- Technical College High School Pickering Campus
- TCHS Pickering Post
-
TCHS Pickering Post: March Edition
Posted by Kelsey Mattia on 3/4/2022 1:00:00 PMPrincipal’s Corner:
March...to your own drumMarch is such a great month. It’s the only month that can encourage us to “move along with a steady regular step, especially with others.” What a wonderful idea that through the entire month of March, we are emboldened to find commonality, to find a way to march in step with others regardless of the sending schools we come from, the cars we drive, the programs we are in or any of the differences that separate us. Just in the name alone, we can be encouraged to keep moving forward and supporting one another in our ability to grow and march to be something better than we once were.
Maya Angelou wrote, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” This month, I ask all of our families, students, teachers, staff and community members to consider what ideas, tenets of misinformation, venomous words and actions we justify that keep us from being the best versions of ourselves and keep us from marching forth.
In order to grow and identify the barriers that impede inclusion, diversity and equity and keep us from marching together at Pickering, our student- and teacher-driven equity teams are sending out surveys to our parents and students to collect information about the perceptions of school climate at Pickering. We are VERY GRATEFUL to all who provide their input. The data will be used to drive valuable conversations, training and the development of new practices and procedures so that, as Angelou stated, our community can “know better, so we can do better.”
Happy March(ing)!
Erin Petters
Principal, TCHS Pickering
Just For Seniors!
June is rapidly speeding toward us, and with that, graduation is right around the corner! Senior students attended a senior Meeting on February 23 to review important deadlines and upcoming events. Please visit our website to see the agenda from that meeting.
Senior students are also reminded to fill out the Post-Secondary Plans: Senior Survey in PowerSchool. Students can find this survey in the forms section of PowerSchool. We are asking all seniors to complete this by March 10. Once they complete the survey, they will be entered into a drawing for a gift card.
Senior Yard Signs are ready to order. We are providing one (1) sign per family.
Career and Training Fair
The Career and Training Fair is coming up for the senior class! On March 15 students will have the opportunity to interview with local employers in their related programs for real-life experience in a sit-down, personal 1:1 interview. Students are expected to wear professional attire and present their career Portfolios.
*If your child is in need of professional dress - please let us know! We offer access to a fully stocked “Dress For Success” closet, free of charge.
NOCTI
The NOCTI exam is right around the corner for our senior students. NOCTI stands for the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute, and our senior students who have met the program hourly requirements to be a concentrator will take their program-specific test. The multiple-choice portion of the test will take place from March 28-31, and the hands-on portion of the test will take place during the week of April 4. Students have digital study guides to help them prepare for the test. Best of luck to our students!
TCHS Pickering Food Drive
The TCHS Pickering programs are in a food fight to see which program can pull through with the greatest amount (in weight) of donated food! The items will be donated to one of our valued partners, Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS), and will serve our local community members. The competition ends on Friday, March 11, and the winners will be treated to a pizza party, courtesy of Mrs. Petters!
Below is a list of items that PACS is in desperate need of:
- Peanut Butter
- Canned Pasta
- Mac & Cheese
- Jelly/Jam
- Cooking Oil
- Canned Meat
- Pasta Sauce
- Juice & Juice Mixes
- Condiments
- Syrup
- Butter/Margarine
- Pancake Mix
- Snack Foods
- Baking Mixes (with icing)
- Rice
- Spices/Seasonings
- Deodorant
- Feminine Products
- Pet Foods (Dogs and cats)
- Dish Soap
- Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper
- Baby Diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6)
- Laundry Detergent
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Paper Towels
- Baby Wipes
- Cleaning Supplies
Late-to-School Procedures:
For our students who are driving, riding as passengers or being dropped off, please remember that 1st period begins at 7:45 a.m. and the PM session begins at 11:38 a.m.
We understand that the past two years have been challenging with COVID-19 and we have been lenient; but we recently met with all of our drivers and riders regarding the expectations starting March 1. If your child has an excused reason for being late, please reach out to our main office to speak to our attendance specialist.
