Around the River Bend

April 7-10: Skills USA Cosmetology competition

April 13: WorkKeys Testing begins

April 14: RAB and Advisory meetings

April 20-24-Vacation

April 24-26: ProStart Nationals for Culinary Arts team

Wednesdays: Health Sciences visits to Margaret Pratt

Jackson Crum, a student from Blue Mountain Union, is enrolled in the Diversified Agriculture program at River Bend Career and Technical Center. He chose River Bend because he was looking for a more hands-on learning experience—one where he could build skills by doing and stay actively engaged in his learning.

Jackson’s favorite skill to work on is TIG welding, where he enjoys the precision and focus the process requires. One thing that surprised him most about the program is how in-depth the learning can be. What may seem straightforward at first actually involves a high level of skill, knowledge, and attention to detail.

Before coming to River Bend, Jackson was still exploring his future path. Through his experience in the program, he has developed a clear goal: to become a welder at DMS Steel, where his father works as the shop foreman and head draftsman. Over the next five years, he hopes to be working there and continuing to grow in the trade.

A major influence in Jackson’s journey has been shop assistant Mr. Peter Rose. He describes Mr. Rose as consistently positive, knowledgeable, and inspiring—someone who has made a lasting impact over the past three years.

Jackson encourages future students to consider River Bend if they are ready to work hard and build real-world skills. “It’s not about taking the easy path,” he says. “It’s about putting in the effort to get where you want to go.”

Program Spotlight: Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology program at River Bend is more than just working on cars—it’s about preparing students for a fast-changing, high-tech industry. In the shop, students get hands-on experience with everything from older vehicles to newer models, including electric vehicles (EVs). Along the way, they build a strong foundation that can lead directly to a career or simply give them the confidence and skills to maintain their own vehicles for years to come.

Students in the program have the opportunity to earn a wide range of industry-recognized credentials. These include ASE pre-certifications in areas such as brakes, suspension and steering, electrical systems, HVAC, transmissions, engine repair, and engine performance. There is a particular focus on Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR). With the completion of all ASE pre-certifications and 1,000 hours of work or co-op experience within five years of graduation, students can earn a full MLR ASE certification—saving them both time and money as they enter the workforce.

Additional certifications include Tire Industry Association training in tire changing and balancing, as well as the American Lift Institute’s “Lift It Right” certification, helping students build both skill and safety awareness.

The program also offers a head start on college. Through partnerships with the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) and White Mountains Community College (WMCC), students who earn a B or better can place out of introductory college courses in brakes and suspension.

Career pathways connected to this program are broad and flexible. Graduates may go on to become automotive technicians, pursue engineering careers in the auto industry, take on leadership roles in dealership service or parts departments, or even open their own businesses. In Vermont, many entry-level technicians can expect to earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, with opportunities to grow from there.

This spring, the shop has been busy with seasonal tire changeovers, while many students are gaining valuable real-world experience through co-op placements. First-year students are wrapping up their suspension unit and beginning work on brakes, while students across the program are actively engaged in ASE testing.

When asked about the program, students keep it simple: “Auto rules.”

For students who are still exploring their future, Automotive Technology is a strong option. Even for those who choose a different career path, the program builds practical, transferable skills—mechanical knowledge, problem-solving, teamwork, and a willingness to get their hands dirty. These are skills that last a lifetime.

Carl Hildebrandt’s (affectionately known as "H") path to River Bend Career and Technical Center is rooted in both connection and passion. Before joining RBCTC, H taught science at Oxbow High School, where he worked alongside Brian Emerson, River Bend's Director. That professional partnership eventually led him to make the move, bringing his love of hands-on learning into a full-time, lab-based environment.

“I used to teach science labs once a week,” H says. “Now I get to teach them every day.” That shift has been a natural fit. For H, hands-on learning isn’t just engaging—it’s essential. What makes RBCTC especially meaningful, though, is the students. “The biggest thing is the kids choose to be here,” he explains. “That makes a difference.”

H holds a Bachelor of Science in Education in Earth Science Secondary Education, but his journey into the automotive field didn’t come through a traditional route. Much of his mechanical knowledge is self-taught, driven by curiosity that started at a young age. “Watches were the first thing I took apart—and usually got back together,” he says. That curiosity grew into working on bikes, and eventually cars.

Like many, H grew up hearing that college was the primary path to success. Careers in the automotive world weren’t always highlighted as viable or rewarding options. Over time, he realized just how many opportunities exist in the field—from technicians to engineers to race team crews. That realization, combined with his love of teaching, led him to where he is today.

What H enjoys most about teaching in the program is simple: the students. “I love seeing the passion kids have for auto,” he says. “It’s reassuring that they still enjoy working on cars—and driving what they work on.”

