable work as a student at Career & Tech.

Lodging Management teacher named national Outstanding Educator
Career & Tech Lodging Management teacher Christine D'Alessandro, CEC, CCE, has been awarded the Lamp of Knowledge Award for Outstanding Educator/ High School by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). She was honored at the association's annual conference June 12-13 in Nashville, Tenn. The award is presented by the AHLA's Educational Institute to "individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to advancing the quality of professionalism and education in the hospitality industry. The award is a symbol of discovery, of wisdom and of dedication, reserved for those exceptional few who know the wonder of learning and who strive to light the way for those who follow." Earlier this year, D'Alessandro was named New York State Lodging Management Program Teacher of the Year by the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association. D'Alessandro is also a Certified Executive Chef and Certified Chef Educator with the American Culinary Federation.
 

Children & Education Career Academy celebrates student accomplishments
Juniors and seniors in Career & Tech's Children & Education Career Academy (pictured above) celebrated their accomplishments at a June 6 awards ceremony at Cobleskill Richmondville High School (CRHS), where their program is based. Offered in partnership with CRHS, the Academy is a unique, full-day program that provides students from throughout the Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie and southern Saratoga county region (2006-07 students hailed from Berne-Knox-Westerlo, Cobleskill-Richmondville, Middleburgh and Sharon Springs school districts) immersion into early childhood education and children and family services, specially integrated academics and college credit. Learn more.

SUNY Cobleskill credits Lodging Management students
SUNY Cobleskill has just announced their signing of an articulation agreement between the college and the AH&LA Educational Institute's Lodging Management Programs, including Career & Tech's own course for high school juniors and seniors. Qualified students can earn up to 12 advance standing credits in SUNY Cobleskill's Hotel Technology program (A.A.S.) or new bachelor degree in Technology Management, Tourism and Resort Marketing (B.B.A.). Add this to the growing list of educational and career benefits in Career & Tech's great program!

Career & Tech students are ACTEA scholars
Career & Tech Director Dr. Hank Stopinski announced that our students Aimee Hoop (Schoharie campus Hospitality & Culinary Technology) and Brian Simpson (Albany campus HVAC/R) are the 2007 recipients of the Association of Career & Technical Education Administrators (ACTEA) Zone III scholarship. They'll receive $500 in support of further education and training.

Electrical Trades and CAD/CAM students awarded full Athens Technology Scholarship
Emily Meduna of East Berne, a Career & Tech Electrical Trades student, and Rebecca Scanlon, also of East Berne, a Career & Tech CAD/CAM II/ College in the High School senior, each have been awarded an Athens Technology Scholarship by the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees and books at the college for four consecutive semesters as long as the recipient maintains a 3.0 or above grade point average each semester. Given Meduna's and Scanlon's outstanding performance and attendance, the requirement shouldn't be a problem. The scholarship is funded through Athens Cogeneration of Athens, N.Y.

Cos students offer free haircuts
Cosmetology program at Career & Tech's Albany campus offer free haircuts, by appointment only, on the first Thursday of each month, through July. They especially welcome senior citizens, retirees and others on fixed incomes. Interested? Call 862-4716.

Be proud of who you are.
Be aware of what you can be.
The above message is posted in hallways throughout the Career & Technical School and has been cited as a big inspiration by more than one student. Heard in the hallway on a spring day: "I took a photo of the sign and put it in my portfolio."

Career & Tech education is good business, great college prep
Nearly 100 local employers, educators and industry experts advised, strategized and brainstormed with Career & Tech faculty and staff on May 9 at the annual spring advisory meeting and dinner. More than 300 representatives of business, industry and higher education serve on advisory committees at Career & Tech, where they work with faculty and staff to develop and update curricula and provide real-life learning opportunities for students.

SkillsUSA garage sale a hit
The Albany campus chapter of SkillsUSA thanks everyone who donated goods for their garage sale, the students and staff who helped organize and run it, and staff and students who supported us with their purchases!! Thank you for making our first annual garage sale a good success!