Upcoming Events!
- March 3: Virtual Presentation: Glenn Woods, a Senior Social Media Manager at Hulu and a recent Disney hire, will share his experiences in the industry.
- March 8: In-person Presentation: Kendall Crosslands will be presenting about the company and employment opportunities.
- March 14: In-person: The Goddard School will be presenting about the company, training requirements and the entry-level positions available.
- March 15: In-person: Career Training Fair at TCHS Pickering
- March 16: In-person: Board Meeting at TCHS Pickering
- March 23-24: Student of the Quarter Celebrations
- March 28: NOCTI testing Begins
- March 28: OAC meetings
- April 21: In-person: Manor College will be presenting about programs related to Animal and Veterinary Science.
-
TCHS Pickering Post: February Edition
Posted by Kelsey Mattia on 2/3/2022Principal’s Corner:
#ILOVECTEAlthough February is the shortest month of the year, it is chock full of things to celebrate. Along with American Heart Month, Black History Month, the Chinese New Year, Ground Hog Day, the Superbowl and, my favorite, Random Acts of Kindness Day, February is also CTE Month!
Did you know that as of December 2021, 53% of jobs in Pennsylvania required specific skills training? With that number increasing daily, and with only about 42% of PA workers trained at that level, PA is experiencing a skilled employee shortage.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is instrumental in preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers that are important to our nation’s economy. This month, I encourage you to take a moment to share the value of CTE in your child’s education. Here are five easy ways to celebrate CTE Month!
- You and/or your student can write a “thank you” note to your student’s sending school principal, school board or superintendent for supporting their choice to come to TCHS Pickering!
- Highlight a skill or project that your student has as a result of his/her CTE program on your social media account! Don’t forget to tag us @MyTCHS on Instagram or @PickeringCampus on Facebook.
- Share your student’s story on how CTE has impacted his/her education and career path to his/her teacher, principal or on our social media accounts!
- Talk to your friends, co-workers, family or other students’ families at your school about the value of CTE education. Volunteer at a course-selection night or open house as a parent representative!
- Send a note of thanks to your student’s CTE teacher. Being a teacher is awesome but can also be very challenging. Hearing the positive impact he/she is making is a great way to make someone feel valued!
Thank you for your continued support…and no judgment in also celebrating “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day!” (February 5)
Erin Petters
Principal, TCHS Pickering
So much to celebrate!
Student of the Second Quarter
Congratulations to the incredible students of quarter two! These students were nominated by TCHS Pickering staff to exemplify responsibility, excellence, accountability and leadership. Congratulations!
Conestoga:
- Ana Flores
- Blaine Kugler
- Breona Gay
- Ellyn Kinkel
- Joshua Vargas
- Lizzy Singley
- Nic Sweeney
- Noah Byrne
- Wesley Elliot
Owen J. Roberts
- Caleb Arsenich
- Gavin German
- Kate Callahan
- Rachel Huss
- Robyn Schneider
- Sophia Cooper
Phoenixville
- Angela Fetterman
- Brianna Suriano
- Cory McAdam
- Fallon Martin
- Isabella Marchozzi
- Jeffrey Cappelli
- Thomas Edes
West Chester
- Saphir Ingram
Great Valley
- Ashleigh Beauregard
- Duncan Brooks
Coatesville
- Nate Wood
TCHS Pickering Students Have Skills(USA)!
On Friday, January 21, SkillsUSA advisors Mrs. Leigh Ann DePaul and Mr. Rob Caruso led TCHS Pickering students to Berks CTC to compete at a district competition. Congratulations to our students for an incredible performance!
- 1st place: Olivia Lampert (Conestoga)
- 2nd place: Kalia Lambert (Conestoga), Emma Friedmann (Owen J. Roberts), Victoria DiAndrea (Conestoga), Jeremy Schoenrock (Owen J. Roberts)
- 3rd place: Hannah McMillen (Conestoga), Katrina Stevens (Phoenixville), Victoria Houck (Owen J. Roberts)
Good luck to our future competitors on February 18!
