UCT
Dear Upper Cape Tech Community,
As October comes to a close, I hope our students are discovering more than familiar classrooms and daily routines. I hope they are finding people they trust, opportunities that interest them, and reasons to feel that Upper Cape Tech is their school.
After the excitement of Homecoming, it is worth considering how we carry that sense of connection into an ordinary school day. For some students, joining a team or participating in an event comes easily. Others are still deciding where they feel comfortable, who they can turn to, or whether to try something new. Each student brings interests, experiences, and strengths that deserve recognition.
Along with feeling welcome, students need opportunities to influence their own learning and see evidence that they are becoming more capable. That might mean deciding how to approach a project, explaining their reasoning, or identifying a skill they want to improve. When students help make those decisions, they practice taking responsibility for their progress.
In an academic classroom or technical shop, learning often means letting others see us struggle. A first attempt may fall short. A calculation may need another look. A technique may require repeated practice. Our response in those moments matters. We want to communicate that the work is important, that we believe students can meet the challenge, and that we will help them understand how to move forward.
Encouragement becomes especially meaningful when it is specific. Pointing out how a student used feedback, corrected an error, or tried a different approach helps them recognize what contributed to their progress. Over time, those experiences give students reasons to trust their abilities and take on greater responsibility.
Students also help create that confidence in one another. Listening carefully to a classmate’s idea, sharing responsibility during group work, and making room for someone who has been left out all communicate that each person has something to contribute. Respect includes making sure differences never become a reason to dismiss or embarrass someone.
At home, families can continue these conversations by asking, “What can you do now that felt difficult a month ago?” or “What would you like to get better at, and what might help?” Giving students time to reflect before offering advice can help them recognize both their progress and their next step.
If your student is struggling to feel connected or confident, please reach out to their counselor or another trusted staff member. They do not need a polished explanation before starting a conversation. We can begin by listening.
Thank you for helping us build a school community where students feel known, have a voice, and receive the guidance they need to grow. These experiences prepare them to approach their futures with skill, purpose, and confidence.
With appreciation,
Dr. Marie Alvernaz
UCT Students Build Confidence and Leadership Through DECA
Ten Upper Cape Tech students participated in a DECA leadership conference on Thursday, October 22nd, with their advisor, Ms. DeChristopher, taking their learning beyond the classroom to explore what it means to lead.
DECA prepares students to become leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Its high school programs connect classroom learning with practical experiences that help students explore careers, build confidence, and develop professional skills.
Through DECA, students can tackle business challenges, participate in community service, and practice goal-setting, project management, and presenting their ideas. Competitive events include role-playing scenarios and prepared projects that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills to business professionals. Members also have opportunities to pursue scholarships and earn recognition for their achievements. Explore DECA’s high school opportunities.
DECA’s leadership conferences emphasize leadership development and college and career preparation through workshops and speakers. For our students, the conference offers an opportunity to connect with peers, consider new perspectives, and develop skills they can bring back to their classrooms, shops, and student organizations.
These experiences have value across UCT’s career pathways. Whether students hope to manage a team, work closely with customers, or own a business, clear communication, effective collaboration, and initiative will help them succeed.
Thank you to Ms. DeChristopher for supporting this opportunity and to our participating students for investing in their growth. We look forward to seeing how they put their learning into action!
A Practice Run for Real Life
What happens when the paycheck arrives—and the bills follow? UCT juniors explored that question through Credit for Life, a financial literacy experience that gives students an opportunity to practice managing money before facing the responsibilities of adulthood.
All of our juniors participated in the event, organized and facilitated by Ms. Elizabeth Griffin, a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Bourne-Sandwich, with support from Cape Cod 5 representatives Hannah Fogg and Jim Curran. Their collaboration brought community expertise into students’ learning and connected financial concepts to everyday decisions.
Students selected a profession and worked through a simulated budget, making spending decisions while tracking checking, savings, and credit card balances. Expenses such as housing and transportation illustrated how one choice can affect the money available for other needs and goals.
The experience encouraged students to look beyond what they would like to buy and consider what they could realistically afford. Choosing transportation, planning for everyday expenses, and setting aside savings required weighing priorities and making adjustments. A budget became more than a set of numbers—it became a plan for making choices.
As Cape Cod 5’s reflection on Credit for Life illustrates, these lessons can stay with students as they enter college or the workforce. Learning to distinguish needs from wants and seek guidance can help young adults approach financial decisions with greater confidence.
Thank you to Ms. Griffin, the Rotary Club of Bourne-Sandwich, Hannah Fogg, and Jim Curran for supporting this valuable learning opportunity. Families can continue the conversation at home by asking, “Which expense surprised you most, and what did you change to make your budget work?”
State Education Leaders Visit UCT During STEM Week
Upper Cape Tech welcomed Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Robert LePage, Assistant Secretary for Career Education, and Regina Robinson, Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach, on Thursday, October 22.
The visit was part of Massachusetts STEM Week, celebrated October 19–23 under the theme “STEM Starts Now!” It highlighted how UCT connects science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with hands-on technical training and opportunities for student leadership.
