In this edition ... Dr. Miller's latest blog entitled, "Grace, Context, and Hope." Applications are LIVE! A peek inside the Adult BPOT program Calamity Day procedures Around EFCTS in photos Important dates and events ... and more!
12.9.21 Volume 2 // Issue 10
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
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Eastland-Fairfield students, high school and adult, continue to acquire new skills and knowledge, then put it into practice in preparation for the futures they are building. What they learn today in a classroom, laboratory, or outside of class, will propel them into tomorrow. Consider what you want your future to look like and learn how Eastland-Fairfield can offer opportunities toward that vision. Applications are now open for prospective students and tours are ongoing, so take that first step forward!
The gift of education is everlasting.
by Dr. Kimberly Pietsch Miller
We know the end of the year is near as we embark upon the holiday season. Last week we took time to give thanks for the many gifts in our lives. And now we look ahead to holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and of course, ringing in a new year. As we look forward to gathering, perhaps for the first time in two years, and celebrating, it is appropriate that we also take time to reflect on the past year, give thanks for our gifts, mourn our losses, and perhaps most importantly, identify the lessons that we have learned.
grace, context, and hope
Dr. Miller's Blog
To read past editions of Dr. Miller's Blog, click here.
Here is what I have learned over the past year. People need our grace now more than ever. It’s more important than ever to consider the “why” behind behaviors that we don’t expect or want to experience. It has been a tough year for many people, and we know that stress and anxiety impact our behavior. Consider that we may not understand all that a person is going through, pause to be thoughtful, and give others, and ourselves, a little extra grace. Context matters. At a time when unwanted change has been forced upon us, it is natural that when someone is asked to make even more change that resistance sets in. But change cannot be stopped, and we have to continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our students and one another. Therefore, leaders must take the time to explain the context of why even more changes are taking place. Have hope! Despite all the challenges of the past two years, I believe in the future because of the young people that we serve. They are passionate, caring, and forward-thinking. One of the joys of my position is the opportunity to visit students at our two campuses, satellite, and adult programs. Our students never cease to amaze me with their kindness, their talents, and their goals for the future. We have spent much time over the past two years feeling loss and disappointment...both are appropriate feelings. But now it is time to hope, for it is hope that will fuel our actions to create a new and better future. Once you choose hope, anything’s possible. - Christopher Reeve -
Acceptance will be based on credits on track to earn by the end of the students' sophomore year. Based on the number of credits earned, the applicant will be labeled Direct Admit (min. 10-12 credits), Credit Plan (6-9 credits), or No Admit (5 or fewer credits). If a program is not full, Direct Admit students are enrolled. If there are more applicants than there are seats, a lottery system is implemented for enrollment. Students may choose to be place on hold or pursue their second option, if not enrolled. Credit Plan students must work with school counselors to create a plan to make up credit deficiencies. Once that is satisfied, Credit Plan applicants will be reviewed after Direct Hold applicants are addressed. For the full applicant process and flowchart resource, please visit click here or visit www.EastlandFairfield.com/acceptanceprocess.
Acceptance Criteria
For a small glimpse into the dinner-theater performance, use the "<" and ">" buttons to view the photo gallery
Be in 10th or 11th grade in the 2021-22 school year Meet one of the following: Be enrolled in and a resident of an associate district of Eastland-Fairfield Be a homeschooled resident of an associate district Be a resident of an associate district attending a community school (including online school or non-public chartered school)
"Deck the Stage" Dinner Theater Brings Holiday Cheer
Applications are now LIVE!
How to apply
The Performing Arts and Culinary programs brought the holiday cheer! In the collaborative holiday spirit, the Eastland-Fairfield Performing Arts and Culinary Arts programs joined together to present a dinner-theater performance entitled, Deck the Stage, by Lindsay Price. The students of the Performing Arts satellite program, hosted at Reynoldsburg High School, performed two shows over the course of one week. The second show, held on Wednesday, December 9, welcomed in the Culinary Arts program, which served a buffet style holiday feast comprised of pumpkin soup, Brussels sprouts, buttered winter harvest potatoes, mixed green salad, rosemary chicken, roast beef, and a choice of a white or dark chocolate peppermint mousse sleigh dessert. The dinner-theater featured a sold out crowd that filled the Reynoldsburg High School - Summit Campus band room where spectators with full stomachs smiled, laughed, and were dazzled by the students' performance of a series of holiday-inspired vignettes. The cast and crew included: Kenneth Thomas, Akirah Fletcher, Brianna Roberts, William Daughtery, Chris Kaminski, Chloe Moton, Niya Louketis, Maria Murphy, Aaliyah Santiago, Jessica (Alex) Santislevan, August Straughter, Sydney Musinde, Genesis Castellon-Banegas, Sadikshia Ghimire, Katherine Orellana, Madison Rider, James Edwards, Ashmita Dhimal, and Simone Anderson.
