Reno in RT

When we left on a Friday, there were walls, but when we returned on Monday, there were big changes!

Was it elves who tip-toed in to open the walls?  Did the Kool-aid man make a visit?  Nope -- it was our very own Masonry instructor, Mr Sperdute, and LCCTC graduate, William Shoaff, who cut into the walls to create windows -- thus, beginning the renovations for RT. 

Ms. Price and the RT students give a friendly wave through the openings
cut for the RT renovations.

After the dust settled -- literally, our Custodial Staff made up of Mr. Dudich, Mr. Haybarger, and Mr. Graham worked extra-hard to clean up after the demolition.  "When they cut out those holes, as much as they tried, there was dust everywhere," recalled head custodian, Mr. Dudich.  "I just kept in mind that it's all about the kids, so cleaning up wasn't so bad; it's just part of the construction process.  This will be a great improvement." 

By the time our students arrived, the only clue that the project had started was the fact that there were now three large holes in the hallway wall.  

Dom Dudo, Maddy Foster and
the CT crew install a frame.

"It's exciting to see the changes!" exclaims junior Elizabeth.  "There is so much light now!"

Mr Seminara discusses the type of glass used.

Once the holes were cut, Construction Trades went to work; they measured twice, cut once, and assembled each frame. Dom Dudo, senior CT student helped to carry them up the ramps and place them into the wall. "It's real cool being able to see the work and jjust know that I played a part," reflects Dom.  "It looks real good, and it's something that'll be permanent.  If I come back after graduation, I can say, 'I did that'!" 

Students learned about the importance of letting
the glass adjust to the room's temperature

Where did carpentry get the wood?  Well -- remember the old wooden bleachers in the gym?  Carpentry re-planed the wood and repurposed it for the project!  Now, that's a good use of materials!

Students look on as the experts from
City Glass make sure the glass fits just right.

And what do the students think about the changes?  Senior, Ben Schwartz says, "I'm very happy with the way renovations are going with the restaurant.  I'm looking forward to showing off our new facility to others as we serve them.  Maybe someday, we can serve our students or work in catering.  The more experience we get, the more we gain a true world experience!"

This is a vital part of what our students do -- be ON the job
site learning the details of their future careers.

"I like that the restaurant is being changed," grins Samantha.  "There are more improvements coming, and when we open to the public, the customers can be comfortable."

"I am really excited to see the changes," beams Ms. Price, RT Instructor.  I can't wait to welcome guests to the restaurant so they can see and experience the work our students are putting in to make this restaurant authentic!"

ROVA 2017

What is ROVA? ROVA stands for Rotary Outstanding Vocational Award. Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change. Rotarians from the New Castle, Ellwood City, Wilmington, and Mohawk Rotaries have joined together to send 9 students from LCCTC to attend this Leadership Camp.  

Gemma G, EC; Kindal P, NC; S Leasure, Wilmington;Michael K, NC; Elizabeth P, EC;
Kaitlyn H, Mohawk, and Alex R, NC wait for the fun to start.

At first, they weren't told much about what ROVA actually was or what they agreed to, just that, "You will have a lot of fun, and you'll want to return."  Why?  So we don't spoil the fun!  These brave souls agreed to brave potential rain, snow, sleet, and hail when they accepted this opportunity, but it was all worth it.  Students from the previous year help in this endeavor to "sell" ROVA to new prospective candidates;  each year, they all beg to return, but this is a one-time opportunity, and they feel blessed to have been able to participate, if only for a year.

Shelby and Kaitlyn laugh during the "Centipede Race"

During ROVA activities, they learned strategies that include problem solving, conflict management, time management, and decision making.  The results?  Increased self-esteem, motivation, self-confidence, better communication skills, and networking capabilities.

Abby P trusts her leader in the "Blind Ameoba"

Sponsored by New Castle Rotary #89, Kindal Procopio, HA, states that one of her "favorite activities at ROVA had to be the electric spiderweb. You really had to trust your teammates during this activity. I don't let just anybody physically lift me up and guide me through a hole on a daily basis. It was really fun!"  This activity is a bit nerve-wracking, for certain, but once you learn to follow directions and trust others to ensure your safety, you appreciate the lessons you've learned.

Elizabeth works to get untangled

ROVA promotes leadership and builds friendships with students from other vocational schools in the western Pennsylvania region.  This two-day program will push students out of their comfort zones and encourage them to show their real colors with kids that you just met.

