In this edition ... Dr. Miller's latest blog entitled, "Powerful Lessons" Parent Information events Join one of two new advisory boards 'Tech or Treat' is near! Around EFCTS in photos Important dates and events ... and more!
9.30.21 Volume 2 // Issue 5
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
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We're now in the midst of Fall and while temperatures may be falling, our students' knowledge is growing! Our seniors are getting their hands dirty with the daily work they are accomplishing and our juniors are soaking in all kinds of knowledge to share. Adults can join our students in learning about our 'E's through our parent and family events. Information, photos, and sneak peaks into our programs can be found inside.
Switching Gears for the Changing Seasons
by Dr. Kimberly Pietsch Miller
It has been an interesting week. One with moments of joy and one with moments of disappointment. It has been a week that has left me wondering, “What are we teaching our children?” As a superintendent that question could easily be answered with lists of courses, specific content, academic and career skills. Most educators would also point to what we call social and emotional skills: self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and so on. But this week, I am still left with the question: what are we, all of us, our society, teaching our children?
powerful lessons
Dr. Miller's Blog
To read past editions of Dr. Miller's Blog, click here.
This week I spent time in one of our cosmetology labs with a student who is learning how to massage a client’s hand as part of a manicure. I volunteered to let her practice with me. She had to check her notes for technique a few times but she was flawless in engaging me, her client, in conversation throughout the session. She asked about me and my day. She showed real interest. The adults in her life have taught her the power of connecting with others and taking an interest in them. Powerful lessons. This week I was sent the video of a school board meeting. A friend is the superintendent in that district. I watched as public comments were made by community members. Those comments were not just expressions of disagreement with the board and superintendent, they were insults, criticism of character, and displays of disrespect. Unfortunately, there were students in the room. The adults in their lives are also teaching them. Powerful lessons. Since March of 2020 I have watched as we have become more and more divided. We don’t just disagree, we disregard. I fear that we are teaching our students that the way to express themselves is with words of hate. I fear that we are teaching our children that when someone disagrees with them, that person is to be dismissed. I fear that our children will do as we do. Luke Bryan sang the 2017 hit song “I Believe Most People are Good” and I, too, believe that people are good. The past 18 months, however, have been hard. Hard times can do one of two things; they can make us bitter or they can make us better. As I walk through our schools and interact with our students, I am encouraged. Many adults in our students' lives - parents, teachers, coaches, and family members - have taught them wonderful lessons of kindness and compassion. But as I watch the news, listen to my colleagues, and read some of my emails, I am also keenly aware that we are also teaching lessons to our children through our actions and words that are less than kind and compassionate. I believe most people are good. I believe most people do care about one another. I believe many people are hurting right now. And I believe that we can let bitterness go and choose to be better. I hope that we can. Our children are watching us, and they are learning powerful lessons!
At Eastland-Fairfield, we know that each learner's journey toward success will be unique. We encourage you to embrace it. Explore and engage the opportunities available to you in order to find your destination and how to get there. Will it be: Additional Education? Entrepreneurship Employment? Enlistment? You decide!
Information is powerful. Parents, find the answers to your questions.
your journey is unique.
Famil-E Nights
Eastland-Fairfield will be providing multiple events for parents of prospective and current students to answer pressing questions that can impact your child's future.
Eastland-Fairfield welcomes current and prospective students and parents to join us in our first family event to help learn about our E's: Education, Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Enlistment. At Eastland-Fairfield, we are committed to helping each student find their E and creating the pathway toward achieving it. But it begins with YOU! Our current students have spent the first months of school learning and exploring the four Es, but now we invite our parents and families to learn and explore those options as well. October 19 - Eastland Career Center (6-7:30 pm) October 20 - Fairfield Career Center (6-7:30 pm) Be a part of the journey by engaging in open conversations with armed forces representatives, educational admission counselors, potential employers, or gather information on how to start your own business! Refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required. If you are interested in participating as a business partner, please contact Christine Boucher (cboucher@efcts.us). For all other inquiries or for additional information, please contact Kara Pontius (kpontius@efcts.us).
At the Core Coffee Chats
For parents of students grades 6-10, these informative coffee chats will help unveil additional options to prepare and strength your child's future. Join Beth Probst of At the Core, virtually or in-person, for any of our informational Q&A sessions talking about: What is Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools? How can EFCTS prepare my student for their next step? What advantages will going to a career-technical school give my child? How to I navigate the application process? What future opportunities will open up by attending Eastland-Fairfield? Ask any questions you may have so you and your student are well-prepared when making decisions about their next steps. Click on the links below to sign up for any of our upcoming At the Core Coffee Chats! October 7, 6:30-8:00 pm (virtual) October 13 - 6:30-8:00 pm (virtual) November 1 - 6:30-8:00 pm (at Gahanna Lincoln Senior Center) November 7 - 2-3:30 pm (at Pickerington Senior Center)
Tech or Treat is coming!