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. Some good deeds:
- Vocational Training & Transition students raised $1,156 in their Walk for St. Jude's Childrens Hospital.
- Welding Teacher Mike Todd raised more than $1300 and biked for diabetes in the 2007 Tour de Cure.
- Career & Tech Coordinator of Innovative Curriculum Denise Pallozzi coordinated a team from 100 Hispanic Women, Inc., Capital District Chapter, for the 2007 Freihofer's Community Walk to raise funds for a scholarship fund to benefit young Latin women.
- Marc Peimer, Career & Tech coordinator of business & education partnerships, will be a track & field volunteer at the Special Olympics New York summer games this June.
- Career & Tech Communications Coordinator Monique Jacobs is a public relations and photography volunteer for Special Olympics N.Y. Summer Games and Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Presentations a success for Children & Education Career Academy seniors
May 22 was portfolio presentation night for seniors enrolled in Career & Tech's Children & Education Career Academy, a full-day program located at and offered in partnership with Cobleskill-Richmondville High School. Each student made oral and visual presentations, including portfolios and displays, before two groups of college and high school educators and career professionals, who questioned, evaluated and critiqued the student. A reception also was held, and certificates were awarded to the students. On June 6, a ceremony was held at the high school for all of the Academy's students, juniors as well as seniors.

Children & Education Career Academy seniors and their May 22 awards (from left): Jennifer Scott, Completion & Outstanding Portfolio; Chelsea Rogers, Completion; Ashlee Overbaugh, Completion; Samantha True, Completion; and Kristen Gravina, Completion & Outstanding Portfolio.

Career & Tech's AYES Auto Tech course named a top 100 program
Congratulations to the students and staff of Career & Tech's AYES Automotive Technician program: they were named one of the Top 100 of all AYES programs nationwide in intern placement. According to the national AYES program, our program "has made a difference in the lives of many students, helped many [automotive] franchises overcome their technician staffing needs, and [contributes to] the value of the AYES initiative to our Original Equipment Manufacturer stakeholders."

Another #1 for Career & Tech
Career & Tech Lodging Management teacher Christine D'Alessandro, CEC, CCE, has been selected as the New York State Lodging Management Program Teacher of the Year. Nominated by the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, she will be officially honored at the American Hotel and Lodging Association's annual conference June 12 and 13 in Nashville, Tenn. More excitement may await: At that time, the National Lodging Management Program Teacher of the Year will be announced. D'Alessandro is also a Certified Executive Chef and Certified Chef Educator with the American Culinary Federation.

Congrats Good Citizens!
Several students were honored for good deeds during the 4th quarter at Albany campus. Congrats to: Keontae Cooks, Jessica Divietro, Kaity Greenough, Angela Groat, Mark Reilly and Dan Sala (a.m. session); and Jeremiah Abdella, Emanuel Caldwell, Cassandra Connell, Teonya Lovelace and Jake Newcomb (p.m. session).
 

May 2007
What a knight!
Theatre Arts Tech students help trot out Proctor's new season

Theatre Arts Technology students including (from left) Kayla Sacco (Guilderland), James Lyons (Niskayuna) and Carter Sullivan-Irwin (Scotia-Glenville) assisted with educational partner Proctor's Theatre's unveiling of its upcoming season. Lyons appeared on stage as a trotting steed, ala Monty Python, along with Key Bank President Mike Orsino, in a skit announcing the musical Spamalot. Proctor's is the location of the innovative Theatre Arts Technology classroom, lab and workshop. Read more

Headed for higher education? Forecast your financial aid
The key form that students and their parents or guardians must fill out for higher education (college, tech schools, universities, etc.) is the federal form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To plan early, the federal government has developed a new tool as follows: "Students and families interested in assessing their eligibility for federal student aid can access FAFSA4caster by visiting www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov. The links for FAFSA4caster are located in the lower right corner of the home page."

Attention adult students: CNA classes start SOON!
Certified Nurse Assistants are needed in our area and beyond. Adults wishing to begin an exciting new career are encouraged to sign up for our 6-week course. Classes begin soon. Information on the program, fees and registration is available from the Career & Tech Health Careers & Services office at 862-4709.

New Visions: Health Careers teacher Dorothy Negri honored by Scholars' Recognition program
Dorothy Negri, teacher of the New Visions: Health Careers program based at St. Peter's Hospital, has been honored by the 2007 Capital Region Scholars' Recognition program. She was nominated by her student, Molly McCann of Scotia-Glenville, who was the honoree for Career & Tech's Albany campus. The Schoharie campus Scholar is Hospitality Technology & Culinary Arts student Aimee Hoop of Cobleskill-Richmondville, who also named her teacher, Chef Nancy Iannacone, for the honor. Read more

A vision of community caring
Students from the New Visions Human Services & Special Education program volunteered at the WMHT Public Television auction on Sunday evening, April 29, answering phones, taking bids, serving food, and passing bids. In the photo, Brittany Lown from Duanesburg handles pledge calls."This is one more example of how New Visions students contribute to the community through community service," notes teacher Happy Scherer. Her class is based at St. Catherine's Center for Children in Albany and enables college-bound seniors to explore and experience a wide range of careers including teaching, psychology, social work and human services administration. Learn more.

