Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma, which is living with the result of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

- Steve Jobs, Apple founder

Our Skills Over Stereotypes event is next week. This event celebrates gender diversity in our programs. We welcome any student who is currently in the 6th to 8th grade to join us February 26 from 6 - 8 PM. Registration is required. More information can be found on the flyer in this newsletter.

The midpoint for quarter 3 is today. Progress grades will be available in WMCTC's Skyward after 6PM tonight.

Be sure to check out the long list of scholarships being offered near the end of this newsletter. Some have deadlines that are approaching soon. Take advantage of the many generous scholarships.

The New Student Application for the 2025-2026 school year is open. Please visit our website, to access the application.

**Current WMCTC students are not required to re-apply.**

We are looking for substitute teachers and an Instructional Assistant. Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center offers flexible hours and a great work environment. Please contact us for more details.

Have a great weekend!

Craig Robinson, Principal

This is a mandatory attendance day for Seniors only. We ask that no appointments be arranged on this day to allow Seniors to complete the last test of their NOCTI exams.

Make-up testing will not be available.

Parents - mark this date on your calendar. The Senior Recognition Ceremony will be at Spring-Ford high school on Wednesday, May 21 starting at 7:00PM.

More information will be sent as the date gets closer.

Make special note: This is not a graduation ceremony. Students continue to attend WMCTC after the day of the ceremony until the last student day designated by the high school.

Calling all middle school students. You are cordially invited to attend this event at WMCTC. Use this opportunity to visit one or two of your top choice programs. Registration is required. Use the QR Code below or use this link: https://forms.gle/Sj6WuzAkKwPscqb96

We hope to see you there.

Only the AM students will attend WMCTC in the morning session from 7:50 to 10:50.

PM students will stay at the high school all morning. Lunch is available for purchase in the cafeteria.

Buses will pick up students at 10:50 to go back to the high school for dismissal.

For WMCTC Seniors who are not on co-op: The week of March 3rd through the 7th will be Mock Interview Week. Each shop will have a day where volunteers from the industry will come in and conduct a practice interview that will last about 10-15 minutes. Seniors are expected to come on their assigned day dressed as they would in an actual interview in industry. They are also expected to bring a current resume. This will be a graded assignment, but it is also good practice for real life after graduation. If there are any questions, please email Ms. Powers at jpowers@westerncenter.org.

Each week, there will be one or two programs and students spotlighted. We enjoy hearing what students are doing, why they are here, and what they plan to do when they leave WMCTC. Please enjoy their stories.

Kaylie Guerrero

Kaylie Guerrero is an Upper-Perkiomen senior who is a part of the Biomedical program. She enjoys her class because she finds joy in learning about the bodily topics and how they function. She has been a part of the WMCTC program for four years and has been efficient and prideful in her work. Kaylie enjoys snowboarding. After WMCTC, Kaylie plans to go to Undergrad for her biology degree then transfer to medical school for dermatology or neuroradiology. In regards to her experience at WMCTC, Kaylie says, “I find it admirable that my fellow students stick with their program and do their best to thrive.”

Gisella Ramos

Gisella Ramos is an Upper-Perkiomen senior who is a part of the Biomedical program. She enjoys her class because she finds the topic of human anatomy fascinating. She has been a part of the WMCTC program for four years and is organized and proficient in her work. Gisella loves music, she also happens to play the piano and ukulele. After WMCTC, Gisella intends to go to nursing school for a bachelor’s degree, gain experience in the OR, then go back to school for her RNFA certificate. In regards to her experience at WMCTC, Gisella says, “it’s been fun to make many memories with my friends.”

Alyssa Delaney

Alyssa Delaney is a Spring-Ford senior who is a part of the Dental Program. She enjoys her class because of the experience she receives and grows from. She has been a part of the WMCTC program for four years and is invested and efficient in her work. Alyssa likes working at Handel’s and crocheting. After WMCTC, Alyssa will go to a dental college for dental hygiene and earn a degree. In regards to her experience at WMCTC, Alyssa says, “I enjoy the overall experience I receive and look forward to using it in the future.”

Corinn Carter

Corinn Carter is a Pope John Paul junior who is a part of the Dental program. She enjoys her class because she is grateful for the experience she is gaining each year. She has been a part of the WMCTC program for three years and is invested and proficient in her work. Corinn enjoys baking and knows how to play the flute. After WMCTC, Corinn intends to go to college for dental hygiene. In regards to her experience at WMCTC, Corinn says, “i’m grateful for the opportunity that most other kids aren’t able to get.”

