Porter County Career and Technical Education News Vol 18, Issue 7

By: Porter County Career and Technical Center Last Updated: February 17, 2012

Ball State is Where You Will Find Jessica Lohse Next Year

Jessica Lohse, CHS senior, 2nd year Cad, was recently accepted to Ball State for computer science and electronic art, and awarded an $18,000 Presidential Scholarship. Jessica is expected to receive both an Academic and a Technical Honors Diploma. Jessica is a member of the National Honor Society, Japanese Club, and Japanese Olympiad. Jessica’s future goals are to work at Pixar, a movie and animation company. Jessica passed the difficult Solidworks certification exam last year, which is the industry standard for computer assisted drafting professionas. Her instructor, Mr. Guinee, said that Jessica is very polite, intelligent, and committed. He is very proud of her work in class and her mentoring work at the Career Center.

Notre Dame Hockey Game

About 85 students and staff traveled to South Bend for a Notre Dame hockey game. Everyone had a great time, and one lucky student even caught a flying hockey puck.

Mentors Represent Programs at 8th Grade Careers Day

Students from all program areas could be found everywhere in Ben Franklin Middle School as they met with BF and Thomas Jefferson 8th graders to help them prepare for the high school careers. Our mentors helped the 8th graders with a web based unit on careers and then talked to them about their career class and what our students are planning to do with their advanced training after high school.

More mentors can be seen below demonstrating technology to 8th graders.

Community Note: Valparaiso Community Schools are hiring substitute teachers, contact the Human Relations Dept at 531-3000, for information on qualifications and on how to apply. Bus driver candidates are also welcome.

Star Career Center Morning Students

Star Afternoon Students

Attention High School Seniors

All students should file a FAFSA by Mar. 10 (received) for college financial aid (FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Financial Aid Presentations (to help parents and students know how to fill out FAFSA):

  • Valparaiso High School, 6:30 p.m., Jan. 10
  • Chesterton High School, 7 p.m., Jan 19, CHS cafe
  • Portage High School, 6:30 p.m., Jan. 25, East Auditorium
  • Boone Grove High School, 6 p.m., Feb. 7
  • Wheeler High School, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 16, auditorium

Parents -- Drug Test Kits Are Available

Low cost drug test kits are available from Ms. Sharon Cawood from the Porter County Substance Abuse Council. Ms. Cawood’s organization sells drug testing kits to parents who wish to test a child 17 years or younger. The kits are $5 and parents can purchase up to 4 of these kits at a time. Credit cards are not accepted, cash only, no checks, just cash. These kits will test for marijuana, heroin, cocaine and ecstacy. The Substance Abuse Council also has advice for parents on how to get your kids to say “No!” when it comes to using drugs. She also can help direct you to places in Porter County for help if your kid is already using. Ms. Cawood is not always in her office and so she asks that you call and make an appointment with her, do not just show up unexpected. She can be reached at (219) 462-0946.

Parents: Wouldn’t it be nice to know where your child is at all times? Police say that every extra minute a person is missing contributes to a greater possibility of an unhappy ending. If your student has a smart phone, there are apps available to help. I know a 17 year old may not want parents to follow them every second of the day, but maybe a compromise would be to have them followed by a friend or other relative. That way, in an emergency you would be able to have someone you know who could find out where they are. Following are some sample free apps:

Mike Berta and Michael Leopold Presented to CTE Faculty

Pictured is Portage School Superintendent, Mike Berta, who was honored at our recent faculty program at Stongbow Inn. Mr. Berta told the faculty how appreciative he was of the work they do and the compassion they have for kids. He told the story of the little five year old girl who came to his office to meet the school superintendent. Although, she thought he was someone special to him the five year old was the special person in the room. Mr. Berta is retiring this year and all of us wish him a wonderful, long, and stress free retirement. He has always been a friend of our programs and a leader who always chose to do the right things for kids. Thank you Mr. Berta for your service to CTE and to the Portage Twp Schools.

Michael Leopold, a CHS senior, who has been accepted to Yale University and who is a national speaker for the Tourette’s Syndrome Association spoke to the faculty about the issue of overcoming a disability. Michael impressed everyone with his poise and presentation. The lesson learned is that everyone needs to be treated according to his/her abilities and to focus on one’s strengths and accommodate their disability.

Calendar

  • February 15, Counselor Tour of Apprenticeship Programs, sponsored by the Construction Advancement Foundation
  • February 16, Career Center trip to the Chicago Auto Show
  • February 16, Portage HOSA Prom Fashion Show Fundraiser
  • February 24, Third Blood Drive hosted by Health Occupations Students
  • April 12, 3:30 pm, District Advisory Committee Meeting at the PCCTC