Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District
News from the
Traverse Bay Area ISD
Career-Tech Center
November 2020
Great things are happening in career and
technical education!
Please share this newsletter with others.

Learn more at tbactc.org
Greetings from
Assistant Superintendent Pat Lamb
A Wild Ride

This is certainly a school year like we’ve never seen before! Even as this article is being written, we find ourselves in a constant state of change as as we adapt to the reality of COVID-19. 

It is our sincere belief that students, particularly in a Career and Technical Education setting, absolutely learn best in a face-to-face situation where they have opportunities to physically experience our programs directly and interface with staff. It is our goal to take all the steps we can to make in-person instruction possible.

Even before COVID-19 was on the radar, CTC was using the Clorox 360 system to regularly disinfect our building. Now it is used daily -- between the morning and afternoon sessions, and before our morning students arrive. Little did we know, it would become the premier disinfecting tool for airplanes, public transportation, and public buildings around the nation. In addition, we have an outstanding maintenance staff who understands the pandemic and began implementing processes that would increase our ability to open the school year with students in the building.

CTC is taking many additional steps beyond sanitizing to create an environment that is safe and healthy. Students and staff must wear face masks while in our building. In most classrooms, students are socially distanced at least six feet apart, and plexiglass partitions separate student spaces in classrooms where it is more difficult to socially distance. The Culinary Arts program opted to close its restaurant, and access to other food and beverages is limited to ensure that students are staying masked throughout the day. And lastly, visitors are severely restricted to emergencies only.

As you may already know, we are transitioning to a hybrid schedule as part of the region's move to the State of Michigan's Phase 4 on November 3. The hybrid schedule is described below and you will see that it still provides students the opportunity to receive instruction from our expert staff in their respective fields. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with our terrific students, families and professional staff who have gone above and beyond to make CTC a great experience despite current conditions. As a region, we are incredibly blessed with the opportunity to offer this type of instruction to our high school students. I thank you for your support for our work, and I'm certain the remainder of the year will continue to be a wild ride.

Respectfully,
Pat Lamb
Assistant Superintendent of Career & Technical Education and Community Outreach
Thank you to CTC Graphic Design & Promotional Media students for their back-to-school sidewalk art. There were many colorful and uplifting designs to inspire students returning to school this fall. Learn more about CTC Graphic Design & Promotional Media program.
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Hybrid CTC Schedule Begins Tuesday, November 3
Based on guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Career-Tech Center (CTC) will transition to a hybrid model of instruction beginning Tuesday, November 3 as prescribed by the TBAISD COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. Find the full CTC Hybrid School Schedule here.

Our objective is to maintain a productive learning environment for students and mitigate spread of COVID-19. CTC's hybrid schedule will bring assigned student groups to in-person instruction for two back-to-back days and also provide three days of remote assignments and synchronous online sessions led by CTC instructors. This schedule allows us to reduce classroom density by 50%.

Each student's home school district will have a CTC schedule indicating which days their students will attend CTC. It will consist of a Monday/Tuesday group or Thursday/Friday group, with Wednesday scheduled as a remote instruction day for all students.

CTC will undergo additional deep cleaning and sanitizing each Wednesday and at the end-of-day Friday in preparation for the next group of students attending class at the facility. Students and families will continue to receive updates through School Messenger as the plan is updated. We thank you for your patience as the circumstances of this pandemic evolve. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (231) 922-6273.
MTA Students Dive Into Hands-On Learning
Students in the CTC Manufacturing Technology Academy (MTA) are participating in a six-week program with Traverse City-based manufacturer Promethient, Inc., to study value stream mapping and problem-solving techniques. Students will dive into hands-on learning in the engineering-focused program. 
 
Promethient CEO Bill Myers proposed the program to TBAISD as he saw a window of opportunity for the company to collaborate with MTA students and staff. “It is so important for the local business community to engage with young people early and often to build awareness of jobs that pay well and career opportunities that can help business and industry build a strong workforce for the future,” explains Myers.
 