Gemma sits in on "The River"

"Personally, this trip showed me that people of all types will come together and wonderful things will become of it," remarks Gemma Gatto, HA (Ellwood City).   "I learned that no matter the type of person I am or try to be, the real me will come through.  I became friends with kids from my own school I never would have talked to otherwise."

Alex is directed by her leader to complete her task.

Because of the generosity of the New Castle, Ellwood City, Wilmington, and Mohawk Rotaries, nine students were offered the opportunity to attend a once-in-a-lifetime event.  Teachers and Staff nominate students based on their potential to lead.  A student who attends ROVA must have an outstanding discipline record and have complied with the school's attendance policy.

Noodle Knights!

Kindal Procopio states that "after attending ROVA, I've learned that one of the most valuable things in life is teamwork. If there's no teamwork, there will be chaos. I also learned that when you are working together you end up becoming friends. I loved ROVA because there was absolutely no judgement from the moment I walked in. It was such a wonderful experience and a wonderful way to spend my weekend."

Shelby Leasure, HA agrees with the fun, but she also learned that "even with complete strangers, it's okay to be yourself."  She continues, stating, "I learned that teamwork, communication, and strength among people really is a huge part of life. But most of all, I learned how to have real fun."

Michael guides a trusting Rovarian through the "Electric Spiderweb."

Michael Kovokowski, RT ( sponsored by New Castle Rotary) remembers the importance of leadership.  "I learned that sometimes, being a leader means working together as a team -- even if it means stepping outside of my comfort zone for the good of that team. I have deepened the friendships with those I already knew, and I now consider those I who I met forever friends.

Students at Work: CoOp Assignments

Congratulations to the following students who have successfully landed a job and are now doing what they came here to do:  Work in their field of study!

Keep making us proud!

Please take a moment to support these businesses who support our students!  Thank you all!

• Taycaire Booker, HA, HAVEN CONVALESCENT HOME
• Samuel Bolinger, AT, GREASE MONKEY
• Issac Buckley, AT, BYERS TRUCKING
• Ray Campbell, CT, SLACK CONSTRUCTION
• Joellen Cirelli, VT, BARKING BEAUTIES
• Mathew Hawkins, HA, HAVEN CONVALESCENT HOME
• Benjamin Junkin, O & G, TJD ENERGY SERVICES
• Madison Kineston, VT, NORTH MEMORIAL ANIMAL HOSPITAL
• Jaiden Laster, AB, MCELWAIN AUTOBODY
• Brook McCrumb, HA HAVEN CONVALESCENT HOME
• Kyle McKinnis, M, CENTRAL HEATING AND PLUMBING
• Emily Moffatt, HA, PIPSQUEAKS DAYCARE
• Hunter Moore, Mas, TERVO MASONRY
• Camryn Moses, HA  HAVEN CONVALESCENT HOME
• Darla Parsons, HA, HAVEN CONVALESCENT HOME
• Alyssa Weatherby, HA, HAVEN CONVALESCENT HOME
• Alison Witzeman, HA, HAVEN CONVALESCENT HOME
• Antonio Zingaro, CT, DAWSON'S ORCHARD

College Acceptances!

Holy Cow -- Check out these seniors who have received acceptance letters:  

• Allegra Assid, HA, Veterinary Medicine:  Westminster College ($15,000 Blue and White Award), Grove City College,Butler County Community College, Geneva College, Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Clarion University, Edinboro University
• Jared Burnette, SO, Electrical Engineering,  Geneva College
• Samara Grimes, HA, Pre-Nursing:  Butler County Community College
• Chasen Lykins, HA, Pre-Med
• Kalley McClure, CR, Criminal Justice & Pastoral Ministry :  Waynesburg University  ($24,000 Waynesburg Opportunity Award recipient), University of Pittsburgh, NYACK College
• Machaela Nail, HA, Pre-Nursing:  Butler County Community College
• Samantha Turner, CA, Social Work:  Butler County Community College
• Damian Quimby, COT:  Slippery Rock University

Congratulations to our college-bound seniors!!  We wish you the very best!  

If you or a friend of yours has received confirmation letters to college, please let Damian, Kalley, or Gemma know.  We'd love to add your name to this growing list!

It's Raining Cats and Dogs: Vet Assistant ~ Kyleigh Johnson

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in Veterinary Assistant for a day? Many people have the misconception that all we do is pet puppies and kittens all day, but ... that’s not the case at all.  So what would a typical day be like in this shop?

In Vet Assistance, you'll learn many employable skills. In this particular shop on clinical days (or as we like to name the, "dog spa days"), you'll learn many hands-on skills such as different restraints, proper grooming, nail trimming, blood drawing, and much more!

But hands-on skills are not the only thing you will learn; on theory days, you will use several different hands-on strategies to learn about different types of dog and cat breeds, everything from the anatomy to the different types of systems in the body of animals, medical terminology, and syringe reading. Using technology, you'll play several different types of educational games, and you won't even realize you're learning!

If you choose Vet Assistant, you will be doing different types of tests such as urine and fecal.

While in this shop, you’ll also be learning the different fields you can go into. If you are thinking of working in a veterinary clinic, you would probably consider being a Veterinarian, Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technologist, a Receptionist, or an Assistant. However, if the clinic doesn’t seem like your type of dream job, there are other related careers working with animals, as well. Those jobs include a groomer, a caretaker for an animal or even an animal trainer! Regardless of your career ambition, this is the shop for any animal lover.

It's not all hugs and kisses and neck scratches and tail wagging and belly rubbing ...well... may be it is a "little" or that, but there is a lot of theory and hands-on training, too!

In a typical day in Vet tech, you would walk into your shop and walk to the back kennels to see what dogs you would be working on. You will notice on whether they may be aggressive or not. If they are, you know to prepare yourself beforehand to grab muzzles for that particular dog. Next, you’ll lead your patient, medical chart in hand, to start you day. You will be preforming many tasks on this animal. You will be checking their heart and breathing rate, checking cleaning their teeth, trimming nails, bathing, and many other tasks. When you complete everything you have to do with your patient, you can then fill out their medical chart and let the animal run and play around.

This shop may seem easier than most, but it's not. With hard work and commitment, if you want a career in this field, it will all pay off. This shop will not only let you see how Veterinary Assistants care for pets behind the clinic doors, this shop will also open your eyes to the many different jobs you can have that have to deal with animals. It will show you how challenging yet enjoyable it is to be apart of a vet clinic team or a groomer; you can be that person who can help make an animal happy and healthy, too!

LCCTC Earns a 100% Score for the SWPBS Audit!

LCCTC's recent School Wide Positive Behavior (SWPB) Audit was a tremendous success.  The LCCTC received a 100% score from the evaluators.  

Our principal, Mr. Milanovich, would like to thank  all who participated and put the many hours of hard work into this team effort.  He is also thankful for our students and their willingness to answer the questions the auditors had.  The auditors were quite impressed.  

We should be very proud and satisfied with the results.  A special thank you should be passed around to the SWPBS team members for their effort in this team victory:  Mrs. Lynch, Mr. Neve, Mr. Orelli, Mr. Pavia and Ms.Young.

Because of our outstanding results from this audit, LCCTC will be recognized on the PDE website, and we will be invited to participate in the State Implementers' Forum.  Additionally, LCCTC will receive a Tier 1 Fidelity banner and will be eligible for several Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) grants!

Take a moment to enjoy the video highlighting our incentive program; this video will be featured at the Film Festival during May's PBIS conference:

According to the PAPBS website:

• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports is an evidence-based, cost-effective, systems approach for establishing the social culture needed for schools to be effective learning environments for all students. 
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports eliminates barriers to learning, creates and maintains a safe and effective learning environment in schools, and ensures that all students have the social and emotional skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. 
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports helps schools teach students expected behaviors and social skills, creates student behavioral health and academic support systems, and applies data-based decision-making to discipline, academics, and social/emotional learning.

http://www.papbs.org/Home.aspx?PageID=68a5038d-36df-414f-8e1f-a78737463ace

Lighting Our World: EO Installs LED Lighting

"Happiness does not come from a job.  It comes from knowing what you truly value and behaving in a way that's consistent in those beliefs."  ~ Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs

In the final week of February, a time of year typically plagued with snow and freezing temperatures, some of our students enjoyed the warmth and sun on a 60 degree day, but were they merely breathing in fresh air?  Not our kiddos!  They were helping to make our school safe.

Mr. Montini and the EO shop work to replace our school's
lights with energy-efficient LED lighting.

How you ask?  Electrical Occupations (EO) instructor, Mr. Montini, and the EO juniors and seniors were replacing the energy-gobbling metal halide lights at the front of our school.  

"Replacing these lights with LED (light-emitting diode) lights will use 80% less energy and give us 100% better lighting," states Mr. Montini.  He estimates that by being able to utilize the manpower of our LCCTC students, our school saved four to five thousand dollars -- not to mention savings in monthly electricity bills!  

Our administration is quite proud of their work, as well. "We hire the best teachers to instruct our students on how to complete the best work," declares Principal Milanovich.  "Mr. Montini and the Electrical Occupations class is no exception. We look forward to them shinning a bright light on our CTC through their dedicated and hard work within our building."

"Mr. Montini and his students are professionals," agrees Mr. Rich, Director. "They work in harmony with our existing maintenance product. It is wonderful to see the students here perform at such a high level. It is also unique when the students can have a degree of ownership in their school because they help maintain their school."

Ryan works to disconnect the original wiring.

Juniors Mike Birckbichler and Gordon Yoder both feel proud that the administration trusts their shop to do the job.  "We study hard to learn our trade, and I enjoy being able to use what I know to help  my school," states Mike.

Senior Josh Quigly adds, "It was honestly really cool to help with this project.  I got real on-the-job experience; this helped me learn, but it feels good to help the school, too!"

Gordon Yoder hoists the lamp down to the
ground as QueaVaughn and the other EO
crew assists.

"It was a great experience being able to use the skills we've learned in the field -- even if it's in our own front yard.  It helps me to have a better understanding of what I might do after I graduate," reflects senior, Matt Michael.

In the coming months, EO will continue to assist the maintenance team here at LCCTC to replace the rest of the lights around the school's property.

In other words, our students are learning to "work hard AND smart" (Rowe) here at LCCTC.

Safety first!  Dustin Crowley secures the
ladder for a classmate while Dustin
helps direct the light into place.

HA Blood Drive: Why I Donated Blood ~ Brandee D'Ambrosi

Most people think that the only way to save a life is to become a Firefighter, a Surgeon, or even a Police Officer. I am not one to select those options as my career, but I still can find a way to save three lives -- all because of the Blood Drive on February 28th, 2017.

In the United States, approximately 32,000 pints of blood are used each day. One out of every seven people entering the hospital needs blood, and one blood donation of one pint has the potential to save 3 lives. At the blood drive, 95 of LCCTC’s very own students and faculty came together to donate a pint of blood each. With all of the donations, we potentially saved 285 lives!

Krista and Gemma are all smiles for the day!

When I asked the Health Assistance teacher, Mr.Pavia why he organized the Blood Drive, he told me a story that took me by surprise:

• Last month, there was a 17 year old who had a rare bleeding disorder at a hospital in Pittsburgh. There was a national blood shortage, so hour by hour, they didn’t know whether they would have enough blood to keep the boy alive. Thankfully, the boy lived.

“Most people don’t realize how much donations help the gravely ill hospitalized patients,” recalls our school nurse, Mrs. Cwynar. “When I worked at Children’s, blood transfusions were a daily procedure.”

It's really not that bad!

“You depend on people to donate blood. We can make a lot of things, but we can’t make blood.” added Mr.Pavia.  “By having the blood drives here at LCCTC, we have such a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in our community. With us now joining with the Central Blood Bank, the all of the local hospitals in this area utilize this service.  I can’t thank you all enough.”

LCCTC graduate, Maddy, returns to help others

From the moment that I got my Blood Drive permission slip, the excitement I felt was more than I could bare, but when I donated, physically, it was not the best feeling in the world. Watching a 16 gauge (HUGE) needle go into my arm was not my favorite part, and feeling lightheaded afterward didn’t feel too good either. I definitely didn’t feel very well after donating, but the thought of possibly saving 3 lives made me feel much better.

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”

-Steve Maraboli

Mr Milanovich donates, yet again as Mr. Pavia volunteers to insert the needle!  LOL

?? proudly dons her t-shirt

Hallie and Paige give moral support to Alaina

Alize and Brittany help with registration

Ha is ready to help you with snacks!

Mr. Dudich, Head Custodian

Mrs. Sipe, Secretary

Mrs. Kolodziej, Business Office

??, Cyber Academy

Jacob, COT

??, ??

??, ??

Mr. Anabelle , Custodian

Mrs. Cepro, Cosmetology Instructor

Mrs. O'Donnell

Honor in Skill and Knowledge ~ Damian Quimby

“It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.” (Niccolo Machiavelli).

My participation in both SkillsUSA and National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) has enhanced my personal and professional development; I have become a better student -- a better professional.

Excellence in career and technical education means that even in a career-based education, an equal combination of skill and academics is imperative. It is a perfect blend of technical and scholastic learning to achieve critical thinking skills found in everyday life.

Both clubs help me strive to be my very best. SkillsUSA helps me strive to become outstanding in my technical area with the the challenging aspect of competition. NTHS encourages me to be the best that I can be in my academic courses so that I can maintain my standing in the club. The two combined will help me in my pursuit in the technological field.

Competition in SkillsUSA teaches me to compete in life. It teaches me to produce the best possible product for a company.One of the most prominent moments for me was the NTHS induction ceremony.  With the lighting of each of the colors, I now understand my value and worth in the world; it taught me that I will always need to be honest and truthful with everyone, and it encouraged me to achieve each career and academic goal, and hold them with honor.  

Because of my participation in both organizations,  my skills have skyrocketed; my academic achievement has amplified.

“I believe that my education is my responsibility, and absolutely critical to my success. I am resolved to learn as much as I can from whatever source is available to me.

I will never stop learning, and understand that library cards are free.”

~Mike Rowe

My Experience: Living through Bullying by Kalley McClure and Gemma Gatto

This companion piece is written from two points of view:
an Introvert and an Extrovert; enjoy!

From an Introvert:

"This, Too, Shall Pass"

by Kalley McClure

I think it’s pretty safe to say everyone has experienced some form of bullying at some point in his or her life. When it happens, it can feel like you’re alone when you’re going through it.  Whether it was a child or even an adult who bullies, you’ve probably been bullied before.  It’s kind of sad how often bullying occurs, despite the fact that we all get that “don’t bully” speech in elementary, and the biggest problem is this:  When it occurs, how do we deal with it?  I hope my story lets you know that if you’re being bullied right now, you are not alone, and it’s okay to reach out to someone.  The most important thing to remember:  This, too, shall pass.

It was probably fourth or fifth grade when the kid moved to town and started attending the Kid’s Club at my church. He would lock me in closets, trip me in the games we would play, whisper degrading comments in my ear -- basically just made me feel incompetent and worthless.   It also made me angry.  

What used to be the best part of my week quickly became lonely and painful. I could have just stopped going, but I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of taking away something I loved. Instead, I fought back. I took what he gave me and dealt it back twice as hard. That went on for a few years, him pushing me and me pushing back, all the way up ‘til sixth grade. When we came back from break, and he was gone. It turns out -- he had moved to a different state during the summer.

While it felt good to return that anger in sort of an eye-for-an-eye manner, I learned something:  It didn’t stop him.  Nothing stopped him.  Sometimes “mean” is “mean,” and there’s not too much I could do to change that -- not at my age.  What I learned that I CAN change is how I handle it.  

I have experienced bullying since then.  This is how I now handle it:  I’ve started retreating and pulling into myself. I don’t speak out or draw attention to myself. I figure, “If they don’t notice me, they can’t target me,” if that makes sense. And for me, it works pretty well. People don’t tend to notice me, and if they do, my quiet demeanor tends to always put me on people’s good side. It’s not that I’m weak; I just choose to not engage -- because people who are mean should not be permitted to dictate my sense of self-worth. Since I’ve started choosing to not engage the bullies, bullying hasn’t really been an issue for me.

Remember, this, too, shall pass.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
From an Extrovert:

"Thick Skin" 
By Gemma Gatto 

Everyone's taught from a young age not to bully. We have signs and assemblies teaching kids the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. No one has ever thought to teach children how to handle the bullying when it happens. Children everywhere are taught from a very young age that they should treat others with the same kindness and respect they they would want to be treated with. Inevitability, bullying still continues in every school and happens the majority of the student population at one time in their life or another. Everyone handles bullying in a different way -- some turn into bullies themselves, and others do anything in their power to remain positive and fight back. I choose to do the latter.



A very popular method that I have used to react to bullies is sarcasm. It shows that I can take a “joke” even if it wasn't meant to be taken that way. It can present a level of confidence and lets my bully know that I can take a hit and and laugh in the face of adversity.



Teaching kids to form a tough skin as a child is important to protecting them in the future. So many suicides happen to people who are bullied simply because they don't know how to handle it. Young lives are so precious and with all the technology in the world today, it makes the chances of bullying even higher for young kids.



When children learn how to properly deal with the struggles of bullying, the chance of the bully getting bored and moving on is greater. It's how I have decided to live, and it works for me.