How did we get to February already? I’ve heard many people joking about the fact that January lasts forever. To me, the return from winter break and the new year, seems like it was just last week. I think part of what has made the month go by so quickly is being around such amazing learning, day-in and day-out. Each program here at BTC is unique in content, teaching and learning activities, and the daily flow of the program. However, across the center, there is always a culture of curiosity, deep learning, creativity and authentic interpersonal connections. Having the privilege to see what the teachers and students are engaged in makes the days fly by!

It was also exciting to see the future of BTC last week when students from across the region had a chance to visit BTC, and learn about what pathways at BTC can mean for their personalized learning. We sincerely appreciate the work of all of our sending schools in making visits like this possible during the school day. This kind of collaboration keeps these career and technical education pathways open for our region’s students.

In the newsletter, you’ll see some of the learning experiences that have happened over the course of the month, and some of the important student recognitions. There are many important dates for the month of February listed as well, including our Info Sessions for prospective students next week.

Thank you all for your continued support of BTC, and have a great second month of 2024!

J Reed

BTC will be closed from Monday, February 26th, through Tuesday, March 5th. During this time, there will be no classes or campus activities.

We hope students can take this opportunity to recharge and spend quality time with family and friends. It's a well-deserved break for both students and staff.

Please mark your calendars with these dates. This break coincides with most of our sending schools' calendars. We look forward to welcoming all our students back as classes resume on Wednesday, March 6th.

If you have any questions about the calendar, or other aspects of your student experience at BTC, please let us know. You can always reach out to Jason Reed at jreed@bsdvt.org.

Five students from BTC (Burlington Technical Center) have been named 2024 Presidential Scholars, and were recognized across three categories. All these scholars were honored at a recognition ceremony at the State House on January 22, 2024.

Apolina Mbeleci from WHS (Winooski High School) was recognized as a Presidential Scholar of the Arts. Focused on photography, Apolina's work delves into the lives of teenagers in the African community in Chittenden County. She actively engages in various community projects, such as Unheard Stories, demonstrating her commitment to capturing and sharing diverse experiences.

Greta Ketterling, a senior in Design and Illustration at BHS (Burlington High School), was named a Presidential Scholar of the Arts. Her artwork, influenced by Zen Buddhism and Japanese contemporary artists, explores themes of girlhood and childhood. Her drawings are characterized by intricate details and cross-hatching, offering a meditative process.

Kennedy Desautels from CVU (Champlain Valley Union High School) was recognized as a Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education. Described as academically achieving, kind, and service-oriented, she has impressed healthcare professionals during clinical shadows, demonstrating motivation and focus.

Ayowunmi Adewuyi from SBHS (South Burlington High School) was acknowledged as a Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education. Ayowunmi has not only excelled academically but has made a significant impact on her community through various service activities. She aspires to be a healthcare provider addressing issues within the medical system.

Sarah Ali, a BHS senior in the Design and Illustration program, was recognized as a Presidential Scholar for her remarkable leadership both at school and in the community. She has demonstrated excellence in art, winning awards for her photography. Her commitment to mental health advocacy is a vital aspect of her community engagement.

We're thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between Burlington Technical Center (BTC) and Vermont Works for Women. We're gearing up for Rosie's Girls camp, a fantastic opportunity for middle school students to explore non-traditional career fields and discover their potential in various industries.

Rosie's Girls: Building Confidence, Breaking Barriers

Rosie's Girls camp is more than just a camp; it's a transformative experience for middle school students. This February break, BTC is joining forces with Vermont Works for Women to provide hands-on learning experiences that challenge stereotypes and encourage girls to explore fields traditionally underrepresented by women. From construction and manufacturing to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the camp is designed to inspire confidence and curiosity in the next generation.

BTC's Commitment to Gender Equity

As we embark on this exciting partnership, BTC is proud to share another piece of news—we are now a proud member of GEAR (Gender Equality in Apprenticeship and the Trades). This membership is a testament to our commitment to advancing gender equity in education and the workforce. Being part of GEAR aligns perfectly with our mission to create an inclusive learning environment that prepares students for success in diverse career fields.

Why GEAR Matters for BTC

GEAR membership opens up new avenues for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and access to resources that will further enhance our efforts in promoting gender equity. At BTC, we believe in breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where every student, regardless of gender, feels empowered to pursue their passion.

Join Us in Shaping a More Equitable Future

As we step into this collaboration with Vermont Works for Women and proudly wear the GEAR membership badge, we invite our community, students, and partners to join us on this journey. Together, we can break stereotypes, inspire young minds, and pave the way for a more equitable and diverse workforce in Vermont.

Stay tuned for updates on our collaboration with Vermont Works for Women and our initiatives to advance gender equity. Together, we're shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Vermont's students.

