SKILLS Center News

Hello everyone,

I hope this message finds you well and brimming with excitement for the year ahead. I am John Shannon, and I am honored to serve as the Director of the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center (ENCRSC). Our center, nestled at 261 NW Corridor Blvd. in Burton Business and Industrial Park, stands as a beacon of learning and innovation in our community.

As we embark on this new journey, I am thrilled to share the remarkable developments and opportunities that await our students, parents, and partners. The ENCRSC was envisioned and crafted with a single purpose - to be a bridge between education and industry, equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to flourish in their chosen fields.

Over the years, we have steadfastly worked to cater to the needs of local and regional businesses, aligning our programs to the demands of an ever-evolving job market. Our diverse array of offerings includes Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Service, Collision Repair and Refinishing, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Fire Technology, Nursing, Welding, Robotics, Manufacturing, HVAC, Digital Design and Animation, Game Art Design, Network Administration, and Network Cybersecurity. These cutting-edge programs are designed to empower our students with the skills that employers are eagerly seeking.

One of the hallmarks of ENCRSC is the opportunity for high school students to acquire certifications and credentials that showcase their abilities and readiness for the professional world. Our commitment to excellence has attracted students from all 7 Onslow County high schools, the Onslow Virtual High School, as well as Lejeune High School. This diverse and vibrant community of learners enriches our environment and ensures a well-rounded learning experience for everyone involved.

As we step into this new chapter, let us remember that education is not merely about textbooks and classrooms. It's about nurturing curiosity, fostering collaboration, and nurturing dreams. Together, we will create an environment where every student can explore their passions and unlock their full potential.

I invite you to join us on this exciting journey of learning, growth, and achievement. Whether you're a student eager to explore a new realm of knowledge or a parent entrusting us with your child's education, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Thank you for being a part of the ENCRSC family. Here's to a year filled with inspiration, discovery, and success!

Warm regards,

John Shannon, Director

Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center

OCS is committed to providing a safe and productive learning environment for all our students. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the use of cell phones by students during school hours. While cell phones can be a valuable tool for learning, we have found that their use can also be a distraction and a source of conflict.

To address these concerns, and, as part of the ongoing review of the district’s policies, in February 2023, the Board of Education updated the district’s cell phone policy (Policy Code 4318: Use of Wireless Communication Devices).

Continuing in the 2024-2025 school year, students are permitted to have cell phones and other wireless communication devices on campus, so long as the devices are not activated, used, displayed, or visible during the instructional day or as otherwise directed by school rules or school personnel.

The importance of communication between school and home cannot be overstated. Research shows that students with engaged families earn higher grades and test scores, adapt more quickly, attend school more regularly, have better behavior and social skills, and go on to graduate at higher rates. Parents who have an idea of what is happening in the classroom are better equipped to help their students succeed and can align learning at home with learning at school.

Linked below are the webpages for each teacher here at the Skills Center. Please feel free to communicate with your child's teacher via email or you may reach them by calling 910.989.2020. We are all in this together for the success of each student!

• Automotive Technology - Adam Houston
• Collision Refinishing & Repair Technology - Robert Whaley
• Culinary Arts & Hospitality - Joseph Quispe
• Digital Design & Animation - Courtney Rogers
• Firefighter Technology - Steven Jones
• HVAC - Terry Braddom
• Network Administration/Security - Kari Cobb
• Nursing Fundamentals & Practicum - Kendra Hobbs
• Nursing Fundamentals & Practicum - Erica Boone
• Robotics & Engineering/Advanced Manufacturing - Susi Burger
• Welding - Brian Feil (CCCC)

You do NOT want to miss an opportunity to attend one of the Eastern NC Regional Skills Center Program Areas! Course options are available for ALL Onslow County and Lejeune high school students. See your Career Development Coordinator (CDC) or School Counselor for MORE information.

Jacksonville High School, (910) 989-2048

CDC: Mrs. Kim Maready, kim.maready@onslow.k12.nc.us

Northside High School, 910-455-4868

CDC: Mr. Tod Bonello, Tod.Bonello@onslow.k12.nc.us

Onslow Virtual Secondary School, (910) 455-1541

CDC:

Richlands High School, (910) 324-4191

CDC: Mrs. Tami Rosage, tami.rosage@onslow.k12.nc.us

Southwest High School, (910) 455-4888

CDC: Mr. Bryant York, bryant.york@onslow.k12.nc.us

Swansboro High School, (910) 326-4300

CDC: Mr. Brooks Clergy, brooks.clergy@onslow.k12.nc.us

White Oak High School, (910) 455-1541

CDC: Ms. Rechelle McIntyre, rechelle.mcintyre@onslow.k12.nc.us

The success of ENCRSC is not a solitary endeavor. We firmly believe that the synergy between education and industry is vital for our students' success. It is here that we see the critical importance of forging strong partnerships with businesses like yours. By collaborating closely with the business community, we ensure that our curriculum remains aligned with real-world demands. These partnerships provide invaluable opportunities for internships, mentorship, and even employment, giving our students a tangible taste of their chosen fields.

As we embark on this journey of education and empowerment, I extend a heartfelt invitation to businesses in our community to join hands with ENCRSC. Your involvement can profoundly impact the education and futures of our students. By working together, we can nurture a workforce that possesses both the skills and the passion required to drive our local industries forward. If this is something you are interested in exploring, please reach out to me personally at 910.989.2020 or John.Shannon@onslow.k12.nc.us.

Thank you for being an integral part of the ENCRSC family. Here's to a year filled with collaboration, growth, and mutual success!

Warm regards,

John Shannon, Director

Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center

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If you are interested in finding out more about the CTE programs we offer here at The Skills Center, please reach out to Emily Humphrey, at emily.humphrey@onslow.k12.nc.us.

Visit our site often to see what amazing things we have going on and are planning for the future.

Email: Emily.Humphrey@onslow.k12.nc.us
Website: https://rsc.onslow.k12.nc.us/
Location: 261 NW Corridor Blvd, Jacksonville, NC, USA
Phone: (910) 989-2020
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ENCRegionalSkillsCenter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rscworks/

Twitter: @eastern_nc