UCT
Building Connections: UCT Students Explore Construction Careers
Students from UCT’s construction shops attended Residential Construction Career Day, connecting their technical learning with career possibilities in the building industry.
Organized by the MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board and the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod, the event offered interactive activities and opportunities to speak with industry professionals. Students could explore hands-on demonstrations and learn about employment, internships, job shadowing, and other ways to gain experience.
Residential construction offers a wide range of pathways, from builders, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers to project managers, estimators, designers, sales professionals, administrators, and business owners. The event gave students a chance to see how different interests and talents contribute to the industry.
For our students, the experience connected the skills they practice in their shops with workplace expectations, including teamwork, communication, and craftsmanship. It also encouraged them to consider how their careers could grow through experience, further education, leadership, or business ownership.
Thank you to the organizers, participating businesses, and UCT instructors for helping our students explore these possibilities and build connections for their futures!
Right on Target in Physics
Students in Mr. Jepson’s physics class put their calculations to the test this past week, with a marble launch across the room!
As a practical assessment of two-dimensional motion, students worked in lab groups to calculate the launch angle and speed needed to send a marble toward a target. The challenge brought a demanding topic off the textbook page and into the classroom, where students could see their reasoning in action.
After careful calculations and plenty of discussion, every group successfully hit a target. The experience combined teamwork, problem-solving, and precision, giving students a memorable way to demonstrate their understanding.
A physics lesson and the satisfaction of hitting the target!
Old-School Cool Meets New-School Skills
A 1931 Model A recently gave UCT’s Automotive team a challenge nearly a century in the making: getting a silent engine to roar again.
The donated vehicle became a hands-on troubleshooting lesson, with students assisting as Mr. Theoharidis tackled the ignition points and Mr. Cavaco cleaned the carburetor. Together, they brought the vintage car back to running condition.
The reward? A ride in the very vehicle they had helped revive—and, judging by the smiles, a lesson they won’t soon forget.
Projects like this connect generations of automotive technology while giving students the satisfaction of seeing their work produce results. Congratulations to our Automotive students and instructors for putting their skills into gear and a piece of history back in motion!
Lighthouse Beacon Academic Award
Suzannah Dias | Grade 11 | Academics
Congratulations to Suzannah Dias, this week’s Beacon Academic Award recipient! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Suzannah this week to learn about her experiences at UCT, her interests beyond the classroom, and her future goals. Suzannah’s teachers recognize her determination, initiative, and willingness to help others succeed.
In Honors Chemistry, Mr. O’Neill praises her motivation and focus. Even with a strong understanding of the material, Suzannah regularly seeks extra help to deepen her learning. She also brings leadership and collaboration to her lab group.
In Honors Trigonometry, Mrs. Obin highlights Suzannah’s readiness to embrace challenges. When a new student joined the class, Suzannah volunteered to help her catch up. After helping lead tours for visiting eighth graders, Suzannah showed that same commitment to her own learning by independently reviewing missed material and preparing for an exam.
Suzannah fondly remembers her Grade 9 exploratory experience, which introduced her to instructors across UCT’s technical programs. Although she chose Health Careers, she still recalls the welcoming, positive impression Mr. Gabe Coutinho made on her as a new student. His encouragement remains a meaningful part of her UCT experience.
In Health Careers, Suzannah enjoys developing practical skills and solving problems through hands-on experiences. Observing an appendectomy at Falmouth Hospital as a freshman remains one of her most memorable learning opportunities. This past summer, she returned to the hospital as a summer helper in the emergency department, an experience that opened the door to a potential co-op placement. She looks forward to earning her Certified Nursing Assistant credential by the end of this school year.
Outside school, Suzannah practices taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She started taekwondo at age seven and is now a brown belt working toward her black belt. She also earned a varsity letter in tennis while still in eighth grade.
Looking ahead, Suzannah would like to join the Air Force and become a paramedic. Her commitment to learning and helping others provides a strong foundation for those goals.
