#1StudentNWI: Porter County Career & Technical Center celebrates National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

#1StudentNWI: Porter County Career & Technical Center celebrates National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

What’s Happened

COVID-19 has surely put a damper on the school year, but the Porter County Career & Technical Center staff made a fun day full of bubble wrap for the students to enjoy. On January 31, which is National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, the school was filled with bubble wrap for students to pop. It was hung up on the lockers and through the hallways inside the building. Additionally, principal Chad Franks even wore a festive vest for this holiday made completely from bubble wrap. 

Health Science Occupation II classes began their clinical courses this month at healthcare facilities around Porter County. Students are working together to help take care of patients in need, and they are learning more about what it takes to be a certified nursing assistant. 

The Automotive class is converting a 1980s Chevy Camaro into a drag car. Students are collaborating to complete this project, but some are also working on their own personal projects during class.

In addition, PCTV Sports is broadcasting many swim meets and basketball games. All broadcasts are student-run. Students and parents can stream the PCTV productions of Valparaiso High School sporting events on the PCTV YouTube channel. 

In the Video and Media Productions course, students produced another episode of PCTV News. This episode focused on entertainment stories rather than national, state, and local news. The episode was hosted by Maya Vickrey and Mason Rife, and Sebastian Rael covering the weather. 

February is CTE Month, which highlights the value and opportunities career centers give students across the nation. Porter County Career & Technical Center Director, Audra Peterson, reached out and received a proclamation for CTE Month from the Portage City Council. This proclamation brought notice to CTE Month and highlighted the positive impact of career and technical education services.

Since beginning the second semester, Cosmetology students are working harder than ever to receive their cosmetology licenses. The salon is still open to the public five days a week for customers to stop by and experience one of the beauty services they have to offer. 

Teacher Spotlight

Lorna Marcus is the Health Science Occupations I teacher at the Porter County Career & Technical Center. Marcus has taught at the career center for 10 years, and prior to that, served as a nurse in the Duneland School Corporation. 

The most important lesson Marcus wants to teach her students is to be empathetic and learn how to communicate with people. In the Health Science Occupations I class, students learn how to take vital signs, take care of patients, and earn their CPR licenses for humans and pets. Throughout the school year, the class participates in volunteer activities throughout Porter County.

In Health Science Occupations I, students learn the skills they need to receive their Certified Nursing Assistant license during the Health Science Occupations II course. 

Student Spotlight

Tate Wilson is in his second year of the Construction class. Wilson’s favorite part about the class is the ability to think of a project and then being able to build it. Wilson enjoys all the hands-on projects the construction class has the opportunity to complete. Additionally, being in the Construction class has taught Wilson many different things.

“The most valuable lesson was how to properly use tools while avoiding hurting myself or others,” said Wilson.

In the future, Wilson wants to work with heavy equipment in the construction field. Wilson recently received the "Student of the Quarter" award for his great work ethic during the Construction vocational course.