Mustang Message
June 5, 2016
Message from Jeff and Yolanda
This week marked "firsts" at graduation for several reasons:
- We graduated the first class under our new name, Lorenzo Walker Technical College. Check out the photos.
- We had a combined graduation between our students who completed their General Equivalency Diploma and those who completed programs from the technical college.
- Both graduation ceremonies had such an incredible turnout that there was standing room only.
- Three LWTHS students graduated from three schools this Spring, having received their high school diploma from LWTHS, their career certificate of completion from LWTC and their Associate of Arts degree from FSW.
If you don"t think community people notice what is said or published about our schools, think again. As a result of the NDN article "Ready for Anything: Top Three Lorenzo Walker Graduates Leaving with More than a Diploma" published on Friday, we received an unexpected call from a local community member who was so impressed with Darchelle Excellent's accomplishment that he wanted to present her with a $1,000 check in front of her peers. The community member had never been to our campus but by 1:00 p.m. on Friday he paid his first visit here and I am sure it won't be his last!
As we bring this school year to a close, we say good-bye to LWTC/LWTHS staff who are moving on to the next chapter in their lives:
- Gracie Somoza will be retiring after dedicating more than 35 years to helping Adult Education students. Gracie changed people’s lives, giving hope and encouragement to recent arrivals wanting to learn English so they could become productive members of society achieve the American dream. Not only did she help them learn English but she helped them put together career plans so they could continue on their path to GED, LWTC, FSW or to a career. Her former students including, Jorge Suarez and Felipe Gaviria, are indebted to Gracie for their success.
- Adam Janowski might be retiring from being a media specialist and the role that he has played in instilling the love of reading to thousands of students but now he will have more time to dedicate to his culinary passion. Adam will now have time to write cookbooks, create award winning cookie recipes and feed the parishioners at his place of worship. Hopefully Adam will not forget us and stop by from time to time to visit and bring some of his tasty creations.
- Brenda Stevens-Harrison like our graduates is moving on to the next chapter in her life as she transitions to her new career as the IT Manager at AVOW Hospice. In addition to teaching for many years she coached the SkillsUSA Academic team and volunteered at prom. What a wonderful career opportunity for Brenda but she will continue her relationship with the school by serving as a member of the Computer Systems advisory committee or volunteering at prom.
- When Bud Ray came to teaching three years after having retired from his previous job, he promised me he would stay three years to help rebuild the auto collision program. During the three years, Bud did that and much more; he made a difference in the lives of students. There is nothing more rewarding than receiving "thank yous" from students and he got plenty this week!
- Debbie Hoofer is transitioning from education back to the business world. During her short tenure at LWTC Debbie was successful in helping students achieve their Microsoft Office Specialist(MOS) industry certification and prepare for successful office careers in the legal, medical and accounting fields. We know she will be just as successful in her business career.
- Dan Miller is following his passion to teach engineering and math to the Village School in Naples. After finishing the Project Lead the Way curriculum, he was ready for a change that would help him incorporate engineering and STEM related concepts into his lessons. We wish him well in his new endeavor.
- Holly Rodgers is returning to Immokolee High School after her short tenure at LWTHS to continue to positively impact the lives of her students. She has made strong connections with students and Immokolee is so happy she will be coming "home".
- Katherine Cummings is heading to the other coast of Florida to teach high school! Even though she was only at LWTHS a couple of years, she taught students at all grade levels. Her presence and positive outlook will be missed. Congratulations and good luck on your new adventure in life.
We are bidding all of you farewell but we our hearts will never say goodbye to the wonderful things you have done for our students and schools. The backbone of a good school is not made from the nice classrooms and fancy equipment. is made from the excellent education imparted by teachers like you!
Collectively we have much to be proud of this school year. Back in August, we kicked off the school year with the theme "gearing up to make things happen" and we did by:
- Becoming life-long learners
- Always striving for more and not settling
- Being authentically engaged
- Being creative thinkers and problem-solvers
- Meeting and setting personal goals
- Sharing expertise (what works)
- Having high expectations
- Showing appreciation/acknowledgement
- Building a sense of community
- Creating a positive environment
- Delivering rigorous and relevant instruction
- Incorporating interactive technology to enhance engagement
We are well on our way to becoming schools of excellence. Remember to take time to celebrate your accomplishments and if you are off for the summer take time to reflect, relax, and re-energize!
