In this edition ... Dr. Miller's latest blog entitled, "Kids Need More Than Heroes" FCC Recognizes NTHS Honorees A peek inside the Cyber Security program Our ghoulish time at Tech or Treat! Around EFCTS in photos Important dates and events ... and more!
10.28.21 Volume 2 // Issue 7
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
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Eastland-Fairfield is everywhere! Our students are on farms, in auto garages, homes, warehouses, medical labs, and in the cyber world. Each student is working hard in their field in the classrooms to achieve their 'E'. It's scary how skilled our students are becoming, but tis the season!
Networks, Pumpkins and Career Pathways, OH MY!
by Dr. Kimberly Pietsch Miller
This summer I gave my administrative team a book to read entitled Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath. The basic premise of the book is that often we find ourselves reacting to problems, and sometimes we are reacting to the same problems over and over again. Heath’s point is that reacting is a downstream behavior. The problem is in front of us, and we have to do something. While there will always be emergencies and problems that pop up, he suggests that many of the issues we deal with could be diminished or even eliminated if we put into place structures and systems to head off problems. Developing and implementing structures and systems is upstream behavior.
kids need more than heroes
Dr. Miller's Blog
To read past editions of Dr. Miller's Blog, click here.
Before delving into examples of upstream efforts by organizations, the author takes time to point out some of the barriers to upstream thinking. One of the barriers is tunneling, which is what happens when there are so many problems to solve that we have a scarcity of resources to address them all. So we get tunnel vision and just deal with one problem. It may not really solve the problem in the long run, but it buys us time and reprieve from worry, even if temporarily. Tunneling can also be rewarding emotionally and leads to the concept of heroism. When someone steps in and saves the day, we celebrate that person - and that can feel good. So rather than address a systemic problem, we keep reacting when the problem pops up again. I see this sometimes with students. They are in need of immediate help, and so someone steps in to provide it...as we should. However, are there ways that we can reduce some of the need to be a hero for our kids? If we know that going on extended school breaks is difficult for some students (and it is), can we put a system in place to provide counseling that prepares them leading up to the break? If we know that many students are struggling with mental health challenges (and they are), can we develop a system of programs and teams based on data to acknowledge and address those needs before they become emergencies for kids? I believe we can, and we should, because our kids need more than heroes; they need systems. At Eastland-Fairfield, we believe so strongly in the power of systems thinking that we created a role to ensure that we are proactive in supporting our students rather than reacting when issues arise. We have added the position of Director of Student Support Systems. Further, we will be developing a system for dealing with “emergencies” so that we are not reacting in the moment but implementing a well-developed plan. There are times when we need to jump in and put out the proverbial fire. And the accolades and recognition that come with that behavior can make us feel good. But let’s do as much as we can to keep that fire from starting in the first place. I am glad that we have heroes; I just would like our kids to need them less often.
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.
ASPIRE HSE Orientation Dates Set
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.
The Adult Workforce Development ASPIRE program has announced its orientation dates for its upcoming High School Equivalency (HSE) program. January 10, 11, 12 Orientations sessions are offered from 9:00 am-12:00 pm and 6:00-9:00 pm, each day. Interested learners must attend one session on all three days. ASPIRE classes are available at no cost to our learners. The skills you learn will help learners acquire basic academic skills, workforce skills, and access to affordable, high-quality higher education options. For more information on our ASPIRE programs, please visit: www.eastlandfairfield.com/aspire
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 for our upcoming 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! November 1 - 6:30-8:00 pm (at Gahanna Lincoln Senior Center) November 7 - 2:00-3:30 pm (at Pickerington Senior Center)
Inaugural Tech or Treat provides smiles, fun and first looks!
Eastland-Fairfield at the Fair
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Inaugural 'Tech or Treat' event welcomes families to Eastland and Fairfield career centers. On Wednesday, October 27, Eastland-Fairfield hosted its inaugural 'Tech or Treat' event in which families from our local communities visited both career centers for trick-or-treating fun, activities, games, and a first look at the campuses. Adorned with festive and spooky Halloween decorations, the hallways of both Eastland and Fairfield Career Center were filled with princesses, skeletons, heroes, villains, and masked characters of all sorts. Mystical lands filled with fun inflatables, Halloween-themed games, and overflowing bowls of candy were enjoyed by children of all ages and their families. Thank you to all that joined us for a boo-tiful evening of spook-tacular fun!