Congratulations to our SkillsUSA New York State award winners
Team Career & Tech does it again, bringing home two 1st place, two 2nd place and three 3rd place awards from the SkillsUSA New York State competition in Syracuse, April 18-20. Congratulations to Jessyca Keffer, Larissa Townley,
Danielle Rudolph, Ashley Fortin, Brian Simpson and
Ashley Walsh. Read the full story.

Career & Tech Albany campus welcomes new principal, assistant principal
Terry Swett has joined the staff of the Capital Region Career & Technical School as Albany campus principal, and Kim Brizzell also has joined on as Albany campus assistant principal. Swett comes to us from Albany City Schools; Brizzell from the Capital Region BOCES Special Education division.

NYSPRA honors Career & Tech course guide, video, student info
Career & Tech has been honored by the New York School Public Relations Association (NYSPRA) with an Award of Excellence for its 2006-07 Where Are You Going? Course Guide, an Award of Excellence for its package of coordinated student and school informational materials, and an Award of Honor for its school video following a statewide competition.  Read more about the awards. Download our 07-08 Course Guide

As seen on TV . . . and heard on radio: Good school news
The Capital Region both saw and heard great things about Career & Tech on the morning of April 25, when students and a teacher were part of separate stories. On WTEN-TV 10, Albany's morning newscast, Schoharie campus Construction Technology students Tierra Scott, Ben Wilkens and Patrick Ryan were seen inspecting heavy machinery during a story about Construction Career Days in Glenmont. The students participated in the event and also assisted at Career & Tech's trade show booth.

On WFLY-92 FM, Fashion Studies Teacher Judy Hicks was featured on a call-in discussion of "Fun Jobs." Ms. Hicks said she loves her job, and  she described the equipment and technology in her classroom and her students' work-based learning opportunities. She let everyone in theCapital region know that teaching is fun, fashion is fun, and that she loves her job.

Schoharie Culinary state champs make strong showing at nationals

Though they did not finish in the top five at the ProStart national competition, a team of Schoharie campus Hospitality Technology & Culinary Arts students made a strong showing at the April 20-22 event. The five students (pictured above: Drew Swint, Zachery Davis, Aaron Giebitz, Aimee Hoop and Julie Capuano) and their teacher, Chef Iannacone, qualified by winning the New York State ProStart competition earlier this year. The New York Restaurant Association underwrote the students' expenses. Read more about the state competition

Auto team one of few to de-bug, start car at national competition
Thirty-nine student teams from across the U.S. competed April 10-11 at the National Automotive Technician Competition in New York City, and Career & Tech's team of Shaun Halfacre (pictured at right) and Justin Dykeman were one of only eight who successfully de-bugged and started their test car. They also performed well under pressure at testing stations and other competition events over the two days. Halfacre, is a senior in the AYES Automotive Technician program and at Schenectady HS and Dykeman is a senior in our Automotive Trades Technology program and at Duanesburg HS. Halfacre and Dykeman qualified by winning second place in the Regional ENYCAR Auto Competition at HVCC in January.

April 2007

Lodging Management team is a 5-star performer
They take 4th in nation; ace event
Lodging Management students and New York State champions Michelle Kraft (Scotia-Glenville High School) and Mahendradat (Vish) Mangroo (Schenectady High School) scored 4th place overall at the National Lodging Management competition in Orlando, Fla., April 10-14, after winning a 1st, 2nd, 3rd in individual events. Read more

A tasty fund-raiser on April 2 at Panza's Restaurant, Saratoga Springs, will support our team at the nationals. From left: Capital Region BOCES Director of Career & Technical Education Hank Stopinski, Chef Nancy Iannacone and Zachery Davis.

Moment of silence, flag ceremony  honor Virginia Tech students
The students and staff of Career & Tech joined our Governor, state and nation in observing a moment of silence at noon Friday, April 20, in honor of the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings. At the Albany campus, the Criminal Justice class led a flag ceremony (pictured above). Schoharie students also gathered around their campus flag.