Outside the classroom, H has a few interests that might surprise students. He has gone dog sledding with huskies alongside his wife, enjoys bird watching (especially at his feeder), and appreciates a quiet walk on the beach at sunrise. One thing he’s not a fan of? Ketchup and mustard—definitely not on his plate.

River Bend Health Science and LNA student Braylee Phelps is turning classroom learning into real-world impact at Little Rivers. Now in her third week of Work-Based Learning at Little Rivers, Braylee has been hired as a Medical Assistant, becoming the first student to be hired there through the Health Science program while still in high school. In her first weeks on site, she has shadowed other medical assistants and learned how to “room” patients, take vitals, and ask intake questions, steadily building her skills and confidence in a busy primary care setting.

Braylee earned her Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) license through River Bend Career and Technical Center’s LNA program, delivered in collaboration with Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, New Hampshire. This program gives students a strong foundation in nursing skills and patient care, and then connects them with real health care environments where they can apply what they have learned. For Braylee, that has meant stepping into a professional role at Little Rivers while continuing her high school studies.

Her supervisors at Little Rivers describe Braylee as “a very energetic and enthusiastic student with a strong eagerness to learn and grow in a clinical setting. She demonstrates a consistently positive attitude, adaptability, and a genuine passion for patient care. Braylee is quick to absorb new skills and knowledge, and we are happy to welcome her to our team and excited to be part of her learning journey.” Day to day, she supports patient care, helps create a welcoming environment, and observes how communication, teamwork, and attention to detail shape every interaction.

Braylee says the experience has been both exciting and motivating. “I am really happy with this placement, and I am having fun. I’ve been learning how to use the computer system by going through all the basic steps, so I wasn’t completely lost. This experience is helping me get ready for my next goals: going to the University of Lynchburg to study nursing and play basketball.” With her LNA credential, her new role as a Medical Assistant, and clear goals for college and career, Braylee is building a strong launchpad for her future in health care.

Work-Based Learning experiences like Braylee’s show what is possible when CTE programs, local employers, and motivated students work together. For River Bend students, opportunities like this do more than teach job skills—they open doors to high-demand careers, build professional networks, and help students see themselves as capable, valued members of the health care team.

On March 9, 2026, Teacher Education students from River Bend Career and Technical Center participated in the annual Educators Rising Spring Conference held at Champlain College. The event brought together aspiring educators from across Vermont to engage in workshops, networking sessions, and a range of teaching-related competitions.

River Bend students showcased their skills and creativity, earning several honors. Cooper Day received a Bronze Medal in the Educators Rising Moment Public Speaking Competition. Emma Perry, Abby Peavey, and Alivia Kendall each earned Blue Ribbons in the Interactive Bulletin Board Contest.

These achievements highlight our students’ dedication to the teaching profession and their growing leadership within the Educators Rising movement.

Heartsaver CPR Instructor: Tom Leeman, B.S., NRP, I/C

Dates: April 30, 2026; May 28, 2026

Time: 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Cost: $75 per person

The American Heart Association's (AHA) Heartsaver CPR course is a video-based, instructor-led course that teaches participants how to perform high-quality CPR, use an AED, and recognize and respond to choking in adults, children, and infants. The course also covers the Chain of Survival and how to provide effective breaths. It is designed for individuals with limited or no medical training who need to learn these lifesaving skills for work, home, or community situations. You need only attend one class to earn the credential.

Summer 2026 CDL Training with Giroux Transportation

Dates: July 6 , 2026-August 14, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday

Location: River Bend Career and Technical Center 36 Oxbow Drive Bradford, VT

Cost: Class A-$7500

Class B-$4500

Class B upgrade to Class A-$5500

To register, please contact Tracy Puffer via email at tracy.puffer@oesu.org or register online at https://www.rbctc.org/adult-education.

Registration Deadline: June 19, 2026

$200 nonrefundable deposit required with registration

STUDENT MUST HAVE PERMIT AND DOT MEDICAL CARD IN HAND ON DAY ONE OF CLASS Scholarships are available:

FUNDING MUST BE VERIFIED PRIOR TO STARTING THE CLASS

VT Residents: Contact Stacey King at VSAC king@vsac.org

NH Residents: NH Charitable Foundation The Medallion Fund https://www.nhcf.org/

Minimum of 10 participants must register to run the course. Fewer than 10 will cause the course to be cancelled

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Reach out to Lorraine Kennedy to make an appointment.

Lorraine.Kennedy@oesu.org

802-222-5212 (ext.136)

The River Bend Career & Technical Center provides educational opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital/civil union status, or any other characteristic prohibited by Federal or State law.