TCHS Pickering Co-Op and Internship Opportunities!
Did you know that TCHS Pickering hosts thriving Student Internship and Cooperative Learning programs? If interested in how your student can get involved, please contact your student’s CTE teacher!
Some of the valuable business partnerships from which our students benefit include:
- Bryn Mawr Veterinary Hospital
- Devon Veterinary Hospital
- California Closets
- EC Fence and Iron Works
- Rampmaster
- Remax Real Estate
- Limerick Veterinary Hospital
- Hopewell Family Practice
- Penn Medicine Radiology
- Ducklings Early Learning Center
- PetSmart
- Chester County Electric
- Liberty Electrical Services
- Kolb’s Farm Store
TCHS Pickering’s Social Media Accounts
Want to see all the great things happening at TCHS Pickering, OR, want share some projects or great photos of your student here at TCHS Pickering?! Follow and tag us at:
- Facebook: @PickeringCampus
- Instagram: @mytchs
Important Dates:
- February 10: Phoenixville Area Community Services Empty Bowls Fundraiser
- February 17: Penn College of Technology Dual Enrollment Visit
- February 18: SkillsUSA District Competition
- February 22: Nolan Printing will be presenting about his company and employment opportunities available to students now and post-graduation. They have a need for carpenters and painters!
- March 1: A. Duie Pyle will be presenting about their company and current employment opportunities available through them. They will also talk about their Future Driver Program and internship opportunities.
- March 14: The Goddard School will be presenting about the company, training requirements and the entry-level positions available.
Student Opportunities
Hire One Engineering & Manufacturing Student Job Fair
Hire One and the Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware Counties has partnered with Penn State Great Valley to organize a job fair for manufacturers. The job fair is being held on Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Penn State Great Valley campus in Malvern. Attendees must be 18 years or older in accordance with Penn State’s campus policy. This is a great opportunity for students interested in manufacturing to pursue a paid internship or full-time position with local manufacturers.
Parent Opportunities
We are looking for parent volunteers for our March 1 Open House! Please consider volunteering your time to speak to potential incoming families about the TCHS Pickering experience. If interested, please call the school at 610-933-8877.
-
TCHS Pickering Post: November Edition
Posted by Kelsey Mattia on 11/9/2021Principal’s Corner:
November is for “Thanks” and “Giving”While I try to make it a practice to always give thanks for the many gifts I am given on a day-to-day basis, November seems to be a month that encourages us all to stop and recognize the people in our lives for which we are thankful. One of the greatest gifts I have as the principal of TCHS Pickering is the opportunity to interact with incredible students and teachers every day. Their insight, heart and drive are a daily proclamation of how fortunate I am to be in this position. Recently, Laura McGinley, one of our esteemed staff members, was nominated and won the prestigious Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award. She was recognized by student Nigel Cook for her dedication to her students and profession. It is examples like this that are a reminder of how important it is to remember those who make a difference in our lives and to take a moment to reach out and connect with kindness and gratitude.
This month, TCHS Pickering is also focusing on “giving.” Throughout the entire month, we are accepting donations of adult hats, gloves, socks, hand and foot warmers, travel size deodorant sticks and travel size toothpaste for a local organization that provides these supplies to those in need. Please consider sending in a donation with your student to put on or under our “Giving Tree.” We truly appreciate the support you and your family provide to TCHS and the community.
With great enthusiasm,
Erin Petters
Principal, TCHS Pickering
Celebrating Diversity- the Pickering way!
The TCHS Pickering Diversity Club's mission is to encourage students to become global citizens and learn more about the diverse community within and surrounding TCHS Pickering. This club provides a sense of belonging within a safe zone so that students can share experiences and celebrate their unique and individual traits in a bully-free zone.
During the month of October, the club focused on celebrating bilingual students by creating a poster that showcased the many languages around the world as well as learning about Diwali festivities. (Happy Diwali, everyone!)
