Gibson Technical Center Newsletter
Fall 2022
Note from the Director's Desk
Greetings everyone. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself, as I have recently joined the Gibson Tech family. My name is Brian Moler and I will be serving this year as Co-Director along with Mr. Thieman for this school year, as I prepare to take over upon his retirement. I have been with the Reeds Spring School District for the past 15 of my 26 years in education. I came to Reeds Spring as the head football coach and spent the last 8 years as the assistant principal of the high school. I am lucky enough to be married to a wonderful 1st grade teacher and have 3 kids who are all proud graduates of Reeds Spring High School.
I have had the pleasure of witnessing your students gain valuable skills and knowledge in the various programs throughout the building while getting to know them as they participate in our student advisories and other organizations. In addition to the tons of great things currently going on at GTC, we are getting ready to break ground on our new facility. The new building will enable us to not only expand the number of students that will be able to benefit from everything Gibson Tech has to offer, but also allow us to add additional programs for students to explore possible careers.
Brian Moler
Co-Director- Gibson Tech
Spotlight on Automotive Technology
The automotive technology program at GTC is off to a great start of the 2022-2023 school year. The program has an enrollment of 68 students who range in automotive experience from never turning a wrench to students who are able to complete basic repairs. Every student is in different places in regards to his/her knowledge of the automotive industry. It is amazing how each individual student has grown in terms of their progress from the beginning of the year to the end of the first quarter. Mr. Lasiter is impressed by how “the students listen, learn and apply his/her knowledge safely while they complete repairs with a great attitude. Mr. Sears and Mr. Lasiter embrace the challenge of finding new ways to convert experiences into consumable and interesting lessons to an incredibly diverse group of students.
Students who complete this two year program of study have an opportunity to earn a two year Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in Engine Performance, Maintenance/Light Repair, Steering and Suspension, Electrical and Brakes. Additionally, students who complete the program can earn up to 16 hours of articulated credit from Ozarks Technical College (OTC).
GTC Adds New State of the Art Equipment
Gibson Technical Center students have the opportunity to work with some of the newest state-of-the-art equipment in all of our programs. This school year, through Federal grants and district funds, GTC was able to purchase three new items that will prepare our students to have successful careers in their related fields.
First we’d like to introduce you to the newest member of our EMT program, H.A.L. HAL is marketed as the world’s most advanced patient simulator on the market. HAL can be programmed to simulate many neurological voluntary and involuntary human conditions. With lifelike accuracy, HAL can be programmed to prepare students for patients who experience all kinds of respiratory conditions and even distress. Dozens of common cardiovascular and digestive simulations can be programmed into HAL to prepare students to accurately assess and stabilize patients who are in immediate need of medical attention. With HAL’s 1.2 liter blood reservoir, he can be programmed to replicate many situations where students have to stop the flow of blood from many types of trauma that will happen when he/she begins working as an EMT upon completion of our one year program.
The automotive technology program purchased two Autel Maxim IM 608 all-in-one automotive diagnostic scan tool devices. These scan tools can quickly diagnose all modules for the majority of American, Asian and European makes and models. The scan tool can program most computer modules that the cars of today have and assists all computer modules to communicate with each other. One of the best features is the device's ability to test or troubleshoot individual components of a vehicle without having to take the car/truck out for a test drive. This type of device is usually found in major car dealerships in the United States.
The Construction Technology program received a huge lift with the recent purchase of the Yale 50MX forklift. With this purchase students in our program will have an opportunity to receive a Forklift Operators Certification that will assist students to stand out as he/she pursues employment in many different career paths. The Yale 50MX is marketed as the “perfect combination of power, speed and low fuel consumption.” The 42 inch forks have the ability to lift and move loads of over 5,000 pounds. The mast has the capacity to lift loads over 12 feet in the air.
Staff Spotlight: Cindy Propst
Our staff spotlight is on our administrative assistant/placement coordinator, Ms. Cindy Propst. Ms. Propst is in her 35th year serving students and staff at GTC. In her time at GTC she has seen how Career and Technical Education has evolved on a national level and how these changes have made GTC a valued part of the Reeds Spring R-IV School District. She embraces how GTC provides opportunities for students to reinvent themselves in classroom environments with instructors that bring real-world experiences to solve real-world problems. Ms. Propst loves watching how the students are able to blossom in the classrooms and in labs that are always changing to meet the needs of students, and industry. She appreciates how the GTC staff is smaller compared to traditional high schools. According to Ms. Propst, “The best part about working at GTC is nothing stays the same and each day provides new opportunities to work with a team of professionals who are equally committed to preparing kids for the future.” She also loves how the GTC staff is like a family in regards to the amount of time everyone spends together outside of the classroom.
GTC Morning Student Advisory
The GTC student advisors are a group of students who represent every program. They play a vital role in facilitating service projects, GTC open house, career week, sophomore tours in the spring, and serve as a voice for all GTC students.
