Silver State Academy Certified Genius

Newsletter
Silver State Academy
RI TE
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PA S S A G E
Fall / Winter 2010
Improving the Lives of Youth
WHAT’S INSID
H
Certified Genius - Welding New Futures
aving a Career/Technical Education
(CTE) Program that provides students an
opportunity to learn new skills prior to
moving into higher education is commendable.
Silver State Academy however was not content
with just providing its students with instruction.
In an unprecedented move in the state of Nevada,
Silver State Academy has become the only High
School to provide a certified welding
program that allows students to learn a
E
vocation that prepares them to work in
the field when they leave the campus.
Program News . . . . . . . . . . .2
Community &
Customer News . . . . . . . . . .3
Ram-Page . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Industry News . . . . . . . . . . .6
Staff Update . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Customer Feedback . . . . . . .8
T
S
ilver State Academy received its
Level 1 certification through
SENSSE (Schools Excelling
through National School Standards
Education) for it’s charter high school.
While this certification is available to
high schools, it is more commonly seen
at the collegiate level, which is why
being the only high school in Nevada to
receive this certification is so important.
It provides the students with CTE
opportunities not available anywhere else
giving them a distinct advantage upon
completion at the high school level.
he implications are even broader for Rite
of Passage, as the instructor for the
program at Silver State Academy will soon
be able to inspect test welding projects for
student certifications from other academies
across the country (see story on page 2). This
will open up new vocational programs at Rite of
Passage and introduce new welders into a
marketplace struggling to find qualified
professionals.
“Senior Welding Inspector” Certification
provides new opportunities in
Career / Technical Education
See Article Page 2
I
n the current economic climate, the Federal
Bureau
of
Labor
Statistics
sites
“...employment of welders...shows little or no
change...over the next 2008-2018 decade
period”, and goes on to report that the median
national income for welders is approximately
$17.00 per hour (www.bls.gov, 2010).
A
s a vocation, welding has a long and
distinguished history in the United
States. For decades welder’s have played
a vital role in building the infrastructure of
Careers as strong as steel - Students leaving Silver State
Academy as certified welders will have diverse workplace
and higher education opportunities.
major American historical events shares:
“Perhaps no single welding event in
history ever received so much attention as did the
Alaska Pipeline. Crews of s e a s o n e d w e l d e r s
braved Alaska's frigid terrain to weld this largediameter pipeline, from start to finish. At one
point, 17,000 people were working on the
pipeline - 6% of the total population of Alaska.
The entire pipeline only disturbed about 12
square miles of the 586,000 square miles of the
state of Alaska. Welders were called upon to
handle and weld a new steel pipe thicker and
larger than most of them had ever encountered
before, using electrodes, also new to most. And,
the requirements were the stiffest they had ever
seen...” (Irving, 2003)
T
N
his exciting and historical profession has
helped to change and shape the American
landscape. The Alaskan Pipeline is just
one of many historical references to such an
illustrious profession.
ow Silver State Academy students, who
are shaping their own futures, will have
an opportunity to explore this CTE’s
history and weld new opportunities for success
as they transition back into their communities.
Citations
Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2010
Irving, Bob. Welding’s vital part in major American
Historical Events, Copyright 1995-2002 American Welding Society.
Program News
From the Desk of...
Mike DeBusk
Ron E. Stock is a committed educator
and a bit of a genius. When he began
working with Silver State Academy
as a welding instructor, he looked
beyond the ability to give the students
a head start on their higher education
path. As an
instructor he
could teach
them
the
techniques, but
test welds
w o u l d
have to be
sent to a
local college for inspection.
Program Director, Silver State Academy
Several months ago a
new student joined
Silver State
Academy and was
not pleased to find
himself in the
p r o g r a m. He was
participating in
t h e Health and
Wellness p o r t i o n
of the program
w h i c h includes a three mile run. He was
verbally abusive to staff and was
exhibiting
extremely inappropriate
behavior to Lawrence Howell In November
at the Semi-Annual Graduation and
Validation program, that same student was
the keynote speaker for his graduating
class.
He realized that through role
modeling the importance of life long
learning he could show his students
how to achieve their goals, and offer
them a profession as soon as they left
the campus. So, over the last several
years Mr. Stock has worked toward
becoming a certified inspector.
It is examples like this that make our
unique evidence-based programming so
rewarding. Through the staff’s ability to
use moments like those experienced by the
Mr. Howell as teachable moments for
behavioral skill-building opportunities,
Silver State Academy can participate and
assist students as they begin addressing the
risk behaviors that hinder their success
back home in their communities.
the process.
Finally, in March of 2011, Ron will
take his Senior Welding Inspector
certification test. When he obtains
this certification Ron will be able to
inspect the test welds of his students
and certify them prior to leaving the
campus. By achieving this goal, Ron
will have provided invaluable life
lessons to his students, but he is also
excited about the other benefit - the
ability to become a test site for other
Rite of Passage Academies.