Join Eastland-Fairfield in celebrating this Halloween with our inaugural 'Tech' or Treat event at our campus locations! Frankensteins, witches, ghouls, goblins, zombies and everything and everyone in between are welcome to Eastland-Fairfield's inaugural Tech or Treat event to celebrate Halloween together! Join us for: Door-to-door trick-or-treating! Pumpkin bowling Candy cornhole Tic-Tac-Toes Temporary Tattoo station Decorate your own pumpkin! ... and so much more! To students through 8th grade, parents/guardians, and staff members in all 16 districts that we serve, please join us for a ghoulish night of fun and celebration at either of our career centers. Costumes are encouraged! No registration necessary. For more information, please visit: www.EastlandFairfield.com/TechorTreat
Recently, the Animal Management program at Fairfield Career Center welcomed in some furry friends for its juniors to practice taking vitals in a veterinarian setting. Volunteers from EFCTS staff and the community brought their furry family members to Fairfield to allow our students the opportunity to gain experience caring for animals. Not only did our students gain valuable experience, but our four-legged visitors received extra love and care. Click or tap the photo gallery to the right to view more photos! Students in the Animal Management program do not just interact with lovable animals, they learn how to deliver top-notch care, as well. They learn the ins and outs of animals of all types, whether adorned with fur, scales, or feathers. Click here if you would like to learn more about the Eastland-Fairfield Animal Management program and the futures it can prepare you for!
Meet Max! Max (right) was one of our favorite guests during the Animal Management program's pet vitals day. His owner is a staff member at Eastland-Fairfield and volunteered Max for free lovings and vital screening. He's all clear!
Our students in the Animal Management program are very fond of ALL their non-human friends in the lab.
We love them all! All of our animal friends in the program need our care. Garnett the python (left), Arla the bearded dragon (center) and Floppy the rabbit (right) are just few of the friends we care for at Fairfield Career Center.
A sniff inside Animal Management at Fairfield Career Center
Out n' About EFCTS
Top-left: Electrical students are fitting and placing conduit in their individual work stations! Left: Check out the artwork in Mr. Whitney's Graphic Design class! Monkeying around is still work in his lab.
Bottom Left: Building frames and friendships in the Construction program at Fairfield Career Center! Top right: One prized student from our Adult Workforce Development Dental Assisting program took us through the process of mixing an impression mold, setting the mold in the tray, and then making a perfect impression. Well done! Bottom right: You may be playing with fire when in Mr. Tackett's HVAC lab, but soldering piping has its place here.
Check out what has been happening around Eastland-Fairfield since our last check-in!
Top row: Students in our Pre-Engineering lab at Eastland Career Center are making their own dice, but these heavy pieces won't be rolling on any Monopoly boards. Check out the before and after once our students are done working their magic!
After last year's hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, Eastland-Fairfield will be back at the Fairfield County Fair this October! The fair runs October 10-16, and EFCTS will have its reserved spot at the county fairgrounds Art Hall and a small outside area nearby during select times. Monday-Wednesday (10/10-13): 10am-5pm Friday (10/15): 10am-5pm Come by and visit to see some of our programs, staff, and students from ECC, FCC, Adult Workforce Development, and off-site programs. "Box out" some time to visit the students in the Construction program at Fairfield Career Center on Tuesday, October 12. Our students will give a demonstration to anyone looking for a few hardware tips while they building and giving away pumpkin boxes on-site, perfect for the fall season!
Eastland-Fairfield has big ideas and plans for the entire district moving forward. We want our parents and students to be involved in the progress made by EFCTS. Therefor, we invite current parents and students of the Eastland or Fairfield career centers to consider being a part of our Superintendent Advisory Councils for the 2021-22 school year. If you are interested, please complete a brief survey by visiting the links below the group you belong to. Additional information will be delivered at a later date. Thank you for your support and willingness to keep Eastland-Fairfield moving forward! EASTLAND STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL Attend four (4) one-hour meetings per year. Dates: October 25, January 26, March 7, April 27 Interested? Take a brief survey here. FAIRFIELD STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL Attend four (4) one-hour meetings per year. Dates: October 25, January 26, March 7, April 27 Interested? Take a brief survey here. EFCTS PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL Attend four (4) one-hour meetings per year. Dates: October 25, January 26, March 7, April 27 Interested? Take a brief survey here.
