Grant program assists families in accessing early childhood education

Pine Technical College continues to work to distribute nearly $134,000 in the form of scholarship money to qualified families wishing to enroll their three- to five-year-old children in recognized early childhood programs. PTC was awarded the funds from the Minnesota Department of Education last fall, and to date, the program has awarded 20 Early Childhood Education scholarships for children in Pine County and beyond.

“Providing access to high-quality programs to our region’s youngest learners offers all of us our best chance at eliminating the achievement gaps that plague nearly every education system,” says Wendy Walburg, Child Care Aware District Director. “This grant program works to offer children a better academic foundation, and as a result, the stage is set for future and long-term success,” Walburg adds.

The Early Childhood Coalition is a broad and comprehensive committee representing Early Childhood Family Education, school district personnel, child development instructors, childcare providers, parents, public health organizations, city officials, chambers of commerce, business owners, and other community members involved in the education of children. The coalition has been instrumental in applying for the funding for Pine County families. The Early Childhood Education Scholarship program still has more than $77,000 to award – enough to assist about 20 more qualifying families.

Child Care Aware (formerly known as Child Care Resource and Referral), located on the Pine Technical College campus, is not only a partner, but is guiding and managing the scholarship program. Child Care Aware also is a part of PTC’s Employment and Training Center and serves 17 counties in Northeastern Minnesota. Additionally, Child Care Aware is working with Pine County providers in becoming rated in Minnesota’s new Child Care rating system, Parent Aware.

The grant program builds on the success of the state’s new Parent Aware program – a system that rates child care and early education providers on a one- to four-star ranking. The system’s goal is to help families find child care and early education providers focused on high-quality early learning and kindergarten readiness. The ranking system measures best practices identified by research that help children succeed in kindergarten and beyond. To inquire about the grant program, including for information regarding how to apply for grant assistance, call Child Care Aware, 320-629-5164 or 800-890-5399.

Instructor Stacey Foster nominated Outstanding Educator

Pine Technical College liberal arts instructor Stacey Foster has been named Pine Technical College’s Outstanding Educator based on nominations by students, faculty peers, and staff members. Foster is one of 36 across the state to have earned the title – the others having earned the nomination from their respective MnsCU institutions. Foster, accompanied by PTC President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., and Dean of Academic Affairs Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett, Ed.D., attended a statewide ceremony yesterday that recognized all nominees from across the state.

This is the seventh year of the awards program, and the April 17 event revealed the state’s top winners who took home gold, engraved medallions and the prestigious title Educator of the Year – MnSCU’s highest academic honor. Evaluation criteria included teaching strategies and materials; content expertise; service to students, the profession, institution and the system; and assessment of student learning and performance. The winning four faculty members, selected from the 36 campus-nominated Outstanding Educators, included Andrew Aspaas of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Dr. Alan Erdahl of Riverland Community College, Darci Goeden of Central Lakes College, and Susan Thaemert of Hennepin Technical College.

“These faculty members have all gone well beyond expectations to provide support to their students in achieving their academic goals,” said Clarence Hightower, MnSCU Board of Trustees Chair, while addressing the crowd at the April 17 event. “Student success depends upon the kind of faculty we have with us here; they teach creatively, they work to ensure successful student learning outcomes, they strive to create unique and lasting learning experiences, and they open students’ eyes to what’s possible in their lives as global citizens.” Hightower added.

Foster began her academic career at PTC in July, 2004 as the Executive Assistant to the President, and after earning her master’s degree in fine arts, Foster transitioned into a faculty role in Jan. 2008. Foster currently teaches ENGL 1276: College Composition, READ 210: Reading Strategies II, and ENGL 220: Writing Foundations II; plus, Foster will be teaching additional courses this fall term, adding ENGL 100: Writing Foundations I and READ 100: Reading Strategies I to her courseload.

Foster holds a bachelor’s of applied arts (B.A.A.) from the University of Minnesota – Duluth and a master’s in fine arts (M.F.A.) in creative writing from Hamline University. Foster’s hobbies include reading and writing original poetry, as well as writing creative nonfiction; some of which have been published in various literary media. Foster says she is honored to have been nominated as PTC’s Outstanding Educator.

