Highlights from the HACTC - Apr. 3

A Note from the Director:

CTE teachers are a unique and extraordinary group of people. These teachers have many years of experience in a field and have decided to do a complete career change so that they can share what they know with students.

I have been in the education field for my entire career - the concept of switching to a completely different career like being a chef or a nurse is daunting to me. Yet, every single one of our instructors has made this shift and has made it skillfully. These folks have chosen to invest their time and their hard work in our young people and I'm so thankful for them. Over and over again, I see the huge difference that they make in the lives of our students.

Of course, our instructors do not work alone. We also have a team of dedicated staff - paraprofessionals, special educators, academic teachers, administrative assistants, a coop coordinator, and a counselor - who ensure that every student has what they need to succeed. We are deeply grateful for the care and commitment these essential team members bring to the HACTC each and every day.

This coming week, we ask our entire community to join us in celebrating every teacher, instructor, and staff member at the HACTC. A note from a parent or a word in the hallway from a student lets them know they are deeply appreciated. What they do here changes lives and we are so thankful!

Erika Schneider

HACTC Director

May 27, 6:00 PM - Senior Celebration, Lebanon Opera House

Rotary Club of White River Students of the Month are chosen for their leadership and putting service above self in their programs. They receive a certificate and gift card to a local restaurant. These students were recognized at our last assembly:

• Building Trades, Level I: Aiden Heinstrom, Mascoma Valley Regional High School
• Building Trades, Level II: Cameron Audet, Lebanon High School
• Business, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing, Level I: Kailynn Kellogg, Windsor High School
• Business, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing, Level II: Teagan Kovatch, Hartford High School
• Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy, Level I: Rory Giguere, Mascoma Valley Regional High School
• Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy, Level II: Olivia Judd, Home School

The HACTC is excited to offer our one-week Summer Tech Camp to middle school students again during the week of June 22-26, 2026! We will offer 10 different hands-on activities (two each morning). Thanks to generous grant funding, camp will be provided free of charge this year. Information and links to the online camp applications are here on the HACTC web site. We have a handful of spots left - enroll today!

In our final round of program updates for the year, we're asking students how their experience here has impacted them, what they've learned, and how it's helping them meet their goals.

Level I:

• "I've learned many new things that I thought I wouldn't be able to understand, but a little focus, and I realized that it really is easy."
• "Taking Auto Tech has taught me how to help diagnose cars at my job and helps me with customer service and answering questions."
• "Patience, definitely. Efficiency with work to be as quick and effective as possible."
• "My experience here has been really good so far. I learned a lot of skills like how to do mount and balance and properly do an oil change."
• "Prior to going into this class, I had little to no information on car mechanics. This class has shown me a ton and allowed me to flourish."
• "It showed me there is always another way. I was wrong at a lot of things. Makes me want to be better than most mechanics."
• "My experience here has made me rethink my future and made me want to go to college for auto tech."
• "Going to HACTC has given me a new perspective on the importance of working with your peers and paying attention. More than just learning about being an automotive technician, I've learned a lot about teamwork and positivity in the shop."

Check out the next newsletter for quotes from level II!

In our final round of program updates for the year, we're asking students how their experience here has impacted them, what they've learned, and how it's helping them meet their goals.

Level I:

• "I have learned how to do many things in my time at HACTC, from the generics of measuring and swinging a hammer to more expert things like tiling and finish work. I have also learned to be more patient and be better at communicating. This has all helped me reach my goal of overall bettering myself."
• "I have painted for 3 years now and was pretty good, but Hartford helped me perfect my skills and practice. I also do carpentry, and it has really helped me with precise cuts."
• "I have learned how to work in a group of like-minded but also very different people. The challenges in this class make it easier to face coming challenges."
• "This has helped me understand different career options."
• "I've learned about tons of [...] skills, especially plumbing, which I'm hoping to begin a career in."

Level II:

• "The biggest thing I've gained is confidence. Confidence in my practical and technical skills. Confidence in my education by asking questions more and not being afraid to talk."
• [It is] helping me by getting me my OSHA 10 and seeing what I like and don't like doing in the construction world."
• "I never really had a goal, but this class made it possible to have a job after high school that pays well."
• "My experience at HACTC has helped me get better at working with others as well as working in a group."
• "My experience here at HACTC has led me in the direction of creating a successful career through the help of my peers. My experience in building trades showed me what good work I can do and to be proud of it."

In our final round of program updates for the year, we're asking students how their experience here has impacted them, what they've learned, and how it's helping them meet their goals.

Level I:

• "DIMA has given me the chance to improve my art and create pieces I never would have if not for this program."
• "I've gotten to learn more about the art industry and have grown more in my art skills. I barely did digital art, but now I understand the programs we use very well!"
• "I learned how to be more social, and I've made friends."
• "During my time at HACTC, I've learned a lot about being helpful and learned how to do things more efficiently."

Level II:

• "I got many certifications [...], made new friends, and strengthened my skills. I also have an amazing instructor who is always there for me."
• "Have had the opportunity to meet new people and explore the life of an artist."
• "HACTC has helped me further develop my artistic skills as well as my technology skills. I've been pushed to better my art, my communication, and my teamwork skills. DIMA helps me reach my goal of being a graphic designer and photographer every day!"
• "This class has taught me how to manage my time better."
• "It has brought me many new friends for life and important new experiences! It's helping me meet my goals by providing resources and community support. I've learned more about myself and my own goals."
• "I'm more confident presenting to crowds or presenting projects as a whole. I've grown a love for photography and I feel like I admire the beauty in the moment more."

12 of our Medical Assisting & Phlebotomy students recently earned their Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credential! They will be taking their exam to earn their Certified Phlebotomy Technician

credential later in May. They also hosted a successful blood drive and stem cell drive on May 1!

In our final round of program updates for the year, we're asking students how their experience here has impacted them, what they've learned, and how it's helping them meet their goals.

Level I:

• "I think the experience here has been so welcoming thanks to our amazing teacher, Mrs. Brown. Thanks to her, we have been able to learn in not only a professional environment, but also a fun environment that feels safe and welcoming. "

• "I've learned a lot about human function and future careers."
• "My experience has literally been life-changing. I'm more social than I've ever been before. I've got new friends and new opportunities."
• "I have gotten lots of certifications and learned a lot about basic nursing stuff like vital signs."
• "Thanks to the amazing support from teachers, I am more confident in my self and my skills. I've learned so much that will help gain important life skills."

Level II:

• "MA/Phleb has been an incredible opportunity to prepare and get certified for the workplace."
• "This program has showed me that I want to go into healthcare. It has also taught me how to be a good provider and how to properly use the skills I need to know."
• "My experience at the tech center has helped shape my future goals in healthcare, but also shaped the person I want to be - someone who stands up for what I believe is right [...] I've become a more resilient person from my time at the tech center."
• "[It] will help me kickstart my career and get into the medical field."
• "It's helped me get a professional job before I even graduate! I've learned patient care, exceptional clinical skills and collaboration with others."

• Phlebotomy - Starts May 18; click here to register for Phlebotomy!
• Culinary Boot Camp - Starts June 4; click here to register for Culinary!
• LNA - Starts July 7; click here to register for the LNA class!
• Dental Assisting - Starts in September; click here to join the Dental Assisting Waitlist!

To browse and register for all of our upcoming classes:

• Facebook
• Instagram @HACTCAdultEd
• www.hactc.com/adult-ed

Director of Adult Education: Jennifer Opalinski · adulted@hartfordschools.net · (802) 295-8630 x2504