GACTC Newsletter
December Has Been Busy
Open House
High school students and their parents or guardians learned about the programs we offer, all of which are available as part of a high school diploma. Other topics include possible industry certifications students can earn, and how GACTC credits may transfer to colleges and universities.
Those interested in adult education had the opportunity to explore various programs and career options, and learned about financial aid opportunities, including Veteran’s benefits, federal and state student aid.
To learn more about the GACTC, or to schedule an individual appointment to discuss available training programs, please call (814) 941-TECH.
Applications for high school and adult programs are being accepted now. Apply today: https://www.gactc.edu/apply/
Cares Committee
We would like to thank everyone at the GACTC for your generosity in purchasing gifts and making monetary contributions to our GACTC families at Christmas. We were able to purchase gifts for 9 families (20 children), and also give each family a $50.00 gift card to Walmart.
We received cash donations in the amount of $700.00 and many items were purchased from the ornaments on the tree. We received $257.57 from the meatball food truck and $550.00 from the dress down day (that each person contributed $10.00 to) for the month of December.
Our Cares committee members gathered the remaining ornaments off of the tree and we all went shopping to buy the families the remaining gifts. We spent $1,966.15 getting the gift cards and additional gifts. As you can see, your donations not only at Christmas, but throughout the year, go a long way in making a bright holiday for our families in need.
Merry Christmas to you and your families!
Superintendents
Joint Operating Committee
Continuing Education
In December, students completed their training in our phlebotomy, Expanded Function Dental Assistant certificate, and nurse aide programs. The graduates will sit for the certification exams in their respective training areas in the coming weeks. New sessions of these in-demand training programs will begin in spring 2022 – please visit our website for details or call us at (814) 941-8324.
We continue to provide customized training and testing for several companies specific to welding services.
Our diploma students continue their diligent efforts to build their knowledge and skill in pursuit of industry credentials prior to graduation in spring and summer 2022.
The Adult Education department hosted a food drive in November to support Family Services, Inc.. Students and employees donated food items and laundry baskets to provide to Family Services to support their efforts in our community. Our high school Logistics & Supply Chain Management students organized the items by food type, organized and boxed the items, and labeled the boxes for delivery. Thanks to all who participated in the food drive!
Our practical nursing students are gaining clinical experience at several local long-term care facilities including Garvey Manor, The Presbyterian Home, and the ALSM Lutheran Home. To bring cheer to the residents of these facilities during the holidays, our PN students wrote more than 1,000 holiday cards to deliver to the local nursing facilities. We are proud of our practical nursing students and faculty for their continued courage and passion for their profession during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Practical Nursing enrollment for full time and part time classes starting August 2022 is underway. All interested candidates are welcome!
We are hiring individuals passionate about their industry and trade to join the adult education team! Current instructional openings include full- and part-time instructors the practical nursing program, full-time HVAC instructor, part-time clinical instructor for the nurse aide program, part-time vehicle safety inspection instructor, and part-time instructional assistant for the EFDA certificate program. Details for these positions available on our website at https://www.gactc.edu/about/employment/.
PACTA
Building a Solid Defense Against Security Breaches
Studying the Anatomy and Function of the Cardiac and Respiratory System
CPR Training
Snowmen Hairstyles
Happy Holidays from Cosmetology!
Gingerbread Houses
The Baking & Pastry Arts program had a four day project to make gingerbread houses. The first day the students gathered the materials; the second day mixed, rolled, cut out, and baked. On the last two days, they built and decorated their houses based on their plans.
Faculty, Staff and Students will vote for their favorites on Tuesday, December 21st. There will be an AM winner and PM winner.
Look for the January Newsletter to see the winners!
Visitors to the Emergency Services Program
Westmoreland County Bloodhound Team
Altoona Police Department
Blair County Sheriff
AMED
Med Vac
Fire/Service Forester
Visitors to the Cosmetology Program
ICON Shears
Pretty in a Minute
Aline Group
Penn Highlands Community College
About our Staff
Christine Skelly
She is married with two stepchildren and has two step-grandchildren and one on the way. She has two cats and three dogs. Chris's favorite things to do is hunt, fish, go to the casinos, go to the gym, relax and visit family in the Poconos.
If you see Chris in the Business Office, thank her for her many years of dedication to the GACTC.
Tom Miller
Tom likes to go to the gym and workout, hang out with his girlfriend and go to the movies.
If you see Tom in the hallways, thank him for his dedication and hard work at the GACTC.
From the Culinary Arts & Baking & Pastry Arts Department
White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn
(yield: 8- ½ cup servings)
3 ½ oz package microwave popcorn
5 oz white chocolate melts
1 tablespoon crisco
½ cup crushed peppermint candy
1. Prepare popcorn according to package directions; pour into a large bowl.
2. Meanwhile, melt chocolate & shortening in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently, until melted.
3. Drizzle chocolate over the popcorn and sprinkle peppermint candies; spread onto a baking sheet and allow to cool & harden- about 30 minutes. Sprinkle more peppermint candies over the top, if you prefer.
*Tips:
You can use red melting discs, green melting discs, or even dark chocolate to add color or different flavor.
Making old-fashioned popcorn on the stove top can also be used to prepare this dish. To save a step, you can purchase crushed peppermints online. Saves a lot of time! This makes a wonderful gift for the holidays; consider putting this in a decorative glass jar with ribbon or in holiday snack bags!
Ellsie’s Sugar Cookies
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Butter
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Salt
½ tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp Baking Powder
3 Cups Flour
1. Cream together Sugar and butter
2. Add eggs one at a time
3. Mix in Vanilla
4. Incorporate remaining ingredients.
5. Refrigerate overnight
6. Roll ¼ in thickness and cut with your favorite cookie cutters.
7. Decorate with colored sugar
8. Bake 350 degrees 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown.