Campus Connections
March 25, 2018
Message from Jeff and Yolanda
Industry certifications earned through secondary and post-secondary career and technical education programs are an important component of Florida's public education system. In order to be recognized by FLDOE, industry certification exams must meet one of the following:
- Assess knowledge, skills, and competencies, and result in the award of a credential that is nationally recognized;
- Within an industry that addresses a critical local or statewide economic need; or
- Linked to an occupation that is included in the workforce system’s targeted occupation list; or Linked to an occupation that is identified as emerging.
Each year, the state legislature determines whether performance incentive funding will be awarded for secondary and post-secondary students who achieve certifications. For secondary certifications there is a set criteria and FTE value; however for post-secondary, bonus industry certification funding is for targeted occupations and the more industry certifications that are passed, statewide, the less each one is worth. The goal for the high school is for 100% of students to pass an academic dual-enrollment course or an industry certification.
In past years, LWTC has received $80,000 to $100,000 in industry certification performance funding and the LWTHS has received funding from the state to pay for software licenses and for student exams, which can be costly.
As we approach the end of the school year, make sure to look at your student data and identify who still has not taken an industry exam and encourage them to take one if they are eligible. Also make sure you provide exam results to Amanda Vazquez. If the data is not captured then there is no funding.
We'd like to recognize Cindy Emanuel and Melissa Stevens who in the two years that they have been with the school have done an incredible job of preparing their students for the industry certification exams and ensuring that they make the trek to Punta Gorda to take them. This past Thursday, 23 juniors took the DANB Infection Control exam and 22 out of 23 passed. Also, the Dental Assisting National Board just released the pass rates for 2017 and LWTC outperformed the state and the nation (see table below). We are proud of their accomplishments and fortunate to have them as part of the Lorenzo Walker family.
2017 Dental Assisting National Board Exam Averages
Coaches' Corner
Teenagers and young adults are universally recognized as the most civilized, polite, and gracious group of humans.
Did that statement catch your attention? Why? Do you disagree? Or perhaps you’re aware of a different perception among your peers?
We see commendable acts among students every day here at Lorenzo Walker, from door-holding to cheerful salutations to heartfelt compliments. However, we also notice plenty of missed opportunities to express gratitude.
Gratitude is not only pleasant to witness, it’s scientifically linked to happiness. In fact, according to researchers Robert A. Emmons and Charles M. Shelton, gratitude is the most significant and essential ingredient in emotional health and happiness.
If you’re interested in contributing to a healthier learning environment, author and educator Owen Griffith has four recommendations for creating a more grateful campus:
1. Write notes to your students and colleagues. Thank them for something specific. You never know how much someone needs this and will appreciate it deeply.
2. Create a “Gratitude Board” in your classroom, hallway, or even the mail room. Make being thankful a public act.
3. Teach your students to write Thank You letters. No matter what career they pursue, this will benefit them and, incidentally, benefit others as well.
4. Take it to the next level. Get creative, and invite your students to find new and interesting ways to express their gratitude to others.
Life can be pretty weird and wonderful, and we have a lot to be thankful for. Let’s give our students the tools to show their thanks.
Wellness Check
Do you have a favorite vegetable? A favorite spring vegetable now in the peak of its season…Peas are proof that powerful nutrients do come in small packages. Green peas are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, and health-supportive nutrients; vitamin K, manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, copper, vitamin C, phosphorus and folate. They also provide the carotenoid phytonutrients which are known to promote vision and eye health. Peas feed your muscles and brain. Each cup has 8.5 grams of protein, more than twice as much protein as a tablespoon of peanut butter. So, try some peas please!!
Cosmetology Competition
The Cosmetology Department held a competition among students at our on-campus salon. Maxine Lyvers, Davines Regional Artistic Team Member, Bradley W. Beck, Former National Master Trainer, and Uriel Zamora, Makeup Artist and Fashion Designer were on campus to support and guide students. Local salon owners Ciara from Salon C international, Kerry from Organic Edge and Salon Mulberry, as well as Laurie an independently contracted hairstylist acted as judges and provided informative feedback to students. Jeanette Taveres took 1st place and Natasha Ovalles came in a close 2nd place. In the end, we are excited that all of our students were able to participate in this competition and are confident that each and every student learned skills and techniques from this experience that will prepare them for their careers in cosmetology!
Community Service Opportunity
Francesca Desir, Adult Ed Student of the Month
Nicole, Harbester, LWTC Student of the Month
Lynne Bedrava, LWTC Teacher of the Month
9th Grade - Dani Morris
10th Grade - Daisy Sanchez
11th Grade - Amber Nico
12th Grade - Eliab Sanchez
Kristy Meghreblian - LWTHS Teacher of the Month
Staff and Student of the Month for March
Please show your Lorenzo family spirit and vote in the links below for our Staff and Student of the Month. This is your opportunity to give kudos by nominating a staff member. Of those nominated, the leadership team will select a staff member and a student from each category to honor through a certificate and special lunch in the dining hall.
Nominating a Staff or Student of the month is quick and easy. Just click on the Padlet links. Type the name of the nominated staff or student in the "Title" portion of the Padlet and post and your reasoning in the body of the post.
- 9th grade student Link
- 10th grade student Link
- 11th grade student Link (both academic and dual enrollment students)
- 12th grade student Link (both academic and dual enrollment students)
- Career and Technical Education student link (adults only)
- Adult Education student link
Happenings
On Monday March 26th:
- NHS meeting during lunch
- Final Debate at the AD center with Mr. Fehr from 8:00 am-3:00 pm
On On Tuesday March 27th:
- Green Club meeting in Mrs. Barr's room during lunch
- Visit to Seacrest Country Day School (Career Quest)
- Leadership Meeting at 2:00 pm
On Thursday March 29th:
- Herff Jones distributes invitations from 10:15 am-11:30 am
- Department meeting at 2:00 pm
- PBS prize drawing and announcement 1:45 pm
On Friday March 30th:
- No School for students
- PLT Reflections Due
Kudos to . . .
- Carolyn Casserly and Joseph Martino for transporting students to Punta Gorda for the DANB exams
- Melissa Stevens for preparing students to take the DANB exam
- Bob Waller for assisting with programs in Student Services
- Darlene Crete for volunteering to be the LWTC graduation chairperson
- Kristy Meghreblian for being LWTHS Staff Member of the Month for February
- Dulcie Neiman for organizing the Holocaust speaker for the students and staff and the delivery of the Box Car from the museum.
Happy Birthday!
3/25 Vanessa Alvarez
3/25 Lorie Mitchell
3/27 Bruce Peters