River Valley Technical Center
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
River Valley Technical Center is a technical and vocational school located in Springfield, Vermont. It serves students from [[Springfield High School (Vermont)] in addition to students from Green Mountain Union High School, Bellows Falls Union High School, Fall Mountain Regional High School and Black River High School. Until the 2007-2008 school year, the center was under the jurisdiction of the Springfield School District until all towns who send students to the center voted to separate from the Springfield School District and fall under the purview of a newly-created district.
| Type | Public secondary |
|---|---|
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Location | 303 South Street |
| Website | http://rvtc.org/ |
Contents |
[edit] Mission Statement
The Mission of the River Valley Technical Center is to educate today's students for tomorrow's careers and for all students to
• Demonstrate the skills, knowledge and character necessary to become productive workers and life-long learners.
• Participate in a positive environment that integrates academic and technical education through applied learning.
• Benefit from teachers’ professional growth and continuous improvement of curricula that emphasizes the changing workplace and the pursuit of educational excellence.
• Have the opportunity to attain nationally recognized industry credentials or certifications through the completion of courses and programs.
• Demonstrate a sense of pride and ownership in their school and community.
• Have the opportunity to explore various career areas and to participate in workplace experiences.
[edit] Administration
| Name | Education | |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Carl Mock | B.S. Dartmouth College
M.S. University of Vermont |
| Assistant Director | Scott Farr | B.S. Lyndon State College
M.S. Minot State University |
| Guidance | Roger McNamara | B.S. Northeastern University
M.Ed. Antioch New England University |
| Guidance | Jan Wright | B.S. Springfield College
M.Ed. Springfield College |
[edit] Schedule
The River Valley Technical Center functions under a very similar schedule as the Springfield High School (SHS) to which it is physically attached. However, the bell the rings in the high school cannot be heard in the RVTC. The bell does not ring because many of the RVTCs classes consume two-periods worth of time. So that the extended periods are not interrupted, the bell does not ring and teachers are responsible for sending students to and from class. Additionally, because many of the sending-schools are more than 20 minutes away, students from those institutions often arrive slightly late to class.
[edit] Bell Shedule
| Homeroom | Period 1 | Period 2 | Period 3 | Period 4 | Period 5 | Period 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:48 - 7:53 | 7:56 - 8:54 | 8:58 - 9:56 | 10:00 - 10:58 | Lunch A 10:58 - 11:28
Class A 11:32 - 12:30 |
12:34 - 1:32 | 1:36 - 2:34 |
| Class B 11:02 - 12:00
Lunch B 12:00 - 12:30 |
[edit] Dress Code
The Technical Center at Springfield expects students and staff to model appropriate dress and appearance of the workplace. In addition to meeting the safety requirements of each program, student attire shall not detract from the educational process and appearance will reflect personal cleanliness, neatness and hygiene consistent with the expectations of parents and school authorities. Shorts are permissible with instructor approval, but must meet the following guidelines:
1) no cutoff jeans, pants, or spandex shorts;
2) no holes in the shorts;
3) shorts must have at least a five-inch inseam.
Bare midriffs, obscene, offensive (or suggestive) clothing, or any item of clothing with a logo or illustration of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed. Many programs require professional attire, purchased by the Center, to be worn during class time. Students dressed inappropriately will be asked to change; repeat offenses will result in a referral for disciplinary action.
[edit] Curriculum
The River Valley Technical Center features a curriculum that includes more than 15 programs in a variety of fields. In addition to professional educators, many of the classes are taught by professionals who have vast experience in the field that they teach. The RVTC develops a credit-value for each course and then recommends this value to a student's sending school.
The available programs are:
Business Management
Carpentry
Culinary Arts
Electronics: Audio Engineering
Emergency and Fire Management
Engineering Technology
Financial Accounting
Graphic Technologies
Hands-On Computer Systems
Health Career Academy
Horticulture and Natural Resources
Human Services
Industrial Trades
Law Enforcement
Manufacturing
Pre-Technical Studies
Tourism and Lodging Management
[edit] Business Management
The Business Management program shows students how to create, build, and manage a business. Students get hands-on training in the school’s store, Campus Connection, which is run by the students in the program.
[edit] Courses
| Course Title | Credit Value | Open To | Pre-Reqs | Length of Course | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business & Financial Services I | 3-4 elective credits | Grades 11 and 12; grade 10, with permission | Keyboarding skills | 3 Terms, 2 hours per day | In your first year of Business Management, you’ll study entrepreneurship and small business management. Your studies will focus on business law, marketing, customer service, human resources, business ethics, and financial management. |
| Business & Financial Services II | 1 embedded English, 1 embedded math, and 1-2 elective credits | Grades 11 and 12 | Grade of 70 or better in Business Management I, or written permission from the instructor | 3 Terms, 2 hours per day | Business Management II takes you deeper into the financial aspects of business. We’ll cover banking, loans, the U.S. monetary system, record-keeping and accounting, financial software, and planning and organizational skills. Second-year students are responsible for the management and operation of the Campus Connection school store. You’ll develop an annual report for the store to be presented at the end of the school year. |
[edit] Carpentry
The RVTC Carpentry Program offers students the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to carpentry and construction. Students will complete several projects using the school’s first-rate tools and equipment. Every year the carpentry program builds a house in the massive workshop.
