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Hannaford Career Center Newsletter
October 2023
Happy Halloween!
We've had so much fun this month! Our students have been busy, busy, busy! This month's newsletter has pictures and highlights from some of the exciting activities we did in October.
This month, we are highlighting our new administration team. We also have some important (and fun!) news and reminders to keep in mind as we move through fall.
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π£ Upcoming Events π£
Monday, October 30 - Friday, November 10: Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday, November 3: NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, November 8: Early Release
Thursday, November 9: Open House
We will do a Ribbon Cutting for the new construction, and the building will be open for tours
Monday, November 20 - Friday, November 24: NO SCHOOL
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Spotlight on the New Administration π¦
π 3 Female Doc's Take the Helm! π’
Please help us welcome them. Open house is coming up - if you haven't met them yet, please feel free to introduce yourself.
DR. NICOLE MACTAVISH - Superintendent & Director
Nicole has served in the public education and non-profit sector for over 25 years. While married to an active duty Naval Aviator, Nicole had the opportunity to work around the world, serving students. Nicole now serves as the Superintendent of the Patricia A. Hannaford Regional Technical School District in Middlebury.
Nicole started her education career while still in college, running a non-profit arm of the University of Washington, which offered enrichment courses to the community, while also serving as a GED instructor at the downtown Seattle YMCA.
Upon graduation, Nicole started her K-12 career as a high school counselor and then as a high school English teacher and Associated Student Body advisor in Washington. From there, Nicole served as an assistant principal and principal at both the middle and high school levels in Washington and Oregon.
Nicole then had the opportunity to move overseas, where she ran a Boys and Girls Club of America for the United States Army in Germany.
Nicole then moved back to the United States, starting her work at the district level, serving the roles of secondary Special Education Director in Washington and later as a Curriculum Director in Idaho. From there, she became an Assistant Superintendent in Idaho, a Deputy Superintendent in Washington, and a Chief Academic Officer in Oregon.
Nicole then took a position in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, working for the United States Army, overseeing the K-12 school system, the Child Development Center, and the School Age Centers on USAG Kwajalein Atoll.
The lure of working with CTE at PAHCC brought Nicole back to the United States, where she now lives in Middlebury with her husband and son, who attends Middlebury Union High School, and their lovable but neurotic border collie.
Nicole has two bachelorβs degrees, one in English Literature and one in Communications, and a masterβs degree in Education from the University of Washington. Nicole earned her doctorate in education from Seattle University and her Urban Superintendent credential through a joint program of the American Association of School Superintendents and Howard University. Nicole is also credentialed in Human Resources and as a CTE Director.
DR. WENDY PRATT - Assistant Director
We are happy that Wendy has returned to PAHCC as our Assistant Director. She was with us from 2015 to 2022 as our Curriculum Coordinator and Math Coach. Wendy has worked as an educator for over 20 years and has held many leadership and administrative positions throughout her career. She has taught middle school through college-level students both in the classroom and online.
Wendy has a strong technical background and extensive experience in being a woman leading in male-dominated fields. Her education started at Vermont Technical College (Now Vermont State University), where she got her AE in Computer Technology and AE in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology.
She then made her move into teaching after getting her BA in Mathematics from Norwich Univerity, followed by her MS in Education from the University of New England (UNE). She showed her belief in lifelong learning when she went back to school again and obtained her EdD in Educational Leadership from UNE.
Wendy has lived in Vermont her whole life and loves small-town living. She dedicated many years of her life to community service while raising her two children with her husband in Rochester. She now has two grandchildren (with a third on the way!) and is about to move to Middlebury with her brother and her three chocolate labs.
DR. JOY VERPLANCK - Assistant Director to Adult Education & Curriculum
Joy is a veteran. She was a Captain in the US Army, and she speaks Korean. Joy earned her BA in Political Science from Salisbury University, her MS in Organizational Leadership and Instructional Design from Colorado State University, and her Doctorate in Educational Technology from Central Michigan University.
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News π°
Women Can Do πͺ
Attendees had the opportunity to use teamwork to learn skills such as crosscut sawing, ascending a local fire ladder, intubating, and other medical skills. They also had a very special meeting with skilled craftspeople from our local area who operate A Revolutionary Press in New Haven.