As Ron so aptly put it, “This will
allow other programs to expand their
CTE programs to include a profession
t h a t
isn’t
going
away.”
First and foremost, he is certified by
the American Welding Society as a
Welding Educator. This has allowed
him to provide education and
instruction to his students, but not
inspect and approve their work for
certification as welders.
The positive organizational culture that
they experience once they understand the
purpose of the program, allows them to use
the skills they develop during their stay on
campus and as they transition back into
their traditional homes.
The next step was to obtain
certification, again through the
American Welding Society, as an
Associate Welding Inspector. This
still does not allow him to certify
students, but is an important step in
By evolving the critical component of
evidence-based treatment such as cognitive
behavior therapy to include dosage that is
proven to reduce recidivism, continuing to
provide excellent educational and
vocational systems, and mind and body
wellness, Silver State Academy is once
more leading the way to improving the
lives of youth.
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Taking Stock in Welding Inspections
Teaching Life Lessons -Ron’s
passion as an educator has
transcended into professional
opportunities for his students
The sportsman knows that a sport is a recreation, a game, an amusement
and a pastime, but his eyes are fixed on a higher goal, on the most
important thing in his life, which is his education or his vocation.
Avery Brundage
CONGRATULATIONS TO SILVER STATE ACADEMY’S
“STR8 UP” GRAPHIC MEDIA PROGRAM - THIS YEAR’S
WINNER OF THE HOLIDAY CARD DESIGN FOR RITE OF PASSAGE CAMPUSES!
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Community & Customer News
NIAA and President’s Fitness Award provide Validation of Healthy SSA Students
from the Nevada Interscholastic
Athletic Association recognizing
the sportsmanship and integrity of
its students demonstrating the
attention to the wellness of the
students mind and spirit.
Recent reports have indicated that traditional
schools are losing the battle to help their
students fight obesity. Rite of Passage Silver
State Academy has always believed that
“healthy” means a student who is balanced in
mind body and spirit.
Silver State Academy’s Health and Wellness
program plays an integral part in achieving the
goal of Positive Youth Development. Two
recent awards helped to validate this belief.
First Silver State Academy received an award
Silver State Academy
recently participated in
the Regional finals of the
NIAA
Football
playoffs. Although they
were not victorious, and
did not bring home a
t r o p h y,
t h e y
b r o u g h t
back
something much more
valuable - the respect of the
coaches and team
members of t h e
opposing team.
Through this one
moment in the lives of the
students, they were able
to watch and experience
what it means to be
viewed as leaders
through
their
participation
in
sporting events.
Shortly after returning
More recently, Silver State
Academy received one of the
highest honors from the President’s
Challenge for Physical Activity and
Fitness when the students earned
the highest award for outstanding
physical fitness and was named
State Champion School in Nevada.
This honor will also be displayed on the
United States President’s “President
Challenge” website.
Silver State Academy is proud of the
students and staff who participated and of
the efforts to assure that Rite of Passage
students receive health and wellness
services that reflect attention to risk factors
that can negatively affect the success of
students as they transition back into their
communities. The wellness skills they develop
at Silver State Academy are lessons they can
build on for a lifetime.
Modeling Leadership through Sportsmanship
home, a letter from the
opposing team’s coach
arrived on the desk of
the President of Rite
of PassageThe letter
read:
To S. James Broman,
My name is Mike
Valenzuela and I am the
o f f e n s i v e
coordinator
for
Mountain
Vi e w
Christian School
varsity
football
program. I am writing
this letter to recognize
the
class
and
hospitality
shown
from
the
R.O.P.
coaching
staff
towards our program
before and after our
playoff game at ROP’s
facilities.
I have
coached high school
athletics for over 10
Modeling Behaviors - Western
Regional Athletic Director John
Dibble and Director of Student
Services Chris Ellison encourage
role-modeling leadership behaviors
to help students succeed
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A History of Success - Silver State Academy staff
have been leading the way in modeling
sportsmanship as an effective tool for behavior
change for many years.
years and I have never experienced a welcome
display of of sportsmanship like we were
shown after our game.
Thank you for
employing quality people.
Sincerely,
Mike Valenzuela
Modeling exemplary leadership skills
allows Silver State Academy staff to
provide its students with effective
teachable moments for daily situational
social responses.
A C A D E M Y
Ram-Page
Graduation First Step to Success. Silver State Academy’s Bi-annual graduation and
validation ceremony provides the opportunity for students to leave proud of their
accomplishments and ready to transition back into their communities. Many will continue
their education at community colleges, trade schools or universities, all are wished a
prosperous future and recognized for all they’ve
Celebrating Staff Dedication and Service. Silver State Academy’s
recognizes that without the dedication and commitment of each of
its staff members the students served by the program could not
succeed. Each year Rite of Passage Silver State Academy
recognized the dedication and longevity of all its staff members
and celebrates their success with the students.
