Principal’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….

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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!  

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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.

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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.

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Upcoming Dates:

3/1 - Open House

3/25 - Career & Training Fair

3/31 - End of the 3rd Marking Period

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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)