The Pipeline
November 7, 2022
Director's Message
Hello William D. Ford Career-Technical Center Students, Families, and Staff,
Are you aware that every career technical education program offered at FordCTC is considered to be an introductory-level college course? Our classes are evaluated by college faculty, compared against their standards, and are approved as equal in content and performance requirements. This allows us to offer articulated credit to our students.
While there are many ways to earn college credit while in high school, articulated credit provides FordCTC students with the opportunity to start a college-level technical program and earn credits toward degrees and college level certificates while still in high school. Articulated credit is a low risk and high reward opportunity for students. It is embedded into course work and is typically available at no cost to students. It provides students with a jump start to a career.
If you are interested in fully understanding the articulated credit options available for any of our programs, please reach out to our teachers.
With students in mind,
JaCinda Sumara
Principal, William D. Ford Career-Technical Center
Director, Career Technical Education and Early College
Program Spotlight -- Digital Art & Design
Digital Art and Design prepares students for careers that communicate ideas and information. Students learn graphic communication and graphic design. They use industry specific tools and the Adobe Creative Suite to create brand identifications and digital products. Advanced students participate in local and national competitions, such as the Digital Arts Film and Television Poster Contest. Mark Benglian, our teacher, supports students in compiling work to create a portfolio that showcases student work for use in securing employment and applying for college.
Recently, to support students that are considering college as their next step, Digital Art and Design welcomed Morgan Hannah, an admissions representative from Kendall College of Art and Design to present about future career possibilities that become available from continuing studies after high-school graduation. Additionally, Hannah provided portflio reviews with students that requested feedback.
Last week, the Digital Art & Design class worked with Wayne-Westland Community Schools District's Technlogy Team Members, John Silver and Jay Thorton, to learn how to set up MAC computer equipment. Students helped dismantle and remove old hardware, clean work stations, set up new hardware, and determine solutions for cord management. As a result of this collaboration, the class will be completing the year on brand new MAC computers and now have basic knowledge of the computing technology necessary for Digital Art and Design.
Student and Staff Success
Congratulations to our recent students of the week!
- Ashleigh Davis, Teacher Cadet
- Jeff Kennedy, Construction
- Maxwell Straley, Welding
- Kiam Ship, Game Design
Congratulations to our students of the month!
- Liz Kleinlein, Health Occupations
- Noah Pepin, HVAC/R
Congratulations to our recent staff member's of the month!
- Mrs. Angela Ritchie, Health Occupations
- Mr. Jim Holland, Auto Body
Thank you to our students that are showing Random Acts of Kindness!
- Lucas Downey, Auto Body, was recognized by his peers for providing hands-on help and support to other students that were struggling with removing dents from fenders and for helping them study for the tool test
Congratulations and thank you for Going the Extra Mile!
- Mrs. Sherrie Williams, Registration and Attendance Secretary, was recognized by Wayne-Westland Community Schools for her contributions to making FordCTC the amazing learning place that it is.
Upcoming Important Dates
November 7, 2022, 3:30 PM, Culinary and Hospitality advisory
November 8, 2022, William D. Ford Career-Technical Center closed, no students expected to report, staff report for professional development
November 14, 2022, Trades Week, a partnership between FordCTC and John Glenn High School
November 15, 2022, Welding to explore advanced training opportunities at the Ironworkers Training Center
November 15, 2022, 6:00 PM, Early College Information Night, hosted by Wayne-Westland Early College at William D. Ford Career Technical Center
November 15, 2022, 6:00 PM, Cash for Grads, Explore how to fund college and university, hosted by Wayne-Westland Community Schools at Wayne Memorial High School
November 16, 2022, Sports Medicine and Exercise Science to explore career path opportunities at Athletico Physical Therapy
November 18, 2022, Teacher Cadet and Sunshine and Rainbows Preschool to visit The Cranbrook Institute of Science
November 22, 2022, Media Productions to explore fine arts career pathways at The Detroit Institute of Arts
November 22, 2022, Teacher Cadet to explore diversity and equity in education at The Zekelman Holocaust Center
November 23, 2022, Half Day, PM students to attend in the AM
November 24, 2022, No School
November 25, 2022, No School
November 29, 2022, 6:00 PM, Early College Information Night, hosted by Wayne-Westland Early College virtually via the Zoom platform
November 29, 2022, 7:00 PM, Future Teachers advisory virtual via the Google Meet platform
ParentConnection and StudentConnection
To access the portals, visit the Wayne-Westland Community Schools Website
The links to the portals are in the upper right
If you have not yet accessed your account, click on “Forgot Your Password” and follow the steps
If you receive the message “Unable to Process Request”, update your email address with the FordCTC office.
Connect With Us
Email: truesdellk@wwcsd.net
Website: https://www.wwcsd.net/schools/high-schools/william-d-ford-career-technical-center/
Location: 36455 Marquette Street, Westland, MI, USA
Phone: (734) 419.2100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDFCTC/
Twitter: @FordCTC