Student showcase a hit at BOCES Annual Meeting
Career & Tech students and staff from showcased their programs at the 2007 Capital Region BOCES Annual Meeting on April 4, and their presentations were at big hit. Attendees included school board members, teachers, administrators and staff from many of the schools sending students to Career & Tech, as well as BOCES' own staff. Among the many programs participating were Adult & Continuing Education, Alternative Education, Auto Body, Computer Applications, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology, International Virtual Business, Nurse Assistant, Practical Nursing and Web Design. The event was held at Career & Tech's Albany campus and featured all of the divisions of the BOCES.

Nurse Assistant students Angela Groat (left) and Jessica DiVietro explain some of the 'tools of the trade' to Dr. Gerald Carozza, Capital Region BOCES chief operating officer, during the BOCES Annual Meeting showcase as their teacher, Linda Keifer, looks on. Groat also attends Watervliet H.S., while DiVietro also attends Shenendehowa H.S.

Is the world really flat?
Students in the four New Visions programs - Health Careers, Human Services & Special Education, Law & Government, and Journalism & Media Studies -  held an economic summit on March 21 at the Capital Region Career & Technical School focusing on topics raised by Thomas Friedman in The World is Flat.
Tom Rogers, (pictured at left) executive director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, keynoted and led a lively discussion on challenges, threats and opportunities posed by a changing world.
 

New Visions: Law & Government students on Mission to help others
On Friday, March 23, students from the New Visions: Law and Government program helped the City Mission of Schenectady clear out one of its houses on Hamilton Street so it could be used as a temporary shelter. Construction will start on a new shelter facility in the next month. "The students' help was critical in helping to prepare the house," noted Larry Lonczak, director of guests & facilities at the Schenectady City Mission. The students also helped sort donated household goods and clothing. Read more
 

Career & Tech students rock SkillsUSA competition
Go team! Students from both campuses of Career & Tech made their usual strong showing at the annual SkillsUSA Regional Competition, held this year on March 21 at the Schenectady County Armory. They brought home four 1st place trophies, four 2nds, five 3rds, five 4ths and six fifth place awards. A number of students will go on to compete at the SkillsUSA New York State competition in April in Syracuse. State winners go on to national level competition in June. Read more
Auto team at National Auto Show
Shaun Halfacre, a senior in Career & Tech's AYES Automotive Technician program and at Schenectady HS, and Justin Dykeman, a senior in our Automotive Trades Technology program and at Duanesburg HS, are competing April 10-11 in the National Automotive Technician Student Competition in New York City. The annual event is held during the National Auto Show. Halfacre and Dykeman qualified by winning second place in the Regional ENYCAR Auto Competition at HVCC January 5. They trained for the competition at Langan Audi East and are sponsored by the dealership and the Eastern New York Coalition of Automotive Retailers (ENYCAR). Read more

Lodging Management students to take on the U.S. April 10-14
Lodging Management students and New York State champions Michelle Kraft, (Scotia-Glenville High School) and Mahendradat (Vish) Mangroo (Schenectady High School) are competing at the National Lodging Management competition in Orlando, Fla. Watch this site for details!

Champions, from left: Lodging Management teacher Chris D'Alessandro, Mahendradat (Vish) Mangroo and Michelle Kraft

March 2007
Fund-raiser will benefit Schoharie campus Hospitality Technology & Culinary Arts state champs
Mark April 2 on your calendar and rsvp today for the New York State Restaurant Association Foundation's fund-raising dinner at Panza's Restaurant, Saratoga Springs, to benefit student teams, including our own Schoharie campus students, heading to the 2007 National Restaurant Association ProStart competition. The cost is just $35 for adults and $25 for students for an Italian buffet, door prizes and fun. Call 452-4222 to reserve your spot. The NY State Restaurant Association is also offering ads in the dinner program.

Why support the fund-raiser? The New York State Restaurant Association Foundation is paying all of our students' expenses for "The Nationals" this April in North Carolina, including transportation, uniforms, lodging, rooms, etc., for a total bill of more than $20,000. Heading to the competition in April will be Schoharie Career & Tech students include Julie Capuano, Zachery Davis, Aaron Giebitz and Drew Swint, all of whom also attend Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School, and Aimee Hoop, who also attends Cobleskill-Richmondville High School. [Read more about the state competition.]