Application Process
Click here or visit www.EastlandFairfield.com/apply Click the APPLY button If you do not have an account, please create one using the on-screen prompts. A video tutorial is available for further assistance. Complete the form in its entirety and submit.
Click or tap the arrows to view all photos in the galleries.
What's Happening in Adult Basic Police Officer Training
The skills and training needed to keep the public safer, earned and learned at Eastland-Fairfield.
Eastland-Fairfield is unique in that it houses its own police academy as part of its Adult Workforce Development department. The Basic Police Officer Training (BPOT) program, which is run through the Eastland Police Academy, welcomes adult learners age 21 and over to engage in hands-on and classroom instruction that grants industry-recognized credentials for those training to become law enforcement officers. Some students enter the program already employed but are looking for a boost through addition credentials to elevate themselves professionally. Some are beginning their journey in law enforcement, and through the instruction provided by retired law enforcement officer, Mr. Shannon Long, and with the partnership of multiple area law enforcement agencies, BPOT students are ready to serve the public upon program completion, which occurs in less than one year. Recently, both BPOT courses began their subject takedown sections of the course. Students were building on command use but supplementing that with takedown tactics when there is noncompliance or an escalation in the situation. There is no better way to understand the impact of an action than to have it done to oneself, so students trained on their newfound knowledge on one another (respectfully, of course) to find those strategic points and implement actions that will keep themselves, their partners, and the public safe. Click here if you would like to learn more about the Eastland-Fairfield Basic Police Officer Training program and the opportunities that it can provide you or your student. Courses are offered both during the day and at night throughout the year.
Top: Ms. Coyer's Cosmetology students got festive with their holiday hair-dos! Bottom: FCC Director Mr. McGregor volunteers his time and teeth to Ms. Uhl's dental students!
Top: Construction's deconstruction of its plumbing and electrical test house, before... Bottom: ... and after!
Around EFCTS
Left Row: Students and instructors were excited to show off what we do at EFCTS at our Open House event on December 2. Right Row: Doug Rider (Interactive Media) shows the pipeline of success his student have after program completion, while the Aviation lab shows how your career can take flight beginning in the new lab at the Engineering Technologies Center! Bottom Right: Our academic teachers are always looking to find ways to reach our students, this time in their IBL/PBL training.
Our halls were filled with curious parents, students, and siblings during our Open House event, and the learning continues in our labs and classrooms!
Mental wellbeing continues to be on the minds of many as we work through societal changes and challenges. With the added stress, the holidays can be a bit overwhelming. Family gatherings can be fun with the anticipation of exchanging gifts, breaking bread together, and experiencing traditions. We may get to celebrate with family and friends, take a break from work, and enjoy some downtime. At the same time, these gatherings can also be stressful because of unspoken expectations, conflict, and different views. The holiday season can be another strain mentally, emotionally, or financially for some. It can be a time of pain, heartache, and anxiety. If you experience loneliness during the holiday season, the following are some tips that may help: Lean into your emotions - Identify and accept how you feel and think about why you feel the way you do. If a holiday event may make you feel worse, consider not going or starting your own unique tradition. Give yourself some grace - Emotions are real. Don’t try to be superhuman. When you feel sad, let yourself be and feel those emotions. Then start a new project, read a book, go for a walk, run, or do some other physical activity to help ease your heart. De-stress - When I’m stressed, I read, exercise, or take a pause for as long as I need. What do you do to manage stress? Do things that feel safe and stress-free. Ask for help - Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. When someone offers support, take it. It could help in the form of a listening ear, a hug, a quiet meal together, or assistance with a project. It’s essential to lean on your support system. Volunteer - Helping others can help you feel better, like volunteering in a soup kitchen or animal shelter, participating in a food or coat drive, or assisting a neighbor in need. It will feel good to spend time with others. Enjoy the moment - Some anxiety is caused by thinking about the future, while depression is caused by thinking about the past. We can’t do anything about either, so focus on the present and being present in the moment.