[edit] Courses
| Course Title | Credit Value | Open To | Pre-Reqs | Length of Course | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpentry I | 3-4 elective credits | Grades 11 and 12 | Algebra I (or concurrent enrollment) or written permission from the instructor | 3 Terms, 2 hours per day | You’ll be building your future, literally, in this program. From the beginning, you’ll get involved in both the theory and practice of construction as a profession. Guest craftspeople will offer special presentations but most of your work will be done right in the on-site workshop, using top-notch tools. In the first year, you’ll work in pairs to build a wood shed. Then you’ll progress to larger sheds in larger groups. |
| Carpentry II | 1 embedded math, and 3 - 4 elective credits | Grade 12 only | Grade of 70 or better in Carpentry I, or written permission from the instructor | 3 Terms, 2 hours per day | In your second year, you’ll refine your carpentry and other construction skills in the area of your choosing. You’ll work in your choice of cooperative work placement, apprenticeship, or construction site to get the real world experience you need to progress. |
[edit] Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts program provides a highly creative area of study that can take students in many directions. The chef instructors of this program expose students to a vast array of food handling and preparation skills. The classroom is a professionally equipped commercial kitchen on the premises of RVTC. The program manages the River Valley Café, a student-operated restaurant.
[edit] Courses
| Course Title | Credit Value | Open To | Pre-Reqs | Length of Course | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts I | Varies; see your Guidance Counselor | Grades 11 and 12 (grade 10, with permission) | None | 3 Terms, 2 hours per day | Welcome to the world of culinary arts. In this introductory class, you’ll work in the kitchen, bake shop, and dining room of the River Valley Café. Instruction blends lectures, demonstrations, and plenty of practice as you rotate through these areas. |
| Culinary Arts II | Varies; see your Guidance Counselor | Grades 11 and 12 | Grade of C or better in Culinary Arts I | 3 Terms, 2 hours per day | Continue to enhance your culinary skills in the second year of the RVTC program. You’ll have the opportunity to gain national credentials through the Culinary Curriculum’s ProState and ServSafe programs, both sponsored by the Vermont Lodging and Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association. Students in this class are also encouraged to pursue a paid cooperative work experience or to train on-the-job in the RVTC Career Work Experience (CWE) program. The CWE will fulfill the hours you need for the ProStart certification. |
| Culinary Arts Accelerated Tech Prep | Varies; see your Guidance Counselor | Qualified seniors only | Grade of 70 or better in Culinary Arts I, a desire to continue your culinary studies beyond high school, and an interview with the New England Culinary Institute | 3 Terms, 2 hours per day; occasional hours beyond the scheduled school day, including multiple weekends and possibly some classes during school vacations | RVTC has collaborated with the prestigious New England Culinary Institute (NECI) for a course designed for students who plan to pursue culinary arts beyond high school. The course was developed to meet NECI’s rigorous technical and general education standards. You’ll study Cooking Theory, Food Science, Food History, Flavor and Culture, Communications, Product Identification, Storeroom Management, Baking, and Professional Non-commercial Cooking. The learning environment, activities, and assignments are designed to replicate what you can expect in the workplace. The program also includes a work cooperative experience to be approved and evaluated by NECI. |
[edit] Electronics: Audio Engineering
The Audio Engineering program strives to expose students to the myriad steps involved in producing audio recordings of all sorts
[edit] Courses
| Course Title | Credit Value | Open To | Pre-Reqs | Length of Course | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics: Audio & Video Production I | 3-4 elective credits | Grades 11 and 12; no musical background required | Computer skills, Algebra I, instructor interview; student should also have home computer with internet access | 3 Terms, 1 period or online (Distance Education Network) for 1 hour per day | Get a backstage pass into the world of technology, audio and video production. If you're looking to launch a career in music, radio, film, video games, design, animation, or entertainment business, you've come to the right place. Learn studio maintenance, audio and video production, business law, and fiber optics. This course provides not only the theory of what goes on inside the equipment but offers hands-on use of microphones, mixers, speakers, portable digital audio workstations, and video cameras. Software includes Pro Tools, Sonar, Sony Vegas, Soundtrack Pro and Final Cut Studio. Students will also be eligible for becoming certified as Mobile Equipment Installers and Fiber Optic Technicians. |
| Electronics: Audio & Video Production II | 1 embedded Science and 2-3 elective credits | Grade 12 | Grade of 70 or better in Electronics: Audio & Video Production I | 3 Terms, 1 period | Take your technical production skills to the next level. If you’re going to be involved in professional audio and video production, you need to know your way around digital audio and video workstations. From the Internet to video games, DVDs, film and TV soundtracks, digital audio engineering and special effects for video are everywhere. This course will give you the skills you need to get your start in this expanding field. Oh-yeah, don’t forget to tell Mom you get a science credit when you take both years! |
[edit] Emergency and Fire Management
Students learn the demanding tasks of dealing with fires as well as rescue operations. The program includes three days a week of training at the Springfield Fire Station and two days in the classroom to give you a well-rounded education in the field of fire science. At the end of your two-year education, students will be eligible to take the test for the state Firefighter I certification.