We can't wait to share more of our activities in the upcoming months!
TCHS Pickering’s Internship Program
Did you know that TCHS Pickering offers an internship program to our junior and seniors, as well as our 13th and 14th year students? This program allows students to obtain work-based experience in their career and technical program area while building their resume. The internship provides students with a broad overview of their career-aligned field and realistic work experience, and transportation is even provided to and from the internship if needed! Although these are unpaid internships, the students go out one or two days a week for a total of 120 hours and report back to their instructors. Congratulations to the following students on obtaining internships for this quarter!
- Taylor Payne, Great Valley High School
- Noah Cogliano, Great Valley High School
- Kalia Lambert, Conestoga High School
- Miakoda Tanner, Spring Ford Senior High School
- Jonah Spencer-Wallace, Perkiomen Valley High School
Teacher Feature
Meet Mr. Dan Stillman, our Precision CNC Machining Instructor! Mr. Stillman loves to fish, kayak, play computer games and read (currently reading Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo!). When he’s not enjoying one of his hobbies, he’s honing his professional skills of metal and woodworking and creating super cool projects that your child will also create when enrolled in his class! “Machining” is a great trade for those who love to work with their hands, work with technology and are creatively minded. Most of the products that we use daily can be created by a machinist, such as phones, art and decor, electric guitars, golf putters, cars and so much more! Skilled machinists are highly sought after and have a career with unlimited potential!
TCHS Pickering’s Social Media Accounts
Want to see all the great things happening at TCHS Pickering, OR, want share some projects or great photos of your student here at TCHS Pickering?! Follow and tag us at:
- Facebook: @PickeringCampus
- Instagram: @mytchs
Important Dates:
- November 8-12: Student Program Shadow Week
- November 15-19: Career Readiness Week
- November 29-30: Student of the Quarter Celebration
Ongoing Events:
- 100 Club and REAL Card drawings - ask your student(s) if they were a “REAL Winner” this month!
- SkillsUSA, Pickering Pride, Diversity Club, Pickering Pals and more! Ask your student(s) how they are involved in the TCHS community!
-
TCHS Pickering Post: October Edition
Posted by Molly Schwemler on 10/6/2021 10:00:00 AMPrincipal’s Corner
“It’s fall y’all!”Fall is by far, hands down, my favorite season. The colors, the chill in the air, having any excuse to drink hot chocolate and all the decorations… it’s a win-win-win in my book! However, there’s another side to fall that I try to repress… shorter days, less sunshine and the upcoming stress of the holiday season. For some, balancing all of these emotions is easier than it is for others. What gives me balance and the confidence to get through the good and challenging days is knowing that I have a strong community at TCHS Pickering by my side.
If you have a student who is part of the TCHS Pickering family, please know that we are here to support him/her/them. With a vast support system in the building, and affiliations with community agencies, we are always here to help! One of the best ways to get some support for your family or student(s) at TCHS Pickering is through our Student Assistance Program (the SAP Team). Additional information about this incredible service we offer to our Pickering families can be found below. No matter what, when you are part of TCHS Pickering, you are part of a family, and we are here to support your child(ren) through all the seasons of their lives while here in our care. Thank you for allowing us to be part of their journey and for choosing TCHS Pickering.
With great enthusiasm,
Erin Petters, Principal TCHS Pickering
Artwork by Evan Diskin
12th Gr. Commercial Graphic Arts
TCHS/Conestoga High School
What’s the deal with uniforms?
Uniforms are a required part of the TCHS Pickering experience. Each program has a designated uniform that correlates with their program and must be worn in order to participate in the hands-on component of the class. This expectation is threefold; first, it protects students from stains, rips, dirt or other miscellaneous debris from soiling their “street clothes.” Second, it prepares students for the possibility of being required to wear a uniform for professional employment. Third, being a member of the TCHS Pickering community is something to be proud of, and we encourage students to wear the uniform to promote the sense of a strong community here at TCHS! Feel free to call your student’s TCHS instructor with questions!
PowerSchool Forms
Parents/guardians - we need your help! Please take a moment to log into your PowerSchool account and click on the “Forms” tab located on the lower left-hand side of the screen. Please review the forms and complete any unfinished documents in your account. It is vital that we have your student’s medical and emergency forms in order for them to participate in the lab area of their program. Please feel free to call the school should you have any questions on how to log into your account!
We Need You…To Be Part of Our Community!
Attention parents/guardians! We want to create a TCHS Pickering Home and School Advisory Committee. If you are interested in helping develop better strategies to share the TCHS mission and want to collaborate to develop greater partnerships between the school and our families, please email Mrs. Erin Petters at erinp@cciu.org.
Mr. Scully, TCHS Pickering Automotive Collision Instructor, was just approved to teach two new Dual Enrollment Courses with the Pennsylvania College of Technology! Students in this program can earn FREE college credits during their day at TCHS. If you are interested in learning more about the many other opportunities for your child to earn college credits while attending TCHS, please feel free to reach out the course instructor or the school!
TCHS Pickering SAP Team
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a systematic team process for mobilizing school resources to remove learning barriers. SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues including but not limited to: alcohol, tobacco, other drug use and mental health issues that pose a barrier to student success.
The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program is to help students overcome these barriers so that they may achieve, advance and remain in school.There are also many instances where our SAP team works to help families who have struggled with financial hardship, housing issues, relationship issues, food shortage or any other kind of need that would impact a student’s ability to be successful in school. If you or anyone you know is in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school to submit an anonymous referral. Only when we work together are we #TCHSStrong!
Important Dates:
- 10/2: TCHS Pickering’s Car and Craft Show!
- 10/6: Army National Guard visits TCHS Pickering
- 10/6: CCIU Adult Education Program Virtual Information Fair (see flyer attached)
- 10/9: Free Community Shredding Event @ TCHS Pickering
- 10/11: Teen Mental Health First Aid program begins in select programs
- 10/19: Chester County Virtual College Fair
- Ongoing: 100 Club and REAL Card drawings - ask your student(s) if they were a “REAL Winner” this month!
- Ongoing: SkillsUSA, Pickering Pride, Diversity Club, Pickering Pals and more! Ask your student(s) how they are involved in the TCHS community!
-
TCHS Pickering Post: September Edition
Posted by Molly Schwemler on 9/6/2021 10:00:00 AMPrincipal’s Corner:
Welcome to TCHS Pickering!The start of school is always one that brings mixed emotions. The weather turns a bit colder, the days get a bit shorter, and of course, the freedom of summer slowly eclipses into days of schedules, things to do and places to be. However, I have found that instead of looking at the negative side of these changes, there are things that I can embrace and celebrate instead. David D. Burns wrote, “To change the way you feel, change the way you think.” So, I have decided that in lieu of missing the past days of summer, I will focus on the absolute joy of coming back to school and working with your student(s). I get to enjoy the company of incredible teachers, meet new staff and do a job that is a dream come true - what a wonderful future I have!
This year we welcome a few new faces to the TCHS Pickering staff (noted below) and are overjoyed at the ability to work together with your child to further the Pickering community we have established. Our teachers have already been hard at work developing an even more consistent and equitable Schoolwide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program, exciting new learning opportunities and experiences through Dual Enrollment, the career and technical student organizations we host and the many clubs and committees we have available for your student(s).
We are so excited to share all the great things we have here at TCHS Pickering with our students and families. While going to school may not have the same draw as going to the beach, remember that as in all things, it’s just a matter of how we think about it. We may not have sand and seashells, but we do have a building full of teachers and staff who are ecstatic to welcome you and your student back with open arms!
With great enthusiasm,
Erin Petters Principal TCHS Pickering
A Warm Welcome!
Clara Morgan – School CounselorAt TCHS Pickering, we are thrilled to meet all of our new students and welcome back our returning students. As we enter the 2021-22 school year, we bring with us the resilience that we gained from last year and look forward to all that this new year will teach us – how we will all continue to grow and learn. Transitions are always a bit tricky, whether it is beginning something new such as a brand-new school, starting a new program or returning back.
It takes time to adjust, and the best way to do so is by taking small steps. Think about what your next step is and start there. And remember that we are here for you, so let us know how we can be there for you this year. We are so excited to enter another school year at TCHS Pickering, and we are excited to be there for you!
Words of Wisdom for New Students
By Gia McCormick, 2021 Senior Student of the Year
TCHS gave me the opportunity to try new things to see what fits me the best. I was enrolled in the Health Career Pathways program and while I was there, I learned CPR/AED, bedside care, basic nutrition and hand hygiene, all of which will help me become a future nurse! At first when I started, I was nervous because it was a new school and I had to make new friends. But after my first day, I made new friends and the teachers were so genuine to everyone. It felt like I’ve been coming here for a very long time. I am very thankful I came to TCHS because I have learned what I need to become a nurse.I am starting college, and I have some college credits and scholarships that I earned at TCHS. Based on my experience, I put together some tips for new students starting:
- It can seem overwhelming to make the transition, but the school has a
welcoming and family-like community. You’ll feel at home in no time! - Not everything will come to you right away. Skills take time to develop and your
program will do all they can to ensure you get the skills you need. - Face every challenge head on and it’ll yield great results. Remember what you’re working towards — a career in the future!
TCHS Pickering Students are R.E.A.L.
What is PBIS? PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Strategies. TCHS Pickering has a positive behavior rewards program that is implemented schoolwide. There are a variety of ways for a student to be recognized for following TCHS Pickering’s core values. TCHS Pickering encourages students to be R.E.A.L.- Respectful, Excellent, Accountable, Leaders. The core purpose of the REAL PBIS program is to empower students to have a voice through positive guidance to promote desired behaviors, good decisions and meaningful relationships based on schoolwide expectations. PBIS creates a consistent positive school community. Students can get a sense of being independent through self-accountability. Please feel free to ask a staff member about REAL and talk to your student about how they were REAL in school today!
Local Advisory Committee - Be A Part of Our Community!
We are always looking for ways to strengthen the connection between our career and technical education (CTE) programs and local business and industry partners! If you are an employee or employer in an occupation that is related to one of our CTE programs, we would love for you to join our Local Advisory Committee (LAC). The primary goals for our LAC are to provide overall direction for the CTE programs and advise on a whole host of activities and issues involving CTE programs, including advice on program offerings and support services. There are several creative activities to mobilize these goals and we are looking for individuals who are excited about working to create even more opportunities and awareness of TCHS Pickering! If interested, please contact Erin Petters at erinp@cciu.org
Upcoming Dates:
- 9/3-9/6: School closed – Labor Day weekend
- 9/27: No school – Teacher Inservice Day
- 10/2: TCHS Pickering’s Car and Craft Show!
- 10/19: Chester County College Fair
- It can seem overwhelming to make the transition, but the school has a
-
TCHS Pickering Post: February Edition
Posted by Anthony Saraceno on 2/24/2021Principal’s Corner:
Greetings and welcome to the first edition of the Pickering Post. We are excited to bring you this monthly newsletter to highlight just a few of the amazing things happening at TCHS Pickering. Each month we will focus on a new theme, honor our Student of the Month, introduce you to members of our staff, give you a glance at what is coming next and spotlight one of our terrific technical programs. We hope you enjoy an inside look at TCHS Pickering!
We are also thankful for your support in following protocols in place that has allowed us to be able to stay open for in-person schooling this year. We hope you stay safe and are healthy! Until next month….
Monthly Theme: Self-Love
While most of us have spent our past February's focused on loving others, this year, TCHS Pickering is claiming February as the month of discovering love for ourselves. The staff and students will listen to guest speakers, participate in various activities, discussions and exercises all focused on caring for and loving oneself. After a challenging 2020, TCHS Pickering is excited to start 2021 with nothing but love!
