On display now through August, 2013, in what PTC has affectionately dubbed the “Pine Art Gallery,” are original works of art created by computer science student Cassandra Spruit. Spruit came to PTC in Aug., 2012, having transferred from Anoka-Ramsey Community College, where she began her academic career taking a variety of general education courses. However, Spruit says once she discovered PTC's programs in the computer sciences, she was inspired to pursue an education focused in information and computer science.
"I was drawn to PTC because, while I appreciate the value in gaining a comprehensive general education, I knew it was time to focus on a particular track," Spruit says. "Plus, of course, I am kind of a natural techie; after all, even my artistic side is influenced by the digital and hi-tech world," Spruit adds.
Today, Spruit is nurturing a budding career in graphic design and manages a small business in addition to taking courses in the computer science program. Most recently, Spruit designed a logo for a friend's startup film production company.
"I was always really into computers growing up, and also, I was always kind of artistic and creative," Spruit says. "When I got a really hi-tech tablet for Christmas in 2011, my skills really took off, and after spending time practicing and creating things with that, I began to consider a career in graphic design," Spruit explains.
Spruit also has become an important figure on the PTC campus, having served for the past two semesters as an alternate voting senator representing the Computer Club; and, Spruit recently was elected to serve the larger student body in the upcoming '13-'14 academic year as Student Senate Vice President.
Spruit is on track for a May, 2014 graduation with her A.S. in computer science and plans to transfer to St. Cloud State University to pursue a B.S. in applied computer science.
The Pine Art Gallery features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of Pine Technical College students and the larger Pine community. The exhibit changes seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased, including paintings, photography, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works in the Pine Art Gallery, see the Pine Technical College Marketing Director in Student Affairs.
With more than 200 students graduating in the 2012-13 academic year, Pine Technical College is preparing for its largest graduation ceremony in the college’s 48-year history. The ceremony will be held tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Pine City High School gymnasium.
A combination of 215 degrees, diplomas and certificates will be awarded this year, and ceremony guest speakers include Lori and Traci Tapani, sisters and Co-Presidents of Wyoming Machine – a longtime PTC supporter and partner in economic advancement.
“Tonight's ceremony promises to be a momentous event, as we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates,” says PTC President Robert L. Musgrove, Ph.D. “During the ceremony, we recognize our graduates, highlight our tradition, college pride, and community spirit. We are so proud of our students and graduates, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements,” Musgrove adds.
The public is encouraged and welcome to attend in support of the graduates. A cake and coffee reception will follow the ceremony in the common area at PCHS.
Pine Technical College's Student Senate and Student-Parent Success program hosted and sponsored PTC's Second Annual Spring Fling last Friday evening. The event drew more than 200 students, staff, faculty, and their family members to the college's east lawn for games and a barbecue dinner, catered by Nicoll's Café.
"The Spring Fling is a special event to celebrate everyone's hard work throughout the year, and it marks the culmination of another academic year," says Laureen Williams, Director of the Student-Parent Success program. "It provides an opportunity for everyone to showcase their campus to their family members and, since it coincides with Finals Week, this event allows everyone to let off some steam, eat some delicious barbecue, and have some fun together in a no-stress environment," Williams adds.
All student clubs participated in the event by either organizing and hosting a game-station, or by assisting with planning the event. Games included a ring-toss, a bean-bag toss, fishing, remote-controlled robotics, and more. Additionally, attendees were able to pose in a photo booth and capture the event on film. All games, food, events, and prizes were free to attendees.
"We are pleased with the participation and turnout," says Tim Soderbeck, Student Senate Parliamentarian. "The Spring Fling is a big hit because of everyone involved in pulling it together. I'm already looking forward to next year's," Soderbeck adds.
PHOTOS at top, from top-down:
- The event gets underway with set-up.
- Event staff, Student Senate Parliamentarian Tim Soderbeck and Student Senate Secretary Morgan Richardson, monitor the event.
- A family tries their hand at the fishing game.
- A child operates a robot via a remote-control, with assistance from computer programming student Zach Ellingson.
- A family tries their hand at the ring-toss game.
- Children visit the Student-Parent Success program table and choose a few free books, with assistance from Laureen Williams, Program Director.
Pine Technical College welcomes Diana B. White, M.S.W., to the Office of Strategic Initiatives. White will serve as PTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Education (AME) Grant Manager, implementing and managing the college’s newly-acquired U. S. Department of Labor grant, focused on filling needs and opportunities within the advanced manufacturing sector in East Central Minnesota and beyond.
“We are so pleased to have Diana; she will drive our AME activities going forward as we continue to grow and expand,” says Stefanie Schroeder, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development. “Her experience and background in public policy, public budgeting, and altogether researching, writing, and acquiring grants, on top of her experience working with students and institutions of higher education, will support our commitment in serving our current and prospective manufacturing students, as well as the larger college community related to our manufacturing sector,” Schroeder adds.
