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LEWISTOWN -- While enrollment at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology in Lewistown has recently reached an all-time high, Principal Mark Crosson knows recruitment is key to maintaining those numbers.
"Tours are a very, very important part of our recruitment," Crosson explained during the Operating Committee's regular monthly meeting on Thursday.
Fifth-grade tours are open to all fifth-graders in Mifflin and Juniata counties; these visits introduce students to Career and Technical Education through short, hands-on activities in each classroom. Students might see welding, healthcare machines, woodworking or other programs, with Academy students demonstrating their skills.
Ninth-grade "Closer Look" Tours are held for students preparing to apply in freshman year; these tours provide a deeper look at specific programs. Students often choose their top five areas of interest, but some explore all offers. Tours are led by Academy students, offering peer-to-peer insights into program expectations, curriculum and daily life.
"It's a pretty long process to get information out to all the schools," Crosson added. "We are very much looking forward to those (events)."
October and November should be busy at the Academy.
Field trips and events
The committee approved the following field trips and events:
•Deborah Field, from Summit Early Learning Center, came to the Early Childhood Education classroom on Sept. 17, to conduct Child and Adult Care Food Program training;
•Bryan Boyd, co-op coordinator, is attending the Pennsylvania Cooperative Education Association Conference at the Penn Stater Hotel from Oct. 15-16;
•Shelly Waters and Jennifer Dressler will be attending Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals Training at the TIU on Oct. 21-22;
•Electrical Installation students will attend the Electrical Expo 2026 in King of Prussia, on Oct. 22;
•Construction Trades students will visit the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport on Oct. 27, to tour the Concrete Science/Masonry program;
•Jon Aumiller and Shelly Waters are attending the PSU Career and Technical Education Summit in State College on Oct. 28 -- "Teacher Strategies," "Safety in the Classroom" and "Re-engaging Students."
•Early Childhood Education students will visit East Derry Elementary School on Oct. 30, to participate in an elementary/secondary program;
•Early Childhood Education students will visit the Indian Valley Elementary Center on Nov. 6, to participate in an elementary/secondary program;
•Early Childhood Education students will visit Lewistown Elementary School on Nov. 13, to participate in an elementary/secondary program.
Personnel
The committee approved:
•Individuals already approved by the District to serve as part-time substitute custodians. They need to be added to the Academy to serve in the same capacity;
•The resignations of Chrissie E. Hassinger, Charles R. Culbertson and Darwin L. Hetrick;
•The hiring of Jennifer L. Sunderland, PN instructor; and Richard A. Yeater, master maintenance.
Next meeting
The committee’s next meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Academy, 700 Pitt St, Lewistown.