“We are grateful for opportunities like this that allow students to engage in an active manufacturing environment and learn from authentic processes and scenarios,” says MTA instructor Debby Oliver. Students will work in small teams with mentors on process improvement and problem-solving. In the end, students will prepare a final project to present their research findings and proposals for process improvements.
Front Street Writers Team Up to Mask Up
CTC Front Street Writers students shared their creative input this fall with the Grand Traverse County COVID-19 Joint Operations Center's (JOC) communications team. The team set out to develop new advertisements to encourage mask-wearing, but they wanted to be sure the messages were memorable and meaningful to young adults.

Front Street Writers stepped up to collaborate and brainstorm ways to support masking that would resonate with youth. They used their unique talents and viewpoints to formulate impactful messages with the JOC team during a Zoom session. Their feedback helped shape the tone of the materials from the perspective of young people with keen eyes for strong communication.
Education on Wheels Gifted to CTC
CTC students and staff were overjoyed with a very generous gift from Goodwill Northern Michigan and Grow Benzie. The organizations donated this beautiful food truck which will provide students in culinary arts, automotive technology, auto body, graphic arts and promotional media programs many opportunities to put their skills to work. In the months ahead, students will experience hands-on learning as they perform vehicle maintenance, design exterior graphics, customize a business plan, and create menus. All along the way, they will learn about cost analysis, profitability, and more! The truck is projected to be "up to speed" in 2021!
Building Trades Teams Up with Michigan State Police
Students in the building trades program teamed up with Michigan State Police Community Service Trooper David Prichard of the 7th District/Cadillac Post to construct the "Hidden in Plain Sight" trailer. The trailer houses a full scale, realistic teen bedroom designed to help educate community members about the subtle signs that a young person may be struggling with substance abuse.

Trooper Prichard approached Building Trades Instructor Tom Sensabaugh to request student collaboration in designing and constructing the simulated teen bedroom. Students jumped on board to help, constructing walls, doors and furniture within the confines of the enclosed trailer. Prichard was appreciative of the students' diligent and excellent quality work. The trailer travels with Prichard throughout the state on his mission to educate, promote dialogue, and hopefully build awareness about substance use and abuse.
Left: Tom Sensabaugh with CTC Construction Trades students in the classroom.
Above: CTC handiwork on display inside the MSP trailer; Hidden in Plain Sight trailer exhibit at Grand Traverse Resort

Learn more about the MSP Hidden in Plain Sight project here.
Electrical Occupations Program Sparks Expansion
In response to overwhelming interest, CTC expanded its Electrical Occupations program for the 2020-21 school year to welcome an additional 33 students for a third class period. Although the program was previously maintaining a waitlist due to increasing demand, CTC is fortunate to be able to accommodate the additional students in the popular program because it has a certified electrician on staff this year along with extra classroom space available.

The CTC Electrical Occupations program allows high school students to gain experience and active learning involving generating, moving and using electricity. Opportunity for success in this field is rapid as construction spending and the demand for alternative energy sources are projected to increase in years to come. Learn more at www.tbactc.org.
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Events
  • November 26 - 27 No CTC Classes - Thanksgiving Recess
  • December 23 - January 3 No CTC Classes - Holiday Recess
  • January 4 School Resumes
  • January 18 No CTC Classes
  • Winter/To be Determined Manufacturing Technology Academy Info Sessions
  • March 15, 18, 23 TBA Early College Info Sessions
  • March 29 - April 5 No CTC Classes - Spring Recess
  • April 6 School Resumes
Mark Your Calendars! Early College Info Sessions
Traverse Bay Area Early College program is planning ahead for spring information sessions for high school freshmen and sophomores who would like to learn more about the many benefits of Early College.

In-Person Sessions will become virtual if necessary
March 15, 2021
March 18, 2021

Virtual Session
March 23, 2021

Visit www.tbactc.org for additional information about TBA Early College. Contact Ashley Darga at adarga@tbaisd.org with questions.
Grade Reports Coming in January
In late January, CTC student grade reports for the first semester will be available to students and families through PowerSchool. To view grade reports and attendance records, log in to your PowerSchool account. If you are a new user of PowerSchool, you must first set up your account using the PowerSchool access codes you should have already received.

If you have questions about your PowerSchool account access, contact Colleen Tennant at ctennant@tbaisd.org.
Online Appointment Scheduling
&
College Financial Aid Info
Schedule an Appointment with a CTC Counselor Online! Fast & Easy

Students may easily schedule an appointment with a CTC counselor by using the online Counselor Appointment Request Forms for Mrs. Karmin Olds and Mr. Barry Bialik. Go to the www.tbactc.org "Counseling Services" page or any of the CTC Google Classrooms to schedule online. This provides fast and easy access to CTC counseling meetings in-person or remotely if needed.

Counselors are available to help students with questions about college financial aid (FAFSA), scholarships, college/trade school options, and career questions. Plus, school counselors are also able to guide students to referrals for personal needs, mental health services, local resources, and more.
College Financial Aid Info Sessions

Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is providing live and recorded webinars focusing on college financial aid, completing the FAFSA, scholarships, and more. These sessions are helpful for any student considering any college -- not only NMC. Go to NMC's financial aid web page to learn more and to register for a session.
National Technical Honor Society

The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) application deadline for fall was October 23 and newly admitted members will be announced in early November.

Anyone who missed the fall application deadline can still apply in January! Interested students should request an eligibility form from their program instructors. The completed eligibility form can be submitted to Student Services -- and then a NTHS application may be completed.

Requirements for Membership
  • Attend Career-Tech Center for one full semester prior to applying.
  • Earn a B (85%) or higher for your CTC combined program and academic grade for the semester prior to joining.  For MTA students, the average of all MTA classes is computed.
  • Be recommended by your CTC teacher and a member of your home high school staff.
  • No serious disciplinary referrals or suspensions from CTC or your home high school.
 
The National Technical Honor Society mission is to honor student achievement in career and technical education, promote educational excellence, and enhance career opportunities for students in the technical trades. Learn more about the CTC National Honor Society.
Keep Up the Great Work Combatting COVID
This fall at Career-Tech Center has brought extraordinary challenges for students, families and staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We commend the entire CTC community for their perseverance and patience as we all do our parts to keep school open, safe and healthy.

Please keep up your great efforts by continuing to wear masks, maintain social distancing, minimize social gatherings, stay home if you're feeling ill, and following frequent hand-washing and hygiene efforts.

Know that if the need arises to transition to distance learning at CTC, we are ready to make those changes to continue teaching and learning.
Need a GED or High School Diploma? Skills Up North!
Skills Up North helps adults earn a high school diploma or GED while also training for in-demand jobs in the skilled trades. It's a great way to learn a trade and improve job opportunities and earning potential!

Eligible adult students can begin work on a diploma or GED any time; and skilled trades courses are held periodically during the year in the evening hours at Career-Tech Center. Skills Up North is a partnership with Northwest Michigan Works.

Call Joe Parent at CTC for details at (231) 922-7826, check out this brochure, and watch the video.
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The Youth Health & Wellness Center (YHWC) is operated by the Grand Traverse County Health Department and is located on the Career-Tech Center campus. It is a child and adolescent health center for youth ages of 10 to 21, as well as their children. The Center provides health care and counseling services and no one will be turned away regardless of ability to pay.

For additional information, visit the YHWC website and check out this brochure.
Youth Health and Wellness Center
(231) 922-6416
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
TBAISD Career-Tech Center| 880 Parsons Rd, Traverse City, Michigan | 231.922.6273 | www.tbactc.org