Northwest Tech News
Northwest Tech Students Make the Season Bright with Service Projects
With the combined efforts of the Northwest Technology Center's Business Professionals of America Chapter, the Health Occupations Students of America Chapter (HOSA) and the Skills USA Chapter, Christmas will be a little brighter for the residents of the Northwest Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Waynoka. The NWTC students chose the Treatment Center for their community service project and provided stockings stuffed with goodies as well as one toy for the center residents and their children. Representing Northwest Substance Abuse Treatment Center of Waynoka was Renee Morrow. She accepted the gifts from the NWTC student organizations officers.
In the photo above, officers of Northwest Technology Center's student organizations present Renee Morrow of the Northwest Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Waynoka with stocking and wrapped toys for the residents and their children.
The Share Convalescent Home and Beadles Nursing Home residents also were recipients of the good will and community service by the Northwest Technology Center's Business Professionals of America Chapter. Students in the Business & Information Technology program and the Web Development and Graphic Design program used their computer skills and creativity to make Christmas cards for the nursing and convalescent home residents. Officers from the BPA Chapter, delivered the cards and warm wishes to the nursing home residents.
Area Massage Therapists Gather for Continuing Education
 Massage Therapists from Northwest Oklahoma and Southern Kansas gathered at Northwest Technology Center in Alva recently for continuing education training. The instructor for the training was Michael Critz of Dallas who trained on the Critz Technique.
This type of massage combines the Classic Muscle Energy Technique, Positional Release Therapy and Cross Fiber Friction Massage in a specific sequence that is proven to successfully eliminate chronic pain conditions in most people. Critz has experience with rehabilitative techniques and this has made him a creditable well-respected clinical massage therapist and teacher.
The training was coordinated by Tara Thomas, Business and Industry Health Services Director at Northwest Technology Center. "We were excited to have Michael teach us this massage method. We are also looking forward to doing other CEU's for massage therapists throughout the area."
Debra Button, NWTC's Health Careers Certification Instructor also attended the training. According to Button, "Learning Critz Technique will enhance a massage therapist's ability to assist their clients with acute or chronic pain, as well as general wellness. The class allowed us to learn the technique in theory then practice on each other to understand the technique better. The students were able to share other techniques used in practice to gain further understanding."
In the photo, Debra Button of Fairview and Tara Thomas of Alva learn the Critz Technique to assist in dealing with chronic pain conditions in patients.
Superintendent's Leadership Class Students Attend Etiquette Seminar
Have you ever been "stumped" when it came time to sit down for a formal meal or a meal with that important client and there were several different forks at your place on the table? Do you know why the drinking glasses are placed on the right hand side of the plate or why you place your napkin on your lap during a meal? Proper table etiquette can either make or break that important business deal and can make a good or bad impression on family and friends.
DiAnna Waldschmidt of Alva presents information on Dining Etiquette to the Superintendent's Leadership Class at Northwest Technology Center. The seminar was also attended by students from High Plains Technology Center in Woodward and Chisholm Trail Technology Center in Omega.
Students participating in the Superintendent's Leadership Class at Northwest Technology Center learned the answers to these and many other etiquette dilemmas last week during a "Business and Professional Etiquette" seminar held at Northwest Technology Center in Alva. The seminar was attended by students from both the Alva and Fairview campuses. The group was joined by students from Chisholm Trail Technology Center(CTTC) in Omega and High Plains Technology Center in Woodward for the day's activities.
The first portion of the seminar was entitled "Dress for Success and Workplace Etiquette" and was lead by DiAnna Waldschmidt, former Business and Industry Health Coordinator at Northwest Technology Center in Alva. Waldschmidt discussed the use of cell phones and e-mail in the workplace, as well as, handshakes and interviews. A session on Dining Etiquette was also led by Waldschmidt. The staff of Chartwells on the campus of Northwestern Oklahoma State University prepared the five course meal.
This is the seventh year for Northwest Technology Center to have a leadership program. Students participate in a professional application and interview process. The group members attend monthly meetings with topics such as Oklahoma's legislative process, teambuilding and leadership. The students will end the year in April with a final banquet.
