UCT
All Hands on Deck at Long Pasture
Sophomores in Mr. Scandurra’s Environmental Technology program recently helped remove the dock at the Audubon Center in Long Pasture, Barnstable. Students worked together to lift and move dock sections, putting teamwork and communication into practice along Cape Cod’s shoreline.
This hands-on project gave students the chance to contribute to a local community organization while learning beyond the classroom. Thank you to Mr. Scandurra and our students for their hard work and willingness to lend a hand!
A Head Start in Cosmetology
From creative styling challenges to exploring professional products, UCT’s Cosmetology students are gaining hands-on experience with industry tools and techniques.
During Freshman Exploratory, students completed Levels 1–3 of Hair Boot Camp, learning braiding and styling techniques before testing their skills in a Hair Creation Challenge. Judges evaluated their designs based on creativity and the challenge criteria. One student from each exploratory group so far has earned the Golden Mannequin Award, securing a place in the program’s Golden Mannequin Award Hall of Fame!
Sophomores expanded their industry knowledge with a recent visit to SalonCentric, a professional beauty supply store serving licensed cosmetologists and cosmetology students. They explored salon-grade products, tools, and equipment and had the opportunity to purchase supplies at professional pricing.
Both experiences gave students opportunities to build their knowledge, explore their creativity, and see the possibilities within the cosmetology profession.
Lighthouse Beacon Academic Award
Ethan Simoneau | Grade 12 | AP Literature and Composition
Nominated by Ms. DeChristopher
Congratulations to Ethan Simoneau, this week’s Beacon Academic Award recipient! Ethan stands out for his insightful thinking, quality work, and genuine enthusiasm for learning.
An avid reader, Ethan draws on a wide range of texts to bring meaningful literary, philosophical, and theological connections to classroom discussions. His thoughtful questions demonstrate a deep understanding of the material and a willingness to consider perspectives beyond his own.
Ms. DeChristopher also recognizes Ethan’s ability to help classmates feel comfortable sharing their ideas. During discussions and group work, he encourages others to contribute and develop their own voices, enriching the learning experience for everyone.
Thank you, Ethan, for bringing curiosity and thoughtful leadership to the classroom and helping others find the confidence to join the conversation!
Congratulations, Ethan, on being a beacon for your fellow Rams!
Lighthouse Beacon Vocational Award
Aiden Clark | Grade 11 | Culinary Arts
Nominated by Chef Joe Ellia
Congratulations to Aiden Clark, this week’s Beacon Vocational Award recipient! Aiden brings a positive attitude and professionalism to the Culinary Arts program, where his passion for baking and restaurant service shines through. From volunteering for events to asking thoughtful questions, he takes initiative and approaches his work with enthusiasm.
Working alongside Chef Tom, Aiden has been using the program’s new dough sheeter to create beautiful homemade croissants. His pastry work reflects his attention to detail and growing technical skills, and his instructors are proud to see his confidence develop.
Chef Joe and the Culinary Arts instructors emphasize that Aiden’s character is just as impressive as his work. Kind, thoughtful, and hardworking, he readily helps classmates and makes freshmen visiting the program feel welcome. His professionalism and care for others exemplify the qualities they hope every Culinary Arts student will develop.
Keep up the great work, Aiden! Your Culinary Arts instructors and the entire UCT community are proud of your accomplishments and grateful for the positive spirit you bring to our school.
Congratulations, Aiden, on being a beacon for your fellow Rams!
Derek LeClerc Leads Beyond UCT
Upper Cape Tech is proud to celebrate Derek LeClerc, who was elected SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Parliamentarian for 2026–2027 and formally began his leadership role alongside his fellow state officers at a ceremony on July 30, 2026.
Following State Officer Training, Derek and the State Executive Council began a year dedicated to leadership and service, representing SkillsUSA members across Massachusetts. His election is an exciting accomplishment and an opportunity to contribute to an organization that helps students develop professional skills and confidence.
Derek’s leadership journey also includes participation in the Washington Leadership Training Institute, held September 26–30 in Washington, D.C. This national SkillsUSA event brings students and advisors together for advanced leadership training and opportunities to advocate for career and technical education. The program includes visits with elected officials on Capitol Hill, where student delegations share their experiences and discuss the importance of supporting technical education.
We are excited to see Derek take on these responsibilities and bring UCT’s student voice to a broader audience. His willingness to step forward offers a powerful example of where involvement in school can lead.
Congratulations, Derek! Your Upper Cape Tech community is cheering you on as you represent our school and serve SkillsUSA members across the Commonwealth.
