Outstanding Senior Students Recognized

GACTC News Update
Issue 6—May 29, 2012
Inside this issue:
Guidance Activities/
Cooperative Education
2
Outstanding Senior Students Recognized
Report from Adult &
Continuing Education:
PN Notes
New Choices
Adult Education Notes
3
3
4-5
Special Points of
Interest:
Emergency Services
p. 2
AWS Certification
p. 5
Senior Award Winners
pp. 6, 7
Award Contributors
Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center
p. 8
Incentive Award Program p. 9
Articles of Agreement
Artist of the Month
Open Clinic
Industry Certifications
Personal Day Donation.
p. 10
p. 10
p. 10
p. 10
p. 10
Employee Spotlight
p. 11
Security Gate
Electric Car Update
NOCTI
Benchrest Project
p. 12
p. 12
p. 12
p. 12
The 45th Annual Senior Awards Program was held on Thursday evening, May 10, in
the school cafetorium. Outstanding senior awards were presented to students in twentyseven programs. Forty-two other special awards and scholarships were presented. One
senior was recognized for having three years of perfect attendance, while two other
seniors had two years of perfect attendance. Approximately 272 students, parents,
business and community representatives, and staff members attended. More than
$35,000 in cash awards were presented to these seniors. It is important to note that five
memorial awards are endowed to honor former students or employees of the school. A
memorial scholarship endowed in honor of culinary student Piotr Marciniak, HASD
2012, was awarded for the first time. Others include the Sgt. Brandon Adams
Memorial Scholarship and the Daniel Clark Memorial Scholarship. Brandon, a former
student in Multimedia & Web Design and a graduate of the AAHS Class of 2000, died
at Walter Reed Army Hospital in September 2004 as a result of wounds he sustained in
Iraq.
Congratulations to the award recipients, and to all the seniors from sending
schools as they close their high school careers.
Best wishes for great success to all of you!
OUTSTANDING SENIOR
1500 Fourth Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
www.gactc.edu
Middle States Assn. of
Colleges & Secondary Schools
Council on Occupational Education
Becky Reighard
Admin. Asst./Editor
Dental Assistant
Accepted at
GACTC in the
SYMANTHA M. WRIGHT
Adult Expanded Function
Altoona Area High School
Dental Assistant Program
(EFDA)
OUTSTANDING SENIOR
OF THE YEAR
GACTC Update — Page 2 — May 2012
Guidance Activities
2012-13 Secondary Applications
To date, 465 new applications for incoming tenth graders and 70 applications for incoming ninth graders have been received and
processed. The third scheduling run will be printed June 1.
Counselors’ Activities
Since the last report, the majority of the counselor’s time has been devoted to completing scheduling activities and conducting career
information tours for sixth grade students.
On April 12, Counselor Nicole Taneyhill attended a Stakeholders meeting at Altoona Area High School.
Student Failures
Counselors will meet with students who are in danger of failing this year. The parents of those students who do indeed fail will all be
contacted. Also, the home schools will be notified so those students can schedule full day classes at their home schools for the 201213 school year.
Guidance Advisory Council Meeting
On Thursday, May 3, the second Guidance Advisory Council meeting of the year was held. Counselors from the sending schools,
Special Needs personnel, and in-house staff met to discuss programs of study, scheduling for the 2012-13 school year, and strategies
to more effectively promote the GACTC.
Incentive Program Assembly
The end of the year assembly for the Incentive Program was held on Wednesday, May 23. The grand prize, a 2006 Kia Spectra, was
awarded along with other prizes. See page 9 for details.
Cooperative Education
As the end of the school year approaches, 21 senior students and 7 adult students have met all criteria and have been approved for
participation in Cooperative Education.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Students in Emergency Services are finishing up the year with their EMT exam. This year was spent training the students for First
Responder in the first half of the year, and working on EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) skills since February. The First
Responder training provides an introduction to emergency care for those, usually the first providers on scene, whose role is to
stabilize the patient until more advanced EMS personnel arrive. Topics covered include:
General patient assessment
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
Spinal immobilization
Control of bleeding
Treatment for shock, soft tissue, and musculoskeletal injuries
Emergency childbirth
Lifting and moving patients
Ambulance operations
The course includes both lecture and practical lab portions and is approximately 51 hours in length. Upon completion of the course,
students are eligible to take the Pennsylvania State Written and Practical Exams for First Responder. Successful performance on these
exams provides the students with a Pennsylvania Department of Health certification valid for a period of three years. Unfortunately,
students must be at least sixteen years of age to take the written exam, so not all students in the class were eligible to test.
