LCCTC Conservation Club Raffle

Update:  Thomas Casper of Pulaski is the winner.  Robert Kelley sold the ticket.

Did someone say, "Fishing?"

LCCTC's Conservation Club wants to "lure" you into buying raffle tickets to win:

Tackle Box

Spinning Reel

Complete Fly Fishing Kit

$2 for 1 ticket

OR 

$5 for 3 tickets

See any member of the Conservation Club 

or 

Mr. Miller, Mr. Montini, or Mr. Petronelis 

before April 1st, 2017

Autism Awareness Tshirts on Sale

On April 3^rd, The Peer Leaders would like to show our support for Autism Awareness by wearing the Autism Awareness shirt of LCCTC.

Students and Staff will be able to purchase the following shirt for $5 for sizes S-XL and $7 for 2X and above, next week during lunches.

This is what the shirt will look like as well as having a large LCCTC logo on the back in white.  You WILL be able to wear this as your shop, shirt.

If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact any of the PeerLeaders.

We will wear our shirts on April 3rd.

Thanks,

Mrs Pasterik, Mr. Ovial, and the Peer Leaders

SkillsUSA Cup Sale

Are you a Dunkin' FANATIC? Does the idea of grabbing a delicious cup of coffee at GetGo make you smile? Well -- you’re in luck!

Payment is due with your order, and these cups are good for the
Greater Pittsburgh/North Central WV areas.  Yes -- this includes New Castle.

See a SkillsUSA member to purchase your mug or tumbler.  

Payments are due with your order.  

For more information, contact us via email:  cweisenstein@lcvt.tec.pa.us. 

Thank you for your support!! 

Gamer's Review: Minecraft ~ by Rachael Black

https://minecraft.net/en-us/store/

To all you game-loving people out there:  Welcome to my nerd column! I'm going to be reviewing one of the biggest games out there. It might be a "blocky road" but please, stay with me. This edition of Game Review is Minecraft.

In the world of Minecraft you can create whatever you want with the limitations of only building with blocks -- what a way to think outside of the box, or maybe inside the box... whichever you prefer.

This game CAN be frustrating because we have monsters. These monsters are like the bullies of Minecraft. We have your typical skeletons, zombies, spiders, witches, and endermen. Then we have the devil of mobs: the Creeper. Without a care, the Creeper will crush everything you have worked your heart out for. This thing is a walking timebomb, it lurks and waits for the next victim. When it’s close enough to you, it makes a hiss sound, and BOOM -- your hopes and dreams are destroyed.

There are tons of biomes, or blocked in worlds, but everything is connected. You can explore any of these biomes freely, with the basic four being desert, jungle, grassland and finally, my favorite, the savannah. In these biomes, you can do anything from building a house and making a farm to gearing up and going to to a new dimension. Minecraft is so simple yet complicated. There are a variety of projects that you can do in one sitting.  

By now, you are probably wondering what these worlds are, so start off with talking about the The Nether. In this Hell-themed dimension, you have these huge white blobs. These blobs are called “Ghasts”, and they are actually huge block tentacle monsters that spit fire at you -- luckily, cobblestone will ALWAYS save the day!

Now, let's talk about this other world. It has an Underworld theme, but there isn't much I can say about the End, as I’ve only been there a few times. What I do know is that you need pearls called the Eye of Ender. The Eye of Ender is a navigation tool that you need to get to a final boss battle in the game. When you throw these pearls, it will lead you to an end portal that you’ll jump into. We also have this thing called the Nether Dragon. When you defeat this dragon, with about one thousand Endermen, what happens next will blow your mind… the game ends. I know you were expecting something big and extravagant, but all you get is an ending.

In my view, Minecraft can be a time consuming game, and if you have that time, go for it; consider setting a timer so you don’t get lost in the game and say, “Geesh!  It’s already midnight and I still have homework!”  If you loved Legos as a child, this game may be for you!  Benefits of this game include tapping into your creativity, and believe it or not, there is a social aspect; you can meet other Minecraft enthusiasts online and build your own worlds!