Congratulations, Suzannah, on being a beacon for your fellow Rams!
Lighthouse Beacon Vocational Award
Tyson Munk | Grade 12 | Marine Technology
Nominated by Mr. Nolan LeRoy and Marine Instructors
Congratulations to Tyson Munk, this week’s Beacon Vocational Award recipient! Tyson is gaining valuable industry experience through a co-op placement at Bosun’s Marine, where he applies his technical skills in a professional marine service environment. His responsibilities include working on boat trailers and performing electrical work on boats, providing him with practical experience in marine maintenance and repair. Tyson’s natural problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, and willingness to take initiative have served him well as he continues to develop his skills and confidence in the field.
In addition to his vocational and academic commitments, Tyson is a three-sport athlete who plays football, basketball, and lacrosse. His involvement in athletics reflects his competitive spirit, dedication, and ability to work collaboratively. Whether on the field or in the shop, Tyson understands the importance of being dependable, supporting his teammates, and contributing to a shared goal.
Tyson is also grateful to the educators who have shaped his experience at Upper Cape Tech. He credits Mrs. Obin, Mrs. Rigazio, and Ms. Hatch for their positive influence on his academic journey. He also recognizes the guidance and mentorship of his Marine Technology instructors, Mr. Coakley, Mr. Vaudreuil, Mr. Potito, Mr. Willmott, and the late Mr. McDonald, each of whom has contributed to his growth throughout the program.
Looking ahead, Tyson hopes to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he can pursue his dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. With his sights set on a future in aviation and service, Tyson is excited about the opportunities ahead. He also plans to apply to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, the University of Kentucky, The Ohio State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Alabama. His interest in aviation and service reflects his desire to keep challenging himself while pursuing a career that combines technical expertise, leadership, and responsibility.
Congratulations, Tyson, on being a beacon for your fellow Rams!
Partners in Preparing Our Students for the Future
220 advisory board members came together at Upper Cape Tech on Thursday, October 15, for our Fall Program Advisory meeting—an outstanding turnout that demonstrated the depth of our community’s commitment to students.
What is a Program Advisory Committee? Each technical program has a committee that brings together perspectives from industry, higher education, families, and students. These committees provide guidance to help ensure that what students learn reflects current workplace practices and prepares them for opportunities beyond high school.
Advisory members offer insight into changing technology, equipment, safety practices, and the skills employers need. Their recommendations help inform curriculum and program improvements, while their connections can support cooperative education, career exploration, and pathways to employment or further education.
For UCT families, these partnerships are an important part of the value of a technical education. They help connect learning in our classrooms and shops with the expectations and possibilities students will encounter after graduation.
Thank you to our advisory members for sharing their time, experience, and perspectives, and to our instructors for supporting this collaboration. Your commitment helps us prepare students to enter their next chapter with relevant skills, confidence, and direction.
Safe, Supported, and Connected: A Family Guide to Bullying Prevention
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome at school. During October’s National Bullying Prevention Month, we have an opportunity to consider how families, students, and educators can work together to make that expectation part of everyday life.
At Upper Cape Tech, respect and professionalism matter in classrooms, technical programs, activities, and online interactions. Helping students build healthy relationships and recognize when they need support is part of preparing them for life beyond high school.
Start With Everyday Conversations
Conversations about friendships and online experiences do not need to begin with a problem. Regular, low-pressure check-ins can make it easier for students to share something difficult later.
Consider asking:
“When do you feel most comfortable being yourself at school?”
“How do people treat each other in your group chats?”
“Have you seen someone being treated unfairly? What happened?”
“Who could you turn to at school if you needed help?”
Listen before offering solutions. A student may need time to explain what happened or may worry that speaking up will make things worse. Let them know you appreciate their trust and will help them work through next steps. StopBullying.gov’s prevention guidance offers additional conversation starters.
