WMCTC Weekly Update

The momentum across our programs continues to build, with students spending more time each day putting their skills to work in our shop spaces. Our Early Childhood Education and Precision Machining students have already headed out on field trips for valuable industry exposure (see below for Precision Machining's experience!), while guest speakers have been visiting classes to share insights on career pathways and essential workplace skills.

Our annual Fall Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC) meeting takes place on October 22nd. These committees rely on the expertise of business and industry partners, parents, alumni, and students to ensure our training stays current and impactful.

• If you are interested in serving on an OAC for your student's program or acting as an industry representative, please contact Mrs. Petters at ext. 207 for an invitation.

We are thrilled to see students heading out on Co-Op placements with local businesses and OAC partners. If your business can host a student or you know of a local company looking for skilled talent, please reach out to Mrs. Reichert at wmctcco-op@westerncenter.org.

A friendly reminder that WMCTC will be closed for students on Monday, October 21st. Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 22nd.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students build bright futures!

Dr. Colyer and Mrs. Petters

The seniors in the Precision Machining Technology program attended the Phillips Education Day 2026 at the Haas Factory Outlet in Bensalem, PA on Wednesday, September 16th.

Education Day is a special event for educators and students focused on careers, technology, and training in advanced manufacturing. The event itself features live CNC machine demonstrations, Haas tooling and workholding, automation, and access to applications and service experts.

Our Culinary Arts program kicked off the week with a sweet blend of industry insight and icy treats! On Monday, the Kona Ice truck rolled onto campus to treat students and staff to complimentary shaved ice while giving our culinary students an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the mobile food industry.

Students got an inside look at the realities of owning and operating a food truck—from daily logistics, equipment management, and health regulations to customer service, branding, and entrepreneurship. Hearing directly from an industry professional gave our future chefs and culinary entrepreneurs valuable perspective on an exciting, fast-growing sector of the food world.

We are also thrilled to announce that Tina White, operator of the King of Prussia Kona Ice truck, has officially joined our Culinary Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC)! Industry partners like Tina play a vital role in ensuring our curriculum stays relevant and connected to today’s workforce. Please join us in welcoming Tina to the WMCTC family and thanking her for investing in our students!

A huge shout-out to Chef Tina Arndt, one of the dedicated instructors in our Culinary Arts program!

Over the summer, Chef Arndt traveled to the University of Denver in Colorado to attend the prestigious National Culinary Instructors Conference, connecting with industry leaders and educators from across the country to bring fresh techniques, trends, and inspiration back to our kitchens.

While at the conference, Chef Arndt was interviewed by C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) and spotlighted on their official Instagram page! We are so proud to have educators who continually invest in their craft and represent the excellence of our school on a national stage.

Be sure to check out her feature and show some love for our very own Chef Arndt: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdZHSdKR5px/?l=1

Campus was full of smiles and wagging tails today as we welcomed some of our favorite therapy dog friends, Charlotte and Molly (Wonka not featured)!

Charlotte definitely stole the spotlight, arriving in serious style behind the wheel of her very own motorized pup-mobile. We’re pretty sure our Automotive Technology and Collision Repair students were taking notes on her ride—though we might need to double-check her state inspection and driver's license before she hits the road again!

No matter the program, Charlotte and Molly have an incredible way of connecting with everyone they meet. Whether cruising the halls or stopping for ear scratches in the shops, our furry visitors brought warmth, calm, and a boost of joy to our students and staff.

Thank you to Charlotte, Molly, and their handlers for brightening our week!

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!

Welcome Back from the WMCTC Counseling Team!

Welcome back to another exciting school year at WMCTC! We are looking forward to working with our students and families throughout the year and supporting our students as they grow both personally and professionally.

Meet the WMCTC Counselors

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.

Keep an Eye Out for Career Objectives

The next couple weeks, you may see Career Objective Forms coming home with your student. These are an important part of helping students start thinking about future goals. Please take a moment to review and sign them when they come home.

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.

Fall is right around the corner, and so are

our SkillsUSA mums!

Support our SkillsUSA competitors by ordering your

vibrant fall flowers today. All proceeds directly support

student registration, travel, and materials for upcoming

competitions.

To order: Find your favorite SkillsUSA student to

place an order, or reach out directly to Ms. Prindle

(contact info on the image) if you don't have a student

contact.

Grab yours before they're gone!

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.