Throughout the month of January, Education, Training & Leadership students engaged in dynamic educational outreach and showcased their commitment to learning and community impact. Demonstrating versatility, they took on teaching roles in diverse classrooms, spanning several grade levels, while also contributing meaningfully to the academic journey of their younger counterparts. At Edmunds Elementary School, these students dedicated their time to reading with English Language Learners in kindergarten, fostering a supportive learning environment. Additionally, their involvement extended to assisting 1st and 3rd graders with math and writing assignments, demonstrating a hands-on approach to education, and they were also able to take on various "teacher jobs" such as constructing books, giving individual assessments, and leading a class of children in the hallway.

In the month of January, students immersed themselves in the intricacies of Automotive Science and Technology, navigating the diagnostic challenges posed by vehicle warning lights. They used advanced tools, including vehicle diagnostic scan tools interfacing with the vehicles' electronic control modules. Their focus extended to determining the causes behind the vehicle's charging system and emission control control systems triggering warning lights. Not just limited to diagnostics, the students showcased hands-on expertise by replacing an exhaust flex pipe during this period, while managing the logistics of waiting for a replacement parts, which were on their way from the parts store. This approach to learning allows for theory and understanding of electromechanical systems to meet practical engagement with real-world automotive issues.

In the Aviation and Aerospace Technology program, students engaged in hands-on activities, measuring current changes with applied voltage variations and graphing the outcomes. They discovered a linear and proportional relationship, enhancing their understanding of electrical principles. Additionally, students practiced soldering skills and collaborated to build, label, and fly model gliders. This program stands out for its inclusive approach, bringing together both adult and high school students to foster a dynamic learning environment enriched by diverse perspectives and experiences.

Our Digital Media Lab Program offers a comprehensive exploration at the intersection of creativity and technology. Within this program, students are immersed in a diverse array of activities such as graphic design, video production, and multimedia storytelling. Guided by our experienced instructors, they gain proficiency in industry-standard software and leverage state-of-the-art equipment to hone their skills. From crafting visually captivating graphics to producing compelling videos and interactive multimedia projects, our program equips students with both artistic finesse and technical expertise. In January, students also had the opportunity to delve into various aspects of digital media production, including a visit to WPTZ studios, practicing photography at the Vermont Cat Show, and sharing their passion for music production with their peers.

At the start of every class, Education Training and Leadership (ETL) teacher Linda Randall asks her students to share one positive moment from their day. This is just one of the many ways that Linda builds a warm, welcoming learning environment in her classroom. In this program, students have the chance to develop relevant and meaningful education, counseling and community leadership skills. And with the ETL classroom located within Edmunds Elementary school, there is no lack of hands-on learning and teaching opportunities!

With over twenty years as an educator, Linda’s passion for supporting emerging educators and community leaders has only continued to grow. The best part of her year has been, unequivocally, the wonderful students in the program. Linda hopes her students know that they are valued, respected and important members of the learning community, and can’t wait to see all of the good they will do in the world.

To learn more about Education Training and Leadership, visit the program page linked here.

Becca Shute has only been the Lab Supervisor in BTC’s Education Training and Leadership program for one year, but she hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped since! With extensive experience as an elementary educator, Becca is excited to guide BTC students in building meaningful learning experiences for young students, including learning from and observing educational experts in action, and then applying these new skills and knowledge themselves.

So far, Becca’s favorite part of the year has been watching her students become more confident and skilled each day as they work in elementary school classrooms. The best part is that these skills are transferable to so many settings: education, care, social work, advocacy, leadership, and more. Becca hopes her students feel welcome, motivated, and supported, and she's excited to see where they'll go next!

For more information about the Education Training and Leadership program, visit the program page linked here.

Second year Automotive Technology student, Jonah, is at his co-op at Audi of South Burlington. He is earning money while learning during his normally scheduled program time. His commitment to learning as much as he can while there is demonstrated in his reflection logs, where he writes about the diversity of repairs he has been doing.

Arabella 'Ara' Finlayson, spoke with students in the Design & Illustration and Digital Media programs about her career path, and her current role as Brand Director at VT Sports Car (VSC). Ara is an award winning marketer with almost two decades of brand strategy, brand positioning, consumer insights, grassroots & experiential activation experience and has helped VSC to become a household name.

In the month of January, students in the Adult Airframe and Powerplant Aviation Maintenance Technician program embarked on a series of hands-on activities aimed at honing their skills and earning FAA certifications in Airframe and Powerplant. They delved into the intricacies of landing gear maintenance on the program's Saberliner aircraft, showcasing their proficiency in handling real-world aircraft components. Additionally, the students demonstrated their technical prowess by meticulously building avionics electrical harnesses and re-profiling an aircraft engine cylinder cooling fin. Alongside these tasks, they also gained valuable experience in blending out damaged propeller blades, a crucial skill in the world of aviation maintenance. The program's uniqueness lies in its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering students a comprehensive learning experience. The program serves as a launchpad for adult learners transitioning from the secondary Aviation & Aerospace Technology program, setting the stage for their continued success at BTC's airport location in the coming year. The program is now accepting applications, and interested Aviation & Aerospace Technology students can learn more by visiting our website.