Students and staff showcase Eastland-Fairfield to the community at the Fairfield County Fair. The last county fair to take place in Ohio is an honor held by Fairfield County. Just as regular as the Fairfield County Fair at this time year is Eastland-Fairfield taking its spot to highlight what is happening in the District. The Construction program at FCC built "pumpkin boxes" on-site and donated their work to passersby over the couse of their stay. The Project SEARCH, Pre-Nursing, Nail Technician, HVAC, and Animal Management programs also represented EFCTS over the course of the week. The crisp, clear fall weather made for another perfect stay at the fair. We enjoyed meeting so many new people and reconnecting with alumni, parents of graduates, and those that we engaged with questions and answers.
On October 20, Fairfield Career Center inducted 12 students into the National Technical Honor Society, recognizing their commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to our new inductees (program/home school): Kim Hernandez-Figueroa (Pre-Nursing/Whitehall Yearling) Megan Randleman (Animal Management and Service/Groveport Madison) Alexus Hudson (Criminal Justice/Pickerington Central) Celeste Roddy (Dental Assisting/Pickerington Central) Jeremy Cox (HVAC/Gahanna Lincoln) Kelsey Kougher (Dental Assisting/Amanda-Clearcreek) Cynthia Louis Charles (Dental Assisting/Gahanna Lincoln) Madeline Shepherd (Pre-Nursing/Teays Valley) Alexis Estave (Animal Management and Services/Whitehall Yearling) Lileah Haudenschilt (Construction/Canal Winchester) Ali Smith (Pre-Nursing/Berne Union) Eduardo Ramirez (Pharmacy/Reynoldsburg eSTEM)
To be eligible for consideration, a student who must earn a 3.7 or higher grade point average and have 97 percent attendance rate, or better, in his or her junior year with no major discipline infractions. The candidates’ teachers also evaluate students to ensure that they demonstrate the seven attributes of an NTHS member: skill, scholarship, honesty, responsibility, service, leadership, and citizenship. Once students meet these qualifications they are asked to complete an application, which includes multiple essays.
Fairfield Career Center Recognizes National Technical Honor Society Honorees
Twelve FCC students join the ranks of NTHS inductees.
What's Happening in Cyber Security
It isn't all 1's and 0's in this classroom! See what is happening in the Cyber Security satellite program, hosted at New Albany High School.
As the first quarter comes to a close, our students in the Cyber Security program began wrapping up projects and tests that encompass the skills they've been acquiring. We visited the program's brand new lab, housed at New Albany High School, where the junior class shared a collection of works, including: creating functional Ethernet twisted cable, building and mounting router racks, data packaging, MAC address flooding, and inter-networking. Click or tap the photo gallery and video below view more! These are the first steps in learning the about the networks of information they will be trained to build, manage, and protect. Click here if you would like to learn more about the Eastland-Fairfield Cyber Security satellite program and the futures it can prepare you for!
The Adult Workforce Basic Police Officer Training program congratulates another class of graduates.
Congratulations to Class BAS-21-014! Natalie Augenstein (Class Lieutenant) Allison Buck Danielle D'Andrea Kayla Doss Ceara Fike Timonthy Lafferty Joshua Lyon Jared Mefford Connor Mulvey Jacob Newell Shawn Pettet Nicklaus Reger Meggin Ryan Kayleann Sigler Cory Sisco Scott Starbuck Curtis Stephenson Tyler Stevens
Adult Workforce Development Graduates Basic Police Officer Training Class
Following a rigorous seven month program, Class BAS-21-014 held its commencement to honor its completion of the Basic Police Officer Training (BPOT) program at Eastland Career Center. The commencement ceremony was held on October 21, 2021, and recognized its 19 graduates of the program. Academy Commander Shannon Long welcomed Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape to deliver the keynote speech. Of the 19 graduates, nearly all have started their employment, earned additional credentials to advance in their current place of employment, or are en route to beginning a new position in the field. If you would like more information on the Basic Police Officer Training program, please click here or visit www.eastlandfairfield.com/police.
