January 2025
Automotive Science & Technology
This month in Automotive Science & Technology, students have been focused on earning Tire Industry Association Certification. Students worked on passing the written exam, which allowed them to take the hands-on assessment. We are proud of the students that attained certification!
Aviation and Aerospace
The juniors are progressing through their Aircraft Components unit by discussing various control surfaces and components in the classroom, visiting our postsecondary program to get their hands on full scale aircraft, flying our simulator, testing the lift and drag properties of several airfoil designs in our wind tunnel, and building and flying model gliders.
The seniors finished up their Turbine Engine unit where they learned how gas turbine engines (jet) function. This included disassembly and reassembly of two different turbine engines as well as examining various turbine components with visible failures and calculating engine thrust based on mass airflow and aircraft speed.
They are now starting the first of four electrical units, DC electricity.
Design, Engineering, & Fabrication
Juniors are working on using the CNC router to create wooden toys from scrap/recycled 2x6 material. They will mill the boards to size, design the part, and using the CNC and an end mill, cut out the parts. Post processing includes routing the edges with a round-over bit, sanding, staining, clear-coating, and gluing axles with wheels. Students have been using design software that is specifically for CNC routers. They are learning all about tooling, speeds and feeds, and toolpath creation.
Seniors are finishing up AutoCAD training in an effort to earn a level II IRC. Upon successfully passing of the final exam, students will be Certified AutoDesk Users.
Design and Illustration & Digital Media Lab
DML and DI Students at the Cat Show
Several students from DI and DML participated in the 2025 Cat Show at the DoubleTree. They were photographing cats, and they were selling cat-inspired art as part of the entrepreneurial principles learned in their programs. The fees for the table were paid from an arts grant that they had previously received.
Art Opening on Friday Evening at BCA
This Friday, 15 DI and DML students will have an opening reception for a showing that will be at the BCA gallery for the coming weeks.
Becoming/Vermont Opening Reception @ BCA Gallery on Friday, January 24, 5 - 7pm: https://www.burlingtoncityarts.org/exhibition/becoming-vermont
This fall Design & Illustration and @btc_digitalmedialab year 2 students worked with Burlington City Arts and hosted an Artist in Residence, Sarah Stefana Smith, with the goal of having student work exhibited at the BCA Gallery. This opportunity came through a grant through the National Endowment for the Arts that teachers Jason Raymond and Ashley Stagner worked with BCA staff on last spring. This grant also included an Artist in Residence at Burlington High School, with the high school art department.
**More detail @btc_designandillustration
Education Training & Leadership
Lesson Planning: A Hands-On Approach
One of the most significant ways rising educators are making their mark is through lesson planning. Students in the Education Training and Leadership program are beginning to develop engaging and standards-aligned lessons tailored to diverse classroom needs. This hands-on experience is not only sharpening their skills but also bringing fresh ideas into classrooms.
In addition to planning lessons, our rising educators are stepping into leadership roles by coordinating classroom routines, leading activities and lessons, and contributing to professional learning communities. These opportunities allow them to practice decision-making, enhance their classroom management skills, and build confidence. For veteran teachers, the partnership is mutually beneficial.
Health Sciences Academy
Morning students have been working through learning about infancy and early childhood since their return from break. Afternoon students have just completed their unit on blood and are starting to study the respiratory system. These students have also finished their final clinical rotations and we are so grateful to all the local providers who hosted them!
We also hosted an alumni visit day before the holiday break. An alumni panel was held for students to provide them insights and advice into the college search, application and selection process. It was also an opportunity for networking, fellowship and enjoying excellent potluck food.
The Health Science Academy also concluded its maple syrup fundraiser to raise money for attending the International HOSA conference in Nashville this June. The fundraiser netted more than $3,500 for sending students to the conference!
Homeland Security/Criminal Justice
Throughout this first semester, students have been engaged in learning about the significance of remaining vigilant, prepared, and safeguarding themselves in both online and real-world environments. This month, HS/CJ students are concluding the cybersecurity and emergency preparedness modules and gearing up for the Intro to Criminal Justice course starting at the end of the month.
Learning through real-world case studies has been crucial as it allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, enhancing their understanding and critical thinking skills while preparing them for real-life challenges.
Introduction to Healthcare
IHC and HS/CJ worked together to save the world from an unexpected Zombie attack this week. While HS/CJ students worked to secure the physical environment of the community and execute their emergency management strategies, IHC students designed a vaccine to treat all 3 stages of the Zombie virus. Teamwork minimized the impact of this attack to the point that it was not even reported on the news.