Lily Bommarito

Lily Bommarito is a Spring-Ford junior who is a part of the Dental program. She enjoys her class because of her fellow students and her teacher. She has been a part of the WMCTC program for three years and is proficient and organized in her work. Lily enjoys playing tennis and medical photography. After WMCTC, Lily plans to attend a dental hygiene college and work in a dental office. In regards to her experience at WMCTC, Lily says, “it’s nice to see others making progress and how teamwork can benefit others.”

For the Cafeteria at Western Center:

Our cafeteria is currently operated by the Spring-Ford Food Service Department. Below is a link to our web page for information on utilizing eFunds for your student lunch account, charging guidelines, lunch menus and applying for the free/reduced lunch program.

https://www.westerncenter.org/Page/662

Please feel free to reach out to Tracy Bogucki at tbogu@spring-ford.net or 610-705-6209 with any questions you may have.

Are you going on a trip? A family vacation perhaps?

If you know in advance that your student will be absent from school for three or more days, please complete an Advance Notification of Extended Absence form. They are located on the WMCTC website or by emailing Attendance@westerncenter.org.

Once you have the form, your student is responsible for taking it to their high school principal and WMCTC instructor for them to sign. Don't bring it to the Attendance Desk until you have both of those signatures! We will then accept the form for Mr. Robinson to consider for approval. Happy travels!

The arrival and dismissal times below are for regular schedule days. On those days where schedules are changed (early dismissal, delays, etc.) the schedule will be shared at that time.

This schedule is used when ALL SCHOOLS have a 2-hour delay. AM and PM students are required to attend WMCTC on 2-hour delay days. Program times are shortened, but not cancelled, due to the condensed school day. The arrival and dismissal times are in line with each high school's 2-hour delay schedule.

Below are the PE schedule cycle days for the 2024-2025 school year. This is not a Monday-Friday schedule. This only lists the 'day' each shop is assigned their PE session.

Farther below this schedule is the calendar which shows when students will report to PE.

**Due to Student-Run-Enterprises, our cycle days do not follow in numeric order**

Below are the February and March calendars for PE Days at WMCTC. PE days are announced daily stating the current day cycle and the next day's cycle.

Through the year, cycle days may not be in numeric order.

****If a student misses their PE class, they must check Mr. English's Google Classroom for their assignment. It is the responsibility of the student to complete work that has been missed.****

Salon is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 11-2!

Can’t make it early? We are open until 7PM every other Thursday!

Check out our Instagram @wmctc_salon (Scan the QR code below)

Online booking is also available by clicking the link to The Salon below or call 610-489-7272 x 211

The Salon

Our ECE students have had opportunities throughout the year to visit local schools for observations. Below are pictures from their visit to The Goddard School for observations and their visit to Montgomery County Community College.

Would you like to be gaining more experience in your trade while also earning a paycheck? Co-Op gives you this opportunity! Students attend their sending high school in the morning and may work in their trade instead of attending WMCTC two to four afternoons a week. A fantastic privilege that takes planning and preparation. Students or families must provide transportation to the job site, students must meet qualifications and be hired by a participating company. Students are encouraged to speak with their instructor and Ms. Mueller in the Co-Op office to find out more.

Here is what you need to know: (from the Student Handbook p.15)

Juniors (in the Spring) and Seniors are eligible for the Cooperative Education Program based on their grades, attendance, task grid completion, NOCTI pre-test score, and technical instructor and principal recommendations. A student who has five (5) or more unexcused absences from school or more than ten (10) days excused absences from school may not be eligible for the Cooperative Education Program.

Email Attendance@WesternCenter.org or call 610-489-7272 extension 209 regarding any attendance-related concerns (excuse notes, early dismissals, attendance letters, etc.).

https://www.westerncenter.org/Domain/123

Parents, remember, you can sign on to WMCTC’s Skyward to see your student’s grades, attendance, assignments, discipline, and other important information. Go to www.westerncenter.org, click For Parents & Students at the bottom of the page, then choose Skyward Family/Student Access.

Forgot your username or password? Contact Mrs. Yusko at ayusko@westerncenter.org

Have you moved?

Be sure to send your new address information to Student Services at studentservices@westerncenter.org

Please note that the high school does not forward change-of-address information to WMCTC.

If an item has been lost or misplaced, it might be in Lost and Found in the Student Services office. These items may have been left on the bus, in our cafeteria or a classroom. Stop by to see if anything belongs to you.