A myriad of other exciting Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (and Medical) enterprises were represented at the conference by women in their field!
Happy Halloween π»
Our entire staff dressed up as Natural Resource Management instructor, Aaron Townshend!
New Hire π
I am happy to announce that someone many of you know has agreed to return to the PAHCC Team to help us part-time as our Grants and Partnership Coordinator.
David Robers will work between 10 and 20 hours a week, as his schedule allows, helping us with our numerous grants, and with the Makery and Teen Makery. David is currently consulting locally, helping businesses and non-profit organizations with strategy, grants, board development, and project management. David was the Adult Education Coordinator here at PAHCC from 2020-2022, and before that worked for Vermont Adult Learning. Welcome home, David!
Happenings From Class π«
Human Services - Prenatal Development π€°
Students in the afternoon Human Services Program wrapped up their prenatal development unit by sculpting the various stages of fetal development, beginning with conception and ending with a seven-and-a-half-pound baby. Students needed to stay true to average length and weight measurements, while also including important milestones such as limb, organ, hair, and fingernail development.
Ultimately, students produced and presented an accompanying slide show while showcasing their sculptures and discussing how both positive and negative influences can shape the course of development throughout these first nine months.
Automotive Technology - Heritage Ford & Toyota π
Automotive Technology visited Heritage Ford and Toyota in South Burlington.
We saw their extensive Ford parts warehouse and service bays first. We witnessed many major overhauls being done in that shop. Next, we toured their detailing facility, where they detail their cars, as well as cars from the general public and other dealerships.
From there we went to their state-of-the-art body shop. They are the only certified Tesla body repair facility in the area.
In the Toyota shop, we observed them doing maintenance. We also saw a machine that you drive a vehicle into. Once inside, the machine takes a 360-degree picture, checks tire tread depth and alignment, and records all kinds of data about the vehicle. It was an excellent field trip that showed our students what a real-world, modern shop looks like.
Addison Repertory Theater (ART) - Story Theatre π«
In October, the actors of the Addison Repertory Theater traveled to Red Cedar School in Bristol and Bingham Memorial School in Cornwall to present the children's show Story Theatre. ART also traveled to Bridport for the final performance of the play.
ART traditionally starts the year with a children's show. These shows tend to be light on technical aspects and use a bare minimum of costuming and props. This way, actors must focus on vocal and bodywork - skills they will further develop as the year progresses. It also provides students the opportunity to practice marketing skills as students are responsible for contacting schools and scheduling performances.
Through the children's shows, ART brings theater to kids around Addison County. For many students in elementary school, this is their first chance to experience a live performance.
Introduction to STEM - Trebuchets π―
Students in Introduction to STEM tested their trebuchets for the first time this week. They are finding points for improvement during the testing phase for recorded launches next week and will make improvements for round two.
Medical Professions - HOSA Fall Leadership Conference π€
On Thursday, October 12th, students from Jenn Bakerβs Medical Professions program attended the HOSA Fall Leadership Conference held at Norwich University.
Students started the day with a welcome speech, introductions, and a business meeting led by state officers. One of those state officers is our own Emma Deering, a senior here at PAHCC. Students learned the HOSA Core Values and had many opportunities to learn about becoming a health professional.
Students were able to different workshops. Some workshop topics were: how to survive nursing school; careers in surgical technology; air ambulance and critical transport; skin cancers; rashes and procedures; the perioperative sphere; and mental health careers and pathways.
Construction Technology 1 - Outdoor Classroom Project π¨
We learned valuable lessons in communication and working as a team. The next steps will be the post and beam frame along with a metal roof system.
Construction Technology 2 - Tiny House π
The second-year students in Construction Tech have been diligently working on their Tiny House project in collaboration with local not-for-profit Homes First VT. The students were able to show off their progress and craftsmanship at a weekend open house.
Students are close to finishing our interior paneling - tongue and groove pine. Our wood interior gives the Tiny House a warm feeling while providing a little more structural integrity as it travels down the road. A whitewash stain for the walls and a clear coat on the ceiling will provide a modern look.
Up next, we will be finishing the bathroom, electrical, and stairs and framing for the loft.