During their visit to Marine Technology, our guests tried the program’s virtual reality welding simulator, experiencing how students can practice foundational techniques in a simulated environment before applying them in the shop.
They also observed a laser-cleaning demonstration, watching how a concentrated beam of light removes rust from metal. The process, known as laser ablation, uses controlled energy to remove unwanted surface material and reveal the metal beneath. With applications in marine maintenance, automotive restoration, and manufacturing, this technology demonstrated how science and engineering help solve practical problems in the skilled trades.
The leaders also viewed progress on UCT’s lab modernization project, supported by a $2.185 million Capital Skills Lab Modernization Grant. The project includes a new 5,600-square-foot technical facility and virtual reality learning lab, along with substantial renovations to the Marine Services building. Plans include 16 fully equipped welding booths, advanced ventilation systems, computer-controlled cutting and machining equipment, and welding simulators.
For students, this investment means greater access to modern training spaces and equipment used in today’s workplaces. These improvements will strengthen learning opportunities in welding, metal fabrication, diesel technology, and marine systems while helping prepare students to meet regional workforce needs.
Our SkillsUSA officers brought an important student perspective to the visit. They shared why they chose Upper Cape Tech, described their technical programs, and explained how SkillsUSA has helped them develop leadership skills. Their stories illustrated how technical education and student involvement work together to build confidence, purpose, and a willingness to take on new challenges.
Thank you to Commissioner Martinez, Assistant Secretary LePage, and Ms. Robinson for visiting our school, and to the students and staff who shared their work. We are proud to showcase how Upper Cape Tech prepares students to become skilled professionals, thoughtful leaders, and active contributors to their communities.
Lighthouse Beacon Academic Award
Lukas Loud | Grade 11 | Academics
Congratulations to Lukas Loud, this week’s Beacon Academic Award recipient! Lukas stands out for his enthusiasm for learning, thoughtful contributions, and willingness to help others succeed.
Across his academic classes, Lukas brings curiosity and energy to his learning. He contributes ideas that encourage discussion and approaches classmates with kindness and consideration. His willingness to offer help contributes to a welcoming environment where students can learn from one another. Lukas shared that he has made a deliberate effort to strengthen his focus in academic classes, which has helped him maintain his high achievement.
That curiosity continues in shop, where Lukas follows developments in artificial intelligence, large language models, and AI agents; technologies that can generate responses, process information, and carry out tasks. He enjoys sharing technology news with classmates and discussing how new tools work. Last year, he successfully ran a small AI model in shop, gaining practical experience that helped make him a resource for peers with questions about AI.
Lukas also takes initiative by helping lead projects in the server room and supporting students during exploratory. These experiences give him opportunities to share his knowledge while building his technical and leadership skills.
Looking ahead, Lukas hopes to begin a co-op placement with Best Buy’s Geek Squad this year, gaining hands-on experience with home technology while developing his customer service and problem-solving skills. His growing focus, technical curiosity, and helpful approach provide a strong foundation for that next step.
Congratulations, Lukas, on being a beacon for your fellow Rams!
Lighthouse Beacon Vocational Award
Isabella McElroy | Grade 11 | Environmental Technology
Congratulations to Isabella “Bella” McElroy, this week’s Vocational Beacon Award recipient! Bella brings enthusiasm, strong communication skills, and a helpful attitude to her work. When a task becomes challenging, she is willing to put in the effort needed to see it through.
A leader in shop, Bella was selected to assist Mr. Scandurra and the freshmen during their “Lost in the Woods” Challenge in the weeklong exploratory program. Her willingness to guide younger students reflects the supportive approach she brings to her classmates and her learning.
Bella is also one of two students selected to care for UCT’s northern red-bellied cooter turtles through the school’s participation in the MassWildlife Northern Red-bellied Cooter Headstart Program. This conservation effort supports Massachusetts’ endangered population of these freshwater turtles by giving vulnerable hatchlings a stronger start.
Participating schools care for the turtles in warm aquariums for eight to nine months, allowing them to continue feeding and growing through the winter. By release, they can reach approximately the size of a three-year-old wild turtle, making them less vulnerable to predators. Bella’s role connects her technical learning with meaningful conservation work and the consistent responsibility that caring for living animals requires.
Looking ahead, Bella is preparing to begin a placement with Veolia once she can drive. Veolia provides environmental services in water treatment, waste management, and energy efficiency, helping communities and businesses reduce pollution and conserve resources. This opportunity will connect Bella’s Environmental Technology studies with practical work in the field. Her initiative, persistence, and collaborative spirit will serve her well as she takes this next step.
Congratulations, Isabella, on being a beacon for your fellow Rams!
Keeping the Conversation Going With Your Teen
If “How was school?” often earns a one-word answer, you are not alone. Staying connected with teenagers can take patience, curiosity, and a willingness to listen when they are ready to talk.