2010 Case Manager of the year
15 year employees receive a
break with a trip of their
choice
3 year employee recognition
2010
Coach of
the year
2010 Employee of the Year
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5 year Employee Recognition
Remembering the Fallen: Student’s have the opportunity to
learn the history behind a signficant event in American
history and help families dealing with the loss of a loved one
as they volunteer during the tour of the Vietnam Memorial
Wall through Reno, Nevada.
Family members grateful
for volunteer assistance
Helping families find names on the wall
Planting flags of rememberance
Sportsmanship and
Health & Wellness: Silver State Academy
Students are committed to staying fit and
working as a team.
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Industry News
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Staff Update
Staff Spotlight
Spotlight
Andy Bower-Transportation and Logistics Coordinator
Andy has worked for Rite of Passage for over six years in various professional positions
and transferred to Silver State Academy in January of 2010. Andy is awesome at
creating best practice systems at Silver State Academy and implementing them
effectively. Andy has worked at several Rite of Passage campuses and is currently
working on a new initiave as part of a committee to bring Continuous Quality
Improvement to Silver State Academy’s site.
Silver State Academy is very fortunate to have such a dedicated and truly caring
individual working with them. Andy loves to travel and staff are always eager to hear
about his adventures when he returns. Andy has been happily married for 20 years. He
served as a Military Policeman in the army for over 23 years. He loves golfing and has
golfed at courses all over the world. He loves fishing in the summer and skiing in the
winter.
FALL 2010 EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
Jason Martinez (Coach Counselor)- Born in Stockton, California, Jason Martinez was a wrestling enthusiast
since junior high school. By his senior year in high school he was ranked 8th in the United States for his weight
class. Jason began working at Silver State Academy in 2010. He says it is a job he enjoys very much and he
looks forward to working each week. He relates to the students he works with and hopes to play a role
in their success.
Dana Centanni (Case Manager Supervisor)- In 2004 Dana began her career with Silver State Academy as a coach
counselor and within a few months was promoted to the Case Management Department. While working as a Case
Manager Supervisor she earned her Master of Criminal Justice Administration. She is well respected among the staff
and her manner and approach with each and ever student is exceptional. Dana is always very enthusiastic and brings
out the best in everyone she works with.
Chris McClure (Shift Supervisor) - Chris loves to tell a good story. He is proud he has been with Rite of Passage
for 9 years and has a great memory of its history. He started at the Remote Training Center in Schurz, Nevada
and reminisces about sleeping in a Quonset Hut. Chris’ true passions are his daughters’ love of volleyball and trap
shooting. Chris travels to various volleyball tournaments up and down the west coast to suport his daughters. He
is a competitive trap shooter in the Western United States and currently holds an AA Rating.
Kawai Garrido (Culinary Instructor)- Kawai was born and raised in Hawaii and graduated high school in
Wailua. He trained at the Culinary Institute of America and completed various apprenticeship programs within the
culinary field. He was the Executive Chef at Summerset Country before coming to Silver State Academy.
Kawai worked at the YMCA as counselor. “I get to come to work and teach something that I love, with the
possibility of making a difference in someone’s life.” Some of his hobbies include snowboarding and surfing. He
is artistically inclined and enjoys welding blacksmith style, and creating ice sculpture. He and his wife, Claudia,
have been married for over 18 years, and they have two girls and a boy.
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PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MINDEN, NV
PERMIT NO. 94
Rite of Passage
100 Rosaschi Road
Yerington, Nevada 89447
Phone (775) 463-5111
Fax (775) 463-2379
www.riteofpassage.com
www.silverstateacademy.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
Providing services to at-risk
youth provides both challenges
and rewards. The excerpts from
this letter are the reward
students and staff receive when
interacting and serving their
local community:
Dear Sirs/Madame,
I am the volunteer coordinoator for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moveable Wall Event...in Reno.
Today 12 of your student athletes, Coach West, and Dana joined many other volunteers and members of
the American Legion Post 1- Rider Group to do several necessary and needed preparations for
tomorrow. We shared in tasks of putting up an 80’x40’ tent, making holes and placing 6500 flags in the
ground, and building the base for the Wall arriving in the morning...
The President of the Rider Group, the Commander of the American Legion Post 1, and the managers
from Home Depot and Walmart (two of our main sponsors), as well as many other adults came to me
personally to comment and compliment these wonderful young men. They were all very impressed to
say the least.
I just wanted you to know they could not have been more respectful, professional, and willing to help
wherever asked or needed. They were GREAT!
Thank you and keep up the great work you do for our youth.
Lauren Gruen
Volunteer Coordinator - The Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Wall Event Reno
USAF Vietnam Era Veteran
Member- American Legion Post 1
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