Biddeford Center of Technology

From spending time on college campuses and helping our communities improve our resources to learning CPR and starting CNA clinicals, our students have been taking advantage of the many opportunities BRCOT provides.

Students from the BRCOT Business Academy recently visited the University of Maine’s business school for an engaging and informative field trip. The day began with the students attending a college-level business class, where they gained insight into the pace and depth of higher education coursework. Following the class, they had the opportunity to hear from current business students who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in pursuing their degrees. The group then toured the campus, exploring academic buildings and student facilities, and learning about the resources available to university students. The visit concluded with lunch on campus at Hill Top Dining. While this was a long trip to make in one day, students enjoyed getting to interact in a college setting.

Twenty-eight students from the Computer Technology and Engineering & Architectural Design programs visited the University of Maine in Orono as part of the Maine App Challenge (MAC) program. This immersive experience gave students a glimpse into college life while highlighting cutting-edge advancements in computing, technology, and design. The day was filled with interactive and enriching activities. Students explored the university's Computer Science and Engineering facilities and participated in discussions with current students and admissions representatives, gaining valuable insights into the academic and professional opportunities available at the university.

The visit included a stop at the Foster Center, where students learned about innovation and entrepreneurship, followed by a tour of the Virtual Environment and Multimodal Interaction Lab, a hub for groundbreaking virtual reality research. After enjoying lunch at the Memorial Union, students interacted with Computer Science majors, toured the state-of-the-art Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center, and visited the Advanced Structures and Composite Center, a global leader in structural and material innovation. The final stop of the day was the BioHome3D, the first 3D-printed house made entirely with bio-based materials.

This visit not only showcased the diverse opportunities in computer science and engineering, but also inspired students to think about their futures in these dynamic fields. The Maine App Challenge, sponsored by Tyler Technologies, continues to be a valuable program for fostering curiosity, creativity, and career exploration. Students innovate, program, and market mobile applications to help solve problems in their communities. Over the past seven years, BRCOT has submitted more than 100 entries into the competition. In 2024, eight of the top 20 apps came from BRCOT Computer Technology Students.

Our Hospitality students spent time on the Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) campus to learn more about their Hospitality program and resources. BRCOT students toured the McKernan Center, the on-campus hotel where students help run its daily operations. Students heard about the variety of events hosted there. SMCC students get paid to work at the hotel and events while earning their degree. With Hospitality being so closely linked with culinary arts, BRCOT students also got the opportunity to tour SMCC's culinary building which includes four different kitchen lab spaces. Students got to visit the dining hall and learn about the all-you-can-eat buffet and enjoy amazing views of Casco Bay while doing so.

Starting in September, the talented Residential Carpentry students at BRCOT rolled up their sleeves and dove into an exciting project at the West Brook Skating Rink. With their instructor, Mr. O'Toole, they began by demolishing the old deck, tackling the hot and dusty conditions with determination and teamwork. Despite the challenges they faced, their hard work paid off as they successfully dug out and installed the footings for the new deck posts. The students showed incredible enthusiasm for the task, knowing that their efforts would make a difference in their community. As the project progressed, the students framed out the new perimeters and installed joists. They meticulously placed and installed the railing posts, ensuring safety and aesthetics for future visitors. Recently, they have started putting down the decking, and it is close to being finished just in time for the holiday break! The dedication and spirit of these students shine through as they brave the elements to complete this unique project, demonstrating their commitment to contributing positively to the community.

Our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students have officially started their clinical training at a local nursing home. This hands-on experience is a crucial part of their education, allowing them to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting. Under the guidance of their instructor, Mrs. Elie, and experienced healthcare professionals, they are gaining valuable skills in patient care, communication, and teamwork while making a positive impact on the lives of residents.

Students in our Business Law, Technical Math, and both Education programs took advantage of the opportunity to do CPR training this month. Karl Finley, from the Sanford Fire Department, provided the training. All of the students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the passion with which Mr. Finley presented the information.

If you have visited BHS's Tiger Gym or BRCOT you may have noticed the newly installed winter lights! Our electrical students, under the guidance of Mr. Bouthillette, worked with Dig Safe before completing the required underground excavating. Once the rigid conduit was set up students were able to successfully complete the necessary wiring, including pulling from power sources in two different buildings to bring this vision to light! The lights on the trees are controlled by a photo cell, coming on as it gets dark and turning off as it gets lighter.

Please take time to learn more about our instructors and their programs in our Staff Spotlight Feature below. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns, 207-282-1501.

Sincerely,

Paulette Bonneau, Director

• 12/23/24 - 1/1/2025 No School, Winter Break
  
  
• 1/2/2025 Classes Resume
  
  
• 1/8/2025 - Early Release
  
  
• 1/17/2025 - 2nd Quarter/First Semester Ends

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications for its 2025 Student Cabinet, open to students in grades 4-12, through December 20th. This Cabinet provides a forum for students to share their voices on educational initiatives, mental health, equity, and other key issues. Members meet with the Maine DOE via Zoom from January to April 2025, working collaboratively to shape policies and improvements in Maine’s education system. Applications are due Friday, December 20, 2024.

To make the most of the unique learning experiences at BRCOT, it’s important that students attend every day, on time, and ready to learn. Our A.M. session runs from 8:30-10:40, and the P.M. session is from 12:20-2:25. Since many activities cannot be replicated, missing a class could mean missing important one-time events.

If your child will be absent, please notify us by calling BRCOT. Automated text messages and calls are being made to parents/guardians if a student is absent without notification.

We would like to remind parents and students about the new cell phone policy. In the summer of 2024, the Biddeford School Committee passed Policy JICJ, which governs the use of cell phones and other electronic devices. This policy aligns with BRCOT’s established guidelines, as outlined in our Student/Parent Handbook.

At BRCOT, cell phones and other electronic devices, including smartwatches, must be turned off—not just placed in silent mode—during class time. Instructors may also require that devices be stored in designated classroom locations. Access to these devices during class may be allowed only for specific educational purposes.

1. Go to www. biddefordschools.me or this link.
   
   
2. Click on Campus Student
   
   
3. Student Username is: Student Number, not Personal ID or State ID number. The Student ID Number is usually found under their birth date. It has 5 numbers.
   
   
4. Password is: First name initial, Last name initial, Date of Birth. For example, if a student was born on September 9, 2004, they enter ts090904
   
   
5. If this fails, please contact Holly Scribner at 282-1501 or at hscribner@biddefordschools.me
   
   
6. If you are a BHS student, the school designation (upper right bar) from BHS to COT, or you will not see COT grades.

Note: If a student/parent forgets their sign-on information, after a few attempts you may get locked out. If this happens, contact Holly Scribner (282-1501) for a reset.

Email: paulette.b@biddefordschools.me
Website: https://www.biddefordschools.me/o/brct
Location: 10 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME, USA
Phone: 207-282-1501
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiddefordRegionalCenterOfTechnology