The Pipeline
February 9, 2024
A Message from the Director...
Dear Career Tech Students and Families!
Participating in leadership opportunities and competitions is vital for Career Technical students as it helps them to develop their overall skill set and prepares them for success in their chosen fields. These experiences not only provide a platform for students to showcase their technical abilities but also help cultivate essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. By taking on leadership roles in these settings, students are empowered to take initiative, make decisions, and manage projects, which mirrors real-world scenarios they will encounter in their careers.
Furthermore, engaging in competitions fosters a spirit of healthy competition, motivating students to excel and continuously improve their skills. In this competitive environment, students learn to perform under pressure and deliver results which is similar to the professional world. Winning or even participating in these events adds credibility to a student's resume, making them stand out to potential employers who value practical experience.
Apart from personal development, participation in leadership and competitions creates a sense of community within the Career Technical Education realm. This provides networking opportunities as students interact with peers, industry professionals, and potential mentors, establishing valuable connections to aid their future career paths. Overall, these experiences shape the individual student and contribute to the advancement and reputation of our William D. Ford community.
With this in mind, I'd like you to please be on the lookout in the upcoming newsletters for students' accomplishments, achievements, and accolades. We are excited to see what this semester will bring!
Warm regards,
Stephanie Bigelow M.A., L.P.C.
ATTENTION CAREER-TECH 11TH GRADERS!!!
***ATTENTION-11TH GRADE STUDENTS REQUESTING TO RETURN TO CAREER TECH NEXT YEAR***
It's hard to believe we are already starting to think about the 24-25 school year! All students, including students who would like to return for a 2nd year, must complete an enrollment request if they would like to attend William D. Ford in the 24-25 school year. If students would like to enroll in the same program for a 2nd year, they should be working with their current instructor about what that 2nd year would entail. Please visit our website or click on the link below for the enrollment request. The first round of applications will be due by Friday, February 16, 2024.
Mark Your Calendar!
2-12 - National Technical Honor Society Meeting - a.m. & p.m.
2-15 - Health Occupations Presentation - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
2-16 - Robotics Team Meeting - 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2-19 thru 2-23 - Mid-Winter Recess - No School
Reality Fair comes to Ford Tech Center-Sponsored by Community Financial Credit Union
Earlier this week, our Ford Tech seniors were able to go through a reality simulation that helped them see the consequences of good and bad money-making decisions. Students were assigned a career, credit card debt, student loan debt, and a credit score and then make choices about housing, food, clothing, transportation, recreation, technology, etc. It was an awesome experience that helped them to better understand the financial world ahead of them.
Fire Up Your Future
The Open House this week was an absolute success! Current and prospective students and families were able to engage and interact with industry professionals/teachers that brought forward future options. It was a fun and exciting night for all!
Automotive Technology Competes
On Friday, February 2, 2024 Mr. Mark Batko, the instructor for Automotive Technology took 6 of his students to Washtenaw Community College to participate in the Regional SkillsUSA Competition. We are happy to announce that Bryce Fallows took 1st place in the Master Tech Competition and
Zachary Wallace took 4th place in the Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) Competition. Those students who competed were: Evan Pavlick - Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) Competition; Zachary Wallace - Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) Competition; Roman Rivera - Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) Competition; Nathan Cooper - Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) Competition; Bryce Fallows - Master Tech Competition; and Ryan Nelson - Master Tech Competition
Congratulations to all of the participants. Well done, everyone!
Bryce Fallows earning 1st place.
Zachary Wallace checking parts.
All of the Career-Tech competitors.
Donation from Wayne From Civic League
Vic Barra from the Wayne Ford Civic League graciously donated two trailers to Wayne-Westland Community Schools. These trailers will be used with a variety of CTC programs as well as district community events.
TikTok Channel (CCR/SEL)
https://www.tiktok.com/@wwcsd_ccr_sel/video/7310370034260430111
If you want to see more of what's happening in the district, please follow the link...
23-24 Ongoing Work-Based Learning Opportunities at William D. Ford Career Technical Center
The following companies and/or organizations are providing jobs and extended work-based learning activities for our students:
Auto Advantage Collision
Bill Brown Ford
Michigan CAT
Live Your Dream Renovations
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
EMU Bright Futures
Lifetime Fitness
Contract Welding & Fabricating
Gordon Chevrolet
OptimEyes-Henry Ford
Johnson Controls
18th District Court
Iron Workers Local 25
LOC Industries
AWS Welding Society
Lobo Tires
Ford Motor Company (Livonia Transmission)
Gift of Life Michigan
Salvation Army
Haas Automation Inc.
SME Prime
LiUNA Training of Michigan
Automotive News
LOC Performance
Plastipak
Michigan State Police (Metro South)
Community Financial Scholarship Opportunity
Community Financial Credit Union, in partnership with the Local Impact Alliance, is proud to offer scholarships to our members. We're passionate about supporting the students in our communities as they chase their dreams.
We will award (12) $3,000 college scholarships and (6) $2,000 CTE/trade-specific scholarships. Attached are flyers for you to share with your students. The application deadline is Friday, March 15th at 5 pm.
For application requirements, visit cfcu.org/scholarships. If you have any questions, please contact Beth Meade at bmeade@cantonfoundation.org.
Inclement Weather Procedures
Please see the following link regarding the procedures followed when having to cancel school due to inclement weather. Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q7PF241OdFeYLO2P5KylZZC2J7Q00WEBLzVx7bAeZaY/edit?usp=sharing
Social Media
Lawrence Technical University Scholarship Opportunity
LTU Blue Devil Promise Scholarship
To be considered for this scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:
- Completed FAFSA on file for every year this scholarship is utilized
- Must be a newly admitted first-year student at Lawrence Tech with around a 3.0 GPA
- 2024 graduate of one of the following high schools:
- John Glenn High School (Westland, MI)
- Wayne Memorial High School (Wayne, MI)
- William D Ford Technical Center (Westland, MI)
Notes:
*Students must submit the application for admission by April 1
*Students who receive this scholarship are not eligible to receive any additional merit, athletic, or LTU funded scholarships.
*Scholarship funds are for tuition use only.
Award Amount: $20,000 annually ($80,000 over 8 semesters)
Wayne-Westland Attendance Policy
Wayne-Westland Attendance Policy:
District Policy:
Wayne-Westland Schools prioritizes student attendance, student safety, and student support. Our District has implemented a comprehensive attendance policy that will identify barriers families face and provide support so that they may attend school regularly. Working with our community partners, our goal is to reduce chronic absenteeism at all grade levels.
Additional details regarding the policy can be found here:
https://www.wwcsd.net/departments/administrative-services/student-services/#Attendance
Family Resource Center (FRC)
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has a Family Resource Center (FRC), which provides services to any student/family enrolled in our District, free of cost. Some of the services they provide are: basic need assistance, access to over 700 local resources, Laundry Assistance Program and material items for those unable to afford them (emergency toiletries, socks/underwear, hats/gloves/scarves, etc.). They are also able to provide school supplies and backpacks year round for any WWCS student. Please contact our Family Resource Center at: 734-419-2709 or FRC@wwcsd.net. Our FRC also has a Digital Request for Services Form, which can be used to request assistance. Please contact the Family Resource Center directly with any additional questions regarding their services.
High Schools Newsletters: Pathways to the Workforce
We are seeking interested, qualified students for this paid work experience program. Starting January 2024. WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
15+ years old
Enrolled in Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Less than 3 unexcused absences
Be on track to graduate
Qualified students can register here: https://forms.gle/AYRBVPyyQhLubTPH9