|
CTC Open
House a showcase for students
Event offers parents a glimpse of programs and student
work
 Canajoharie
junior Brittany Ouderkirk wants to be a kindergarten teacher.
That is why she enrolled in HFM BOCES Careers in Education
program, and why she brought her mother and brother to the
Career and Technical Center Open House.
“Brittany loves kids,” Ann Ouderkirk, her mother said. “She’s
wanted to be a teacher since she was little.” Her younger
brother Zachary informed that she used to practice on him.
Several hundred students, parents, and guests attended Open
House at HFM BOCES on Thursday, Oct. 7. The staff of the Career
and Technical Education Center hosted the event to display their
programs and student work for parents and the community.
Dozens of students like Brittany led their parents to classrooms
and work areas throughout the facility to see exhibits and
demonstrations of the 17 courses of study offered by the Career
and Technical Center.
Students and teachers had prepared displays in advance of the
training materials and projects that teach the theory and
practical knowledge students need to succeed in their chosen
field. However, the hands-on, student-led demonstrations of the
skills and processes they are mastering were the highlight of
the evening.
Gloversville junior Ryan Morici has found a niche in Digital
Multimedia, and showed off his first project—a striking
self-portrait created in PhotoShop—to his parents.
Ryan’s instructor, Andy Huth, said that his work is “above and
beyond what is expected in a first major project,” something
that pleased Ryan’s parents.
“This is the first open house he’s been excited about,” Mrs.
Morici said. “We were getting a little concerned about his lack
of direction.”
That has clearly changed, as Ryan is excited about his
opportunities in the class, and his future hope of a career in
graphic design.
The
open house gave parents the chance to ask questions and discuss
coursework with their child’s instructors, while gaining a
better understanding of the BOCES programs.
The
Career and Technical Center challenges students to apply
theoretical knowledge to practical situations through 16
technical courses that integrate core science, math and language
arts academic skills with technical instruction. The results are
graduates well prepared to pursue post-secondary education or to
enter the world of work, according to Career and Tech Director
Jay DeTraglia.
Amsterdam junior Kacie Levoy enrolled in the Medical Assisting
program and her mother could not be happier.
“I’m so glad she got into this program,” Carol Discenza said.
“Her interest in school is up and her attendance is better.”
Mrs. Discenza explained how Kacie had to maintain good grades
and write an essay for her school district to be eligible to
enroll in BOCES. The program choice was clear.
“Kacie has loved blood since she was two years old,” Mrs.
Discenza said. Kacie has her sites set on becoming a
phlebotomist (a qualified technician trained to draw blood).
The
HFM BOCES Medical Assisting program tripled in enrollment in
2010, according to its instructor, Joanne Wood, jumping from 10
to 31 students. The interest can be attributed to a continued
high demand for workers in allied health fields for the next 10
years.
“Our students leave here with a distinct set of professional
skills,” Mrs. Wood explained. “Graduates of our BOCES program
who get two years of work experience or an Associate’s degree
are qualified to sit for a national exam and become registered
medical assistants.”
 Medical
Assisting prepares students to enter the administrative or
clinical areas of healthcare, offering opportunities in
admissions, billing or laboratory services, as a pharmacy or
operating room technician, or administering medications, drawing
blood, preparing patients for X-rays, and taking
electrocardiograms. Medical assistants serve as an important
communication link between the patient and other health care
professionals.
Career and Technical programs allow students to confirm their
interests and passions with marketable skills, helping them
prepare for their next step toward a career.
Amsterdam junior Jim Haberek had to choose between the Careers
in Education program and Medical Assisting. His volunteer work
at the Wilkinson Center at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital helped
him decide to pursue a career in a medical field.
 Culinary
Arts seniors Tiffany Forsey and Michael Reid stood alongside the
beckoning dessert table in the cafeteria, looking every bit the
role of professional chefs. What is it about the BOCES program
that they like?
According to Michael, a Fort Plain student, working with food is
“creating art on a plate.”
Both have future career plans in food service. Michael hopes to
open a diner after a stint in the Navy. Tiffany, a Fonda-Fultonville
student, is planning on continued culinary education at
Schenectady County Community College, then dreams of opening a
Manhattan steakhouse.
HFM
BOCES serves 15 school districts in the three-county area.
Career and Technical Education programs teach skills needed for
careers in education, health care, computer science,
construction, criminal justice, digital multimedia, equine
science, food service, cosmetology, auto technology and repair,
and environmental conservation.
|