The Child Mind Institute’s “Tips for Communicating With Your Teen” offers practical ways to strengthen communication. Suggestions include acknowledging your teen’s feelings, noticing what they do well, and making time for shared activities that let conversation happen naturally.
A meal, a walk, or time spent doing something your student enjoys can provide an opening. Every conversation does not need to solve a problem. Sometimes, simply showing interest helps keep the connection strong.
Helping Families Stop the Bullying Cycle
Recognizing bullying and knowing how to respond can feel overwhelming for families. ParentGuidance.org’s “Bullying — Stop the Cycle” offers practical guidance to help parents and caregivers support their children at school, online, and in extracurricular activities.
Featuring insights from Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson, the resource explores how to recognize bullying, notice changes that may signal a concern, and begin conversations that encourage children to share their experiences. It also addresses cyberbullying and bullying in sports.
A central message is the importance of listening calmly and staying involved. Families can help by discussing respectful behavior, supporting positive friendships, and encouraging students to seek help when they experience or witness mistreatment.
Live virtual sessions are scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern. Families can find registration through the ParentGuidance event calendar. The topic page also includes videos, key takeaways, and additional resources to explore.
At UCT, we encourage families to contact their student’s school counselor or an administrator with concerns. Working together helps us understand what students are experiencing and identify the support they need.
Explore “Bullying — Stop the Cycle” and its family resources.
Share Your Creativity With the Community
Does your student enjoy photography, drawing, painting, or digital art? Falmouth Public Library invites Cape Cod teens to contribute to its ongoing Teen Visual Art Exhibit, displayed in the library’s young adult room.
Students can submit work in a variety of visual media, including collage. The library welcomes framed or ready-to-hang artwork and can help students who need assistance preparing their pieces for display.
For UCT students, this is an opportunity to share a personal interest, contribute to a community space, and let others see their creativity. Families can encourage interested students to contact the library about submitting their work.
Halloween Fun for the Whole Family
Looking for a festive family outing? Mashpee Commons will host a free Halloween celebration on Saturday, October 31, beginning at 11 a.m.
Enjoy a party on the Village Green from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., visit participating shops for trick-or-treating from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., and join the costume parade at 1 p.m.
For UCT families and staff with younger children, this is a chance to wear costumes, spend time together, and enjoy some Halloween fun close to home.
Every Day Builds Skills and Connections
At Upper Cape Tech, each school day offers opportunities to practice a skill, participate in a lab, ask questions, and work alongside classmates. Regular attendance helps students build on those experiences and stay connected to the people supporting their growth.
As we move further into the school year, this is a good time for families to review attendance and talk about any challenges that may be making it difficult to get to school.
Understanding Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism means missing 10 percent or more of the school days a student is enrolled. In a typical 180-day school year, that amounts to 18 days—roughly two days a month. Both excused and unexcused absences count toward this measure because either can mean missed instruction. Families do not need to wait until absences reach that level to seek support. Learn more about Massachusetts’ attendance measures.
What Students Miss Beyond Assignments
Frequent absences can create gaps in understanding and make catching up feel increasingly difficult. Research links chronic absenteeism with lower academic achievement and a reduced likelihood of graduating from high school or continuing education after graduation. It also highlights missed opportunities to develop relationships and confidence. These are patterns across groups of students, not predictions about any individual student’s future.
At UCT, some learning experiences are especially difficult to recreate through a worksheet or online assignment. A technical demonstration, supervised practice with equipment, a science investigation, or a group discussion allows students to learn through participation and immediate feedback. Being present helps students connect classroom concepts with practical applications.
Connection Matters
When students miss school repeatedly, they may begin to feel disconnected from classmates or overwhelmed by unfinished work. Returning can then feel harder. A welcoming conversation and a manageable plan for catching up can help students take that next step.
Massachusetts DESE’s Your Presence Is Powerful initiative emphasizes the importance of families and schools working together to understand barriers and support attendance. If your student is struggling, we want to hear from you so we can discuss what would help. Explore DESE’s attendance resources.
Practical Steps for Families
Review attendance together. Look for patterns in missed days, late arrivals, or early dismissals.
Prepare for the morning. Establish consistent sleep routines and organize clothing, materials, and transportation plans the night before.
Protect instructional time when possible. Schedule appointments outside school hours and plan vacations during school breaks.
Talk about what makes attendance difficult. Ask whether coursework, friendships, transportation, or another concern is getting in the way.
Connect after an absence. Encourage your student to ask teachers what to prioritize and arrange help when needed.
Illness sometimes requires staying home. Please follow school health guidance and consult the nurse or your healthcare provider if you're unsure. When health concerns affect attendance over time, staying in communication helps us plan support.
Keeping UCT Informed
For questions about reporting an absence or late arrival, contact the main office at 508-759-7711, extension 200. Early dismissal requests and documentation for absences may be emailed to uctoffice@uppercapetech.org, as outlined on UCT’s Parent and Student Resources page.
Thank you for helping your student stay connected to learning. When attendance becomes difficult, please reach out early. Together, we can identify a practical next step and help your student move forward.
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