Cascadia Tech News
October 2021
From Our Director
Cascadia Tech is a very special place and I am so proud of our students and their drive to succeed, no matter the obstacle. On campus, we have several services in place to assist with barriers a student might confront to impede success. If you are ever in need of assistance, please feel free to contact any staff person or visit the Student Services Center in the 500 building where Kristina Bauska can assist you or offer referrals.
I want to thank students for continuing to comply with masking guidelines, safety and sanitation protocols and most importantly, being respectful of others. We are here to support and encourage you to keep “doing great things!”
We are doing great things!
-Joan Huston
Joan Huston
Craig Downs
Tamila Oppliger
TikTok Contest
October 8-22
Winners will be announced October 26!
ONE student winner from each program- $5 Dutch Bros gift card and a Cascadia Tech T-shirt from the Foundation!Follow @cascadiatechacademy on TikTok
Create your own school appropriate video to highlight your program
Tag @cascadiatechacademy
Share on other social media platforms
Use your program hashtags:
#Medical #AMSatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Auto #AutoatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Aviation #AviationatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Business #BusinessatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Construction #ConstructionatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Hair #CosmoatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#CriminalJustice #CJatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Baking #CulinaryatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Dental #DentalatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Diesel #DieselatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Fashion #FashionatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Firefighter #FireScienceatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Travel #HospitalityatCascadia #CascadiaTech
#IT #ITS3atCascadia #CascadiaTech
#Engineering #PreEngineeringatCascadia #CascadiaTech
Picture Day
SAVE THE DATE!
Monday, October 25Packets will be sent home next week.
Order online: Cascadia Tech Picture Day
National Accreditation
Culinary, Baking & Pastry Arts received American Culinary Federation re-accreditation this past spring. Thus, becoming one of seven elite secondary programs in the nation to achieve Exemplary Program Award status, in two disciplines! ACF programs must go through this procedure every five years. The process is rigorous and Chef McColley shared that the Covid-19 pandemic added a new wrinkle. However, former students participated via Zoom interviews and only two ACF National chefs inspected the site rather than the usual full accreditation team. Even though the process lacked the large travelling staff and local dignitary attended open house, the scoring process and inspection remained in-depth. Chef McColley said, “This distinction reflects the highest quality facility and acknowledges cutting edge instruction.
In addition to re-accreditation, the program received a refresh - kitchen walls lined with fiberglass reinforced panels for state of the art sanitation practices, new lighting throughout, carpeting, paint and a refinished concrete floor for the new bistro-themed café. Now the front of the house has three very specific zones- quick serve bistro, fine dining room, conference meeting room. Additionally, a dedicated baking kitchen was installed. Chef McColley says, “The refresh and re-accreditation allows us to teach the basics, as well as diving into skills that are more artisan in nature.” He is excited to be redesigning the program to meet the needs of an ever changing industry, offering the students experiences that are most up-to-date and matching current trends.
Students are noticing the changes as well. Second year Sous Chef, Logan said, “I am very excited to be back on campus. Helping to create and cook in this brand new kitchen and having the experience of working with a great crew!” Fun fact - Logan’s mother was a graduate of the culinary program and Chef Andrew was her instructor!
Rising Star
Aviation Technology student Alina Baravets is the Washington State 2021 STEM Rising Star for ESD 112’s Network region. Nominated by her instructor Rob Reinebach last spring by stating, “She is consistently the most prepared and hardworking student in our class of 66 students, who were all competitively selected for our program from 29 high schools across the region.”
In the three short years since immigrating from Belarus, Alina has mastered English, earned her pilot ground school certificate and is currently preparing for the FAA knowledge test. Successful completion of this two year program, earns students 20 college credits toward a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science. This determined and focused student is actively pursuing all available opportunities and training. In her award interview, she shared that as a young child she loved solving math problems. Following high school graduation, she will attend college to earn a degree in Aviation Science, ultimately becoming a commercial pilot. We are so excited to watch her soar!
Growth of ITS3
Cascadia Tech Academy is excited to announce Information Technology Systems, Service & Support is able to bring back two instructors! Mr. Nelson has been working hard rebuilding the program during the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to student demand there is now a fully enrolled second year class, allowing for a dedicated first year instructor. This is a testament to the strength of the program, student interest and industry needs.
Meet Nolan Sager, the new first year ITS3 instructor. He graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and Administrative Management. This degree allows him to bridge the gap between IT departments and management. Mr. Sager specialized in cyber security, data base management and web design. His prior industry experience includes Best Buy, IT contractor for NW Media Collective and Apple Genius Bar member. After two years with Apple, he felt that something was missing in his career. The pandemic opened up the opportunity to explore teaching as a profession and he began working at Cascadia Tech as a paraeducator.
Mr. Nelson is the Building Technology Coordinator. This provides students the opportunity for real work-based learning experiences, as they manage the on-campus Help Desk and assist instructors and peers with technology.
The instructors are co-teaching. This format offers both first and second year students, a comprehensive and consistent learning experience. Mr. Nelson shared that the two will complement each other’s skill sets and professional experiences – for example: Windows vs Apple, system networking and cyber security. Plus Mr. Sager has web design experience, which could be a future summer school program!
Support Our Foundation
Past donation events:
Last Chance Summer Bar-B-Q on September 18 raised $8,354!
Give More 24 on September 23 raised $1,790!
Ongoing opportunities to give:
Fred Meyer Rewards - use the code: KR202