It's pure magic for Career & Tech Culinary Team
The date was March 11, the event Cuisine Magic 2007 in Albany, and the beneficiary Northeast Health Foundation and Eddy Visiting Nurse Association. The excitement: a team of Career & Tech Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology student apprentices and their chef-teachers brought home the gold, and the silver and a People's Choice Award! With at least 200 people in attendance, our team competed along with other chefs from the Capital Region, with their efforts scored on a point system developed by the American Culinary Federation (which, by the way, has certified our programs). Chef Paul Rother won a gold medal, Chef Paul Dolan a silver medal, and Team Career & Tech the People's Choice Award. Read more

February 2007
Congrats to Schoharie Campus Student Award winners
Congratulations to our many outstanding students on winning awards for the month at the Schoharie campus! The students were honored for Perfect Attendance and as Students of the Month. They received awards pins and were recognized in a special ceremony in mid-January. Read who they are!

Good Citizens are good for our school

Congratulations to the following students on being named Good Citizens at Career & Tech's Albany campus (alpha order): Anthony Engo, Ciara Hicks, Josephine Kaliku-Oueh, Lauren LaQuire, Jessica Murphy, Mathew Savoy, Rebecca Shaw, Karmen Smith, Larissa Townley, Kim Van Buskirk and Michele Youngs*

Good Citizen Anthony Engo, a Building Trades student from Sharon Springs, is congratulated by English Teacher Jeff Austin

*Partial list: Read the entire Good Citizens list

Snow moves New VisionsOpen House to 2/16; Open House for Law & Government is 2/15
Attention future physicians, special educators, journalists, lawyers, lawmakers and human services:  Join us for a New Visions Open House
Where: Capital Region BOCES Administration Building
When: 8:30-10:30 a.m. on/for:
Feb. 15: New Visions: Law & Government
Feb. 16: New Visions: Human Services & Special Education (rescheduled from 2/14 due to snowstorm)
Information on all New Visions programs will be available at both open houses.

Day & Night: All are welcome at Feb. 13 Theatre Arts Tech Open Houses at Proctor's
What goes on behind the curtain? If you are interested in the exciting world of theatre and the performing arts, don't miss our Theatre Arts Technology program's Open House, Feb. 13 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m and 6-8 p.m.,at Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady, where the class is based. All are welcome: students, families, friends, educators, members of the community. Come meet our award-winning students and their instructor, Jeff Knorr, and learn more about a unique educational program. For more info, email Jeff Knorr.

January 2007
Lodging Management student: Property visits in NYC, Bolton Landing, Schenectady are 'an awesome educational experience'
An Essay By Michelle Kraft, Lodging Management student & Scotia-Glenville H.S. senior:
What do the Marriott Marquis, The Sherry Netherland, The Sagamore, and The Parker Inn all have in common? Well, besides being all lodging properties, they have been an awesome educational experience for our lodging management class. They have shown that no matter how different each property may be, they still have one main goal: Making sure the guests have everything they need, and making sure the associates have what they need to make the guests' stay pleasant. Each property has its own unique operation working to their fullest potential. Read more of Michelle's essay. . .

No gender barriers in Information Technology careers:
Girls Get I.T. event opens world of possibilities for local 10th graders
Information Technology (I.T.) is a wide-open career field with lots of opportunities, regardless of gender, yet women are under-represented in I.T. educational programs and the I.T. workforce. On December 5, 18 female 10th grade students explored I.T. opportunities in television through Girls Get I.T, a fun and interactive workshop held at Time Warner Cable's Capital News 9 studios in Albany. The event was sponsored by the University at Albany Center for Innovation in Career Development, the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School and Time Warner Cable, Albany. Read more  Visit the blog: http://girlsgetit.blog.com/

December 2006

School in the wee hours? Lodging Management students learn overnight at The Parker Inn
Coffee anyone? Local high school seniors enrolled in the Lodging Management program at the Capital Region Career & Technical School in Colonie didn't turn in early on December 7, when they took part in a unique educational experience: an 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. educational field trip to The Parker Inn in downtown Schenectady, next to Proctor's Theatre.

Career & Tech School students Michelle Kraft, who also attends Scotia-Glenville High School; Mahendradat Mangroo, who also attends Schenectady High School; and Ashley Marsett, who also attends Cohoes High School, and Teacher Christine D'Alessandro, CEC, CCE attracted local media coverage with their unusual overnight lessons. Read more

Students, staff hope to brighten Marines' holidays with warm letters from home
A unit of Marines serving in Iraq are welcoming warm words from home thanks to efforts led by Albany campus Teaching Assistant Sue Ruscitto. She reports, "My 21-year-old nephew Ben is stationed in Iraq. He told us how homesick [the Marines in his unit] are and how they don't think anyone cares what they are doing over there. Veterans Day was approaching, and I thought [sending letters] would be a nice way for our students to make a connection to soldiers far from home for the upcoming holidays. I know that any word from home means a lot to them. 

