Highlights from the HACTC - Jan. 30

Academic & Student Supports at the HACTC

I wanted to share a little bit of information with you about the staff that support students.

Timmy MacDonnell is our Math, Data, and Assessment Integrationist. His role is to support the incorporation of program-relevant math into our curriculum and to help organize schoolwide and program assessments. Students interact with Timmy in classrooms as he works to support industry-recognized credential exams and in assemblies, where he always manages to get students to give him a hearty "booyah."

Anja Ouellette is our Literacy and Communication Coach. Her role is to support instructors in integrating literacy and communication skills practice into their classes. Students also work with Anja on things like creating resumes and writing professional emails.

Best wishes,

Erika Schneider

February 23-27 - No School, Winter Break

Both Building Trades levels have been busy in the classroom and on the jobsite. They have completed OSHA 10 training, a valuable industry-recognized credential, and are continuing exams to build toward their NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Core certification in Introduction to Basic Construction Skills. They've also been starting to write or updating their resumes in preparation for a "reverse job fair," where employers tour around student "booths," this spring.

While the house may be covered with snow, there's lots to do inside. Students have been shimming frames in preparation for hanging closet doors, learning the intricacies of making custom cabinets, and patching drywall. They've also been cutting tile for the bathroom floors and done lots of painting. Throughout all this, they've learned a variety of skills from construction planning to cutting angles to making template boards. In addition, the Building Trades classes have been helping Habitat for Humanity with their newest local build.

In level I, DIMA students are currently working on a food truck project with the level I Business class. In this project, they create proposals for new food trucks, including design, color scheme, menu, marketing plan, and more. Students just took the Adobe Illustrator certification test and feel that now that they've learned the software better, they're able to do some cool things with it. Another recent project was to "rebrand" a business with a new logo, magazine ad, and social media post (see one example below), and some will be presenting these at the March FBLA conference.

In DIMA level II, students are excited to be learning animation. FBLA has been a highlight for some, being able participate in competitions and get a view into the world of college, and these seniors also took on the rebranding competition project. They love the Art of the Week assignments because "it allows creative freedom and forces you to practice drawing things you probably wouldn't do on your own." In addition to honing their art, students report that DIMA has helped improve their computer skills and learn the importance of community.

Medical Assisting & Phlebotomy level I student have been studying the integumentary system (which include skin, hair, and nails) and building their own 3D models, along with visiting CTE students. They recently became Basic Life Support certified for adults and infants and are learning how to take vital signs. They've already learned over 300 medical terminology words this year! Students love how hands-on this program is and especially enjoyed the exploding pumpkins and "ill patient" pumpkins they carved in the fall.

In Medical Assisting & Phlebotomy level II, students report that professionalism is a key part of the class - "It feels as though you're in a real working environment." Some favorite activities recently include BLS certification, learning about EKGs, and applying splints to classmates. They've also enjoyed their co-ops - where they've observed things like echocardiograms and admission procedures for post-op care - and preparing for HOSA competitions, focusing on topics like Vermont healthcare policy issues.

• Electrical 1 - Starts March 2
• Microsoft Excel - April 28 - May 7; click here to register for the Excel course!
• Phlebotomy - Starts May 11; click here to register for Phlebotomy!
• QuickBooks - Spring; click here to join the QuickBooks Waitlist!
• Welding - Spring; click here to register for Welding!
• LNA - Starts in June; 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

Jessi has been at the HACTC for nearly 10 years. She was, for many years, the first friendly face you’d see as receptionist in the front office of the HACTC, and for the past few years has moved into the role of Administrative Assistant. She is our behind-the-scenes go-to for billing, reporting, answering questions, providing some Sunshine and much, much more! Fun fact about Jessi: she has been a part of the Hartford School District since kindergarten - first as a student, then as a teacher, and now as an integral part of the HACTC!