Pay Attention to Changes
Students do not always tell adults when they are struggling. Changes such as avoiding school or friends, difficulty sleeping, frequent stomachaches, or losing interest in favorite activities can signal that something needs attention. These changes do not necessarily mean bullying is occurring, but they do give you a reason to check in. Some students experiencing bullying show no obvious warning signs.
A simple observation—“You haven’t seemed like yourself lately, and I want to understand”—can open a conversation. Review warning signs from StopBullying.gov.
Understand Today’s Online Challenges
Online harm can involve hurtful group messages, rumors, impersonation, or sharing embarrassing content. Newer technology can also be misused to create altered images or videos that humiliate someone.
Common Sense Education’s August 2026 cyberbullying guide addresses these concerns, including AI-generated “deepfakes.” For families, the central message is straightforward: creating, sharing, or forwarding harmful content can affect a real person, even when someone describes it as a joke. Explore Common Sense Education’s updated guide.
Families can also review privacy settings together and discuss expectations for respectful communication. StopBullying.gov’s Parent Guide to Cyberbullying and Digital Awareness, reviewed in December 2025, includes practical guidance on social media, gaming, and emerging technology.
Know What to Do When Something Happens
If your student shares a concern:
Listen calmly. Take their experience seriously and ask what would help them feel safe.
Record the details. Note when and where incidents occurred and who was involved. For hurtful messages or posts, preserve relevant evidence without circulating it.
Seek support. Contact your student’s school counselor or a UCT administrator. Use a platform’s reporting tools when appropriate.
Keep checking in. Continue asking how your student is feeling and whether the situation has changed.
Families do not need to determine whether an incident meets a formal definition of bullying before asking for help. Please share concerns early so we can understand what is happening and respond appropriately. StopBullying.gov explains steps for responding to cyberbullying.
Help Students Support One Another
Students can make a difference without putting themselves at risk. Checking privately on a classmate, inviting someone to join a group, refusing to share hurtful content, or seeking help from an adult are meaningful ways to show support.
Practice what your student might say: “That wasn’t okay. Are you all right?” or “Let’s talk to someone who can help.” Common Sense’s family tip sheet on cyberbullying and online harms offers more ideas for these conversations.
Keep School and Home Connected
Families bring essential insight into their students’ experiences. Please reach out when you notice a concern, even if you do not yet have all the details. PACER’s parent resource center offers guidance on supporting your child and working with school staff.
Together, we can reinforce a clear message: You deserve respect, your concerns matter, and you do not have to handle difficult situations alone.
Calling UCT’s Creative Students: ArtWorks Applications Due November 1!
Does your student enjoy creating art and want to develop their talents? Applications for the 2027 ArtWorks program are open through November 1, 2026!
Offered through the MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board, ArtWorks connects students in grades 8–12 with local professional artists for a 40-hour internship during the school year. Participants receive individual instruction and feedback from a mentor in their chosen artistic medium while exploring possibilities in the creative economy.
The program helps students strengthen their artistic skills, build confidence, and learn how creativity connects to careers. Sessions may be offered in person, virtually, or through a combination of both, providing flexibility for students and mentors.
The experience concludes with an annual exhibition where students share their work and celebrate their accomplishments with mentors, family, and friends.
We encourage interested UCT students to explore this opportunity to pursue their creative interests and learn from a working artist.
Learn more and access the ArtWorks student application here. Apply by November 1, 2026!
Planning for College? Start With Financial Aid
As UCT seniors explore their next steps, families are encouraged to include financial aid in the conversation, even if students are still deciding whether college is right for them.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps students access financial assistance from federal, state, and other sources. Students whose immigration status prevents them from qualifying for federal aid may be eligible for assistance through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).
Applying for financial aid does not commit a student to attending college. It helps keep options open and gives families more information as they consider the costs of continuing their education. DESE encourages students to apply as early as possible to make the most of available aid opportunities. Students and families with questions are encouraged to connect with their UCT school counselor for guidance.
Visit DESE’s financial aid resource page to learn more about FAFSA and MASFA.
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.