If you've lost something, check it out!

If a student tests positive for COVID please stay home until symptoms are improving AND the student is fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Please let WMCTC nurse (ddavison@westerncenter.org) as well as attendance (attendance@westerncenter.org) know the student has tested positive and will be out.

If a household family member tests positive for COVID but the student is completely symptom free, the student may come to school.

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When a student isn't feeling well, he/she needs to visit the nurse for consultation. If a student contacts their parents without seeing the nurse, the student will still need to see Ms. Davison before dismissal.

Use this link to access the application for the PACTA Scholarship

www.cte.iup.edu/scholarship

Deadline: March 28

From the PHEAA office in Harrisburg, you can take advantage of the following informative sessions to help navigate the world of financial aid.

All scholarships are now open to apply. Deadline is March 31 for all scholarships. Please check with the Future Planning Center at Spring-Ford for more information.

At Pottstown campus on April 12 and at Blue Bell campus on April 26. Use the QR code to the right to register (the one in the flyer is not working) or go to mc3.edu/openhouse

Deadline is January 31, 2025

There is a scholarship opportunity for Upper Perk Seniors.

A $1500 scholarship is available for a student looking to attend a 4-year college or entering the workforce. Applications can be picked up in WMCTC Student Services or the high school office.

The deadline is April 14th. Don't procrastinate - apply now!

The Herb It Forward Foundation (HIFF) is proud to share that we will award 30 renewable scholarships again this year, totaling over $80,000. HIFF has celebrated Philadelphia Area students since 2015 through scholarships and community activities, including our well-known annual Leadership Camp. We hope to reach your students with this opportunity. Our scholarship program seeks applicants who:

1. Reside in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, or Delaware counties in Pennsylvania, Camden, Gloucester, or Burlington counties in New Jersey.
2. Have demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to their communities.
3. Demonstrate a strong financial need.
4. Are passionate about connecting with a community of like-minded peers.
5. Please note: We are not a traditional merit scholarship; we are looking for changemakers who want to improve their communities and our world.

To see the program's full eligibility guidelines or have your students apply, please visit our website at https://www.herbie.com/hif-scholarship/.

Deadline is March 3

Deadline is April 19

Scholarship Opportunity

Deadline is April 3

This is a scholarship for high school JUNIORS

Deadline is March 1

Entries must be sent to Monica@paaflcio.org by April 15, 2025

The Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will be awarding deserving seniors in the Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery county areas with a $1,000 scholarship for school this fall. We know that during these trying times, an award such as this can be immensely helpful to our scholars.

DEADLINE IS MARCH 9, 2025

Deadline is April 4, 2025

Seniors need to have 3 things in place to be awarded SOAR credits.

-Score overall Competent or Advanced on NOCTI testing

-Have a final cumulative GPA of 2.75 in your technical area

-Have a completed task list with all tasks marked at proficiency level

(SOAR does not include Cosmetology and Sports Medicine programs).

Students meeting these requirements will be mailed home all paperwork needed for SOAR credits. These credits are good for 16 months after graduation. Students refer to collegetransfer.net for participating schools.

What if I do not qualify for SOAR or my school is not connected to SOAR?

Take anything you have completed/earned from WMCTC (Certifications/NOCTI results/task list) to your school of interest. See if they will award any advance credit or allow you to test out of class. BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE.

Attention students: Saint Francis University is offering a Zoom information session to learn about their Department of Professional Studies on December 10th at 6:00PM. Eligible WMCTC students interested in this specific program might earn a tuition discount. Attend the Zoom for further information: https://francis-edu.zoom.us/j/86380680283?from=addon

The mission of the Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center is to prepare quality citizens for lifelong productivity in a challenging and changing world by forming innovative partnerships among family, school, and community.

Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center, in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, will not discriminate in educational programs which it operates, or in admission or enrollment procedures on the basis of race, religion, sex, color, age, national origin, or handicap and provides equal access to the boyscouts and other designated youth groups. The Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution. We assure that procedures and practices are followed to provide equal access to all programs. Any questions concerning the application of Title IX, compliance or complaints may be referred to Donna Wilson, Compliance Officer, at 77 Graterford Road, Limerick, PA 19468 610-489-7272, ext. 203

Email: crobinson@westerncenter.org
Website: https://www.westerncenter.org/
Location: 77 Graterford Road, Royersford, PA, USA
Phone: (610) 489-7272
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WESTERNMONTGOMERYCTC/