How Technical Education Opens Doors
At Upper Cape Tech, students connect classroom learning with practical experience as they explore their interests and prepare for life after graduation. This approach is at the heart of Career and Technical Education, or CTE.
Advance CTE’s Massachusetts profile highlights how schools, colleges, and workforce partners collaborate to connect technical programs with career pathways. The profile also identifies work-based learning as a measure of program quality, emphasizing the value of applying skills in workplace settings.
What does this mean for your student?
Technical education can help students develop expertise in a field while strengthening habits that matter across many careers: communicating clearly, solving problems, working safely, and supporting a team. At UCT, projects and practical assignments give students opportunities to understand how their academic learning connects to the work they do in their technical programs.
These experiences can support several paths after high school, including college, employment, apprenticeships, and further technical training. As students learn more about a field, they can make more informed decisions about which next steps fit their goals.
Families play an important role in that exploration. Ask your student what they enjoy in their technical program, which skills they are developing, and what they would like to learn next. Their teachers and school counselors can help them explore related careers and understand the education, credentials, or training those careers may require.
Our goal is to help students leave UCT with useful skills, confidence in their abilities, and a clearer sense of the opportunities ahead.
Charting a Future with MyCAP
Planning for life after high school begins well before senior year. MyCAP, or My Career and Academic Plan, helps students connect their interests, strengths, and school experiences with their future goals. At Upper Cape Tech, this process brings together personal growth, career exploration, and academic and technical planning, with a different focus at each grade level.
Grade 9: Discovering Interests and Strengths
Freshmen explore their talents and interests as they experience different technical programs. They begin connecting what they enjoy and do well with possible careers, while learning about graduation requirements and developing study, time-management, and stress-management skills.
Grade 10: Exploring Possibilities
Sophomores build on that foundation by researching careers, learning about workplace expectations, and developing résumés. They consider how course selections support their goals and explore how a growth mindset can help them navigate challenges.
Grade 11: Connecting Goals with a Plan
Juniors take a closer look at career opportunities, work-based learning, and post-graduation options. Goal setting, financial awareness, and exploring college fit help students identify practical next steps. They also consider alternative paths as their interests and plans develop.
Grade 12: Preparing for the Next Step
Seniors focus on putting their plans into action. Depending on their goals, this may include applications, interview preparation, financial aid and scholarship research, and budgeting. Communication, personal responsibility, and self-advocacy remain essential as students prepare for greater independence.
Families are important partners throughout this process. Ask your student what they are discovering about themselves and which opportunities they would like to explore. Their plans may change as they gain experience, and that is a valuable part of learning.
Our goal is for every student to leave UCT with a clearer sense of direction and the confidence to take their next step.
Accessing the MCAS Family Portal
Families can view their student’s MCAS test results online through the MCAS Family Portal. This resource from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides a convenient way to review results and begin conversations about your student’s learning.
How to Get Started
Visit the MCAS Family Portal. First-time users will need:
Their student’s 12-character registration code
Their student’s date of birth
If you do not have your student’s registration code, please contact the school for assistance. Returning users can sign in with their email address and password.
Support Is Available
DESE provides a Quick Start Guide, a detailed Help Guide, and a video guide to help families access the portal. Resources are available in English and other languages on the MCAS Family Portal information page.
Making Sense of the Results
MCAS results are one part of understanding your student’s progress, alongside classroom work, teacher feedback, and technical learning. As you review the results together, celebrate strengths and identify questions to discuss with your student’s teachers or school counselor.
Please reach out if you need help accessing or understanding the results. Working together helps us identify the support and opportunities that will help your student continue to grow.
All Cape College Day is October 14th! Information for students and families.
The 60th Annual All Cape College Day Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at Barnstable High School. The college fair is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.
We are excited to partner with StriveScan again this year to enhance the fair experience for our students and our post-secondary representatives. Students should pre-register at strivefair.com or by using the QR code in the post. Once you register, you will receive your barcode via email and/or text message.
You can save the QR code on your phone or print a paper copy and bring it with you. (Registering at the fair will delay your entrance.) Representatives will scan your barcode during the event. After the fair, you will receive an email report with information from all of the colleges and programs who scanned your barcode!
Wondering what institutions will be present? Here is the list of organizations that have already confirmed their participation: 2026 All Cape College Day Attendees! Questions? Email allcapecollegeday@gmail.com.
Download the ParentSquare App
ParentSquare is Upper Cape Tech's communication platform. Families receive communication from the school, student classrooms, technical programs, athletics, and activities all in one space. Families can communicate 1-to-1 with teachers.
If you are not receiving messages from ParentSquare or if you are having trouble, contact the Mr. Sean Stephens at support@uppercapetech.org. You can visit www.parentsquare.com for more information.