[edit] Courses
| Course Title | Credit Value | Open To | Pre-Reqs | Length of Course | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency & Fire Management I | 3-4 elective credits | Grades 11 and 12 | Signed medical release | 3 terms, 2 hours per day | This program is physically demanding as well as mentally challenging as you complete many of the requirements experienced by professional firefighters. The first year will focus on first aid assessment, techniques, and skills. |
| Emergency & Fire Management II | 1 embedded science and 2-3 elective credits | Grade 12 only | Signed medical release | 3 terms, 2 hours per day | In the second level, you’ll continue both classroom and field training. You’ll gain proficiency with operation of numerous tools and machinery that are essential to fire fighting. Once completed, you’re ready to take the test for the Firefighter I certification. |
[edit] Engineering Technology
Engineering Technology at RVTC introduces students to many concepts and skills that most students don’t encounter until college. Engineering Technology is a program designed for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering or architecture.
[edit] Courses
| Course Title | Credit Value | Open To | Pre-Reqs | Length of Course | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technology I | 3-4 elective credits | Grades 10 to 12 | Successful completion of Geometry or permission of the instructor | 3 Terms, 2 periods per day | Put your ingenuity to work using state-of-the-art computers and software to design, drawn, and build a variety of useful products. You’ll learn to use real industrial robots and, ultimately, build one from scratch. |
| Engineering Technology II | 1 embedded math and 2-3 elective credits | Grades 11 and 12 | Grade of 70 or better in Engineering Technology I (CADD I, POE I) or permission of the instructor; students who have completed Introduction to Engineering & Design at Green Mountain Union High School or Bellows Falls Union High School are also eligible. | 3 Terms, 2 periods per day | Continue to develop your engineering technology skills in the program’s second year while also exploring a wide variety of engineering careers in the specialized areas of architectural, civil, electrical, and mechanical. You’ll also be able to take advantage of cooperative education opportunities where you can work after school at local engineering companies. Earn money as well as high school credit! You can also earn up to another 12 RIT credits during the second year of the program. |
[edit] Financial Accounting
Bookkeeping skills provide opportunities for jobs in a countless variety of businesses and organizations. In this full-year program for seniors, students gain all the skills they need to qualify for an entry-level bookkeeping position after graduation.
[edit] Courses
| Course Title | Credit Value | Open To | Pre-Reqs | Length of Course | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Accounting for Seniors | 3-4 elective credits | Grade 12 only | None | 3 Terms, 2 hours per day | You’ll learn how to handle basic bookkeeping tasks for retail and service-oriented businesses, including special journals, payroll, and other related business records and financial statements. You will use this newfound knowledge in the Campus Connection school store where you will act as one of the bookkeepers, maintaining the financial records for this student-run business. |
[edit] Graphic Design
Students will work across all areas of Graphic Design, from taking photographs to cutting and folding printed materials in this course.
[edit] Courses
| Course Title | Credit Value | Open To | Pre-Reqs | Length of Course | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Design for Print, Web, & Animation I | 3-4 elective credits | Grades 10-12 | None | 3 terms, 2 hours per day | You’ll learn how designers are breaking the boundaries of design. Work with an entirely new Digital Design: Foundations of Web Design curriculum using Dreamwaver 8, Flash 8, and Fireworks 8, and pagination software as you produce a portfolio of mixed media. You’ll blend the elements of art and the principles of design while creating original designs for personal and business-oriented projects. You’ll also develop basic photography skills using digital cameras. Bring these concepts to life using image-editing control you crave. Design, develop, manage, and maintain rich interactive experiences for easy delivery to millions of viewers on the web, on mobile devices, and in print using industry standards. |
| Digital Design for Print, Web, & Animation II | 1 embedded math and 2-3 elective credits | Grades 11 and 12 | Grade of 70 or better in Digital Design for Print, Web, & Animation I; or written permission of the instructor | Full year; 2 hours per day | The emphasis in your second year is on creative thinking, advanced computer software programs, and work performance. You’ll work with clients from throughout the region on actual projects as you learn to manage, estimate, produce, impose, and print a variety of products using digital, print, and wide-format output. In this class, you’ll focus on building specific portfolio pieces that could earn you college credit. You’ll also take a publishing project from concept to completion. Create effects and film techniques using Studio 8. Plan a digital narrative and script. Create a storyboard and learn to maintain consistency and principles of design. combine creative arts with high tech production that will include web posting. Finally, you’ll turn on your mind and dive deeper into the tricks and magic of 2D, 3D, drawing, imaging, motion and sound. Many Graphic Technologies II students choose a cooperative work experience — going to a paid job while still completing classroom assignments using BlackBoard online. |
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