Students participating in the leadership class include: Blake Jordan, Ricky Diefenbach, Erica Roberts, Skye Lauminick and Lacey Gaisford, all of Alva, Ashli Hoagland of Medicine Lodge, Trevor Plain of Beaver, Jacky Sims of Waynoka, Carissa Neufeld, Susan Tow, Andrea Scraper, Shaun Anderson and David Marcrum, all of Fairview, Silvia Gaines of Canton and Elizabeth Hipple of Aline.
Prairie Wind Candle Company Locates in NWTC Incubator
 Surfing the web had great consequences for Jim Curtiss and his wife Dolores of Alva. The Curtiss' were looking for businesses that were “for sale”. At first, Jim Curtiss scrolled past a company called Prairie Wind Candles Company. After a second thought, he went back to the entry and looked again. A phone call arranged a meeting.
Prairie Wind Candle Company, formerly of Hastings, Nebraska, was started in the kitchen of the previous owner. She enjoyed doing craft projects and tested a recipe for 100% soy candles. After trying it out and giving the candles as gifts, her friends and family started asking her to make more candles for them. Finally, one day she had no room left in her kitchen, and she and her husband decided that this project had to move on to a business location. After five years of continual growth, a decision was made to put the company up for sale when her husband was seriously injured in a major farm accident.
“Jim found the business on E-Bay. He thought it would be a great fit for us, and we love it. After two trips to Nebraska, we were convinced that the cleanliness and healthful attributes of the 100% soy candle were excellent and the manufacturing was manageable.” stated Dolores Curtiss.
By flexing work schedules, the company now has two full-time employees and two part-time employees. Projections for the company will expand the employees needed to four or six employees by the end of September, 2009.
In the past, Prairie Wind Candles have been sold by approximately 40 retail outlets in Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The company was also very active in fundraising projects for schools and groups in Nebraska. These concepts will be expanded in the future as the company is developed as an Oklahoma Made product.
The manufacturing facility for the candle company is currently housed in the Small Business Incubator at Northwest Technology Center.
“We are proud of the success of our business incubator,” stated Barclay Holt, Manager of the Small Business Incubator at Northwest Technology center. “We look forward to assisting other businesses in the future.” Small businesses who locate in an approved incubator site can take advantage of tax incentives and small business consulting assistance in the areas of marketing, administrative, and financial services.
For more information on NWTC’s Small Business Incubator, contact Barclay Holt at 580-327-0344 in Alva or at 580-227-3708 in Fairview or via e-mail at barclayh@nwtechonline.com.
Northwest Tech Hosts Sophomore Tours and Open House
Choosing a career is sometimes a daunting task! People of all ages struggle with the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Northwest Technology Center is helping sophomores from area high schools answer the question.
Photo Above: Ron Rader, Automotive Technology instructor at Northwest Technology Center talks with sophomores from Alva and Burlington about career options in the Automotive industry.
Recently, Northwest Technology Center held four days of touring for area sophomores. Prior to the tours, the high school students were presented the programs offered at the tech center. Careers that can come from training in these fields were also discussed. The students were then asked to select two programs of interest.
During the tours, the students were able to spend an hour in each of their “programs of interest” to determine if that career field is an area that they would like to pursue. Students from Alva, Freedom, Waynoka, Fairview, Ringwood, Canton, Aline-Cleo, Burlington, Cherokee and Okeene participated in the tours. Later in the school year, high school students will have the opportunity to “shadow” programs in which they show an interest.
Photo Above: Gaige Craighead, FHS Sophomore learns works on creating a design for a mousepad in the Business, Web and Graphic Design program taught by Lisa Fuller and Amy McClure during NWTC's recent Sophomore Tours. She is being assisted by Laci Seabourn, an adult student from Fairview.
According to Dr. Gerald Harris, Assistant Superintendent at NWTC’s Fairview Campus, “We are thrilled at the response from our tours. Over 80% of the students who attended the tours indicated a career interest in the programs that they toured. We want to help students find a way to fit attending NWTC into their high school schedules.”
Photo Above: Sarah White, Health Careers Certification instructor at NWTC talks with Katie Gluth, AHS Sophomore about the "Anatomy In Clay" project done in the Health program at NWTC.
Open Houses are scheduled at both campuses. The Alva Open House will be held on Tuesday, November 18. The Fairview Open House will be held on Thursday, November 20. In addition to the general public, students who attended the tours and their parents are encouraged to attend the event On both campuses, the event will run from 5 pm until 6:15 pm.