Mechanical Science - Oxy-Fuel Welding πΆοΈ
Mechanical Science students are digging deeper into the metal unit. We introduced Oxy-Fuel cutting and heating. Some students began practicing this technique, while others continued to hone their skills with the stick, welding flat and vertical welds.
Our new Instructional Assistant, Julie Clark, has provided great support and instruction, as well as the ability to split the class into two sections with one of us working in the welding lab, and the other working in our shop with Oxy-Fuel torches and MIG welders. We can now simultaneously offer support and instruction at multiple places throughout the unit, meeting kids where they are and providing more opportunities to practice and advance.
Natural Resource Management - Game of Logging πͺ΅
NRM students and faculty, joined by Superintendent Dr. MacTavish, spent two full days in the woods of Wright Park. Professionals from Northeast Woodlands taught students and staff in Game of Logging: a world-recognized training curriculum that teaches chainsaw skills.
This industry-recognized safety and technical training course is a true resume builder for students and is widely recognized as an Industry Recognized Credential.
These were days well spent - felling trees safely, efficiently, and in a quality manner. The trees will eventually be milled by these same students and used in their skidder bridge-building project.
Sustainable Agriculture - Farm to Plate Initiative πΎ β‘οΈ π½οΈ
As a component of ACPCCβs Farm to Plate initiative, little friends were eager to learn about our goats and chickens and climb on our tractors and NRMβs heavy equipment.
Culinary Arts - Birthday Cake π
Our culinary arts students surprised Financial Assistant Candace Jones for her birthday with a gorgeous (and tasty) birthday cake. The students made the cake and did a fantastic presentation to Candace, telling her about their creation.
Students also surprised Business Director Becca Goulet for her birthday! The chocolate cake with buttercream frosting was delicious!
The Glass Onion, the student-run restaurant is also undergoing some changes, so stay tuned for news from our kitchen!
Design & Illustration - Logos π§
Evva Dicovitisky in Design & Illustration presented multiple logo designs for members of The Glass Onion to consider as part of their rebranding effort. Evva worked independently with their client to revise and refine the final design.
Evva is also currently working on redesigning the A.R.T. logo - stay tuned!
Engineering and Architecture - Restaurant Design π΄
The Engineering and Architecture class has been working on a project with Chef Jill for the past couple of weeks, helping to prepare plans for reconfiguring the restaurant space.
The students started by field measuring the existing conditions in the restaurant and worked on hand-drafting floor plans and building an architectural model to show their ideas.
Now they are digging into industry guidelines on restaurant seating layout, fire code capacity, handicapped accessibility, functional layout of the service station, and traffic flow patterns. The architectural model of the restaurant is under construction, and we held a coordination meeting with Chef Jill to follow up on some details.
Visual Communications - Cartooning βοΈ
Cartoonist Ellis Rosen, a former student of Lisa Raderβs, joined the Visual Communications classroom via Zoom to kick off our cartooning and animated gif unit. Ellis talked with students about his work and career, sharing back stories for his cartoons that have appeared in The New Yorker, Paris Review, and The Washington Post.
Diesel - Diagnostics π
Jarod Richmond, a Hannaford Diesel alumnus from 2021, now a technician at Champlain Valley Equipment, visited with Diesel 1 students with a Magnum 250 to demonstrate diagnostics.
Automotive & Diesel - Toyota Simulators π»
Sustainable Agriculture - Livestock Behavior π€
Sustainable Agriculture students are wrapping up the Livestock Behavior unit by studying Dr. Temple Grandinβs impacts on Autism advocacy and humane animal handling research. Students are shown βThinking in pictures.β
Mechanical Science & Natural Resources - Tractors and Sawmills and Surveys (Oh My!)π·
Students from Hayden Thomsenβs Mechanical Science classes and Aaron Townshendβs Natural Resources classes joined the North Campus team as students learned to drive tractors and operate other large equipment, how to survey, and how to use the portable sawmill.
Design & Illustration - Event Posters πͺ§
Several Design & Illustration students designed prototype posters for local and regional events:
Evva Dicovitsky (Sheldon Museum)
Robin Andrus (Addison County Chamber of Commerce)
Robin Chamberlain (Middlebury Skate Park Mini Meetups)
Jeremy Holzhammer (Higher Ground)
Avery Vant (P.A.L.)
