Eventful Month for Cape Technical School District

CREST HAVEN – Cape May County Technical School District held its March 18 board meeting to address a variety of issues ranging from revenue and expenses to curriculum and administrative reports. Principal Michael C. Adams confirmed several significant school events had recently occurred, including inductions into the National Honor Society, a Prom Fashion Show and a student presentation from Skills USA.
Principal Adams revealed “an induction into the James S. Kilpatrick National Honor Society took place March 7. Thirty-nine students met the minimum requirements and 33 students were chosen by the Faculty Council for induction. The night began with a reception produced by Culinary Arts and the induction ceremony included an address by Gina Tack, 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year.”
An additional school event included “The Prom Fashion Show.” Adams explained that the “Prom Fashion Show was conducted by the National Honor Society and the Key Club as a fundraiser for chapter activities. The show was also the culmination of an interdisciplinary activity involving several technical and academic programs. Members modeled prom gowns and tuxedos from local retailers before a large audience of parents, students and other guests in our new Multi-Activity Center. The members choreographed the program with appropriate music and narrations. Ms. Yarger is the advisor of the National Honor Society and Ms. Kustra is the Key Club advisor. Special recognition goes to Mrs. De Navas who assisted the advisors and assumed a leadership role.”
Another unique student event occurred involving students from Skills USA. Adams stated that, “Students from Skills USA Law and Public Safety earned a gold medal for their presentation ‘GIS in Law Enforcement.’ First year law and public safety students Farah Almadani, Joslyn Nelson and Chris Russ prepared and presented a seminar on the Practical Application of Global information Technologies Systems. The law and public safety program is under the direction of Matt Pleasants. Julie Stratton provided additional assistance to the project,” concluded Adams.
In her report, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Nancy Wheeler Driscoll disclosed that a professional development plan had been implemented. “The district’s safe school program has been initiated for all staff. The faculty participated in an overview and has begun online professional development sessions in mandated and optional training. The district’s Teachscape License has continued to provide staff access to professional development training in the domains of the evaluation system. That license for professional development concludes at the end of this school year, and the fees were purchased with Race To The Top Grant funds. The system will provide an electronic record of the additional professional development offered to support our staff in this transition,” she said.
In addition, Driscoll explained the Green Program of Study in her report. “The Green Program of Study year four, the final year of the grant is underway. The department of education offices have selected our school for a site visit and mentoring as a model of implementation of the curriculum. A number of schools will be able to visit and observe classes and discuss curriculum implementation in the upcoming months, with the first tentatively planned for April.”
Superintendent Dr. Nancy Hudanich presented a report that included revenues and expenses as well as legislation and policy issues. Hudnaich explained, “the Department of Education restructured Region 7 (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties). Robert Bumpus is now the executive regional superintendent. He was executive director of regional achievement center. Dr. Stepura is now the regional administrative officer for Region 7.”
In addition to the administrative reports, the board of Education approved the minutes of the previous meeting, personnel hiring, and various curriculum recommendations.
To contact Terence Harris, email tharris@cmcherald.com.