Student of the Month:
Congratulations to Rachel Kearney, our February Student of the Month!
Rachel is a senior at Owen J. Roberts High School and is currently enrolled in TCHS Pickering Campus’ Cosmetology program. She is a distinguished honor roll student, a SkillsUSA member and District SkillsUSA competitor. Rachel serves as a Student Ambassador, LINK participant and is involved in numerous clubs at OJR.
Rachel is always willing to help others and clinic clients love her work. She is currently employed at Mane Street Hair Studio as a Salon Assistant. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Cosmetology license and attend a training program to earn an Emergency Medical Technician certification.
Staff Spotlights:
Clara Morgan – School Counselor
Mrs. Morgan joined the TCHS Pickering team last month, and she is thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic school community. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Eastern University and her master’s degree at West Chester University, where she worked as a research assistant. Mrs. Morgan began her career in education as a long-term substitute school counselor at Coebourn Elementary School and then transitioned to being a high school counselor in the Brandywine School District. One of her favorite things about TCHS is the diversity in technical programs offered and how these programs uniquely prepare students for high-demand careers.
Kelly Schnarrs – Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Schnarrs started at TCHS Pickering this school year in the Cosmetology program after working as a substitute for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Mrs. Schnarrs previously worked as a photographer, freelance graphic designer and marketing manager. She especially enjoys the school climate of TCHS Pickering and appreciates coming to work every day surrounded by positive and happy people. Mrs. Schnarrs is grateful to have a school family where she can plant some roots and build relationships with students and faculty.
Todd Anderson – Instructional Assistant
Mr. Anderson joined our staff at the beginning of the school year and works in the Automotive Service Technology program. After graduating from Philadelphia University, he has pursued a variety of careers including working for his family’s automotive collision center, rising in the ranks of a wallpaper design firm to become the head designer and studio manager and recently started his own small business. Mr. Anderson has always held educators in high esteem and feels especially fortunate to be a part of the TCHS Pickering family and the inclusive and diverse team who strive to make a difference in the world, to each other and especially our students.
Upcoming Dates:
3/1 - Open House
3/25 - Career & Training Fair
3/31 - End of the 3rd Marking Period
Program Spotlight: Electrical Occupations
The Electrical Occupations program is taught through a combination of classroom, laboratory and real work experiences. This program prepares students with a strong foundation to begin employment in the electrical industry or pursue further education. The curriculum covers basic electricity, residential wiring and service connections, commercial wiring and light industrial wiring. This comprehensive program provides students with the skills to become construction electricians or enter a college engineering program. Students have the opportunity to start their college career early, earning up to four college credits, with a dual-enrollment course that is taught within the course work of the program.
Electricians power the world in which we live, and this requires high-tech skills. That’s why electricians are in such demand. Construction electricians lay out, assemble, install and test electrical fixtures and wiring used in electrical systems on construction sites. Students are introduced to conduit bending and threading, anchoring systems and other types of raceways.
Students at the TCHS Pickering Campus have the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge by performing live jobs around the school or by working on offsite community service projects. They also have the opportunity to work in our full-scale model home. In the home project, students install a 200amp service and rough wire the kitchen, bathroom and living areas to meet the national electrical code standards. The students complete the finish wiring, including hanging light fixtures, switching and outlets. Students also do job shadows and have cooperative education opportunities
This program also includes content surrounding solar and renewable energy systems by installing a solar array on the roof of our model home. Students investigate wind, nuclear and hydro power systems.
Types of careers you can pursue:
- Electrician Commercial & Industrial Equipment Repairer
- Sales Engineer
- Electrical Products Engineer
- Electrical Contractor
- Electrician Technician
- Plant Electrical Contractor
- Residential
Industry Certifications:
- S/P2
- Snap-on Digital Multimeter
- OSHA/Career Safe 10-Hour Certification
- Skills Certificate (based on NOCTI)