Thinking about Mental Wellbeing this Holiday Season
As the Director of Student Support Systems, Mr. Carter oversees several critical areas, including Special Education, English Language Learners, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Mental Wellbeing. His overall goal is to create or enhance organizational systems to remove student learning and growth barriers.
Source: Matrix Integrated Psychological Services
From mr. Dwight carter director of student support systems
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
Calamity Day Protocol
What to do and where to look when weather impacts EFCTS or our associate schools
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. You may also sign up for a family tour. For more information, click here.
When weather, transportation issues, or health concerns impact the Eastland-Fairfield school day, here is what you need to know about how it impacts our families. When will the decision on initiating a Calamity Day be made? All efforts will be made to make a decision to initiate a Calamity Day by 6:00 a.m. ET on the day in question. A decision may be made and the protocol initiated prior to 6:00 a.m. and as early as the day before. Afternoon/evening adult learning programs will be notified by 2:00 p.m. ET on the day in question. Basic Police Officer Training (BPOT) adult learners will be contacted directly by Commander Shannon Long. Where can I find information on if EFCTS will be closed? Students, parents, and guardians can find information on school closure in any of the following ways: Follow Superintendent/CEO Dr. Kimberly Miller (@KimMiller_Learn) on Twitter Follow Eastland-Fairfield on social media Watch your local news channels Parents/Guardians/Home School administration will receive a OneCall voice, text, and email message (please make sure your contact information is updated through the OneView portal) Visit our website, www.EastlandFairfield.com What does a cancellation mean for satellite students? Students of an Eastland-Fairfield satellite program are to adhere to the decision of the school hosting their program. What if my home school cancels school, but Eastland-Fairfield remains open? Students are not expected to report to Eastland-Fairfield, however, if students that provide their own transportation can safely report they are welcomed to do so. For more information on Calamity Days and staff protocols, please click here or visit www.EastlandFairfield.com/calamitydays.aspx
VISIT US!
Click or tap the button of the location you'd like to virtually tour!
Schedule your tour or take a virtual tour, today!
Fairfield Career Center
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. Find the answers to your questions.
your journey is unique.
ASPIRE to offer Game Development/Coding Course
Eastland-Fairfield will be providing multiple events for parents, prospective students, and prospective adult learners to answer pressing questions that can impact your child's future.
Adult Workforce Development is excited to announce the formation of a new course being offered to all adult learners through its ASPIRE program. Beginning January 2022, a Game Development / Coding course will be offered through Mastery Coding. Learners can earn up to four industry credentials after course completion while learning and engaging in computer coding, game development, and esports club management. If you are interested, please CLICK HERE to complete a short survey. For more information, please contact Karen Ross (kross@efcts.us | 614-836-1662) or visit EastlandFairfield.com/ASPIRE. HSE Orientation Dates Set 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
Modern Cultivation Technologies Open House
DATE: Monday, December 13 TIME: 6:30 p.m. LOCATION: Eastland Career Center, Modern Cultivation Technologies lab (entrance by the greenhouse) Students in the Modern Cultivation Technologies (MCT) program are learning how to grow where and in directions no plant has grown before! The program and its students are bringing agriculture practices to urban, suburban, and commercial settings, and growing through more efficient and natural ways than ever done before. Preview and engage the lab, the hydro- and aquaponics systems, the greenhouse, and all the career and college opportunities for your student in this MCT program open house event! RSVP to the event by emailing instructor Joe Boff at jboff@efcts.us. Dessert is on us! Click here or visit EastlandFairfield.com/MCT for more information on the Modern Cultivation Technologies program.
Dec. 13: Modern Cultivation Technology Open House Dec. 20 - Jan. 2: Winter Break (no school) Jan. 10-12: ASPIRE HSE orientation Jan. 17: MLK Day (no school) Jan. 19: ASPIRE HSE classes begin Jan. 24-27: ASPIRE ESOL Orientation Feb. 1: ASPIRE HSE classes begin Click here for our online calendar
When fears are grounded, dreams take flight! - unknown -
In our next edition ... Students are producing their own announcements via its new student-led broadcasting channel, Eastland TV! Learn more about the services our Cosmetology students can provide you, now! What is going on inside the Medical Office program at Eastland Career Center!? ... and much more!
Stay Connected!
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To view previous editions of the newsletter
Come back for our next holiday edition on December 21!
Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools 4300 Amalgamated Place Groveport, Ohio 43125 Phone: 614-836-4530 Email: info@efcts.us www.EastlandFairfield.com
Important Dates