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Hello CTC Parents, Students and Staff:

These past several weeks, CTC has presented at each academic planning night for all ten FCPS high schools this winter; providing important career and program information to students and parents. In addition, our faculty and Student Services department have been very involved in the recruiting, shadowing and application process for new students and registering second year students for next school year. Thank you to all involved.

An integral part of the CTC experience is participation in the SkillsUSA student organization and skills contests. Our school would like to congratulate all CTC students who recently competed in the regional competitions held at CTC last month. Our students competed in thirteen (13) separate competitions against their peers from western Maryland; showcasing the skills they’ve attained in their respective technical programs. Students placing first, second and third in the regional competitions are eligible to compete at the next level; the SkillsUSA State (MD) competition in March. CTC will be sending 111 students to compete in 35 State contest, 2 students running for SkillsUSA State Office and 4 students running for National Voting Delegate!

Finally—a message to our students during these winter months: Winter may be cold, but your determination burns bright. Keep pushing forward, stay focused on your goals and remember that every challenge is a step towards success. Spring—and your achievements—are just around the corner. Stay warm, stay motivated and believe in yourself.

Sincerely,

Michael Concepcion

What happens when a snowstorm cuts preparation time for a very important catering event? For the Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry students at the Frederick Career & Technology center, it meant rising to the occasion with skill, determination, and teamwork. Despite losing needed prep days to inclement weather, the students successfully catered for the Leadership Frederick County Group Education Day, serving a high-quality meal for 63 guests with just five hours of class time. The meal contained seven dishes, not including the drinks served. The meal also consisted of a few specialty items that required the students to use their knowledge of allergens to avoid cross contamination. These items included a vegan soup, vegan pasta, vegan focaccia bread sticks, and vegan chocolate cupcakes. These dietary restrictions meant that the students needed to be extra particular with their preparation and how they were making these dishes which was definitely more challenging because of the very short amount of time they were given. However; due to the students' ServSafe Allergen certifications that they received after days of training and modules, they pulled it off flawlessly and with time to spare!

Originally, the class had several days planned to prepare and put together dishes for the event. However, heavy snowfall and winter weather forced school closures, leaving students with only two, half days to tackle the challenge. In total, due to the fact that there is an A.M. & P.M. class, the students had about five hours to prep, produce, and execute a full catering. A task that would typically take days. Students had to use this time to set up the dining room, make sure all utensils and eatery were ready, and still prepare the meal! With time running short, the students quickly divided responsibilities to speed up the process. Tasks were split up among different groups and students had to focus and manage their time wisely to complete their duties.

Not only was the success of the event pleasing, it was also a learning experience for the students. They gained firsthand insight into the importance of time management, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure. These are all critical skills that will serve them well in their future careers. Despite the unexpected obstacles, the Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry students delivered a delicious meal that left a lasting impression, showcasing their potential as future leaders in the culinary world.

In honor of Black History Month, SkillsUSA Officers Amaya Ferguson and Elijah Steele organized and demonstrated a historical and informational presentation highlighting two iconic dishes — Oxtails and Fufu — that hold deep cultural significance in the African American Community. The lesson was presented for both A.M. and P.M. classes so that all students were able to participate. The officers not only educated their peers about the history and importance of these dishes but also provided a hands-on experience of their flavors and how the dishes are made. Implementing cooking styles, and eating habits into the lesson, the lesson was an immersive, cultural experience for everyone in the kitchen.

The students approached their teacher, Chef Liddick, asking if they could create and present the Black History lesson for their peers. The presentation was more than just a cooking demonstration—it was an opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and symbolism behind these beloved dishes. After tasting the oxtails and fufu, many students expressed a newfound appreciation for these dishes and the cultural heritage they represent. This event was a reminder of the power of food to tell stories, bring together communities, and celebrate diversity in the culinary world. Every student in both Culinary 1 and Culinary 2 said that they LOVED the dishes, and that it was a great experience!

MS. WHITE'S NEW ACCELERATED AOHP 1A/1B MEDICAL ASSISTING CLASS

The month of March is many things; it is the first month of spring in the northern hemisphere, much of the U.S. set their clocks forward for daylight saving time, and St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated. It is also Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM), named as such by President Ronald Reagan to “increase public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” − in 1987, following major disability rights movement events in the seventies and eighties.

While it was originally meant to raise awareness about intellectual and developmental disabilities and their effects on people. Nowadays, its focus is on acceptance, sparking conversations about the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, and about the barriers that many people with disabilities still face.

Yes, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made, but it is also a time to acknowledge and address the work that still needs to be done. If you’re looking for ways to bring awareness to DDAM in your community, here are some ideas:

1. Wear orange in March to show your support. Orange is the official color of DDAM, which symbolizes energy and positivity.
2. Encourage friends and family to wear orange in March to show support.
3. Learn about the history of disability activism and why it is important.
4. Volunteer with organizations that serve people with disabilities.

Ms. Edmonds and Ms. White took 16 AoHP students to INOVA in Fairfax, VA. Students were able to witness a live surgery in their Dome Observatory Experience. They had the opportunity to speak with some medical professionals, who are also part of the surgical teams at INOVA, to hear their experience, professional journey, and commentary of what was happening during the surgery as it was happening.

For more information and/or to sign up for the Career Fair,

contact the CTC Career Coach, Ms. Edmonds.

Located in the CTC media center.

Brenna.Edmonds@fcps.org

The Frederick County Career and Technology Center (CTC) is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) school. Our programs and classes combine academic knowledge with technical skills to prepare students for in-demand and high-skilled jobs. CTC provides students with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications and licenses, acquire college credit, and gain valuable work experience. CTC is one of many treasures in Frederick County. It is not only a place of great education and opportunities but also a place of camaraderie and nostalgia.

Want to know more about CTC? Click the links below:

CTC Programs

FAQ's about CTC

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Dual Enrollment Information Sheet

Address: 7922 Opossumtown Pike Frederick, MD 21702

Phone: 227-203-3650

Fax: 227-203-3651

Website: http://education.fcps.org/ctc

Facebook: Frederick County Career & Tech Center

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Instagram: @fcps_ctc, @ctc_principal