Daytime programs will be open for touring and their instructors will be available to answer questions.
Photo Above: Nicholas Keen, FHS Sophomore learns about the Automotive Technology program at Northwest Technology Center during the recent Sophomore Tour event.
Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent at the Alva Campus stated that Career Counselors will be on-hand during both Open Houses to help students with questions on scheduling and college credit.
Daytime program enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year will begin in February. High school and adult students who are interested in attending beginning in the fall of 2009 are encouraged to enroll at that time. Program sizes are limited by the State Department of CareerTech, and fill up on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on attending Northwest Technology Center as either a high school or an adult student, contact 580-227-3708 in Fairview or 580-327-0344 in Alva.
BPA Officers Elected
The Alva BPA Chapter elected officers for the 2008-2009 school year. Officer installation was held for the morning session as well as the afternoon session.
Officers for the morning session are (left to right): Jacky Sims, President; Krista Heddlesten, Secretary; Skye Lauminick, Reporter; Michael Phillips, Web Development and Graphic Design Class Representative; and Ricky Adams, Business and Information Technology Class Representative.
Officers for the afternoon session are (left to right): Lacey Gaisford, President; Lisa Barnes, Vice President; Blake Jordan, Secretary; Susan Parent, Reporter; Wendi Corr, Business and Information Technology Class Representative; and Corwyn Shirley, Web Development and Graphic Design Class Representative.
Northwest Tech Signs Agreement with Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Recruiting students into jobs in the field of healthcare has become increasingly challenging during the past several years. In an articulation agreement between Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Autry Technology Center (Enid), High Plains Technology Center (Woodward) and Northwest Technology Center (Alva and Fairview), students from northwest Oklahoma are eligible to receive college credit toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Northwestern after completing an allied health program at respective Technology Centers.
Many hands have played a part in coordinating this extraordinary agreement. This opportunity will give northwest Oklahoma the upper-hand in providing a quality education to health care students. Attending the signing ceremony were: (Back row, L to R) Jane Bowen, Northwest Technology Center (NWTC)-Alva Assistant Superintendent; Dr. Cheryl Evans, NWOSU Enid Campus Dean, Dr. Gerald Harris, NWTC Assistant Superintendent-Fairview; Dr. Steve Lohmann, NWOSU Executive Vice President; Dr. Carole McKenzie, NWOSU Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing; Dr. James Bowen, NWOSU Dean of the School of Professional Studies; Tara Thomas, NWTC-Business and Industry Services Health Director; Sue Mitchell, High Plains Technology Center-Practical Nursing Coordinator; and Deena Fisher, NWOSU Woodward Campus Dean (Front row, L to R) Marcie Mack, Autry Tech Assistant Superintendent; Freelin Roberts, NWTC Superintendent; Dr. Janet Cunningham, NWOSU President; and Don Bird, High Plains Superintendent.
Area high school students and adult students can take full advantage of this program and will have the opportunity to save time and money with the agreement between the Technology Centers. Established to offer additional credits to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and other allied health workers, this agreement also will give students the opportunity to move quickly through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Northwestern.
“There are often barriers for allied health workers and LPN’s to complete their BSN because they have to repeat content that they have already had,” said Dr. Carole McKenzie, chair and associate professor of nursing. “Northwestern will be awarding credit for specific content that students received in previous allied health programs.”
Students benefit in that they receive credit for courses that they will not have to repeat once they are accepted into the BSN program. McKenzie said faculty at Northwestern are assured that the content has been reviewed and know that the students who have been at the Technology Centers come prepared with content that is expected. Faculty at the Technology Centers can encourage their students to attend Northwestern knowing they will receive appropriate credit.
“We are very fortunate to have three excellent technology centers in our communities and begin this new chapter in collaboration with our education partners,” said Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president.
LPN’s will receive a minimum of 23 credits toward their BSN degree, and allied health students will receive a minimum of 12 credits toward their BSN degree. They also may test out of an additional three hours of credit. This initiative with northwest regional education partners will help to strengthen relationships within the region.
“This agreement is unique in that a four-year university and three technology centers are working together to help solve the shortage of healthcare workers in northwest Oklahoma,” Freelin Roberts, Northwest Technology Center superintendent, said. “We are thrilled that we can work with Northwestern on this important initiative,” Bird said. “We must commend those who helped with the agreement and who are thinking forward and looking into the future to provide quality health providers for northwest Oklahoma.” Cunningham said. “Dr. McKenzie has done a wonderful job working to make this agreement possible.”