The Emergency Medical Technician provides additional information and training building upon the knowledge and skills obtained in the
First Responder course. In addition to expanding upon topics presented in First Responder, the EMT class covers: Complex
immobilization procedures; airway management; medical emergencies; and pharmacology.
Just as with First Responder, the course includes both lecture and practical lab portions and is approximately 99 hours in length. Upon
successful completion of the course, students are again eligible to take the Pennsylvania Written and Practical exams for EMT.
Successful performance on these exams provides the student with the Pennsylvania Department of Health certification valid for a period
of three years.
The Emergency Services class had 32 students who had completed the performance test take their written exam on Friday, May 25. We
await the results.
GACTC Update — Page 3 — May 2012
Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Practical Nursing Notes
Best Practice Award
Rebecca Romagna, RN, MSN, received the Best Practice Award at the Pennsylvania Association
of Practical Nursing Administrators conference on May 8, 2012. Rebecca was one of the six
finalists chosen to present at the conference after submitting an abstract on the anatomy of the
renal system. This is the second time within the last six years that the GACTC PN program has
won this award.
Skills Lab Donation
The program is pleased to announce that it has received
equipment donations from two affiliating agencies. Garvey
Manor and Our Lady of the Alleghenies donated five Hill-Rom
long-term care beds for our skills lab. The Altoona Regional
Hospital donated a bed and a variety of intravenous pumps and
supplies, most of which are unused/unopened,
but have expired for actual patient use.
Rebecca Romagna, RN, MSN,
with Best Practice Award
PN Students using donated bed L-R: Jenna
Mock, Shakirah Dixon, and Stacy Bennett
Practical Nursing Student Activities
Although Cinco De Mayo and Florence
Nightingale’s birthday anniversary fell on Saturdays this year, it did not prevent the
PN students from celebrating. On May 3, the students prepared Mexican foods and
learned how to communicate with patients in Spanish (pictured right); and on
National Nurses’ Day, May 10, students received a GACTC Practical Nursing t-shirt
and were treated to cake made by the GACTC Food Service Department.
This month, Leanne Sidney, Placement Coordinator, will be assisting the students in
developing resumes in preparation for our annual Health Care Industry Job Fair.
Over 30 prospective employers are expected to attend the event which will be held
June 21, 2012, in the GACTC cafetorium.
LPN Students celebrate Cinco De Mayo
L-R: Shakirah Dixon, Regina Kephart, Mary Ann
Dodson, Louella Beltz
Class of 2012
The program continues to accept applications for both the full-time and part-time class that will begin this August. Our last
pre-entrance test exam will be conducted on June 5. More than 150 applications have been received for the available 54
full-time and 15 part-time seats. The selection process is very competitive; therefore, it is important that individuals
perform well on the pre-entrance exam. The Adult Community Education Center continues to hold prep classes to assist
prospective students in the achievement of successful exam scores.
NEW CHOICES CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The New Choices Career Development Program concluded a fifth session Thursday, May 24. A total of 38 students have
graduated from New Choices program during the 2011-2012 grant year. Despite the reduction in funding, this number
exceeds expectations. A final session is scheduled during the summer months. Statistics as of April 1:
Number of Students who obtained employment during 2011-2012
Average Hourly Wage
Number of Students in training during 2011-2012
Government Savings to date for 2011-2012
25
$10.67
16
$241,924
GACTC Update — Page 4— May 2012
Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION…...
Adult Education Notes
Adult students in the HVAC, Welding, Medical Assistant, and Medical Office
Specialist programs participated this year in NOCTI performance and written
testing. This marks the third year for NOCTI administration for students enrolled
in stand-alone postsecondary programs of study at the GACTC. A total of fiftyfive (55) Adult Postsecondary and Intergenerational students took the NOCTI
exam. Exam results are as follows:
BELOW BASIC
BASIC
COMPETENT
ADVANCED
HVAC
0
1
0
10
MEDICAL
ASSISTANT
*MEDICAL
OFFICE
SPECIALIST
WELDING
0
0
2
9
0
0
0
3
1
0
1
10
INTERGEN
2
0
0
16
TOTAL
3
1
3
48
*Currently no exam matches the Medical Office Specialist Training. As a result, NOCTI recommended that the
GACTC choose a closest match to the MOS training program. The exam that the Medical Office Specialist took was
the Health Informatics exam. While there is a match in competencies, the Health Informatics exam is not a best fit
for the Medical Office Specialist (as there is no emphasis on the Administrative piece, which is such an important
part of the MOS curriculum).
2011-2012 Adult Graduation
The graduation luncheon for all adult students, excluding the Practical Nursing students, was held today from 11:00
a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the GACTC Cafetortium with 59 adult students graduating this year. With graduates, guests,
JOC, other school board members, administration, faculty, and staff, approximately 195 people attended the
ceremony. For those of you able to make the Graduation Luncheon and Ceremony, thank you for attending. To all
of you, we are thankful for your support of our programs.
Checklist of Marketing & Recruitment Activities
√ Class presentations to GACTC juniors and seniors about adult GACTC programs
√ Bedford Technical Center Business Fair
√ Bedford Technical Center Health Fair
√ Individual tours for prospective students
√ New Choices/New Options presentations
√ Technology Student Association Conference presentation at AAJHS
√ Richland Fire Hall Job Fair
√ Nursing Home Breakfast for Nurse Aide program
√ Distribution of placemats for Open House
√ Open House, April 17
√ Weekly visits to Blair County CareerLink
√ New student interviews
√ Meeting with Practical Nursing applicants who did not meet requirements on entrance exam—either to retake
exam or apply for another program
continued on page 5
GACTC Update — Page 5—May 2012
Report from ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION (continued)
√ Veterans’ Career Fair – CareerLink
√ Guidance Advisory Committee presentation
√ Transition Expo – Ramada
√ High School presentations
√ GED class presentations
√ Follow up phone calls to Open House attendees
√ Follow up phone calls and mailings to students who request information on Campus Explorer website
√ Display table and Medical Assistant blood pressure screenings at 3 Altoona Curve games
√ Enter all new recruits into database
√ Follow up with all new recruits either by phone, email, or mail
√ Developed email distribution list of new recruits and sent Open House flier
Preparation Highlights for 2012-2013 Year

Kathy Butler has been interviewing students for postsecondary programs since February of this year

Scheduling classes for next year has begun. Working out the schedule involves a very timely and tedious process
with input from all teaching staff. Meetings to work out the schedule will continue into the coming weeks.

We are still recruiting students for the 2012-2013 year in all program areas. The Coordinator of Continuing
Education has been working with Steve Clark Advertising to develop some new television commercials—some of
which started airing on May 15.
Enrollment Highlights for 2012-2013 Year

13 applications for Administrative Office Specialist, Medical Assistant and Medical Office Specialist combined

9 applications for the HVAC program

20 applications for the co-enrollment Intergenerational programs

15 applications for the Postsecondary late afternoon/evening Welding Technology program

18 applications for the full-time Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certificate to associate degree
program

11 EFDA students continuing their studies into the second and final year of the first cohort group
 Dr. Zajac will be teaching a short-term EFDA certificate program to 8 Dental Assistants beginning on
September 8, 2012
Nurse Aide Training Program
The students in the Nurse Aide Training program that began on April 16
completed their finals and skills testing last week. The 16 students who started
the program will continue at Garvey Manor to begin their clinical portion of
the program on Wednesday, May 30. The GACTC is very fortunate to have a
good relationship with Garvey Manor to offer clinical training at their site,
with the assistance of their nursing staff. Students in the Nurse Aide training
program performed their clinical skills during a performance check at the
GACTC on Monday, May 21, 2012. From left are: skills instructor Ms. Lois
AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY (AWS) CERTIFICATION
Mr. George Woomer, AWS certified tester, administered AWS certification testing to high school and adult welding
students on May 8, 9, and 11. Ten high school seniors and thirteen adult students were tested in Structural Welding
Code 1.1 and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) 2G. Of the 23 students tested, 19 passed. With 42 total coupons
tested, only one coupon each was a weld failure for the four students who failed. All but a few of the 23 students who
took the AWS test will also hold OSHA 29CFR 1910 General Industry Certification.
GACTC Update — Page 6— May 2012
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
OUTSTANDING SENIOR STUDENTS
Congratulations are extended to the following students named Outstanding Seniors in
their respective program for 2011-12:
Andrew L. Wilt Automotive Technology/
Hollidaysburg Area
Brian E. Weaver Automotive/Diesel Technology/Tyrone Area
Kasey A. Podelco Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry/Altoona Area Senior
Jordan A. Helsel Carpentry/Construction/Claysburg-Kimmel
Dominic A. Zungali Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology/Altoona Area
Josiah L. Cadle Computer Programming/Oracle Academy/Altoona Area
Taylor J. Smilnak Computer Technology/Cisco Academy/Hollidaysburg Area
Jaclynn M. Haring Cosmetology/Altoona Area
Jordan L. Spears Cosmetology/Glendale High School
Eian J. Smith Culinary Arts/Baking/Altoona Area
Shawnda L. Walker Culinary Arts/Hollidaysburg Area
Symantha M. Wright Dental Assistant/Altoona Area
Coleman J. Kepner Drafting/Design Technology/Altoona Area
Brandon D. Bishop Electrical Trades/Williamsburg Community
Mark E. Cassarly Electronics Technology/Altoona Area
Andrea R. McKnight Emergency Services/Williamsburg Community
Harley M. Weigl Health Occupations/Altoona Area
Marc A. Lanzendorfer Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Hollidaysburg Area
Brittany N. Koelle Interior Decorating & Finishing/Hollidaysburg Area
Cody L.Feather Logistics & Materials Management/Central
Lance M. Johnson Masonry/Claysburg-Kimmel
Joshua C. Gordon Multimedia & Web Design/Altoona Area
Christopher L. Harpster Plumbing/Tyrone Area
Jonathan W. Walk Precision Machining/Bellwood-Antis
Ashley M. Naugle Retail Marketing/Entrepreneurship/Altoona Area
Amy M. Trimarco Visual Arts Technologies/Hollidaysburg Area
Garrett M. Wyland Welding Technology/Home Schooled
GACTC Update — Page 7—May 2012
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
SPECIAL AWARDS
AAA East Central Award, Matthew D. Maher, Automotive Technology, Hollidaysburg
Aaron Stuckey Memorial Scholarship, Zachary R. Burchfield, Automotive/Diesel Technology, Hollidaysburg
Allegany College of Maryland Foundation Presidential Scholarship, Amanda L. Hauser, Dental Assistant, Altoona
Allegany College of Maryland Foundation Presidential Scholarship, Sarah A. McCabe, Dental Assistant, Claysburg-Kimmel
Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Leah C. Chesney, Health Occupations, Altoona
Altoona Area Alumni Association Scholarship, Shannon L. McConnell, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Altoona
American Welding Society Award, Ian M. Greene, Welding Technology, Bellwood-Antis
American Welding Society Award, Michael S. Misko, Welding Technology, Altoona
Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Paige R. Piotti, Visual Arts Technologies, Altoona
BASICS Attendance Counts Recognition, Andrew L. Wilt, Automotive Technology, Hollidaysburg
BASICS Attendance Counts Recognition, Sarah A. McCabe, Dental Assistant, Claysburg-Kimmel
Daniel A. Clark Memorial Scholarship, Taylor J. Smilnak, Computer Technology/Cisco Academy, Hollidaysburg
Dental Clinician of the Year, Sarah A. McCabe, Dental Assistant, Claysburg-Kimmel
E. Charles Makdad Memorial Award, Christopher L. Harpster, Plumbing, Tyrone