“I am honored and humbled to have been nominated to represent PTC as this year’s Outstanding Educator,” says Foster. “The nomination means a lot to me, particularly because there are so many excellent instructors at PTC who take teaching very seriously. Plus, to share the stage with so many like-minded educators who are enthusiastic about teaching and maximizing students’ learning is wonderful – this awards event is about being a part of something bigger,” Foster adds.

Photo at top: PTC's 2013 Outstanding Educator, Instructor Stacey Foster.

Instructor Phil Darg’s original musical to premier off-Broadway

Pine Technical College liberal arts instructor Phil Darg’s original stage production, Sasquatched! The Musical, was selected by the New York Musical Theatre Festival’s Next Link Project, NYMF’s primary writer service program, to premier at the tenth annual New York Musical Theatre Festival, which runs July 8 through July 28 in New York City.

“I am honored my piece was selected,” says Darg. “As an instructor, actor, playwright, writer, and composer, I find it important to embed music, theatre, and the arts into the curriculum. The best way to do that is to stay active in my other professions and hobbies and work to inspire my students through creative means,” adds Darg.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival is the premier annual musical theater event which presents new musicals in an off-Broadway venue. Productions chosen for the Next Link Showcase are selected through a double-blind process and are presided over by a judging committee of industry professionals, including Tony Award winners and nominees.

Darg’s musical features Arthur, a kindhearted, gentle, talking Sasquatch, who is lost in a national park when he is befriended by young Sam. Together, they encounter quirky locals and elude a ruthless television crew investigating “Bigfoot.” The musical offers entertainment with light social commentary delivered with catchy music in a comical style.

“The style of the play is humorous, fast-moving, and contemporary. The subject matter is somewhat satirical in nature, but is geared toward general audiences,” Darg says. “Dramatic themes include overprotective parenting, the phoniness of the media, environmentalism, multiculturalism, and animal rights. But, it’s nothing too preachy, political, or saccharin – the show maintains a balance between edgy and sweet,” Darg explains.

Darg has appeared in several productions, both on stage and for local television. He is the author of more than a dozen plays and has composed and produced music for local and national television. Darg’s music has been broadcast on multiple networks including MTV, The History Channel, and Turner South. At PTC, Darg teaches SPCH 1250: Intercultural Communication, SPCH 1260: Introduction to Speech, HIST 1200: United States History Since 1877, and POLS 1205: American Government and Politics. Darg holds a B.A. in history, an M.A. in speech communication, and an M.A. in history from Minnesota State University, Mankato; additionally, Darg holds a Ph.D. (ABD) in history from the University of North Dakota.

Photo: PTC instructor Phil Darg, on the streets of New York City, playfully advertising to produce off-Broadway musicals.

PTC welcomes Brenda Skluzacek to Human Resources

Brenda Skluzacek joins the Pine Technical College Human Resources department as the college and department's new Human Resources Assistant. In her role, Skluzacek will work to provide faculty and staff members with a variety of services related to benefits, compensation, employee relations, recruiting services, and leadership and staff development.

"On behalf of the PTC community, I want to warmly welcome Brenda to our campus," says Amy Kruse, PTC's Chief Human Resources Officer. "After a lengthy search, we feel lucky to have found Brenda. She brings an excellent mix of experience and knowledge to the position," Kruse adds.

Prior to joining PTC, Skluzacek served as a Human Resources Specialist at Ecumen Parmly LifePointes in Chisago City. Additionally, Skluzacek holds a Bachelor of Science degree in special education-vocational rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and she recently completed her Human Resources Generalist Certificate from the University of Minnesota. Brenda says she is excited to work in her hometown of Pine City as well as contribute to the larger college community.

"I am proud to be a new Pine," Skluzacek says. "As a department, HR enjoys the wide diversity of serving a complex college community, and I look forward to delivering services that encourage and support the success of the college and the members of our community," Skluzacek adds.

BSU's McCracken to visit PTC

Did you know PTC has several articulation agreements with Bemidji State University, especially within the technology and engineering fields?

Dr. James McCracken, Chair of BSU's Department of Technology, Art and Design, will visit PTC Apr. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss BSU's 2 + 2 BAS in Applied Engineering and BSU's 2 + 2 BAS in Technology Management. Don't miss your chance to get information straight from the source regarding transfer to pursue these valuable bachelor degrees, especially if you are a current student enrolled in PTC's advanced manufacturing or gunsmithing and firearms technology programs.

