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LEWISTOWN -- Use of a two-session model for classes at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology is still a year away, but instructors at the school got a preview of what it will be like.
During a recent in-service day, five Academy instructors visited other technical schools, including the Juniata Valley School District, Huntingdon Career and Technology Center and York County Technical School, Franklin County Career and Technology Center and Cumberland Perry Vocational-Technical School, to gain a valuable insight into the multi-level model that will be instituted for the 2023-24 school year.
Additionally, four other instructors spent time at 10 business and industry sites seeing what potential employers were looking for in job candidates.
"First and foremost, it's about kids getting instruction," Academy Director Barry King explained at the Academy's monthly operating committee meeting Thursday night. "We have increased 180 hours with this two-session model."
Instructional time will also increase by 20 minutes for each session. "That's significant," King added. "The two-session model really offers a lot."
He continued that in addition to the two-session model offering more academic and technical time, teachers will receive more planning time. The change helps to maintain their relationship with the Juniata County School District, which preferred the two-session model.
Expansion Project
The Academy also was notified by the state that they were awarded $500,000 of the $1.5 million they requested for the maximum building and project cost of the $9.73 million for the Academy Expansion project. Their Act 34 public hearing, which allows the public to review and comment on proposed projects that might impact the environment or the community, is scheduled for April 20.
In Other Business
The Operating Committee discussed:
The Academy sponsored a goose as part of the Wild Geese Flock Together public art project. Academy Supervisor of Adult and Post-Secondary Education Mike McMonigal said they have had trouble finding an artist to create a design for the sculpture. Once that happens, a design will be finalized, and the goose will be placed on display.
Technical instructional aides could assist instructors with programs that experience overcrowding in classrooms in the future.
Quotes were received for repairing the siding on the rear of the building.
Lead testing was conducted, and one of the four tests read outside normal limits. A filter has been installed and it will be re-tested next year.
A washer, dryer and hot water heater were installed in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Annex.
Items in the machine shop are being moved to make room for the new computer numerical control (CNC) machinery.
A new part was received for the Back Maitland sign.
A total of 18 students are registered for the upcoming Signing Day on May 17. There were 13 students last year. "We're growing a little bit," Academy Principal Norma O'Brien said.
The following purchases were approved:
New paging system from Sage Technology Solutions of Mount Joy, Lancaster County, for $19,897.
Repairs by Mid-State Seamless Gutter of Lewistown to the back end of the building for $6,923.
Snap-On Hand Tool ID Safety Certification Kit from Snap-On Industrial for $19,130.81. The cost will be covered by a supplemental equipment grant.
Additional professional service fee from Murray Associates Architects, PC, of Harrisburg, for $185,000, for redesign of the diesel and HVAC shop.
Renewal of agreement with Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit of Milton to have needed actuarial services provided by Conrad Siegel.
Revised school calendar with the first day for teachers on Wednesday, Aug. 23, and new student/parent night on Thursday, Aug. 24.
Advertising agreement with Kozak Outdoor Advertising LLC at a cost of $2,100.
Donated 2015 Ford Focus from Lake Ford dealerships of Lewistown to collision repair program for training purposes.
Participation in the Bureau of Career and Technical Education Technical Assistance Program.
The following trips were approved:
Agriculture students to Greenwood Furnace State Park and Belleville Livestock Market on April 19; Envirothon at Kishacoquillas Park on April 26; Celebration Villa on April 28; and FFA Officer Retreat at Buttonwood Campground from May 6-8.
Early childhood students to attend Strodes Mills Elementary School and provide PBIS learning activities on April 6; attend SMES and provide STEM learning activities at SMES on April 20; attend Lewistown Elementary School and provide learning activities on May 24 and May 25; and attend Indian Valley Elementary Center and provide PBIS learning activities on May 31.
Culinary arts students to attend Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster on May 4.
Chaperones and 47 students to attend Skills USA Career Fair at Lewistown Armory on April 25.
The following personnel items were approved:
Kim Corson and Tina Everly as summer custodial help.
Increase in custodial sub-rate from $12.50 per hour to $13.50 per hour.
Hiring of second part-time custodian.