Monse Garcia-Ramirez (Viva El Sabor)
Joyce Ross (Trunk or Treat)
Ashka Violi (The HUB)
Sustainable Agriculture - Chainsaw Safety πͺ
Vermont Family Forests, a Bristol-based forest education non-profit, generously offered PAHCC 3 seats in a Basic Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance class.
Sustainable Agriculture students Toby Tillotson, Mackenzie Chase, and Alex Henley signed up for the spots and completed the 8-hour training in Lincoln last week taught by Northeast Forest Training instructor David Birdsall.
Mackenzie took her turn cutting a "cookie" to practice safe and accurate technique and all three students showed their products. Many thanks to Sandra Murphy at Vermont Family Forests for making this possible for these students.
Industrial Design & Fabrication - Hazelett Metal Casting π
Students in Kyle Trudo's Industrial Design & Fabrication class took a trip to Hazelett in Colchester.
Hazelett is a global leader in the design and manufacture of continuous casting machines. Students were able to observe how a large operation casts aluminum, copper, lead, and zinc.
This picture shows students Jimmy and Mike with Hazelett's Manufacturing Engineer Dan Gleason.
Construction Technology - Maple Landmark π
Construction Tech 1 was invited to visit the Maple Landmark woodworking factory in Middlebury this week.
The students got a behind-the-scenes tour of a successful Vermont business that has grown from the ground up. We learned how they transform rough stock hardwood into a valuable product.
Thank you to Mike Rainville and the team for making one of our favorite visits every year happen!
Diesel - Electric Vehicle Safety π
Diesel Instructor Gretchen Cotell attended an Electric Vehicle safety class presented by Vermont Clean Cities Coalition and hosted by Green Mountain Transit. Jacob Sturtevant, a PAHCC Diesel alumnus from 2020, also attended the class as the University of Vermont's newest fleet technician!
Introduction to Agricultural Sciences - Cider & Salsa π₯«
Students visited a vegetable farm and apple orchard. They also participated in cider-making and canning salsa.
Natural Resources & Intro to Ag - Land Judging π±
11th and 12th grade students from Natural Resource Management and 9th and 10th grade students from Introduction to Agriculture took a trip to Vermont State University (formerly Vermont Technical College).
Both classes engaged with land judging - testing soil textures, permeability, drainage, and ultimate growth potential for agricultural and other uses. The students competed against students from around the state. PAHCC scored the highest in the state!
Engineering & Architecture - Balloon-Powered Car π
CAD 2 students in Carl Crawford's class are finishing up a unit where they designed and built a balloon-powered car. They designed the car in the CAD software, 3D printed it, tested it, and then refined and improved their designs.
Lily Root created this outstanding design that worked very well. She had to refine her design several times, learning from what did not work well in the prototypes. Lily's creativity, self-motivation, design mindset, tenacity, and spatial visualization skills are exceptional. She inspires me and pushes me to create more challenging projects for the students to practice the engineering design method.
Sustainable Agriculture - Phoenix Feeds & Nutrition π½
Sustainable Agriculture students visited Phoenix Feeds & Nutrition in New Haven. They were hosted by PAHCC Sustainable Agriculture alumna, Jordan Hubbell, who is now the Quality Assurance Manager. Students learned about careers in feed manufacturing and toured the facility.
Human Services - Designing a Play Space π
Students in the morning Human Services class have been busy applying their observation skills this week.
Each student has spent a morning in the Addison County Parent-Child Center's PlayLab, objectively documenting their observations of preschoolers. Data collected will be used to help students design a developmentally appropriate play space next door.
Diesel 1 - Engine Overhaul ποΈ
Diesel 1 students have been working on shop engine measurements for their overhaul unit.
Natural Resource Management - Watershed Science π
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Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center is open to students from 9th grade through adult and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or age in its programs or activities.
The following personnel have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:
Brenda Logee, School Counseling Coordinator
(802) 382-1007
Mike Adaman, Special Needs Coordinator
(802) 382-1027
Email: info@pahcc.org
Website: https://www.hannafordcareercenter.org/
Location: 51 Charles Avenue, Middlebury, VT, USA
Phone: 802-382-1012
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareerCenterVT/