WMCTC Weekly Update

Dear WMCTC Friends and Families,

Last night was a powerful reminder of what makes Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center such a special place to learn and grow. We had the absolute pleasure of hosting over 100 local business and industry partners at our Annual Fall Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC) Meeting.

Across every single program area, robust conversations took place between instructors, industry leaders, and community members. Together, we explored next-generation technology coming to local industries, In-demand certifications to give students a head start, and hands-on skill sets that make our graduates the most competitive candidates in the workforce.

CTE is an incredibly dynamic place to work and learn. Industry standards never stay still, and neither do we! We are constantly pursuing newer, better ways to bring cutting-edge practices into our classrooms for the benefit of our students and sending schools.

We want to extend a special thank you to the current parents, guardians, and alumni who joined us. Your unique perspectives and first-hand experiences help complete the picture, ensuring our programs truly support every student’s journey.

In the words of Mr. Livengood, "Our OACs make us thrive." We left last night’s meeting energized, inspired, and deeply grateful to be part of a community that invests so generously in our students' futures.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Warm Regards,

Dr. Colyer and Mrs. Petters

Our Year 3 Protective Services students had an incredible hands-on experience visiting the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus and the Emergency Communications Center!

As part of the Future First Responders of Montgomery County (FFRMC) open house, our high school seniors toured top-tier training facilities and got an insider look at the crucial work 911 Operators and Emergency Dispatchers do every day.

We’re so proud of these future heroes taking big steps toward careers in emergency services!

A huge thank you to James Jordan and Matthew Fink from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers for visiting our Welding students this week.

Opportunities like this give our students a direct bridge from their experience here at WMCTC to industry insights and career paths in the skilled trades.

Shoutout to Mr. Bartholomew for organizing such a valuable experience for our future welders!

Are you interested in learning how you can earn an Associate's Degree in Applied Science while you are a Western Center student? A representative from Saint Francis University will be at WMCTC on Wednesday, October 21st in the morning and afternoon to present on this opportunity. If interested in attending the information session, please use this link to sign up to attend or see Ms. Powers in student services to sign up. Saint Francis Information Session Sign Up

The main entrance to the building is located at the front of the building between the restaurant and the playground. All students who are not riding the bus must use this entrance. Parents/Guardians can drop off and pick up students through this entrance. Cars should not be traveling through the bus lanes to pick up or drop off students.

The main entrance will be open at 7:50 each morning during a regularly scheduled day. Students arriving prior to 7:50 will wait outside until the doors are opened.

All visitors will also use this entrance. Visitors must have a driver's license which will be scanned prior to access to the programs. A visitor badge will be provided which must be worn the entire time in the building.

• A parent/guardian should report an intended absence from school by emailing attendance@westerncenter.org
• Physical notes or emails are accepted. If a parent/guardian leaves a voicemail message, the absence will remain unexcused until we receive a written excuse.
• Written excuse must be received by WMCTC Attendance office within (3) school days after returning to school to excuse the absence.

• Advanced Notification of Extended Absence - use this form for absences that will be for three (3) or more days (i.e., vacations, educational trips, etc)

  Absences for two (2) days or less can be submitted using a parent/guardian note or email

• High Schools are not responsible for forwarding notes to WMCTC.
• Please read the JOC 204 Attendance Policy for more information
• If you have not yet completed the required back-to-school paperwork, please do so through eSchoolData as soon as possible.
• If you experience technical difficulties, please email techsupport@westerncenter.org.
• Please ensure that your contact information is current so you receive important school updates.

Thank you to our students, families, faculty, and staff for helping us begin the year on such a positive note. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to a successful and rewarding school year!

Did you know that your WMCTC Program can earn you college credit through the SOAR program?

What is SOAR?

A SOAR Program is a PDE approved, Career and Technical Education Program that credits skills and tasks learned at the secondary school (High School) level to a postsecondary (college) degree, diploma or certificate program. SOAR programs prepare students for High Priority Occupations which are tomorrow’s high demand and high wage careers.

SOAR Credit Opportunity Requirements

• Must have a completed competency list in CTE program to industry standard

• Must have a culminating WMCTC GPA 2.75 on 4.0 scale

• Must achieve Competent or Advanced on NOCTI

• Precision Machining must pass NIMs testing requirements in place of NOCTI

Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved the following WMCTC programs as Programs of Study.

Automotive Technology (CIP code 47.0604)

Carpentry (CIP code 46.0201)

Collision Repair (CIP code 47.0603)

Commercial Art (CIP code 50.0402)

Computer Information Systems (CIP code 11.0901)

Culinary Arts (CIP code 12.0508)

Diesel Technology (CIP code 47.0613)

Early Childhood Education (CIP code 19.0708)

Electrical Occupations (CIP code 46.0399)

Health Science Technology (CIP code 51.0899)

Heating,Ventilation and Air Conditioning (CIP code 47.0201)

Protective Services (CIP code 43.9999)

Precision Machining (CIP code 48.0501)

Welding (CIP code 48.0508)

Visit www.collegetransfer.net. Search PA Bureau of CTE SOAR program. Select your CIP code and year of graduation. Check this site throughout the year. Schools are added all the time.

SOAR Credit Opportunity needs to be used within 16 months of graduation.

Ms. Powers: jpowers@westerncenter.org phone 610 489 7272 ext. 219. Automotive, Carpentry, Collision Repair, Diesel, Electrical, HVAC, Precision

Machining and Welding

Mrs. Landis: clandis@westerncenter.org phone 610 489 7272 ext.214

Commercial Art, Computer Information, Cosmetology, Culinary, Early Childhood, Health Science, Protective Services and Sports Medicine

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us throughout the school year.

Things are moving fast in our Co-Op department as Mrs. Reichert steps into her new role as our Cooperative Education Coordinator!

Students are already meeting with her to finalize their job placements, review requirements, and coordinate all the necessary paperwork to get out into the workforce.

Interested in taking your skills from the classroom into the real world?

👉 Schedule a time to meet with Mrs. Reichert today!

Pro Tip: If you already have an employer or job site lined up and ready to connect with us, it helps speed up the approval process significantly!

Let’s turn training into experience. Stop by the Co-Op office or reach out to Mrs. Reichert to get started.

Food Service Information

For the Cafeteria at Western Center:

Our cafeteria is currently operated by the Spring-Ford Food Service Department. Below is a link to our web page for information on utilizing eFunds for your student lunch account, charging guidelines, lunch menus and applying for the free/reduced lunch program.

https://www.westerncenter.org/Page/662

All students, even Pottsgrove, must apply for Free/Reduced lunch, if their household qualifies. The below links will direct you to the high school's Food Services page for more details:

• Click here for Pottsgrove

• Click here for Spring-Ford

• Click here for Upper Perkiomen

Please feel free to reach out to Tracy Bogucki at tbogu@spring-ford.net or 610-705-6209 with any questions you may have regarding eFunds, lunch account balances, or free/reduced lunch program.

To find out your student’s Lunch ID number, you can call the WMCTC Business Office at 610-489-7272 x202. This number is needed to purchase lunch and/or create an eFunds account.

2026-2027 Bell Schedule

Year 1 and 2 students will attend WMCTC for the AM session.

Year 3 and 4 students will attend WMCTC for the PM session.

SPRING-FORD

7:50 – AM Arrives

10:05 – Lunch @WMCTC

10:25 – AM Departs

11:00 – PM Arrives

2:10 – PM Departs

POTTSGROVE

7:50 – AM Arrives

9:45– 10:05 – Lunch @WMCTC

10:15 – AM Departs

11:00 – PM Arrives

1:50 – PM Departs

If you are a Pottsgrove student who qualifies for free/reduced lunches- YOU MUST apply for FREE/REDUCED meals. You can apply online through COMPASS or a paper application.

Here is COMPASS website: https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/

Here is the link to the WMCTC Uniform Store. Find your student's program to see the uniforms available.

Check the link below for other uniform and supply requirements for each program.

Program Supply and Uniform Requirements

Use this link to see the list of supply and/or uniform requirements for each program.

If you are interested in driving to WMCTC, please see: https://www.westerncenter.org/for-parents-students/student-driverspassengers

To be a driver, two forms must be completed: an online Google form and a printed form that requires the parent/guardian's signature.

To be a passenger, one form needs to be printed and signed. Additionally, the driver's parent must agree to have a passenger(s) in their student's vehicle.

The signed forms and payments are accepted by Ms. Wendy Sigourney who oversees the parking permit process. You may contact her with any questions at wsigourney@westerncenter.org

The Salon at Western Montgomery CTC is Open Wednesday-Friday!

We are also offering appointments until 7pm on select Thursdays- call to book now!

Treat yourself to some well-deserved "you" time! Our salon offers high-quality, affordable services to the public—let our talented students pamper you!

Click Here for our website for available appointments or give us a call to schedule:: 610-489-7272 x 211

SkillsUSA connects classroom learning with real-world industry standards, empowering students to develop essential technical, leadership, and professional skills. Members have the opportunity to showcase their craft and dedication through high-energy regional, state, and national competitions across a wide range of career fields. Beyond the workshop and the stage, the program builds true career readiness by connecting students with industry mentors and meaningful community service initiatives.

Support the WMCTC SkillsUSA team by donating your gently used sneakers! Every pair collected raises $1.00 for our students and will be sent to help communities across 21 developing countries in need.

What to donate:

• ✅ Gently used adult sneakers & athletic shoes (no rips or tears and need a tread on the bottom)

• ❌ No canvas shoes, please (e.g., Vans, Converse)

Drop-off Location: Main Entry Vestibule, Cafeteria, Student Service Office and Administrative Office

Collection Dates: Oct 1- Oct 31

Help our students reach their goals while making a global impact—one pair of shoes at a time!

WMCTC, in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, will not discriminate in educational programs which it operates, or in admission or enrollment procedures on the basis of race, religion, sex, color, age, national origin, or handicap and provides equal access to youth groups. The Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution. We assure that procedures and practices are followed to provide equal access to all programs. Any questions concerning the application of Title IX, compliance or complaints may be referred to Donna Wilson, Compliance Officer, at 77 Graterford Road, Limerick, PA 19468, 610-489-7272, ext. 203.