Eastland-Fairfield Career Centers The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal masking for all staff and students in K-12 schools. The Ohio Department of Health recommends masks for those who are not fully vaccinated. Because all EFCTS staff and students are eligible (by age) to receive the COVID vaccine, masks or face coverings are optional for students, staff, and visitors at our Eastland and Fairfield campuses. While COVID-19 vaccines are not required in Ohio public schools, vaccines are recommended for all individuals ages 12 and up by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, and the Ohio Department of Health. Masks are strongly recommended for those students, staff, and visitors who are not fully vaccinated. This applies to high school and Adult Workforce Development (AWD) students taking courses at the AWD Center. Satellite Programs Mask guidelines are at the discretion of each school district and may vary. Please contact your satellite program’s host school district to learn more about its mask and face covering policies. Click here for more detailed information on Eastland-Fairfield's COVID-19/mask guidance. * all information is based on current guidance and recommendations from the CDC and Ohio Department of Health. If guidance changes, we will update you with any impact on our operations.
Our lunch menus at the Eastland and Fairfield Career Centers have been undergoing frequent modifications recently as a direct result of nationwide supply shortages and distribution challenges. Our cafeteria staffs are working tireless to offer suitable substitutes, as needed. To keep up with these changes, we encourage parents/guardians and students to visit www.EastlandFairfield.com/menu for the most up-to-date menu. We want to assure you that each student at Eastland-Fairfield will receive a meal each day and there will be no increase in the cost of meals.
Quick Hitters
lunch menus changes
join our parent or student Advisory Group
covid-19 guidance
Mr. Denison and his students display a prototype of their pumpkin boxes that will be built and given away at the Fairfield Co. Fair, this year.
EFCTS at the fairfield county fair
Eastland-Fairfield students are preparing for careers that may lead them to your company or organization. Help prepare the future workforce by becoming an Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools business partner, by: Welcoming students to job shadow Public speaking in our classrooms Providing company tours Serving as an advisory committee member Providing apprenticeship/work-based learning opportunities For more information, visit us online or contact Christine Boucher (614-836-4350, ext. 1518).
interested in becoming a business partner?
VIRTUAL TOUR Explore any program you want with just the click of a button. You can explore the career-tech labs at Eastland Career Center, Fairfield Career Center, and our satellite program locations by taking the virtual tour on your computer or mobile device. The Tour Checklist: Explore all corners of as many career-tech labs as you’d like. Stop at our flashing interactive elements to learn more about the program(s). Watch a video showcasing a lab demonstration. Learn more about industry credentials, certifications and college credits you potentially earn in a program. Check out some alumni, business partner, or current student testimonials or be introduced to the program instructor. Want even more information? There is a form in each lab where you can request additional information.
Satellite Program Locations
A small 'thank you'
Giving our cafeteria staff a moment of praise
Eastland Career Center
IN-PERSON TOUR You can visit any or all of our locations, based on your program interest. To schedule your in-person tour at your desired location(s), please contact your school counselor to begin the scheduling process.
Schools across the nation are sharing in a similar issue: item shortages and supply chain disruptions are forcing cafeteria staffs to work harder to ensure that our students are being fed nutritious and balanced meals. Our cafeteria staffs at Eastland and Fairfield career centers have risen to the task and are deserving of our gratitude for caring for our students. They realize that nutrition is part of their education, whether it is learning about nutrition or getting the nutrients needed to fuel their education. Thank you to our incredible cafeteria staff teams! ECC Bonnie Moran Kelly Sidner Barb Speakman Judy Johnson Denise Ford FCC Libby Philabaum Michelle Alford Tara Pieratt Milchelle Harrington Lorena Brown
VISIT US!
SUBS Treva Collins Michael Davis
Click or tap the button of the location you'd like to tour!
Schedule your tour or take a virtual tour, today!
Fairfield Career Center
Oct. 4: Makeup Picture Day (FCC only) Oct. 7: COVID-19 Clinic #2 (FCC) Oct. 7: At the Core Coffee Chat #1 (virtual) Oct. 10-16: EFCTS at Fairfield Co. Fair Oct. 13: Makeup Picture Day (ECC only) Oct. 13: At the Core Coffee Chat #2 (virtual) Oct. 14: Staff PD Day (no school) Oct. 15: No school for staff or students Oct. 19-20: Famil-E Fairs Oct. 27: 'Tech or Treat' Event (FCC and ECC) Nov. 2: Election Day Click here for our online calendar
In our next edition ... Check out what is going on inside the EFCTS Firefighting and Cyber Security satellite programs! A first look into how our programs are teaching students how to run a business! Event updates and details ... and much more!
Stay Connected!
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Come back for our next edition on October 14!
Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools 4300 Amalgamated Place Groveport, Ohio 43125 Phone: 614-836-4530 www.EastlandFairfield.com
Important Dates