President Bob Sweitzer called the meeting to order by leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. Dick Hall followed with the invocation, as he kicked off Career Tech Month.
PROGRAM:Dick then introduced Carrie Harris, Director of the Career Tech Program at Kent Roosevelt, as part of the Six District Compact. She previously taught at Cuyahoga Falls High School and prior to that was a financial analyst.
Carrie explained that formerly, there was Vocational Education in our Ohio schools. It later became Career Tech Education and focused on a wider picture of careers. At this point, there are over 13,000 students in Ohio involved with the program. It is primarily a high school related opportunity but by next year, every public middle school must offer the program on that level. There are 30 programs offered by our Six District Compact which serves Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Kent Roosevelt, Stow, Tallmadge and Woodridge. There is more demand than can be handled in the system, partially because of the head start on college that this program awards. There is now even a National Technical Honor Society.
The featured topic of today's session was Healthcare Education. Mariah Henna, a junior in the program presented information about her level of participation As Level 1 student, she is learning anatomy, college prep English and principles. She is from Stow-Munroe Falls High School but takes her classes for the Health Careers Program at Kent Roosevelt. She also is working part time at a nursing home and feels that her education is tied to her work. She is headed for a career in physical therapy,
Shams Naji is a senior who eventually wants a career in dermatology. She explained that the further they go in their training, the more their work is hands on and patient care. She feels that she is getting a lot of experience using the skills that she has gained over her time in the program. She feels that this is a great foundation for college and further training.
Catie Milton, an instructor in the program. is an RN with 36 years of experience in nursing and 26 years in teaching. She worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. She discussed that the students have 60 hours of classes, with some on line. There are some paid externships and students are expected to volunteer for a number of hours. Students have a unit on disabilities and learn about major incident reporting. This is a great foundation for college because the students have already learned credentials in certain areas and pretty much know what they want to do. Because of that college becomes less of a struggle. Of their program's graduates, 94% will go to college, 3% will go to the military and 3% will enter the workforce right after graduation.
Beth Nahra, a second instructor in the program, also has hospital experience and has been an educator for 19 years, primarily in special education. She has led the students through some competitions and strengthens their education so that they are ready for their next steps. See the attachments for specific information about the Healthcare Program and Careers in Health that are enhanced through this program.
BUSINESS MEETING:
Bob thanked the presenters for an interesting program and then thanked Steve Dunton and Dave Renninger for checking us in this morning. They also welcomed our visitors, Beth Nahra, Nancy Binzel and those who gave us our program.
He also shared that we received a thank you from the high school's Speech and Debate Department for our support during this past year.
Celebrations:
Birthdays: Bob Oborn led us in singing really well to his wife, Annette whose birthday is today, the beginning of her “birthday month”.
Drawing: Ray Evans' table had the winning number but Landon Lake pulled the queen of spades so the pot will continue to grow.
Concern: Don Coughlin's grandson, Landon Graziano has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in his leg and will be receiving treatments both here and in Columbus. Don asks that we keep Landon and the family in our prayers. There is a Go-Fund-Me page that his been set up in their behalf.
Announcements: Pilar Parsons thanked everyone for their participation at Foodie Palooza last Saturday, especially those who manned the Rotary booth. We did have some potential members who visited us.
Four-Way Speech Contest: De-de Mulligan asked and received more judges for the speech contest which will be on March 18 at 3:00 at the high school. The winning presenters will provide our program on April 8,
Golf Outing Committee: Scott Miller said it is time to get moving with our committee for this year's June 12 outing. Next week Scott will have a sign-up sheet for those who are willing to help. Also, he asks that we be thinking about an charitable entity with who we will share the profits this year. Let Scott know if you have an idea.
Cluster Project: Bob Sweitzer will share more information about the Cluster Project next week.
Coffee for Haven of Rest: Annette said that 175 cans of coffee have now been delivered to the Haven of Rest. The drive goes until the end of the month, so bring your donation to the meeting or have Amazon deliver it to the Oborns at 381 Silver Valley Blvd, Munroe Falls, 44262.
Teacher Supply Cupboard Delivery: Dick Hall asked for a couple more people to deliver bags that were packed last evening.
Foodbank: Steve Dunton reminded us that our volunteer time at Foodbank will be next Wednesday, February 11 from 4:30-6:30. Help if you possibly can!
Meeting End: Bob Sweitzer closed the meeting by leading us in the Four-Way Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Wednesday, February 11, 7:30, morning meeting at The Center when we will hear from Todd Jones and Al DiTommaso representing the Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing section of our Career Tech world.
Wednesday, February 11, 4:30-6:30 volunteer time at the Akron-Canton Foodbank.
Friday, February 13, 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting at City Hall
Wednesday, March 18, 3:00 at the high school, judging of the Four-Way-Speech Contest
Friday April 24 and Saturday, April 25, District Conference at the Marriott in Warrensville Heights on Harvard Rd.
Saturday, May 9, Heroes Day
Friday, June 12, Golf Outing
Wednesday, October 14, Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrea Denton