March 2024
Volume 6
The end of the February/March break signifies that spring is approaching, and spring at BTC is busy!
During our early March in-service time as a faculty and staff, we reviewed the latest reporting data results that BTC receives from the Vermont Agency of Education. As a result of the commitment and skill of BTC’s teachers and support staff, and of course our talented students, BTC has met or exceeded all of our expectations set by the agency. Some of the categories include:
4 year graduation rate
Reading proficiency
Math proficiency
Attainment of industry recognized credentials
Attainment of college credits while at BTC
Work-based learning opportunities
Post-program placement (career, college, enlistment)
While we work toward continuous development, this is a nice acknowledgement of the work that your students and the BTC faculty and staff put into learning opportunities each day.
We want want to continue these flexible pathways for student learning by attracting prospective students for next school year. We have passed our priority deadline for prospective students for the 2024-2025 school year, but are continuing to accept applications until all of the programs are at capacity with students committed to attend BTC next year. If you know of high school students who are interested in BTC, but may have missed the priority deadline, please encourage them to visit our website to apply. They can always connect with us here at BTC, and their school counselor, if they have questions.
Thank you for your continued support!
-J Reed
February has been busy as Intro to Healthcare shifted focus from dissecting the intricacies of the human body to delving into the essence of patient care. It's been a dynamic journey, emphasizing not only the technical aspects but also the profound importance of empathy and compassion in medical practice.
Here's a snapshot of our recent endeavors:
- Emergency Medicine Essentials: We've been immersing ourselves in the essentials of emergency medicine, obtaining certifications in CPR and Stop the Bleed. Additionally, mastering the art of transferring patients with precision and care has been pivotal in our preparation for real-world scenarios.
- Fostering Team Collaboration: Recognizing that teamwork lies at the core of effective healthcare delivery, we've been actively cultivating a team mentality.
- Embracing Daily Acts of Kindness: Amidst the hustle and bustle of our training, we're reminded of the significance of simple yet profound acts of compassion. From lending a listening ear to offering a comforting touch, we're practicing the art of caring for our patients with skill and humility each day.
Bob Church
Automotive Science & Technology program teacher Bob Church has been at BTC for 33 years now, and you won't find anyone who knows more about the ins-and-outs of the auto industry of Vermont, or how to connect with and inspire students from all backgrounds. Bob’s approach of using the car as a vehicle for learning allows students to gain invaluable technical skills to prepare them for careers in the auto industry and beyond, while emphasizing the importance of becoming a well-rounded and contributing community member. As Bob likes to say, hands on doesn’t mean minds off!
Throughout his career, Bob hopes that each of his students feels challenged and comfortable in his program. He loves getting to know each student as an individual, and watching them grow both independently and as a group through technical skill building and teamwork.
For more information about the Automotive Science & Technology program, visit the program page linked here.
Sam Caron
When students walk into the Auto Body program every day, teacher Sam Caron makes sure to check in with each of them. That thoughtful, focused attention is a key part of why his students are thriving. With exciting opportunities to dive into the science and structure of vehicles, students gain an invaluable understanding of the auto industry, and more importantly, grow as high-achieving, lifelong learners. Whether students decide to pursue their career in this field or another, or to head to college or start working right away, Sam is there to support them.
Sam hopes all of his students feel engaged and challenged— there’s a lot more to this program than the lab work. His favorite topic to teach is electricity; as Sam says, it’s ‘shocking’ how little students know. All joking aside, Sam is a skilled mechanic, a masterful teacher, and to top it off, an incredibly talented race car driver.
Next year, the Auto Body and Auto Science & Technology programs will be merging into one program. To learn more, visit the Auto Science & Technology program page here.
Exploring Precision Manufacturing
Inside Burton Snowboards
Design & Illustration and Design, Engineering, & Fabrication students toured Burton Snowboards in Burlington to observe and learn how they come up with their designs and then manufacture them. They heard from the graphic designers, 3-D modelers, quality control, prototype designer, clothing designers and more. Burton employs a wide variety of people from many different backgrounds and career experiences. They curate work from artists from all over the world, and get feedback on the products from athletes in a variety of sports. Some students will be going back for one-on-one job shadows.
Soar to new heights!
Did you know that through our exclusive articulation agreement with VTSU, Aviation and Aerospace students can seamlessly continue their education and earn a college degree? Upon graduation from BTC's secondary and post-secondary Aerospace and Aviation programs and successful completion of Federal Aviation Administration testing, you'll be awarded your Mechanic certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings. This opens doors to VTSU's post-secondary Aviation Maintenance AAS program!
By taking advantage of dual enrollment opportunities, Aviation and Aerospace students can complete prerequisite courses at VTSU while still in high school, setting themselves up to seamlessly transition into BTC's post-secondary Aerospace and Aviation Technology program and then on to VTSU to continue their learning. With careful planning and dedication, you can even earn an associate's degree in as little as one semester after program completion!
At VTSU's Williston campus, you'll dive into a curriculum designed to elevate your knowledge and skills in aviation maintenance. From English Composition to Technical Communication, Principles of Mathematics, General Physics, Computer Applications, and elective courses in Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences, you'll receive a well-rounded education that prepares you for success in the aerospace industry. Just imagine starting your aerospace journey with the knowledge and credentials to excel in the industry right from the start!
Learn more about dual enrollment opportunities by reaching out to our School Counseling Coordinator, James Yepez at jyepez@bsdvt.org and start charting your path to success today.