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The morning student advisors standing from left to right: Dawson Bethell (Computer Technology/Hollister), Michael Gillen (Construction/Forsyth), Chance Goodsell (Marine Technology/Forsyth), Michael Collins (Collision Repair/Hollister), Cyrus Burdick (Culinary Arts/Branson), and Calen Faucett (Auto Technology I/Crane). Seated from left to right: Julian Dulin (Health Technology/Branson), Emma Forester (Printing Technology/Blue Eye), Jacie Foster (EMT/Crane), Meagan George (Early Childhood Careers/Branson), Angel Hammond (Auto Technology II/Hollister), and Conner Diehl (Welding/Branson)
GTC Afternoon Student Advisory
The GTC student advisors plan and organize the following service projects throughout the year: Holiday Food Drive, Coat Drive, Trunk or Treat, and Highway Cleanup.
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The afternoon student advisors standing from left to right: Cliff Goss (Computer Technology/Reeds Spring), Tristen Chambers (Auto Technology II/Reeds Spring), Eddie Stellick (Culinary Arts/Galena), Ethan Rogers (Marine Technology/Reeds Spring), Dan Fliflet (Auto Technology I/Reeds Spring), and Cameron Sartin (Construction/Galena). Seated from left to right: Addison Stull (Health Technology/Reeds Spring), Chastity Schafer (EMT/Reeds Spring), Ally Moore (Early Childhood Careers/Reeds Spring), Olivia Cambell (Collision Repair/Reeds Spring), and Lily Vesely (Printing Technology/Spokane).
Spotlight on Marine Technology
As we transition to autumn the temperatures are dropping, our Marine Technology students have been learning and performing engine off season winterization procedures. This annual service is imperative when temperatures drop below 32 degrees for a period of 24 to 36 hours because it prevents water-cooled engines from major freeze damage. Second year students will add to their winterization training from last year when they will spend a day with a Certified Marine Technician from some of the local dealers from the Table Rock Lake Area where they will sharpen their winterization skills as they receive real-life on-the-job training.
On September 28 all first year students completed the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Safe Boating Course. Now all 27 students in Marine Technology program hold a Missouri Boaters License. All second year students will have an opportunity to earn their Yamaha University introduction to Outboard Systems certificate.
SkillsUSA 2022-2023 AM Officers
GTC is proud to announce the SkillsUSA officers from the morning block for the 2022-2023 school year. "SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce."
From left to right: Emily Lehman (Reporter/Hollister), Karen Beltran (Activities Chairperson/Forsyth), Michael Gillen (President/Forsyth), Gabby Green-Beck (Treasurer/Forsyth), Hailey Camerer (Secretary/Forsyth), Summer Bethell (Reporter/Forsyth), Cyrus Burdick (Vice President/Branson), and Titan Springer (Parliamentarian/Forsyth)
SkillsUSA 2022-2023 PM Officers
GTC would to introduce the SkillsUSA officers from the afternoon block. Every officer from the afternoon is from Reeds Spring High School. The SkillsUSA vision "is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success."
Back row from left to right: Taylor Yartz (Parliamentarian), Anna Hardman (Treasurer), and Dekota Manley(Reporter)
Front row from left to right: Abi Lawson (Activities Chairperson), Halle Vigil (President), Ally Moore (Vice President), and Hayley Adkins (Secretary)
Reeds Spring Homecoming
GTC wanted to let the Marshfield Blue Jays know that they entered the "Danger Zone" during the Reeds Spring Homecoming Parade. Thanks to Mrs. Noriega and Mrs. Parrish for serving as producers on the set filled with GTC student advisors who were directors and actors on the Hollywood themed float. Thanks to Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Vahle for driving the float during the parade. The Reeds Spring Wolves beat the Marshfield Blue Jays 26-19.
GTC September Staff Members of the Month
Congratulations to Career Counselor, Logan Vahle for being named the GTC September Teacher of the Month and Administrative Assistant, Candy Boyd for being selected as the September GTC Employee of the month. Both go above and beyond to meet the needs of all students and staff.
GTC October Morning Professional of the Month
A big shout-out to Branson senior Meagan George for being named the October GTC Professional of the Month from the morning block. Meagan is doing a great job in her Early Childhood Careers program where she works with 4th grade students at Reeds Spring Elementary School. She is excited to attend Evangel University to pursue a degree in elementary education.
GTC October Afternoon Professional of the Month
Congratulations to Reeds Spring senior Kennedy Brown for being named the October GTC Professional of the Month from our afternoon block. Kennedy is excelling in our Early Childhood Careers program where she works with preschool students in her program’s practicum. Kennedy is also a member of the Reeds Spring Lady Wolves Volleyball Team. She is looking forward to pursuing a career in childhood education.
SkillsUSA Gives Back to the Community
GTC students in SkillsUSA have been very busy giving back to the community through community service projects. On Saturday, October 8 students worked with Sleep in Heavenly Peace in Kimberling City, Missouri helping construct beds for children The students precut, sanded, and branded enough materials for the construction of 23 beds. Sleep in Heavenly Peace provides beds for kids who do not have a proper place to sleep at night. This organization strongly believes a bed is a basic need for the proper physical, emotional, and mental support all children need.
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On October 27 the members completed their second service project of the year at Convoy of Hope in Springfield, Missouri. The members helped pack over 7,000 hygiene kits to be used during times of emergency. "Convoy of Hope is a faith-based organization with a driving passion to feed the world through children's feeding initiatives, community outreach, and disaster response." This organization does this by "Changing lives through kindness."
It's great how students from 11 different schools from three different counties come together at GTC to make a positive impact, not just in the communities GTC serves, but far beyond.
EMT Program Receives $5,000 Grant
Our EMT Instructor and HOSA Sponsor, Lacey Williams, just received a $5,000 Helping Hands Grant from the Skaggs Foundation. The "Helping Hands Grants are available to any non-profit organization serving Stone and/or Taney County for a specific health and wellness related purpose or program." The Skaggs Family Foundation's "philanthropic vision is predicated on the unshakable conviction that empowered people can shape a better society for everyone. Our foundation awards highly targeted grants that are focused on making a meaningful, enduring difference, both incremental and transformational changes for individuals and communities."
Students Preston Blubaugh and Angel Dowdy were able to attend the awards presentation with Mrs. Lacey Williams.
Mrs. Williams is excited to use the grant in support of her 28 EMT students as they prepare for HOSA competitions and upcoming leadership conferences. HOSA’s mission is to prepare students to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience. Students in the GTC HOSA chapter routinely compete at the state, national and even international levels. This grant will go a long way in not only preparing these students for competitions, but it will help prepare these students for life after high school.
High School Principal and Counselor Advisory
Trunk or Treat
Reed Spring’s Trunk or Treat has turned into one of the largest annual community events in the area. An estimated 1,500 kids flocked to the Reeds Spring High School parking lot to display great costumes and were treated to lots of Halloween candy from over 50 organizations. Thanks to our student advisors and staff who helped decorate the GTC Haunted Trailer. Thanks to Mr. Thieman and Mrs. Noriega for supporting the following student advisors who helped pass out candy all night: Chastity Schafer, Tristen Chambers, and Addison Stull. An optional one dollar donation was collected in support of the Reeds Spring High Food Pantry.
Program Advisory
We're Building a House!
Open House
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We would like to thank the following people: Mr. Thieman and Mr. McDannold for grilling hot dogs for all of the guests. Mrs. Boyd and Mrs. McGregor for serving the hotdogs. Mrs. Noriega and her Culinary Arts students for making the delicious deserts. Last, but not, least thanks to everyone who braved the rainy conditions to make our open house a tremendous success.
SkillsUSA Leadership Conference
Universal Technical Institute Visits GTC
GTC October Staff Members of the Month
Congratulations to our Culinary Arts Instructor, Jennifer Noriega for being recognized as the GTC October Teacher of the Month and Custodian, Jody Shinnebarger for being awarded the GTC October Employee of the Month. Both are leaders in the building and provide all that they have everyday to help make GTC a great place for learning.
GTC November Morning Professional of the Month
We are honored to recognize Hollister High School senior Evan Diaz as the GTC November Professional of the month. Evan is in his second year in the Culinary Arts program where he leads by demonstrating and modeling what is expected in a professional kitchen. Upon graduation from high school Evan plans on attending College of the Ozarks to pursue a culinary degree. He loves being in the kitchen even during times of chaos.
GTC November Afternoon Professional of the Month
We are pleased to announce Reeds Spring senior Nathan Bauman is our November Professional of the Month from our afternoon block. Nathan is a leader in the kitchen and his passion for cooking is always on display. He is an active member of SkillsUSA who routinely participates in the organization's service projects. Nathan plans to study Culinary Arts and Sustainable Farming in central New York after he graduates from high school.
Did You Know?
About 77% from in-demand industries report hiring an employee because of the knowledge and skills gained from their CTE experience.
CTE associate degrees can pay $10,000 more per year than associate degrees in other fields and can even pay more than bachelor's degrees, while limiting student debt.
74% of employers report a persistent mismatch between the skills they need and the skills untrained workers have.
Source: ACTEonline.org
Gibson Technical Center
Reeds Spring, Missouri 65737
Email: nthieman@wolves.k12.mo.us
Website: https://gt.rs-wolves.com/
Phone: (417) 272-3271
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gibsontechnicalcenter
Twitter: @gibson_tech