Franklin M. Finelli Memorial Scholarship, Christopher L. Harpster, Plumbing, Tyrone
Greg Knipple Art Award, Brittany N. Koelle, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Hollidaysburg
Jane Purdy Hite and Robert Lee Hite Memorial Scholarship, Cory D. Willson-Kerns, Electronics Technology, Bellwood-Antis
Lowe's of Altoona Gold Hammer Award, Jordan A. Helsel, Carpentry/Construction, Claysburg-Kimmel
Makdad Tools for the Trade, Brandon A. Helsel, HVAC/P, Williamsburg Community
Mary Ann Allen Award, Taylor J. Redinger, Health Occupations, Altoona
Outstanding Senior Of the Year, Symantha M. Wright, Dental Assistant, Altoona
PA Concrete Masonry Association Award, Brady C. Ebersole, Masonry, Claysburg-Kimmel
Piotr Marciniak Memorial Scholarship, Connor J. Campbell, Culinary Arts, Altoona
PTI- DECA Scholarship, Joshua C. Gordon, Multimedia & Web Design, Altoona
Reliance Bank Scholarship, Brittany N. Koelle, Interior Decorating & Finishing, Hollidaysburg
Reliance Bank Scholarship, Taylor J. Smilnak, Computer Technology/Cisco Academy, Hollidaysburg
Richard L. McEldowney Academic Scholarship, Mark E. Cassarly, Electronics Technology, Altoona
Richard L. McEldowney Academic Scholarship, Symantha M. Wright, Dental Assistant, Altoona
Rodger Walters Memorial Award, Matthew P. Conrad, HVAC/P, Altoona
Rotary Club Scholarship, Adrienne M. Walters, Dental Assistant, Hollidaysburg
Rotary Club Scholarship, Carlie L. Hazlett, Health Occupations, Hollidaysburg
Scott Garlick Memorial Scholarship, Mark E. Cassarly, Electronics Technology, Altoona
Sgt. Brandon E. Adams Information Technology Education Scholarship, Joshua C. Gordon, Multimedia & Web Design, Altoona
SkillsUSA Scholarship, Taylor J. Smilnak, Computer Technology/Cisco Academy, Hollidaysburg
SkillsUSA State Conference 2nd Place-Related Technical Math, Josiah L. Cadle, Computer Programming/Oracle Academy, Altoona
Special Recognition, Conner Stine, Food Production, Hollidaysburg
Valley National Gases, Inc. Recognition, Richard L. Lane, Welding Technology, Altoona
YBC Gold Hammer Award, Kasey A. Podelco, Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry, Altoona
Perfect Attendance-Three Years:
Andrew L. Wilt, Automotive Technology, Hollidaysburg
Perfect Attendance- Two Years:
Taylor J. Smilnak, Computer Technology/Cisco Academy, Hollidaysburg
Mark E. Cassarly, Electronics Technology, Altoona
GACTC Update — Page 8—May 2012
THANKS TO ALL OUR SCHOLARSHIP 2012 CONTRIBUTORS
Many area businesses and individuals have contributed to scholarship and special awards for our graduating seniors.
Without these contributions, the Senior Awards program would not be possible.
In the aggregate, contributions amounted to over $35,000
AAA Blair Motor Club
Aaron N. Stuckey Memorial Scholarship
Alan Rickens
Allegheny Supply & Maintenance Co., Inc.
Allegheny Trucks, Inc.
Altoona Pipe & Steel Supply Co.
Altoona Regional Health System
Altoona Regional Health System Partnership
for a Healthy Community, Inc.
AMED
Andrews & Beard
Bettwy Electric Inc.
Blair Candy Company, Inc.
Blair County Dental Society
Bollman Charter Service
Borex, Inc.
Bovard Heating & Cooling
Brumbaugh Insurance Group
Burgmeier Hauling, Inc.
Carnegie Equipment
Citywide Auto Transport
Concept Foods
Cookson Electronics
Courtesy Ford, Inc.