About Dr. James McCracken
Dr. James McCracken is Professor in BSU’s Department of Technological Studies, serving as Director of the Bemidji State University Center for Career and Technical Education and as Academic Coordinator for Distance Delivery of the B.A.S. in Technology Management. McCracken has taught courses in technology education, design technology and industrial technology, and currently has instructional duties which include professional education courses. McCracken earned his B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Education from UW-Stout and an Ed.D in Technology, Career, Technical and Adult Education from Texas A&M.

PHOTO at TOP: Dr. James McCracken, Chair of Bemidji State University’s Department of Technology, Art and Design.

PTC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter inducts 44 new members

Last evening, proud family members and friends of Pine Technical College’s top-performing students gathered for an induction ceremony of more than 40 new members to the Beta Kappa Rho chapter of the academic honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).

“I want to extend my congratulations to each of our inductees on their academic success and honor society membership,” says Tony Mueller, PTC’s faculty advisor for the PTK chapter. “As honor society members, I know they will continue to dedicate themselves to their academics as well as to our larger college community. These are our future leaders,” Mueller adds.

The induction ceremony included a processional of inductees, a welcome address from Mueller, and remarks from guest speakers Anne Kubesh, President of the Beta Kappa Rho chapter, and Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., President of Pine Technical College. All inductees took an oath of membership. The ceremony was held in auditorium and was followed with a cake and coffee reception.

PTK was established by Missouri two-year college presidents in 1918, and the society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students as well as to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership, and service programming. To be eligible for membership, a student must complete a minimum of twelve hours of coursework and earn a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher. Students must maintain a high academic standing throughout their enrollment.

Today, PTK is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters located in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territories, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Palau. In 1929, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized PTK as the official honor society for two-year colleges.

PHOTO above: PTC President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., was a guest speaker at the induction ceremony and offers his congratulations to new members of the Beta Kappa Rho chapter of PTK.

PHOTO at top of page: New members of  the Beta Kappa Rho chapter gather for a group photo, just after taking the oath.

PTC plans for incubator groundbreaking, April 3

With construction starting soon, Pine Technical College will be the future home of the new Pine Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator, with an official groundbreaking ceremony set for April 3, 1 to 2 p.m. at the college, 900 Fourth St. SE. The incubator will house and support hi-tech and light manufacturing entrepreneurs in the community, and, at the same time, the incubator will provide PTC students access to internships and practical experience in cutting-edge, hi-tech industry.

Minnesota 8th District Congressman Rick Nolan will be a special guest at the event and will assist with breaking ground for the start of construction. Light refreshments and architectural drawings and plans of the facility will be available at a reception following the ceremony.

“It is our vision the incubator will serve as a solid foundation for highly successful companies,” says Pine Technical College President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D. “PTC can offer promising start-up companies a nurturing environment for growth as well as opportunities to tap into a rich network of business resources that are invaluable to a company’s development. Then, once they are on their feet, they will move out to the industrial park, and we will rent space to another new company,” Musgrove adds.

The building located on Highway 61 and Hillside Ave. that previously housed PTC’s Continuing Education and Customized Training department is the planned site for the incubator. The existing facility also was once the site of East Central Energy’s Pine City office. Cuningham Group Architecture was selected in Aug. 2010 to oversee the design, and more than 10 PTC staff and faculty members, administrators, and members of the larger Pine Area comprise the committee that has been working closely with the firm. Architects and the committee have been careful to design the facility in a resource-efficient manner, using renewable energy.

The project is being built with grant funding from the State of Minnesota and the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The funds will cover remodeling of the existing building and additional construction, adding 7,500 square feet designed to house light manufacturing. The project’s total cost exceeds $3 million.

The Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator holds the potential to become an effective tool to foster an environment where manufacturing and high-tech jobs can grow and develop and to create wealth within the region. The incubator will house light manufacturing and technology-based businesses working toward producing innovative products or services, and it has been designed to house as many as three start-up companies simultaneously, as well as comfortable meeting space. PTC and a body of experts from the Pine Area will provide consulting services, technical expertise, product evaluation, assistance with marketing and business planning, and much more to start-ups and growing businesses choosing to reside in the incubator while putting down roots. With the start of construction and groundbreaking now set for April, the incubator’s first tenants may begin operations from the center as early as December, 2013.