ICTC RECOGNIZES SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

(February 20, 2009)... Celebrating Leadership!  That was the goal for January 2009 for the Indiana County Technology Center as they joined in celebrating School Board Recognition Month.  School Board Recognition Month is used to help build awareness of the crucial role an elected board of trustees plays in our communities and schools.  They are extraordinary people who voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing school districts and career and technical centers. Their actions and decisions affect the present and future lives of our children.  Recognizing board members for this commitment and sacrifice takes a combined effort on the part of all they serve: administrators, school staff, students, and the community. Even though showing appreciation should be a year-round process, taking advantage of the designated School Board Recognition Month in January assures that these important people receive some of the thanks they deserve.

The ICTC honored its school board members at its January 27, 2009 Joint Operating Committee meeting with a gift of recognition.  Also, as a gesture from the students, the ICTC Student Ambassadors extended an invitation to the school board members to return to the ICTC in February and participate in “Adopt-a-Board Member Education Day.”  The school board member will shadow a student ambassador and experience the academic and technical skills taught in their particular ICTC program.  This is a wonderful opportunity for ICTC school board members to learn first hand what a day for an ICTC student entails.

February marks the celebration of Career and Technical Education Week.  The theme for this year is: “Career and Technical Education: The Torch to Light Your Way.”  The celebration will highlight the importance of career and technical education which promotes a high skills Pennsylvania workforce.  Career and technical education prepares both youth and adults for a wide range of careers.  These careers may require varying levels of education from high school to postsecondary certificates to two and four year college degrees.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, eighteen of the 20 fastest growing occupations within the next decade will require career and technical education.  The month long celebration kicks off with National Job Shadow Day and will conclude with National Entrepreneurship Week USA, which runs February 21-28.

In other recent events our Culinary Arts and Indiana Cosmetology Academy (ICA) students recently spent an afternoon with residents at St. Andrews Village.  Culinary Arts offered cappuccino and chocolate covered delectables to residents and staff.  ICA was on hand to give manicures and makeup applications.

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