HOSA Students Off to Busy Start
The students enrolled in Health Careers Certification at Northwest Technology Center are in for an eventful school year. The students have been busy with not only textbook curriculum, but exposure to fields related to the health care industry.
Rita Anthony with the Major County EMS gave the students a tour of the ambulance on August 22nd. She provided them with scenarios associated with the equipment and responses needed for their field. Ms. Anthony also discussed the legal and ethical aspects associated with being part of the emergency response team.
Massage student, Brittany Jackson and Mrs. Button attended a Bio-Touch workshop August 25th and 26th. This technique provides a “just touch” approach to well being and good health.
On August 29th the Fairview Regional Medical Center hosted the Health Careers Certification class for a career panel. This panel consisted of different department managers and their staff in introducing the students to their field. Discussion consisted of the educational background, job duties, hiring trend and salaries for their field.
The Kettermens Simulation Laboratory at NWOSU, Enid was the next adventure for the students on September 9th. Kim Bruce was able to share with the students this lab that provides hands-on training for healthcare providers. The favorite simulation was the pregnant manikin that delivered a baby. The next stop for the day was a tour of St. Mary’s Regional hospital. Stacie Caywood, human resource coordinator, gave the students an opportunity to see each department with the managers of the department sharing what they do for their customers.
On September 22nd, HIPAA training and a job shadowing experience was provided by the Fairview Regional Medical Center with the assistance of Macky Martin. Mrs. Martins assigned each student to a staff member related to the student’s field of choice. This experience allows the student to identify with their career desire and potentially determine if a good choice has been made.
The student organization for the class is Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). They have elected officers and have planned their program of work for the year. The president for the morning session is Breanna Sessions, Canton High School junior and the afternoon session is Libby Hipple, Aline-Cleo senior. The secretary for the morning session is Brandy Wayman, adult from Goltry and the afternoon session is Brittany Jackson, adult from Oakwood.
The first big event for the year will be a blood drive held October 3rd from 9:30-2:30 in the Health Careers Certification classroom. This blood drive is open to the community and will benefit Northwest Oklahoma in the demand for blood supply. HOSA hosts two blood drives twice a year with approximately 30 donations each time.
October 8th will be the Adopt-A-Highway day, also known as trash day. The students pick up trash two miles along Highway 60 directly in front of the Career Tech. Unfortunately, there is so much trash that the students usually recruit other students on campus to get the job done. This project is done twice a year as well.
Later in October, the students will tour the Major County Health Department. The students will also assist the health department with the flu shots when they become available. By assisting, the students prepare the paperwork for the nurses who administer the injections.
The HOSA officers will be joining other Oklahoma HOSA officers on October 14th for Fall Leadership Conference. This is a day the officers learn specifically their role as a leader in their organization. Installation of local officers is tentatively set for October 15th.
Some other activities the organization has planned are observing HOSA week November 3-7, providing a Thanksgiving meal for two families in our area, preparing for the HOSA is Soup-er fundraiser and participating with the Spruce Up a Life during Christmas. Our local chapter raises funds and awareness for a selected HOSA national project. For the last few years, Autism Speaks has been the organization that HOSA has raised funds. In 2007, the Northwest Technology Center, Fairview Chapter received the highest level of the Merit Award for the HOSA National Project and in 2008 earned the Recognition Award.
Mrs. Button has been selected to serve on the National HOSA Competitive Events Program Leadership Staff. She will be serving as a Lieutenant in the Leadership category. In the spring, her students have an opportunity to show off their skills by competing at the HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC) that is held in Oklahoma City. By the students placing first through fourth at SLC, they are entitled to compete at the National Leadership Conference that will be held in June in Nashville, Tennessee.
These students are learning skills to be placed in the areas of dental assisting, pre-nursing and massage therapy. If you have any questions about the opportunities available in these fields, feel free to contact Mrs. Button RN, BSN, MS Ed at 580-227-3708.
NW Tech HOSA students tour NWOSU Ketterman Simulation Lab. Students are photographed with their favorite, a pregnant manikin who delivers a baby. From left to right: Libby Hipple A-CHS, Brittany Jackson, adult, Laci Taylor and Breanna Sessions CHS, Brandy Wayman, adult, and Elam Weyland FHS.
Agritourism Training Slated
Do you have an idea that would entice tourists to visit Northwest Oklahoma? Do you see the tourism potential in the sights and events already offered in our area, but don?t know how to build on what we have? Are you ready to make the most of your venue to make northwest Oklahoma more than a dot on the map? Northwest Technology Center with campuses in Alva and Fairview is connecting the dots for you!
NWTC invites you to connect with Developing Our Tourism (DOT) training. This training will help you to connect your agritourism venue or business with resources and opportunities to help it expand. Areas of focus for the training will be personal branding, customer service, enhancing guest experiences and networking. The training is individualized for your business. It involves one-on-one consulting, on-site analysis and a series of workshops to allow you to make the most of agritourism business. You will also receive support tailored to your specific needs.
NWTC opened enrollment for the DOT program on September 15. The training numbers are limited to 15 participants for the initial session. Individualized analysis and on-site evaluations begin on October 1 with workshops scheduled for December 10 and December 15.
For more information, or to enroll in the DOT program, contact Barclay Holt at 580-327-0334 or via e-mail at barclayh@nwtechonline.com.
Grace Investment Corporation Business Scholarship Established
The Northwest Technology Center Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Grace Investment Corporation Business Scholarship. This scholarship will be open to Business and Information Technology students on both the Alva and Fairview campuses of Northwest Technology Center. One scholarship will be awarded on each campus. The scholarships will begin being awarded in the spring of 2009.
The Grace Investment Corporation began in the early 1970's as a partnership between Grace V. Wisdom and her three daughters: Peggy, Diana Sue and Cynthia. Over the years, it evolved into a family owned corporation. Since 2000, it has been a holding company for Alva State Bank & Trust Company and the First National Bank of Okeene. The Board of Directors of Grace Investment Corporation is sensitive to community needs and has initiated this scholarship to attract students in Northwest Oklahoma to pursue business and finance careers.
Pictured are (l to r): Jane Bowen, NWTC's Assistant Superintendent-Alva Campus, Pat Warren, Member of NWTC's Foundation Board of Trustees, Freelin Roberts, NWTC's Superintendent, Ken Schultz, President of Alva State Bank, John Petersen, CEO of Alva State Bank and Chris Thomas, Senior Vice President of Alva State Bank and Vice President of the Northwest Technology Center Foundation.
Meyer Honored as an Outstanding School Board Member
Dean Meyer of Cleo Springs was recently recognized by the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers (OATC) as the Outstanding CareerTech Board Member. The award was presented at the recent Oklahoma State School Board Association (OSSBA) convention held in Oklahoma City.
Meyer, a 30 year veteran of Northwest Technology Center’s Board of Education, was joined by his family to accept the award. Meyer has been a board member at Northwest Technology Center since February of 1978. He currently serves as the board’s president.
Meyer is pictured above with Freelin Roberts, NWTC's Superintendent, and Phil Wahl, Superintendent at Central Technology Center in Drumright who is representing the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers during the awards ceremony.
The Outstanding Career Tech Board Member is designed to recognize the contributions of technology center school board members who have provided leadership in the development and implementation of school policy.
According to Freelin Roberts, NWTC’s Superintendent, “The award is presented to individuals who have supported CareerTech education by giving of their time and energy in the role of board member of a local technology center in Oklahoma. Dean certainly fits that description and we are so thrilled with his selection for this honor.”
Meyer currently serves as the President of Cleo State Bank in Cleo Springs. He and his wife, Karan have three children and eight grandchildren.
Meyer stated, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Administration, Faculty and Students of Northwest Technology Center and observe the many changes and growth that has occurred through the years. Having been a Vocational Agriculture Instructor, I have always held Technical Education very dear to my heart, and stand ready to promote it whenever and wherever I can. Career Tech holds a vital place in our society for the education of not only our young people, but also for the education and re-education of our adults, and I am proud to say that NW Technology Center is a leader in this endeavor.”
NWOSU Honored as Partner in Progress
Northwestern Oklahoma State University was honored for contributions to the development, promotion, and progress of Oklahoma's technology center system during the 2008 Career and Technology Education Summer Conference held Aug. 4-6 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
Receiving the award for Northwestern were David Pecha, Vice President for Administration and Dr. James Bowen, Dean of the School of Professional Students. Pictured include (r to l) Freelin Roberts, Northwest Technology Center's Superintendent, Dr. Gerald Harris, Assistant Superintendent, NWTC-Fairview, Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent, NWTC-Alva, Dr. James, Bowen, David Pecha, Charlotte Hadwiger, Business and Industry Services Coordinator, and Steve Kliewer, Business and Industry Services Director.
Accepting the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers' Partners for Progress Award for Northwestern was David Pecha, Vice President for Administration. The school was nominated for the honor by Northwest Technology Center.
The Partners for Progress Award recognizes businesses and industries which have demonstrated their commitment to CareerTech education in a variety of ways including cooperative programs and community involvement. "Northwestern has worked closely with Northwest Technology Center during the past several years. Northwestern has participated in multiple training opportunities at the technology center and has supported Northwest Technology Center's Business and Industry training initiatives as well as the school's daytime programs." said Jane Bowen, NWTC's Assistant Superintendent on the Alva campus.
Northwestern serves more than 2,000 students and is completing more than $10 million of new construction and renovations at its campuses. Northwestern was listed by U.S. News and World Report as Oklahoma's top-ranked public regional university.
According to Freelin Roberts, NWTC's Superintendent, "Employees of Northwestern have completed training in the areas of safety, leadership, motivation and much more. Northwestern is a partner for progress with Northwest Technology Center in training the Northwest Oklahoma workforce for the future. Both Northwestern and Northwest Technology Center have partnered for many years on economic development issues. Northwestern is a 'Partner In Progress' with Northwest Technology Center. The institution is truly an agent for economic development and growth in Northwest Oklahoma."
"We value our partnership with Northwest Technology Center and are pleased that we can work together to serve students in a variety of ways," said Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president. "Partnerships like this strengthen our communities and serve as the foundation for future growth and prosperity."
Butler Receives Award
 Glenance Habbershaw Butler was honored with the Kaleidoscope Award for the Special Needs Division at the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education’s Annual Summer Conference held recently in Oklahoma City.
Butler has been working with GED students for the past 16 years. Her students have included Holderman Mennonites who limit formal education of their members to the eighth grade. She has helped several of these members receive a GED, which allows them to legally adopt children, obtain outside employment, and gain formal postsecondary education in areas of service, such as medicine. Another population that Butler has worked with includes the inmates at the Major County jail. Native Americans and the Hispanic population have also been a big part of the GED classroom population.
Butler retired from Northwest Technology Center last spring after two decades of service to the students and patrons of the school.
The Kaleidoscope Award has been established to recognize those entities that embrace and promote diversity. Sincere commitment to processes and activities that promote a pluralistic campus, community, or agency must be demonstrated. These processes and activities must be aimed at developing, improving, and promoting awareness of and opportunities for integrating multiculturalism, gender equity, and those with physical disabilities into career and technology education programs.
Assistant Superintendent Bowen Receives Award
 Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent at Northwest Technology Center’s Alva campus was recently named as a finalist for the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OkACTE) Outstanding Educator award and was named the Outstanding Educator for OkACTE’s Administration Division.
The overall Outstanding Educator award was presented at the 2008 Career and Technology Education Summer Conference held Aug. 4-Aug. 6, at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. The conference attracts more than 3,500 career and technology educators from across Oklahoma. Oklahoma ACTE is the professional organization for the state’s career and technology education administrators, teachers and staff members.
In her tenth year with CareerTech education, Bowen serves as a state leader in the Technology Centers That Work initiative with Northwest Technology Center being a pilot site. She is a member of the state Technology Centers That Work administrative advisory committee.
Under her guidance, Northwest Technology Center developed both a Technology Centers That Work strategic plan as well as a literacy plan. She served on a technical site visit for Technology Centers That Work and led her school through its technical visit. Through her team’s efforts, Northwest Technology Center continues to provide professional development activities (using Technology Centers That Work practices) to educators throughout the district.
The Outstanding Educator Award recognizes career and technology educators, other than full-time classroom/laboratory teachers, who have recently provided or are currently providing outstanding career and technology education programs for youth and /or adults in their respective fields and communities. Recipients of this award must have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique or novel programs that are serving to improve and promote career and technology education.