Cumming Motors
Dale Oxygen
Darin Tornatore
Delta Health Technologies, LLC
Downtown Bedford, Inc.
Edwin Frontino, Logan Twp. Supervisor
Evolving Technologies, Inc.
First Commonwealth Trust Co.
G. W. Sipes Company
Gampe Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
Garvey Manor
Greg Knipple Art Award
Hayes, Large Architects, LLP
J. C. Orr & Son, Inc.
Jane Doyle
Johnna Bender
Judy Coutts, AIA Architect
Keller Engineers
Knisely & Sons, Inc.
Lawruk Builders Inc.
Link Computer Corporation
M & T Bank
Manpower
Marianna's
Mary Ann Allen Award
McLanahan Corporation
Mel C. Woomer
Modern Cabinet & Construction
Mueller's Auto Recycling and Sales, Inc.
NAPA Auto Parts
New Look Uniform
NPC, Inc.
Operation S.O.S. (Support Our Soldiers)
Piotr Marciniak Memorial Scholarship
Precision Machining Bench Rest Project
Reliable Towing & Auto Center, Inc.
Reliance Bank
Ritchey’s Dairy
Schultz Company
Scott T. Garlick Memorial Scholarship
Secure-Tec, Inc.
Sgt. Brandon Adams Memorial Scholarship
Sheetz Organization
SkillsUSA
Smithmyer Plumbing & Heating, LLC
Southern Alleghenies Chefs Association
Spherion
Stiffler, McGraw & Associates, Inc.
Stuckey Ford/Stuckey Subaru
Summit Quest Fitness Center
Team Chevrolet Buick Cadillac
The Bruno & Lena DeGol Family Foundation
Thomas A. Fahr Masonry Contractors
Thompson Machine
Triangle Barber Shop
Ultimate Concrete Resurfacing of Scotch Valley
Valley National Gases, Inc.
Value Drug
Young, Oakes, Brown
Your Building Center
MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Josiah L. Cadle, Altoona/Computer Programming/Oracle Academy (2)
Mark E. Cassarly, Altoona/Electronics Technology (4)
Joshua C. Gordon, Altoona/Multimedia & Web Design (3)
Christopher L. Harpster, Tyrone/Plumbing (3)
Jordan A. Helsel, Claysburg-Kimmel/Carpentry/Construction (2)
Brittany N. Koelle, Hollidaysburg/Interior Decorating & Finishing (3)
Sarah A. McCabe, Claysburg-Kimmel/Dental Assistant (2)
Kasey A. Podelco, Altoona/Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry (2)
Taylor J. Smilnak, Hollidaysburg/Computer Technology/Cisco Academy (5)
Andrew L. Wilt, Hollidaysburg/Automotive Technology (3)
Symantha M. Wright, Altoona/Dental Assistant (3)
GACTC Update — Page 9—May 2012
MISS SCHOOL, MISS OUT PROGRAM AWARD WINNERS
At the annual Miss School/Miss Out Incentive Assembly, twelfth grade
students at the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center were
recognized for perfect attendance and high achievement.
Melissa Firman of the Challenge Program presented awards as follows
to outstanding seniors:
 Academic Excellence – Michael Misko, Welding Technology (97%)
 Attendance – Matt Morgan, Computer Technology/ Cisco Academy (3
years perfect attendance)
 Academic Improvement – Makayla Snyder, Dental Assistant
 Community Service – Brittaney Northern, Interior Decorating & Finishing (69 hours)
The Hite Company, the Blair Companies, and McLanahan Corporation
contributed $3,500 as sponsors for each senior award and the
underclassmen awards to be presented in September.
This is the ninth consecutive year that the school has awarded a rebuilt
late-model automobile that is restored to like-new condition by the
Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology, Automotive Technology, and
Automotive/Diesel Technology Programs. This year’s car was donated
by Stoystown Auto Wreckers. Frank Mayak of Stoystown has sponsored
the program in whole or in part for each of the nine years it has been in
existence. Donations from the following companies helped make this
restoration possible: Stoystown Auto Wreckers, Mueller’s Auto
Recycling, Dunkle Services, Courtesy Ford Lincoln, Cumming Motors,
and Blue Knob Auto
L-R, Seniors Lacey Hammond (2nd Place)
and Laret Miller (1st Place), top winners in
the MSMO Incentive Program
Laret Miller was declared the winner.