White brings more than twenty years of administrative experience developing and managing programs for federal, state, and county governments, as well as nonprofit social service and workforce development organizations. Specifically, White’s professional background includes substantial experience in researching, writing and managing grants; most recently, in 2012, White managed a U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) grant which focused on training incumbent workers for the wood products manufacturing industry, and, White implemented programming related to a College Ready grant, focusing on preparing historically underserved students for success in college.
White holds a bachelor of science (B.S.) in education/communicative disorders, from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, a master of social work (M.S.W.) from Eastern Washington University, Cheney, and White has completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in public administration and policy from Portland State University, Portland, Oregon. In addition, White is an entrepreneur and owned her own small business for more than six years as a silversmith; today, White enjoys attending art festivals where she sells her own original works.
PHOTO at top: Diana B. White, PTC Advanced Manufacturing Education Grant Manager.
Eleven years ago, when my first bouncing baby boy was getting ready to enter kindergarten, I thought I had everything all figured out. I was a working nine-to-five mom, and things were going along just fine. My job was great, and my son was even better.
We did all the normal things I thought parents were supposed to do: we sang the ABCs and 123s; we could name all the colors of the rainbow; and, altogether, my child was brilliant! And, I was the best mom he could ask for!
Our happiness came crashing down only a few short weeks into kindergarten. The school was calling to report there were problems with my child. He wasn't fitting in. He wasn't ready. He was behind. Each year the problems got worse. We had individualized education program (IEP) meetings regularly, as he was placed in special classes. But, there was nothing technically “wrong” with my child; he simply didn't do well in school from Day One.
Apparently, I did not prepare him for kindergarten. It’s a tough critique to take when you've worked so hard. You look at your child and think he's just as smart as every other child his age. At that point, I didn't even know what they meant by “he’s not ready.” He knew his letters! He knew his numbers!
And then, my second child came around, and I thought, “This child will be ready!” After all, I had five years to learn with the older one. Between a full-time job and working on my bachelor’s degree, I still managed to focus my energy on getting him prepared: letters, numbers, colors, shapes – now, I had it right! And, yet again, the phone calls started. I thought, “What was I doing wrong? Was it possible I had failed twice?” I felt defeated; how was I going to manage two children who are falling behind in school?
Now, with my firstborn a high school junior and finally off IEPs but still struggling, I've realized that I didn't do anything wrong; I just didn't know what to do right. I had no idea of all the factors involved in preparing my child for kindergarten, and, even if I had the time between jobs, school, and life, I'm not sure I would have been able to get them ready. No matter how hard we worked, they were always behind.
With my third child who is now three, I know how important it is that while I am working, he is learning. I simply cannot fit an entire day of learning experiences into a three-hour evening, no matter how hard I try. I get home about 5:30 p.m., and between dinner, homework, bath time, and life, there is no way, as a working parent, that I can teach my child what he needs to know. I have to rely on my child care provider to help me.
Getting ready for kindergarten isn't all about learning ABCs or 123s, and having years of experience behind me, I now know part of that learning relies on creating a nurturing environment where he feels safe and cared for. It’s about him having the opportunity to socialize and to play. It’s about him getting enough rest. It’s about him having opportunities to create and explore. And, it’s also about the ABCs and 123s.
For these reasons, my youngest is currently enrolled in a four-star Parent Aware-rated program, and, as a parent, I can't even begin to describe the peace of mind it brings. Every day, I can see his excitement, I can see he is learning, and I know with their help that my child will be kindergarten-ready. I also know if he is behind in any area, they will communicate with me, and together, we prepare him.
While it may not be encouraging to hear that 50 percent of children are not prepared for kindergarten, for me, it came as a kind of relief. I realized I wasn't alone and many other parents also must feel like they are failing. The truth is, many parents continue to struggle, year after year, trying to get their children up to speed, not realizing it may never come.
It is my belief each and every child deserves the chance to be ready. With the help of Child Care Aware and Parent Aware programs, preparation is more streamlined, more comprehensive, and less stressful for parents. Each and every day, the child care professionals teach my child new things, and this is so important to both me and my child. Quality child care professionals are irreplaceable.
- Annette Weaver, Pine Technical College/Child Care Aware of Minnesota Northeast
Are you interested in using Parent Aware to find quality child care? Call 800-890-5399, or visit www.parentawareratings.org. Also, if you live in Pine County and have a child between the ages of three and five, you may qualify for up to $4,000 in financial assistance for placing your child in a Parent Aware-rated program.
PHOTO at top (L to R): The Weaver family; Austin, Annette, Cole, and Tobias.