"Working with Nursing Assistant Teacher Linda Keifer, our afternoon class wrote some very nice letters. I went one step farther with the Floral Design class and approached Jeff Austin, integrated English teacher, to see if he would like to incorporate it in his English lesson. [Floral Design and Botanical Services Teacher] Meg Bugler and I thought it would also be a nice community service. Both classes wrote letters. Some of the letters were beautifully written. My hope is that some of the recipients get a chance to write back to our students in care of me. I sent the package out [in late November], and hope they will be getting it by Christmas. Some of the letters were very supportive and thoughtful." 

SkillsUSA fund-raisers brighten holidays for several families
A report from the Albany campus SkillsUSA advisors
"This year, SkillsUSA and the Albany campus made the holiday season a magical time for eight families. The generosity and support shown by both staff and students are really the true meaning of the holidays. Staff bake sales raised almost $200.00 to support our helping hands efforts. Several classes donated funds that they have been collecting since September. Their "loose change" contributed over $150.00. Students donated their time by shopping and wrapping the many gifts that were purchased. It should be noted that several of our students took hands from the tree and proudly brought their wrapped gifts to the office. All in all, it was a campus-wide effort!!"


Happy Holidays!--Cosmetology student and Schenectady H.S. junior Adriana Matos brought some holiday spirit to Ms. Schmidt's room on December 20.
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Everything's coming up roses for Ms. Bugler
Floral Design and Botanical Services Teacher Meg Bugler will be sharing her talent and creativity during the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade. The New Year's Day event in Pasadena, California, will feature numerous floats festooned in floral creations, and Ms. Bugler will be joining in the decorating. She promises to share photos. Congratulations also to students in her classes and their shop, Bloomers, for a busy and successful holiday season. They created and sold many festive arrangements of flowers and greenery, brightening many a home and business.

Students, staff hope to brighten Marines' holidays with warm letters from home
A unit of Marines serving in Iraq are welcoming warm words from home thanks to efforts led by Albany campus Teaching Assistant Sue Ruscitto. She reports, "My 21-year-old nephew Ben is stationed in Iraq. He told us how homesick [the Marines in his unit] are and how they don't think anyone cares what they are doing over there. Veterans Day was approaching, and I thought [sending letters] would be a nice way for our students to make a connection to soldiers far from home for the upcoming holidays. I know that any word from home means a lot to them. 

"Working with Nursing Assistant Teacher Linda Keifer, our afternoon class wrote some very nice letters. I went one step farther with the Floral Design class and approached Jeff Austin, integrated English teacher, to see if he would like to incorporate it in his English lesson. [Floral Design and Botanical Services Teacher] Meg Bugler and I thought it would also be a nice community service. Both classes wrote letters. Some of the letters were beautifully written. My hope is that some of the recipients get a chance to write back to our students in care of me. I sent the package out [in late November], and hope they will be getting it by Christmas. Some of the letters were very supportive and thoughtful." 

Schoharie campus hosts seminar on student trauma for school counselors, staff
Career and Tech's Schoharie campus hosted a seminar for school counselors and other staff on Responding to Student Trauma and Inter-District Mutual Aid in the Event of a Crisis, presented by the Schoharie County Department of Mental Health and Capital Region BOCES, on November 28. The event was very well attended, with many of our BOCES' component school districts represented.

Career & Tech students benefit from 100 thumb drives donated by CDW Corporation
Career & Tech students have benefited from a donation of 100 thumb drives to their school by CDW-G Inc. of Vernon Hills, Illinois. The devices, also known as flash drives, can store up to 128 MB of data, plug directly into a computer's USB port, and are the size of a thumb, making them extremely portable and student-friendly.

"CDW-G has worked closely with our school over the past few years as we have upgraded and enhanced our computer technology in our classrooms, labs and shops," said Denise Pallozzi, Coordinator of Innovative Curriculum. "They donated the thumb drives to support our mission to provide our students with top-notch educational opportunities in applied learning, technology and academics that are on-course for tomorrow. We very much appreciate their generosity."

