NCTA Tech Talk
January 26, 2025
The Gratitude Project
Over the last two years, the NCTA community participated in a project called the Art of Gratitude, led by Student Support Specialist Sherrie Green. This year we worked with Dr. Philip Lindholm, who has worked in the field of gratitude, and helped to create a video to support the important work already started by the students and staff at NCTA. The school recognized the importance of gratitude by encouraging students to write three things they’re grateful for each day.
This powerful practice started as a small effort and grew into something we can all be proud of. Many students continue to embrace gratitude, openly discuss it, and carry it forward in their lives.
Based on the success of the project and the interest in creating a sustainable practice, NCTA's Animation & Graphic Design program designed and published a reproducible gratitude journal featuring original artwork. Instructor Linton Porteous shared student Alexa Silva's work and sentiments about the project:
Veterinary Assisting
Our Veterinary Assisting class is wrapping up an exciting Anatomy and Physiology unit! Students recently dissected cow eyes—a brand-new experience for most. "While some were eager and others a bit hesitant, everyone did a fantastic job," reports instructor Laurie Barrett.
This hands-on learning sets the stage for next month’s collaboration with NCTA Applied Medical Science, where students will take on the challenge of dissecting fetal pigs. Up next, we’ll be diving into Medical Terminology.
In addition to our studies, we’re also fostering three adorable kittens through NOAH! These little ones traveled all the way from California and are working hard to reach their goal weight of 2 pounds to become adoptable. We love watching them grow and thrive!
Partnership Opportunity
Looking ahead, Animation & Graphic Design is collaborating with Video Game Development to compete in the AMES Showcase in May 2025. The Advanced Media Entertainment Society is "a Washington State non-profit building community between high school students and professionals storytellers in the media arts." NCTA is need of industry professionals to help develop student projects including: public speaking, short animations, video game design, and other related skills. If you'd like to know more, please contact Mr. Jerry Grisham.
NCTA Student Spotlight-Addyson Conley
Addyson Conley is an Anacortes High School student enrolled in NCTA's Dental Assisting program. Ms. Karha Cramer is the instructor of this popular NCTA program which features four dental operatories. Students develop skills in chair-side assisting, equipment and instrument identification and maintenance, sterilization, and OSHA Practices. Students will be prepared to take the National Entry Level Dental Assisting exam.
Student Spotlight: Why did you decide to enroll at NCTA Dental Assisting?
Addyson Conley: I decided to enroll in the NCTA Dental Assisting class to help myself be one step ahead in learning the basics of dental hygiene, which I will be studying in college. By developing an understanding of the dental field in general, I am able to get a grasp on what it might look like working in the actual profession. Whether that’s being familiar with the tools, anatomy of the mouth, specific techniques, how to work machines, etc… All of which will be important to know ahead of time in hygiene school.
SS: If you could be an intern in a professional setting (like a dentist's office) twice a week, what kinds of things that you learned at NCTA do you think you could do?
AC: At NCTA this year, I have learned several tasks and procedures that are used in dental assisting on a daily basis in a professional setting like a dental office. A few of these would be the standard cleaning procedures: sterilizing instruments, preparing stations, performing coronal polish on patients, taking impressions and processing them, along with taking x-rays--whether that’s bitewing, periapical, full mouth or panoramic views.
SS: What advice would you give a high school student thinking about enrolling at NCTA?
AC: I would tell them that taking an NCTA class is a really good idea especially for those who want to start a little earlier on their careers or see if it is something they want to go into or not. You will get to learn a lot of skills revolving around your personal profession that can greatly help you in the long run during college or a technical school. It really is a great experience in that way and you will come out with knowledge and skills you wouldn’t get anywhere else.
SS: What would you tell a business that is thinking about partnering with NCTA? What should they know about the types of students in your class?
AC: If I knew a business who was thinking about partnering with NCTA I would highly advise them to move forward with this decision. Being a partner with NCTA can not only help promote their own business to the community, but also offer NCTA’s hard working, extremely involved students a chance to show the skills they have learned while being here. Whether it’s an internship, presentation, or a simple field trip to the business, all would help students get experience in the “real world” and learn more about their professions.
The Power of And
We're excited to announce that our NCTA "The Power of And" Work-based Learning Manual is complete and in the hands of interested businesses.
If you plan on hosting an NCTA intern starting March 25, 2025, please return pages 19-25 to Jerry Grisham (jgrisham@nwtech.k12.wa.us). He also welcomes any inquiries about the process.
We are thrilled to welcome our new internship partners for 2024-2025!
- Caliber Collision
- All American Marine
- Animal Care Center of Mount Vernon
- The Humane Society of Skagit Valley
We are currently seeking internships for students in:
- Animation and Graphic Design
- Video Game Development
- Money and Business
Thank you for supporting our students and developing our workforce!
Have you taken the EDASC Business Climate Survey yet?
NCTA partner, EDASC (Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County) is asking all Skagit business leaders and business owners to complete its Business Climate Survey. The survey is intended to gather vital insights from business leaders like yourself to paint a picture of the current challenges and opportunities facing our business community.
Your feedback will be instrumental in shaping EDASC’s strategies and initiatives for its business retention, attraction, and expansion programming. The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Results will be shared with the community, but your information will remain confidential.
For questions, contact EDASC Economic Development Manager Aaron Weinberg at aaron@skagit.org or 360-639-8849.