What Defines an A? ~ Felicity Merlini

Bill Gates once said “I failed my exam in some subjects, but my friend passed. Now he’s an engineer in Microsoft, and I am the owner.” That quote alone poses the controversial question “does a letter grade define one’s intelligence?” In an attempt to answer this question, I have collected opinions from a student and a teacher’s aide, while also including my own.

When asked her opinion, senior Gemma Gatto answered, “A grade doesn’t prove a person to be ‘smart’ or ‘dumb’. All it proves is that someone can look at a book, and retain the information for the next day.” Gathering from Gemma’s prospective, memorization is only one aspect of intelligence. She is consistent in stating that getting an “A” only measures someone’s ability to remember things. Gemma uses herself as an example when she says, “I’m not the brightest, but I can easily read over some information, and keep it in my head until the test. However, that doesn’t mean a week later from now I will be able to tell you anything about the information I was told to learn prior to my exam.”

On the other hand, a teacher’s aide states, “I believe a letter grade most certainly does show someone’s intelligence. However, there is more aspects that play into it.” She continues on to say that those other aspects include decision making, life decisions, common sense, etc. She explains to me that even if someone gets straight A’s, the people they surround themselves with can alter how intelligent they appear. I learned from this aide that typically, when someone sees an individual with A’s, people assume said person will be successful. “Well,” she says, “that isn’t always the case. In order to be successful, it takes more than an ‘A’. It has a lot to do with the choices you make.”

An A doesn’t define how smart a student is. However, I do agree that it is one of many variables that play into a person’s intelligence. It is a combination of academic knowledge, skills training, and a desire and drive to learn that indicate intellectual success.  While one student may achieve good grades on a test, another doesn’t; however, the student with lower grades may be better in a more hands-on field.

An “A” isn’t only a letter grade. I believe an “A” or even a “B” or “C” is a definition of one’s effort. In a nursing field, the difference between “A” work and “B” work can cost a patient’s life. In other fields, it could mean a small crack in a bridge or a loose bolt on a tire; both may not fail, but the possibility of catastrophe exists more than without perfection. It could mean a better salary -- the difference of charging $5 for a burger and fries or $12. In other fields, it may result in a lost promotion or raise. Better work equals a better result.

So what does an “A” mean? From the opinions I have collected, I think it can easily be concluded that an “A” isn’t just a letter grade, but it also doesn’t completely define someone’s intelligence either. A letter grade, whether literally in school or metaphorically in life, is a measurement of one’s effort. As we conclude this article, remember to give everything your very best “A” effort, for it may someday determine your success.

-Felicity Merlini

For more inspiration on putting your best effort in all you do, take a few moments and watch this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6o8GRmPdiE

Shooting for Success ~ Gemma Gatto

After a state qualifying tournament against Portersville Christian School and Bishop Carroll on January 27th, LCCTC'S very own archery team has made it to states. The team will be traveling to Penn State on March 10th.  

What do the LCCTC Eagle Archers like about the sport?  Wesley Davis, sophomore student studying Collision Repair likes the "way it challenges my ability to concentrate."  He goes on to say, "I like meeting new people and pushing myself to do my very best."  

Isaiah says, "It's different than the typical sports at our home schools, but I like that it's competitive, and it's a lot of fun."  

"Archery is a great sport," states Austin Campbell, Construction Trades 10.  "I love being a part of something that gives me the opportunity to learn and grow."

James considers the sport and says, "I love the relaxing, friendly competition."

Tyler tells us, "It is a new sport for me.  I like that I can learn something different, and it's a lot of fun!"

And what about the actual competition?  What are our archers looking forward to?  Gemma Gatto wants to hold on to each moment; "I want to make memories."

"If it's possible," recalls Troy, "I want to have even more fun than last year!" 


"While the competition is fun," Jackson says, "I get a chance to know people I wouldn't usually get to know; I can make new friends."

When asked about their chances at a state medal, last year's members had a lot to say:  "I'm going to think positively," beams Felicity.  "I can't wait for us to win!"