Staff rally in good taste for families in need
Staff at the Albany campus held tasty fund-raisers to help local families in need this holiday season and raised more than $150 so far. In early November, they held a homemade chocolate cake sale featuring favorite staff recipes and creations. The icing on the cake of that event was a coffee cake creation sale early in the morning on November 20. Plans are underway for future fund-raisers, including a homemade cookie sale, which will provide much-needed food, clothing and other necessities for several families.

November 2006

Can you dig it?
Industrial Heavy Equipment and Construction Technology students learn on-the-job while helping Schoharie H.S.
Students in the Industrial Heavy Equipment Technology and Construction Technology programs at Career & Tech's Schoharie campus are learning on-the-job while helping Schoharie High School expand their athletic field. Read more.

Culinary Cornucopia cooks up real-life lessons for students
Students, teachers give up a Sunday to assist with fund-raiser for Living Resources
You could almost feel the tension in the air at Career & Tech as the Capital Region's top professional chefs vied to be the best in an American Culinary Federation (ACF) competition held at Albany campus on November 5. The competition was part of the 16th annual Culinary Cornucopia, A Taste of Upstate New York, which raised much-needed funds for Living Resources. Career & Tech's own a Culinary Arts & Hospitality teacher Chef Paul Rother, CEC, won a bronze medal in the competition, where he was ably assisted by Culinary Arts Tech Prep student and Mohonasen senior Erica Schaninger (pictured above). Read more: article and photos

More cash deposited into Food Bank thanks to Albany campus chef-teachers, students
Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology Chef-Teachers Haas, Rother and Dolan participated in the annual Chef and Vintners dinner to benefit the Northeast Regional Food Bank at the Glen Sander's Mansion on Sept. 28th. Chef Haas reports, "We were joined by three talented students from Chef Dolan's Culinary Arts Tech Prep class: Erica Schaninger, who also attends Mohonasen High School, and Michele Youngs and Mathew Savoy, who also attend Scotia-Glenville High School. The students served the guests directly from a tasting table we set-up for the hors d'oeuvres portion of the night, and then they actively participated in the actual execution of the meal for over 300 guests."

(left to right) Chef Haas, Chef Rother, Mathew Savoy, Chef Dolan and Michele Youngs cook up support for the Northeast Regional Food Bank

Schoharie Culinary crew to conquer Cookie Cuisine
When is a cookie not just for dessert? Ask a Schoharie campus Hospitality Technology & Culinary Arts student! Using Girl Scout cookies in entrees and desserts, a group of creative culinarians from Chef Iannacone's class competed at the Hudson Valley Girl Scout Council's 5th annual Cookie Cuisine event on October 24 at the Italian American Community Center, Albany.

The Cookie Cuisine competition were advised to don their toughest oven mitts and be on the look out for:
"Do Si Do Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake" by Amanda Tubbs (Amanda also attends Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School)
"Fruity Cookie Pizza" by Julie Capuano (Berne-Knox-Westerlo), Aimee Hoop and Tiffany Mosher (Cobleskill-Richmondville High School)
"Samoa Chicken Appetizer with Do Si Do Peanut Sauce" by Drew Swint and Zach Davis (Berne-Knox-Westerlo), and
Angela Engo's " Rock'n'Roll Chef's Chocolate Delight Pie," which claimed a top spot in the cookbook. Angela also attends Sharon Springs High School.

Floral Design students welcome superintendents' staff, who also tested their auto knowledge using new computer technology

It was back to school for our school districts' superintendents' support staff on October 19. The group toured the Albany campus and visited the Automotive Trades Technology and AYES Automotive Technician classrooms and shops (above), and they were tested on their automotive knowledge using handheld, interactive computers in the new theory room. Our visitors also spent some time with students in Floral Design, and had an opportunity to meet with other Career & Tech staff over lunch, along with a number of superintendents.

New Visions teacher tapped for College Board
New Visions Career Exploration: Law & Government teacher Richard Bader has been asked to join the New York State Advisory Panel to the College Board. Bader was selected to join "a group of highly experienced education professionals to help the College Board better serve New York State students." Best known for the SAT, PSAT and Advanced Placement programs, the not-for-profit College Board serves more than seven million students annually and more than 5,000 educational institutions through college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning services. The New Visions: Law & Government program is based across from the state Capitol in Albany and is a challenging program for college-bound seniors.