Tech Corner
If you want to keep learning while you are in ‘summer’ mode, please remember that most Tech Tool Tuesday or Web on Wednesday sessions are available online via the Professional Learning wiki page. You can earn MIPs as well - please contact Marie if you have questions. Enjoy your summer!
Did you know that you can upload your cell phone/tablet photos to the Google Photos app for free and automatically? Then you can access them from anywhere as they are stored in the cloud and there are multiple features to include:
Easy search for people, places, and objects
Sharing photos and videos
Editing on the go
- Making collages, animations and movies - check out the one created with LWTC & GED graduation photos
Happenings
- Come and celebrate at the "Its O-fish-ally Summer" end of year party on Wednesday, June 8th, 11:30 a.m. We will take time to celebrate all that the LWTC/LWTHS staff has done this past year and to say goodbye to those who will be leaving us this summer. Thank you to Nancy Turmelle, Jill Peterson, Angie Imbriale, and Cynthia Murin for planning the celebration!
- As we come to the close of the year, students often try and pay obligations. Remind them that Mustang Bucks can be used to pay down fines. It is also a way to encourage students to stay focused during these last couple of weeks. If you need more, contact Darlene Crete.
- Yearbooks are available for purchase. See Rita Kentros if you are interested.
- LWTHS t-shirts and sweatshirts are also available to be purchased. See Dawn Peck if you or your students are interested.
Congratulation to the Dental Assistant Students!
Spotlight on Adult Education Staff Member
Originally from Chile, Ingrid Figares, married her husband and came to the States. She is a self-described animal hoarder with four cats and three dogs. After working for Adult Education for 10 years, Ingrid still enjoys helping people and the ability to guide and explain adult education options for their future. Ingrid is an accomplished marathon runner. She ran her first marathon in Cape Canaveral, Florida and described how her legs felt like logs the last five miles of the 26.2 journey. A happy person, Ingrid enjoys traveling and likes Israel best. Ingrid has a compassion for animals and is an animal activist, but also has compassion for people. When describing her recent trip to Israel, she shared her compassion for the troops in the Middle East and her concern for their welfare in the heat.
Kudos to . . .
- All of the LWTC/LWTHS staff who made the Senior Awards and Scholarship night memorable. Thank you for being there and writing meaningful messages to the students who won individual awards.
- Laurie Lattarulo for going above and beyond these last few weeks, putting together programs, PPT, awards, decorations, and making sure that everything went smoothly for the awards nights and graduation! We couldn't do it without you.
- Blanca Rodriguez for attending the graduation and helping collect cords from the students after the ceremony.
- The office staff for going above and beyond the call of duty during the last few weeks to ensure all things related to awards night, graduation, obligations, testing, grades, parent meetings etc. where in order. You make our lives so much easier.
- Joann Cassio, Tara Barr, Marsha Bergquist, and Neil Fehr for organizing the senior breakfast, taking them to get the class picture at Lely and for making sure that the graduation ceremony went off without a hitch.
- All of the LWTC/LWTHS staff who came to graduation on Friday. It meant so much to the students and families as they wanted to line up and take pictures to commemorate the day.
- The Graduation Committee for organizing a memorable LWTC/GED graduation
- Carolyn Casserly for the beautiful balloons at graduation and Olivia Ralston for the plants.
- Rick Ponton for being the "voice" of graduation. I heard from one of the high school mentors that had been to many different graduations and Rick has done the best job that she had ever heard. His clarity, pronunciation and tempo was spot on!!
- Rita Kentros and Donna Huprich for taking our incoming 9th grade students from Pine Ridge around our campus, answering questions and introducing them to our freshmen student council in order to make the transition easier and comfortable.
- Pat Metcalf for providing ACT tutoring for students who will take the exam on June 11th.
- Anne
Happy Summer Birthdays
June
09 - Stephanie Scott
11 - Ray Smith
25 - Lin Flood
26 - Tony Singleton
26 - Bonnie Thompson
28 - Nancy Turmelle
July
07 - Rita Kentros
10 - Olivia Ralston
18 - Dr. Becker
23 - Fay Warfield
26 - John Mazzarella
28 - Jorge Suarez
28 - David Gabriel
29 - Anne Fredette
August
06 - Jackie Hagerman
07 - Steve Pernell
13 - Juan Romero
Upcoming Staff Meetings and Trainings
- See the lwcampus.wikispaces.com for the LWTC/LWTHS meeting calendar.
Upcoming Student Events
- 6/6 - Early Release
- 6/7 - Early Release
- 6/7 - Last day for students