One student from the morning session, Laret Miller, and one student
Runner-up, Lacey Hammond won a
from the afternoon session, Lacey Hammond, qualified for the grand
Dynex 32” Flat Screen TV, Dynex DVD
prize automobile. Each student received an ignition key for the 2006 Kia
Player, and a movie.
Spectra, but it was Laret’s key that proved successful in turning the
ignition. Laret, who is a Masonry student will soon graduate from the
Good luck with the car, Laret, and
Hollidaysburg Area High School.
remember to drive safely!
CAR PARTNERSHIP
SPONSORS
Stoystown Auto Wreckers
Cumming Motors, Inc.
Mueller’s Auto Recycling & Sales
Blue Knob Auto
Courtesy Ford Lincoln
Dunkle Services
Advance Auto
Altoona Curve
Best Buy
Blair Candy
MISS SCHOOL
MISS OUT
The Student Services Office offers thanks to
the kind people at Sheetz for again supporting
the Miss School Miss Out Program. They
have donated Sheetz Gift Cards to be used as
awards. The Sheetz family and Sheetz
Corporation continue to be great partners with
the GACTC in many ways.
DelGrosso’s
Amusement Park
Dutch Hill
Chocolates
Meadows Original
Custard
AWARD
PROGRAM
SPONSORS
NAPA Auto Parts
New Look
Uniform
Sheetz
Slinky Action
Zone
GACTC Update —Page 10 —May 2012
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT
The Administration wishes to offer its sincere gratitude to respective boards of
all eight member districts for ratifying the revised Articles of Agreement during
the month of April. Since the Joint Operating Committee does not meet in July,
the first month of the new fiscal year, August will be the first date when two
new members from the Tyrone Area School District will be welcomed to the
JOC. All are reminded that while the Articles provide for twenty members,
nine members constitute a quorum if a minimum of three schools are
represented.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Noah Powell, an
eleventh grade
Visual Arts
Technology student
from Glendale High
School, was named
the Altoona Area
Public Library Young
Adult Artist for the
month of May. Noah
enjoys drawing and
says he is inspired by
graffiti artists around
the world.
Congratulations,
Noah!
COSMETOLOGY OPEN CLINIC
On Saturday,
May 26, 2012,
the Greater
Altoona Career
and Technology
Center’s
Cosmetology
class held an
open clinic to
help support the
Central Pennsylvania Humane Society. Students
participated by performing hair and nail services on
clients from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Proceeds,
along with tangible items collected, i.e., blankets,
food, and toys, will benefit the Humane Society.
INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS
Industry certification involves a program-specific process of student performance evaluation which
ensures that the student meets industry standards unique to his or her program of study. Students benefit
in the following ways:
1. Value-added information to a transcript for acceptance into higher education or obtaining an entrylevel position in the technical job market.
2. Evidence that the student has completed advanced educational preparation and verification of the
CTC competencies requirement.
3. Enhanced student self-esteem through achievement of occupational competency standards
recognized by business and industry.
PERSONAL DAY DONATION
When the Teachers’ Association approached Administration to allow the transfer of personal
days among professional staff and administration, the hope was to lessen the financial blow
anticipated for two professional employees caring for family members. As a testament to the
nature of our staff, we are happy to report the complete need was met.
GACTC Update —Page 11 —May 2012
Employee Spotlight
JUNE RETIREES
Pat Meintel’s career has included work in sales and as a secretary at Sky Brothers, as
well as a secretary at both Conrail and Keith Junior High School before coming to
the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center in 1988 as a Clerk Typist. Since
that time, Pat has worked in several departments within the school—Continuing
Education, Computer, Food Service, and Warehousing. Thank you, Pat, for your
years of service to the school.
