A Three-Year Goal: Cosmetology Seniors Earn Their Licenses

Many heard this piece of beauty advice: "Be the very best version of yourself!"  Every cosmetology student strives to make sure this happens, but it is the responsibility of a cosmetologist to make SURE this happens.

Recently, two of our LCCTC Cosmetology seniors, Lacey Lopes and Kayla Baker,  fulfilled their obligations needed to take their cosmetology test to become licensed cosmetologists.

What does this entail?  A lot of time in theory and shop -- 1250 hours in all!  Let's not forget the online study and practice through Milady -- the industry-standard course.

After all of the theory and hands-on training, they needed to complete a 100 point online comprehensive test.  Both passed and are now licensed to work in Pennsylvania salons that offer services for hair, skin, and nails.

Lacey Lopes, licensed cosmetologist

Lacey Lopes credits Mrs. Cepro and Ms. Marino from the cosmetology shop for helping her achieve this goal.  In fact, she publicly acknowledged them in her Facebook post:  "Thank you to my teachers for helping me prepare."  She recognizes that this achievement is much more than book work; it takes careful, patient mentoring and dedication from the student AND the teachers.  

Kayla Baker, licensed cosmetologist

When Kayla Baker's college roommate posted, "Does this mean you can tone my hair in our dorm room next year?"  Kayla responded with confidence, "You know it!"  Setting a long-term goal, working toward that goal over a three-year-period, and finally meeting that goal is an enormous accomplishment.  It took over 400 training hours each year for three years to learn, advance, and master the art of cosmetology.

Congratulations to Lacey Lopes and Kayla Baker -- and to their teachers -- for meeting this goal.

To read more articles from The LCCTC Eagle, click here:  http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/

SWPB Picnic

If you drove by the school at lunchtime, you'd think, "Hey -- there are a ton of kids outside."  Then you'd realize, "They look like they're having a blast!"  ...and they were!

This afternoon, Mother Nature sprinkled a healthy dose of cheer to over 200 LCCTC students, free of disciplinary write-ups for the entire year.  Yes -- you heard it right...discipline-free...no write-ups...GOOD KIDS!  

As part of the School Wide Positive Behavior initiative, these students were invited to attend a picnic lunch, participate in plenty of outdoor games in a music-filled atmosphere, and enjoy a healthy dose of sunshine.  There were also gobs (yes -- that's a measurable unit) of delicious home-made cookies and a chance to win over $400 in gift cards. All students were entered for a chance to win an  iPad Mini, but there was only one lucky winner:  Louis Slavic!

It was evident:  the kids loved it, the staff loved it, and all had a really good time!  

"I love our school," remarks Samara Grimes, Health Assistance junior.  "I can't think of any other school that does this, and it's amazing.  We do have a lot of good kids, and I appreciate that they acknowledge it."  

In addition to the SWPBS Team and the teaching and secretarial staff, special THANK YOUs go to Beth Clem and all the girls in the cafeteria, Custodians George Dudich and Rich Haybarger, and officer Preisel.

To see more SWPB events throughout the year, click here:  Baseball, Fishing, Hockey

You're looking at over 200 LCCTC students who are
discipline-referral-free for the entire school year!

Dig in!

Enjoying lunch and sunshine!

Friends for life

Barker was cookin' up dogs!  Ironic.
(get it -- "barker"/dogs?  LOL)

Simon and Orelli:  Service with a smile!

Yum!  Cooked to perfection!

Keeping it cool in the shade.

Gift card winners!

Dodge, duck, dip, dive, dodge...

Enjoying some sun!

Getting ready to chow down!

Hanging out with friends at the picnic

Congratulations, Louie!  Mr Rich presents the grand prize:  an iPad Mini!

Corn Hole!

Enjoying time with friends

Goofing around

Nom, nom, nom...

Sunshine twins!

Fun and games!

Having a blast!

RUN!

Get 'em! 

Fresh air and fun

Smiles!

Laughter!

To read more articles from The LCCTC Eagle, click here:  http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/ 

Great News from NewsELA!

Over the last month, Ms. McVicker's 10th and 11th grade English students were involved in a pilot program with NewsELA, and even though the trial lasted for a little more than two months, they have seen improvement in the Nonfiction Reading scores!

Brendan Green reads a current
event article of his choosing.

What is Newsela?   "Newsela is an innovative way to build reading comprehension with nonfiction that's always relevant: daily news." Newsela is a user-friendly way for students to select and read the same high-interest current event articles, but at their own personal reading levels. At the end of each reading, they take a quiz aligned to the state standards, and they (and the teacher) can monitor progress. They can also "talk to the text" and highlight -- solid, research-based strategies to improve reading comprehension. 

How did the improvement happen?  First, students used the San Diego Test to determine a starting point for their reading -- their Lexile level.  Then, they signed up for their free account to NewsELA.  Finally -- they began reading!  What did they read?  Articles THEY were interested in -- and a few that were assigned, too.  Each academic week for homework, students were challenged to accumulate 9 correct answers for a cumulative total of 27 points over the three weeks of academic classes.

What do students like about NewsELA?  

• "It helped me improve my grade and I feel like I am a better reader!  Being able to see my results in the binder confirms that I have improved.  It makes me want to read more."  ~  Linzy Miller, gr 10 Vet Tech
• "I was able to learn about different topics that interested me -- things I never would have read about in a traditional classroom."  ~  Hallie Joyce, gr 10 Cosmetology
• "I like wolves, and I was happy to know that I could find lots of articles on that topic and more!  It made me want to read."  ~ Briana Smith, gr 10 Commercial Art
• "I feel like I learned something after reading.  I always found something interesting."  Zoi Waite, gr 10 Computer and Office Technology
• "If I must read, at least I could pick what I wanted to read!"  ~ Kindal Procopio, gr 10 Commercial Art

How do students prove their progress?  After each article, students took a 4 point test.  At first, these quizzes were tough -- unfamiliar, but as time went on, they got easier.  Why?  Because they were using better reading strategies?  They were reading with a purpose!  

The results?  Since March, over 1,125 articles have been read and quizzes have been taken.  Over the last month, the 10th grade students improved their scores by 5%, and the 11th grade students have improved their scores by 13%!   Now THAT's progress!  As a final activity, students will analyze their progress -- improvement in quiz scores and increases in Lexile levels.  

What's next?  Students, current and incoming, will be offered the chance to start the 2016-2017 school year with bonus points in their English classes by joining Camp Newsela, a summer reading challenge; for more information on this, click here:  Summer Reading Challenge.

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Check it out for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RPPSs-zBA8

To read more articles from The LCCTC Eagle, click here:  http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/ 

Camp NewsELA: Summer Reading Challenge

STEP 1: Sign up & join a class with LCCTC.

Students new to NewsELA should sign up (free). Then, use the following class codes to earn bonus in your English class at the beginning of the next school year with the summer reading challenge at LCCTC (all participating should join these classes).  All students who wish to participate should join one of these classes:

• Summer Reading Class of 2017 ~ 48F5DP 
• Summer Reading Class of 2018 ~ 26Z2XZ 
• Summer Reading Class of 2019 ~ ZTK9JB

STEP 2: Join NewsELA's Summer Reading Club, "Camp NewsELA"

Click HERE to see how easy it is!  http://support.newsela.com/hc/en-us/articles/208874926-Camp-Newsela

Join one of the clubs (and read as much as you'd like).  The clubs offered:

• Kids Heroes Club:  HEROES:  Articles about kids making big impacts in their communities
• Animals Club:  ANIMAL:  All about animals
• Politics Club:  EL2016:  Stay informed about important points in our government
• Space Club:  2SPACE:  Articles that are "out of this world!"
• Strong-of-Stomach Club:  STRONG:  Articles that will make your stomach turn -- so interesting, you won't want to turn away!
• Technology Club:  TECHNO:  Stories about gadgets, gizmos, and all sorts of techie stuff!
• Spanish Club:  SPCLUB:  Most popular articles -- all written in the language!

STEP 3: READ!

Each week, students will read all assigned articles (2 per week) and take the associated quizzes.  You CAN read more than the assigned articles.

LCCTC:  Will you get bonus?  Yes -- from your LCCTC teachers!  :-)  What if you don't score at least a 2/4 on your quiz?  Here are suggestions:

• Make sure you are able to completely focus on your reading.
• Highlight and talk to the text as you read.
• Consider that your Lexile is a little high and drop your level.
• Read a different article and try again!

According to NewsELA, here's how Camp Newsela will run:

• Beginning on Monday, June 13th, every Monday and Wednesday, educators at Newsela will assign one article that falls under the theme of the Reading Club you selected..
• Students read each assigned article and take the quiz.
• When the Camp Newsela ends on Friday, August 19, we'll calculate how many students have read and completed at least 80% of the assignments and achieved a score of at least 2 of 4 on the quizzes.
• The winning Reading Clubs will be offered the chance to vote to contribute towards a DonorsChoose project.  When you read, you get to help others!

To read more articles from The LCCTC Eagle, click here:  http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/ 

CNA Certification

When others consider final tests, they think of traditional exams in "readin', writin', and 'rithmetic," but at our school, we do things a little differently, and the outcome of successful study is truly worth it.

One such case occurred on Friday, May 20th.  Six second-year Health Assistant students were able to prove all they learned for their "final."  Their payoff?  They are now Certified Nurse Aids. 

What does a CNA do? According to BLS.gov, these ladies will provide the basic care for patients in hospitals or residents in nursing homes. CNAs are often the "principal caregivers. They have more contact with residents than other members of the staff."

Emily Moffatt, Brooke McCrumb, Angela Graham, Kylie Smith,
Alison Witzeman, and Cammie Moses
Anxiously waiting their results...together.

Their Health Assistant teachers, Valerie O'Donnell and Vince Pavia, couldn't be more proud.  In a hashtag, Ms. O'Donnell proudly claims, "LCCTC HA rocks it again!"  She beams, "They make it all worth it."  

But she doesn't claim all the credit; according to Ms. O, "their fearless leader" Mr. Pavia helped lead these skilled ladies to greatness, as well.  He is proud to report that "their hard work paid off!"  He goes on to say that "the work they put in is remarkable."

Cammie Moses is ready to get to work.  "I'm a Certified Nurse Aide now so I can begin working to care for people.  It's why I'd like to pursue my career in nursing."  

Because of her training for this level in nursing, Darla Parsons already works in a nursing home.  Being certified will allow her more "opportunity to grow" in her health-care career.  She states that she's "proud to be able to have more responsibility."

Congratulations!  You are all Certified Nurse Aides!

"All of my hard work and dedication has paid off," states Emily Moffatt.  "Having my CNA has opened new opportunities for my future" ...and it's a bright future ahead for Emily!

Alison Witzeman has also been working in a nursing home, but she understands what it took to get to where she is.  "I had to study hard and take my education seriously."  As a result, she is able to earn a good wage -- more than the average high school student.  She looks forward to being on Co-op during her senior year and this experience and monetary benefit will help her further her career in the health field.

This certification marks the first step of many planned by Angela Graham.  When she graduates, she has made it a goal to further her education to become a Registered Nurse so she can work in pediatrics.  So many dream of their future career; Angela is on her way to making it happen.  They all are!

To read more great news about LCCTC, click here: http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/ 

End of Year Basketball Game

On the final day of standardized testing for the week, we were all a little squirrely, but it wasn't because our brains were taxed; it was because of the excitement for the traditional end-of-the-year Staff vs. Student basketball game!

Officiated by Ellwood City Mayor, Anthony J. Court, the game was a match-up of experience vs. youthful energy.  

The end result?  It was Teachers 42 Students 32.

What fun way to end the day!

“In all of living, have much fun and laughter.
Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.”
― Gordon B. Hinckley

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”
― Helen Keller

"Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun."
-- Randy Pausch

"'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say.
I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude,
humility, understanding." -- Alice Walker

Thank you for taking time to enjoy the day with us, Mayor Court

“One day your life will flash before your eyes.
Make sure it's worth watching” ― Gerard Way

“When he worked, he really worked.
But when he played, he really PLAYED.”
 ― Dr. Seuss

To read more great news about LCCTC, click here: http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/ 

Senior Auction

Thank you to all who participated:  The Peer Leaders were able to raise an additional $140.00 for Big Brother Big Sisters of Lawrence County!

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.”
― Barack Obama

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.  We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.”
― Mother Teresa

“You are what you do, not what you say you'll do.”
― C.G. Jung

“I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
― Albert Schweitzer

To read more great news about LCCTC, click here: http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/ 

A Letter to My Sophomore Self ~ by Halle St. Clair

Dear Halle,

I’m proud of you for choosing to change schools to pursue something you love. I know it’s scary, but you’re going to do great. Don’t be scared to make new friends.

I’m sorry for always doubting you. I’m sorry I didn’t see your potential. I didn’t think you were capable of all the things you really were. I’m sorry for hating you. I didn't -- I don’t. I love you. Because of you, I am who I am right this very second.

You don’t deserve to feel like you’re not good enough; because you are. You can conquer the world. You can do anything you put your mind to. No dream is too big.

You are capable of anything. Don’t be scared to run for class president. Don’t be scared to run for prom court. If you win; congratulations, if you lose; it’s okay. It’s not a big deal. It’s not the end of the world.

Don't let negative people drag down. You are better than that. People only hate what they can't be. So the best thing you can do is smile, wave, and prove them that you're the best and will keep getting better.

Stop being so hard on yourself. If you don’t like something, change it. Join a gym. Cut your hair. But remember, it’s SO important to be comfortable in your own skin. It’s okay if you’re not perfect. Work on yourself. Work on loving yourself. You come first.

Don’t be scared to speak up. Your voice is important.

Remember, very few people stay in your life forever. Friends come and go and that's okay. Some people walk into your life to teach you a lesson. Some people come into your life to show you that you deserve better. And that's okay. Learn from it. It will make you better. It will make you stronger.

And last but not at all least, be happy. No one enjoys being miserable. Wake up and tell yourself it's going to be a good day. You are what you think about. If you think happy thoughts, you'll live a happy life. Don't let little things get you upset; ITS NOT IMPORTANT. Those things won't matter in a week, a month and definitely not a year from now. Things happen. Things go wrong. That's life. Get over it. Just relax. It is all going to be okay.

Love,

Halle

To read more great news about LCCTC, click here: http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/ 

Honor Cords

What does it mean to earn an honor cord?

• Madison Hansotte ~ "It is a visual representation of my accomplishments -- proof that all of my hard work paid off.  My parents told me that they were proud of me, and that means a lot."
• Halle St. Clair ~ "I love being able to display my hard work when I walk across the stage."
• Kaitlyn Wright ~ "I was proud.  This would never have happened at my home school; I was really able to grow here at LCCTC."
• Lacey Lopes ~ "That night, I heard words from parents that mean so much to me:  'I'm proud of you'." 

How can YOU earn an honor cord to wear with your cap and gown during graduation?  Here are the requirements for the following cords:

• NTHS (National Technical Honor Society):  Be a member in good standing during your senior year.  See Mrs. Pasterik for more details.
• Peer Leadership:  Be a member in good standing during your senior year.
• ROVA (Rotary Outstanding Vocational Award):  Attend the ROVA event in the spring of your junior year.  See Ms. McVicker for more details.
• SkillsUSA:  Be a member in good standing during your senior year.

To read more great news about LCCTC, click here: http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/ 

Choices: SWPB Baseball Game!

This post celebrates the choices of 80 students who were able to enjoy a day of sun and fun at the ball park!

What is SWPB? It stands for School-Wide Positive Behavior and it works to encourage students to MAKE GOOD CHOICES -- to be free from student referrals. By the way -- there are over 280 students who are referral-free for the ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR! These students will enjoy an end-of-school-year picnic on May 23rd; they will enjoy music, games, and lots of fun -- AND an opportunity to win an iPad Mini!

“Who knows what you could accomplish in life if you made more of the right choices along the way?”

“Listen to the quietest whispers of your mind. They are telling you the choices that will help you the most.”

“It is the big choices we make that set our direction. It is the smallest choices we make that get us to the destination.”

“The end result of your life here on earth will always be the sum total of the choices you made while you were here.”

“Learning what to choose, and how to choose, may be the most important education you will ever receive.”

“If you’d like to know what your choices have been, look at yourself and the life you have lived. What you see is the choices you’ve made.”

“There may be a thousand little choices in a day. All of them count.”

“You cannot manage your life if you do not manage your self. You cannot manage your self if you do not manage your choices. Manage your choices, and you will manage your life.”

All quotes are from: https://lifelessons4u.wordpress.com/2009/05/28/26-quotes-on-choices/ 

To read more great news about LCCTC, click here: http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/