Jackson admits that the team is pretty competitive.  "I can't wait to go to Penn State and do my best to represent LCCTC." 

"I believe that if we work hard," considers Earl, "we can bring home gold."

"We all want to win this tournament," says Troy; as a senior, it's his final chance to really hit the mark with this team.

What can we do to help the team?  Matt Hawkins has a simple answer:  "Wish us the best of luck as we shoot for success!"

If you see our Eagle Archers, congratulate them and wish them the best of luck!

• James Barges, 10, CT 
• Jabreal Blacksheer, 12, Cos 
• Austin Campbell, 10, EO 
• Dustin Crowley, 12, EO 
• Ethan Caylor, 12, Mas 
• Wesley Davies, 11 CR 
• Tyler Donofrio, 11, RT 
• Dominic Dudo, 12, CT 
• Jason Ealy, 10, AT 
• Gemma Gatto, 12, HA 
• Earl Gravatt, 11, HA 
• Caleb Grimm, 10, Wel 
• Haileigh Sue Hawk, 11, Cos 
• Jackson Hawkins, 11, CT 
• Matt Hawkins, 12, HA 
• Ben Junkin, 12, OG 
• Kyana Lambright, 11, CA 
• Tyler Karanbauer, 11, CT 
• Felicity Merlini, 11, HA 
• Logan Michaels, 12, CT 
• Isaiah Paniaguqa, 12, HA 
• Alexandria Radwanski, 11, VA 
• Christian Seinkener, 10, AT 
• Troy Silver, 12, Mas

SWPB: Ice Skating ~ Tabatha Zang

On February 16th, 2017,109 LCCTC students who, for the nine week grading period, had zero referrals and who were in compliance with our attendance policy went on a field trip to Hess Ice Rink.

Why? Well -- they earned the privilege. Fun incentives are a part of our School Wide Positive Behavior (SWPB) plan, and this day didn’t disappoint. 

Too bad that Jabrael isn't having any fun...

"We all worked hard to make good decisions to meet the requirements so we can participate in SWPB events.  They are a lot of fun and doing things like this is a great experience!" reflects senior Alize Mitchel. 

Tailer, Kyanna, and Corey:  Future Olympians

How can you earn this privilege? Each morning and evening with the announcements we all hear this reminder of the basic tenets of SWPB; you we go about your day, always remember to:

• Be here.
• Be ready.
• Be respectful.
• Be safe.

Keep these in your mind, no matter where you are -- be it school, work, or home. At school, we see the Cool Tool posters that remind us of the expectations we all have, students included, for ways to conduct ourselves. These directives might include, “Be focused”, “Have a good attitude”, “Respect personal and school property”, and “Follow emergency plans.” In the large scheme of things, these reminders will help us all be here, ready, respectful, and safe. 

Karen and Antonio enjoying a day at the rink

Joey sporting a big smile!

The field trip was an opportunity for everyone to have fun away from school -- even the teacher chaperones. “I am the best ice skater at school,” laughed Mr. Simon, “but it was a great opportunity for staff and students to enjoy each other's company outside of school.”

As one would photobomb a picture, Mr. Barker threw in his two-cents: “I think it would have been a lot of fun if I were there.” Even without Mr. Barker, it was a lot of fun for everyone. It was, indeed, the perfect opportunity for everyone to mingle outside of school.
Even while we all mourned Mr. Barker’s absence and braved Mr. Simon’s modest skating moves, a good time was still had by all. 

Miguel and Shay letting us know that all is well

"Being rewarded for making good decisions means a lot to me," Alize admits.  She goes on to say that it's not always easy to do the right thing, but the end result -- especially being able to attend such great events with her friends -- is worth it.  "I'm so glad I decided to come to LCCTC; it was one of the my best decisions, yet!"

Mackenzie, Bridget, and Michael --
hanging out at the bend

Kamaraye, Rian, and Lacey
Ready to have a great time!

Big smiles from ???

Mr. Milanovich using "training wheels"

The "Fantastic Four":  Mr. Orelli, Mr. Simon,
Mr. Orelli, and Mr. Milanovich