Dennis Housum served as a Pipefitter Third Class in the U.S. Navy Reserves before
working for Caum Engineering, Sheetz, Inc., and S. P. McCarl, Inc. Denny came to
work at the GACTC in 1997 as an HVAC Technician. He has worked diligently in
this position, even earning the 2005-06 Employee of the Year Award. Everyone will
miss Denny and his dry humor, especially his colleagues in the Maintenance
Department.
Paul Little is known to everyone in the school as a friendly and helpful security
greeter at the Fourth Avenue Entrance. Paul began his employment at the GACTC
as a substitute van driver and a teacher substitute in 1991. Since then, Paul has been
a regular van driver, a substitute security greeter, and a security greeter—all of this
after serving in the U.S. Marine Corp. and retiring once before from the Butterick
Company! Paul’s smile and friendly disposition will be missed by staff and students
of the school alike. As Paul’s car license inscription reads, “Not as mean but still a
Marine.”
GOOD LUCK AND GOOD HEALTH TO ALL THE RETIREES!
INSTRUCTOR RECEIVES INDUSTRY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Kathy DePiro, Logistics and Materials Management
Instructor, was recently congratulated by the
Educational Services Director of the Material Handling
Education Foundation (MHEFI), Ray Niemeyer, for her
hard work and dedication in helping to develop the
textbook, Fundamentals of Warehousing & Distribution.
Kathy’s students and our school in general have
benefitted greatly through her involvement with the
Material Handling Institute of America (MHIA) and
MHEFI. We join Allan Howie, Ray Niemeyer, and
others from MHIA in recognizing her excellence in the
field of logistics and materials management.
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Career & Technical
Education and our school are both committed to industry
standards and curriculum that is developed by industry.
It is especially rewarding to see the name of one of our
own associated with the Fundamentals of Warehousing
and Distribution curriculum.
Special congratulations, Kathy, on your latest
accomplishment!
GACTC Update —Page 12 —May 2012
SECURITY GATE
ELECTRIC CAR UPDATE
An expandable
security gate was
installed at the
overhead garage
door located on
the 17th Street
side of the school
adjacent to the
Public Library,
allowing the
overhead door to
be open in warm weather during school hours of
operation. While the overhead garage door is open, the
gate provides security for the garage area by preventing
pedestrians from entering the area without checking in at a
greeter station located on either the second or third floor.
The Electronic Technology students are putting the finishing
touches on this year’s modifications to the Electric car project.
Each year the students modify and/or improve on the design
from the prior year.
Some of the work this
year involved designing
and constructing an
electric power brake
booster and an electric
water heater to supply
heat to the HVAC
controls and defrost.
These items will be
installed next year. After
reassembling the drive
motor and controls, the class should be ready to test drive the
EV. The class is hoping for a 35-45 miles per hour top speed
and a possible range of 20-30 miles.
NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCY TEST (NOCTI)
This spring 218 GACTC seniors and intergenerational adult students completed the National Occupational
Testing Institute (NOCTI) end of program assessment. The tests are program specific and consist of an online written portion and a hands-on performance section. Results from the 2011-12 assessment are outlined in
the chart below. This has been the GACTC’s best year overall, with 91% of students achieving at the
Advanced or Competent level.
RATING
ADVANCED
COMPETENT
NUMBER TESTED
161
38
PERCENTAGE
74%
17%
BASIC
BELOW BASIC
2
17
TOTAL
218
1%
8%
100%
PRECISION MACHINING BENCHREST PROJECT
The Precision Machining Benchrest Project is
designed to teach students the importance of
properly machined parts, tolerances, and finishing of
those parts, as well as a final product that is sold to
the public. All parts are made by the students from
solid bar stock with only a few exceptions. The
rests are entirely machined, assembled, and
inspected by the students prior to shipment and have
been sold to customers in every U.S. State as well as Benchrests prepared for shipment by
Benchrests manufactured by Precision
Machining students.
5 foreign countries. Just recently a rest was shipped Logistics students.
to New Zealand. Logistics students are responsible
for packaging and shipping the units by UPS. All proceeds benefit the student internal fund, and each year
machining students donate thousands of dollars to needy causes helping fellow students and benefitting the
community.