A Supreme learning opportunity
The cooperative nature of Capital Region BOCES can provide students with unmatched opportunities to learn and experience. When New Visions Career Exploration: Law & Government students take on Washington, D.C., during a field trip this May, they will be meeting with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. Their school year will also feature other exciting activities. Interested students and parents can learn more about New Visions at annual open house events, including those held each February at the BOCES headquarters in Colonie.

The BOCES Board of Education: Leading us forward
Most of us are familiar with boards of education, or school boards, groups of local people who serve as volunteers to help guide our local elementary, middle and high schools. Board of education members are elected by the public and meet on a regular basis, usually monthly. The Capital Region Career & Technical School is no different. Our own BOCES Board of Education members volunteer their time and service to lead us forward. Read more.

Off-the-Wall Student Poll
It's informal, it's spur of the moment, it's new: Career & Tech's Off-the-Wall Student Poll. A question is posted on the wall (literally) in Albany campus' C building, and students anonymously provide their answers.

Our most recent poll: Where will you be in the future?

Responses off the wall:
"Owning my own automotive repair business."
"Driving and working on racecars."
"Teaching English."

A past poll: Why are you here?

Responses off the wall:
"To learn automotive, and it's an advanced class so I can get certified."
"I'm here for school!"
"To benefit from an academic and technical education."
"To learn a job that pays good."
"To get out of school."
"To learn networking for home and work environments."

Off-the-Wall Student Poll ground rules: There are no wrong answers, be cool, have fun and no profanity or hatred. Have ideas for questions? Email Monique Jacobs, communications coordinator and Web site administrator, at mjacobs@gw.neric.org.

A second chance at school & life:
Reflections of two Alternative High School grads

Without Career & Tech's Alternative Education/Alternative High School (Alt Ed) program, Lily Stalker says she would have dropped out of school. Instead, she was among the first group of students to complete Career & Tech's new Lodging Management program, achieved solid grades in all of her classes, graduated on time and is college-bound. Alt Ed, says Stalker, "gave me a second chance, and I proved myself."

Alt Ed grad Joshua Eiffe reports that his teachers at the Albany campus inspired him to succeed despite significant personal challenges and aim for a career in elementary and special education. What life lessons did Stalker and Eiffe learn at Alt Ed? Read their stories in their own words.
 

October 2006
Mr. Bevan takes on Japan
Kenneth G. Bevan of Troy, an English teacher at Career & Tech's Albany campus, traveled to Japan with 200 teachers as part of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program. Read more

What happens day to day in Japan?
Read Mr. Bevan's own, personal blog (Web log) at www.kennethgbevan.blogspot.com

Incident on campus resolved safely
At approximately 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, a student enrolled in our Nursing Assistant Program for Adult Students displayed a steak knife to another adult student during an argument in their classroom at our Albany campus. Colonie Police were alerted and responded immediately. Upon a staff member's request, the student put the knife down on a table, and the staff member promptly removed the knife from the classroom. The arguing students, who did not make physical contact with each other at any time, were separated by school administrators until police arrived.

As the situation was occurring, the campus went immediately into a lockdown and the school's Incident Command Team was activated. There were no high school students on campus as their school day had already ended. A number of staff and adult students were on campus when the incident occurred and the lockdown was established. Colonie Police interviewed the students and staff involved in the incident and arrested the student who displayed the knife. The student has been removed from the program and will not return.

For the continued safety of all, Capital Region BOCES officials will continue to work cooperatively with the Colonie Police Department during their investigation. The Career & Technical School is providing information and support to students and staff. Social workers and counselors will be made available, and Colonie Police will be present on campus as needed.

Our school has an excellent safety record, conducts regular emergency drills and Incident Command Team meetings. Please be assured that we will continue to take measures to help prevent such incidents in the future.

September 2006

New teachers, assistant principal, dean join Career & Tech staff
The Capital Region Career and Technical School (Career & Tech) announced new teaching and administrative staff including a new dean of students and interim assistant principal for its Schoharie campus and new teachers at both its Schoharie and Albany campuses. Read more

London, Paris, Austria: The world is our classroom

The world may be shrinking, but the amount of knowledge needed to succeed is not. Learning in other countries enriches students educationally, socially and culturally. Students in Career & Tech's Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management and Culinary Arts & Hospitality Technology programs have studied in Paris, London and Austria. The Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management classes traveled to London in February 2006 and documented their experiences photographically. See their PowerPoint.

Note: You also may find past news items in our News Archives page.