Around EFCTS
Above: Our Interactive Media juniors are learning the principles of animation using Adobe Illustrator and After Effects. Some are animating a 2-D bat for Halloween! Adobe certifications, here they come! Left: Thank you to alumna Destiny Randle for coming to Ms. Coyer's cosmetology class to teach our students how to braid, do feed-in braided extensions, as well as knot-less extensions.
Above Left: Want to learn more about what's happening inside a mouth? You just have to dive right in! (Ms. Sauer, Dental Assisting) Above Right: Bioscience students in Gahanna are putting all their new skills together to observe basic facts about bacteria. Bottom Left: Thanks to Mr. Dennison's Construction program for building some of the Tech or Treat decor! Well done! Right: Happy Reptile Day! Ms. Johnston's Animal Management students give extra love to our reptilian friends on October 21.
Check out what has been happening around Eastland-Fairfield since our last check-in!
Above: Our Project SEARCH students are doing fantastic, meaningful work at Fairfield Medical Center, and having fun doing so! Top right: As part of National Bullying Prevention Month, FCC students are taking a pledge to stand against bullying in all its form by signing an orange ribbon on display. We all play a role to eliminate bullying.
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
updated covid-19 protocols
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).
covid-19 guidance
interested in becoming a business partner?
lunch menus changes
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.
Pursuant to the passing of House Bill 244 and in line with the Franklin County Department of Health, Eastland-Fairfield is not mandating quarantine measures for those identified as a close contact. However, if the Franklin or Fairfield health departments issue a quarantine order to your student, the decision to self-quarantine is left to the parent/guardian. If your student does not self-quarantine after being identified as a close contact, your student must: Wear a mask while indoors for 14 days Wear a face mask during athletic activities (if applicable) Conduct daily symptom checks and stay home if symptoms develop It is recommended by the CDC that those who are identified as a close contact test for COVID-19 on day 5 after the exposure. Consistent with guidance for others quarantining in lower-risk environments, students and staff may discontinue these quarantine procedures after seven days — if they don’t develop symptoms and test negative between days 5-7. As always, if you are ill or running a fever, please stay home and consult your healthcare provider for further information and direction. EFCTS COVID-19 protocols
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
Alumna Takes Flight!
2021 graduate from the Aviation program, performed her first solo flight.
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.
Congratulations to Aliyah Watts, a recent graduate of the Aviation program at Eastland Career Center, on taking to the air on her own for the first time in her piloting career. Aliyah is currently training with Sundowner Aviation at the Fairfield County Airport. She was surprised to learn on October 13 that her flight instructor would allow her to take to the air for her first solo flight. On that day, Aliyah took off and landed her Cessna 172 three times, helping her to accumulate a total of 18 hours in the air throughout her continued training. Aliyah is a 2021 graduate of Pickerington North High School. Keep flying high, Aliyah! For more information on how you can take flight in the Aviation program, click here!or visit www.eastlandfairfield.com/Aviation
VISIT US!
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Schedule your tour or take a virtual tour, today!
Fairfield Career Center
Nov. 1: College & Career Coffee Chat #3 Nov. 2: Election Day PD Day (no school for students) Nov. 3: ASPIRE HSE First Day of Classes Nov. 5-7: Sophomore Visits (ECC) Nov. 7: No school (ECC only) College & Career Coffee Chat #4 Nov. 17-19: Sophomore Visits (FCC) No school (FCC only) Nov. 24-26: No school (Thanksgiving Break) Dec. 2: Open House, Application Launch Click here for our online calendar
Eastland-Fairfield: where learning and fun happens for the entire family! Pictured: FCC Assistant Director Dakia Washington and her family. Photo credit: EFCTS Communications and Marketing
In our next edition ... Check out what is going on inside the Marketing and Logistics satellite program! Big news out of the Agriculture and Heavy Equipment program! Event updates and details, plus news! ... and much more!
Stay Connected!
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Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools 4300 Amalgamated Place Groveport, Ohio 43125 Phone: 614-836-4530 Email: info@efcts.us www.EastlandFairfield.com
Important Dates