Oklahoma School of Science and Math Coming To NW Tech
Northwest Technology Center with campuses in Alva and Fairview will be the home of a regional site for the Oklahoma School of Science and Math (OSSM) beginning in the fall of 2009. According to Freelin Roberts, NWTC’s Superintendent, “We are thrilled about this opportunity for students throughout Northwest Oklahoma to pursue this high level curriculum”.
“Students will attend the OSSM programs for half of the school day and then can return to their home high schools for the remainder of the day. This allows them the ability to continue to participate in other coursework and school activities.” stated Jane Bowen, NWTC’s Assistant Superintendent at Alva.
“Both the Alva and Fairview OSSM campuses will have staff members to teach the high level math and science curriculum” said Dr. Gerald Harris, NWTC’s Assistant Superintendent at the Fairview campus.
During the 2008-2009 school year, OSSM will work on recruiting faculty and students for the 2009-2010 school year. An open house will be held at each facility in either January or February. Applications for students will be taken from January through April. Students must complete the application process and if they are selected as a semi-finalist, they must complete an interview. The initial class will be announced in late April.
According to Dr. Jack Herron, “The sites at Alva and Fairview will be the eighteenth and nineteenth regional locations for OSSM.” Dr. Herron serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Oklahoma School of Science and Math. He will be working with the administration at Northwest Technology Center as well as with the public schools in the area during the upcoming school year.
“Most of the students who come to our regional sites in Alva and Fairview will be high school juniors and seniors. Occasionally, we will have a sophomore or a freshman attend, but it is usually in preparation for them to go on to the residential site in Oklahoma City.” said Dr. Edna Manning, President of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics.
More information on the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) is available at www.OSSM.edu.
Superintendent Roberts Receives Arch Alexander Award
Freelin Roberts, Superintendent of Northwest Technology Center Fairview and Alva campuses, received the Arch Alexander Award given during the 41st Annual Career and Technology Education Summer Conference August 4-6 at the Cox Business Services Convention Center. Created by the University of Oklahoma Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, this award honors the late Arch Alexander who was a longtime deputy director of the state CareerTech agency and a key player in the establishment of Oklahoma’s technology center system.
“The Arch Alexander Award recognizes CareerTech educators who have made significant contributions to Oklahoma’s CareerTech system,” according to State CareerTech Director Phil Berkenbile. “The award is to applaud those who are progressive leaders in program and curriculum development and utilizing advanced technology in education.” “With 47 years of experience in education and administration, Freelin Roberts is an educator who has always been concerned about creating a better life for his students,” Berkenbile said. “During his tenure at NWTC, the school has established an educational foundation which now has assets approaching $100,000. He leads a progressive technology center in the area of curriculum development as well, with staff members designing the Health Careers Certification for the state CareerTech system,” Berkenbile said. “I am extremely honored to have received this award. It has been my privilege to serve the patrons of Northwest Technology Center and the CareerTech system in the spirit of Arch Alexander for the past two decades.” stated Roberts. According to Eduardo Lopez, Owner of Lorec Ranch and several other businesses in the Oklahoma City area, “I have the opportunities that I do today because Mr. Roberts and others at Northwest Tech saw potential in me before I did. More than anything else, they were always willing to help me by showing compassion, leadership, friendship and gratitude.”
For more than 15 years, Roberts also served as the chairman of the Woods County Economic Development Committee, helping the organization grow from an idea into an important component in recruiting such entities as Value Added Products, Bill Johnson Correctional Facility and Vantage Plane Plastics.
New Manufacturing Technology Instructor Hired
Ken Hansen, formerly of Dustin, Oklahoma, has been hired as the new welding instructor. He and his wife, Nancy Hansen, and 4 children; Ashlee, who will be moving to Fairview with them and 3 older children, 2 that are in college and 1 that is married. Hansen has a BA in Bible from Central Bible College in Springfield, Mo. and he attended a 12-month welding school, Iowa Western Community College.
Before moving to Fairview, Hansen was a minister at the Assembly of God Church, worked at Wes Watkins Technology Center in Wetumka, taught night and adult education classes in welding for Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA. He also taught welding at the Iowa State Reformatory.
“I’m excited to get back in the shop and teach,” said Hansen. Hansen is passionate about providing job skills for both high school and adults at any skill level to further themselves. “I want to instill and teach students the quality traits and workmanship to provide them with a career in welding,” said Hansen.
The Manufacturing Technology program taught at Northwest Technology Center gives students training in safety in the workplace, fundamentals of welding, blueprint reading and oxyfuel/plasma cuttings to name a few. “We are going to learn the lay-out work; skills needed in manufacturing and how to build something correctly,” said Hansen.
“We are excited to have Ken here at the Northwest Technology Center. He is very skilled and will be a great asset to the Manufacturing Technology program,” said Dr. Gerald Harris, Assistant Superintendent at the Fairview campus.
In manufacturing technology students can have careers as a machinist, drafting technician, gas metal arc welder, combination welder, shielded metal arc welder, flux cored arc welder, gas tungsten arc welder and welding inspector. Students can also obtain college credit for this program and can go on to earn a degree in welding technology, weld inspection or engineering.
Northwest Tech Welcomes New Assistant Superintendent
One of the new faces at Northwest Technology Center is Dr. Gerald Harris. Harris joins Northwest Technology Center’s staff in Fairview as the Assistant Superintendent. Harris comes to NWTC from the Stillwater area where they have lived for the past three years.
However, Harris is not new to Northwest Technology Center. He served for fifteen years as the Assistant Superintendent at the Alva Campus before leaving in 2000 to take a job as the Dean of Students at Seward County Junior College in Liberal, KS. Harris and his wife are in the process of looking for a home in the Fairview area and are anxious to become a part of the community.
“With me, you get experience,” said Harris, “I am familiar with the system and I am here to help businesses and serve students.” His wife, Jane Harris has been hired as the new counselor at Fairview High School. She most recently worked in the Woodland School District in northeastern Oklahoma as a guidance counselor.
“I want people to let me know if there are ways that we can help our partner communities and our sending schools.” stated Harris. “We are excited about this opportunity and feel that this is where we should be.”
Harris has one daughter, Jana Hickman and two granddaughters, Taylor an eighth grader and Ashley, a fifth grader. Jana and her husband, Jeff moved to the Fairview area last year. Harris enjoys camping, home repairs and spending time with his family.
He has also been a member of the Hominy, Cherokee, Liberal and Alva Lion’s Club, the Hominy Chamber of Commerce and the Disciples of Christ Christian Church in Stillwater. He anticipates being involved with the Fairview community.
According to Freelin Roberts, NWTC’s Superintendent, “We are thrilled to have Gerald back on our staff. He brings many years of experience and is going to be a great addition to our staff in Fairview. He is very student focused and will work diligently to ensure that each student gets the best possible education.”
Changes Have Been Made in Health Services Department This Year
Pictured above are members of Northwest Tech's Health Services Department: Debra Button, Tara Thomas, and Sarah White.
Northwest Technology Center has made a few changes in the health careers department for next year. Tara Thomas is taking on a new job and new role. She will be the new Business & Industry Services Health Coordinator at Northwest Tech which serves both that Alva and Fairview campuses. Her new job entails a lot of new responsibilities; coordinating health programs, working with healthcare businesses and industries throughout Northwest Oklahoma and updating training.
Thomas received a masters in education from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2002. She worked for St. Mary’s as a wound care specialist (RN) before coming to Northwest Tech seven years ago.
There are some things that Thomas will miss about being the health careers certification instructor.
“I will miss my students the most, working with them everyday and working with student organizations like HOSA,” Thomas said.
Sarah White has been hired as the health careers certification instructor on the Alva campus, Thomas’ old job. White is a 2000 graduate from Alva High School and a 2006 graduate from Northwestern with a degree in nursing. White comes to Northwest Tech from home and health hospice, Share Medical Center and Norman Regional hospital. She will be taking on several duties; facilitating career majors, teaching medical terminology, physiology, CPR and first aid, pathways, dental, massage, pre-nursing, and pharmacy tech.
“I’m excited about influencing young adults into health professions,” White said.
The transitions for both are going to be a lot of work but they both have plans. “I’m going out and meeting industry contacts,” Thomas said, “I will also be Sara’s mentor teacher to help her transition as well. I am really looking forward to working more closely with Northwest Tech's whole health team which includes Sarah (White), Debra Button, Health Careers instructor at Fairview, Phyllis Nightengale, BIS Health Trainer at Fairview and Tammy Mustard, BIS Health Trainer at Alva.
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