And the winner is...

Logo Design Contest 

Post By: Kaleena Guzman

Our Graphic Design students love the opportunity to participate in competitions allowing them to put the skills and techniques they learned in the classroom to work on jobs they would find themselves facing in the field.

Louise Murphy's Winning Logo

Last year, Rob Werner from Concord Energy and Environment Committee came into the Graphic Design class in search of a new logo for his committee. Instructor Tom Mungovan created a project for his seniors to handle the task. Over 80 logos were submitted for approval! Rob and his committee picked 6 finalists and held a public contest at the Harvest Supper last year. Louise Murphy’s design was chosen as the winner. Louise is a 2012 graduate of the Graphic Design Program and is continuing her education at Southern New Hampshire University.

Tyler Rizzo's Winning Logo

Earlier this year, Will and Teddy Brunkhorst contacted the Graphic Arts club and asked the members to create a logo for their organization, Blackwater Nordic. About 25 designs were submitted. After careful consideration, Tyler Rizzo, a junior in the Graphic Arts program, was chosen as the winner. Tyler’s winning design earned him $100.00!

Student Assessment at CRTC

Student Assessment at CRTC

Post by: Will Brunkhorst

CRTC instructors must assesses their students’ knowledge/skills, but the process is not traditional. At the heart of the process is a one to one quarterly meeting between each student and his/her instructor. Much more info can be found on the website (www.thecrtc.net select the ASSESSMENT & SPUR link on the left).

For this article I will distinguish between two distinctly different forms of assessment as they relate to our philosophical approach to education here at CRTC.

Assessment of Learning (Summative) is the assessment of a student’s knowledge/skills after instruction, as with an end of unit test or a standardized exam. Summative assessment provides information regarding a student’s knowledge/skills, but only at the time that the assessment was performed.

Assessment for Learning (Formative) is the assessment of a student’s knowledge/skills during the instruction and learning process.  Observations and conclusions are used by the instructor to adjust instruction and curriculum in order to enhance and improve learning.

Formative Assessment

Summative Assessment

CRTC staff puts significant effort and resources into the process of formative assessment. Regular assessment of a student’s knowledge/skills, coupled with constructive, non-threatening feedback during the learning process is difficult for instructors but vitally important. Adjustments to instruction and curriculum are far more beneficial when made during the learning process, not after.

Teacher Spotlight:Sharon Bean

Sharon Bean
Health Science and Technology

About: Lives in Concord with husband, two boys and dog :)

Education: Nursing, RN, from, Norwich University
Master Degree from New England College

Experience: 27 years experience as an RN:
Areas of specialty: Hospice, Psychiatric, Ambulatory Care, Infusion Therapy, Medical Surgical, Case Management, Telemetry.

Interests: Fitness, Wellness, and life long learner

November Tidbits of Classroom News

Culinary Arts 

Post by: Bob McIntosh

The past few weeks have seen second year culinary students working their way through a national sanitation and food safety course called Servsafe. The program is sponsored through the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation and is recognized nationwide. Through hard work and lots of studying sixteen students passed their proctored certification exam and earned Servsafe managers certificates from NRAEF. These certifications are recognized by culinary colleges as successful completion of a course and are articulated so students can get ahead and take another course in their first semester. They are also recognized by the restaurant industry resulting in promotions, raises and many students being hired because they are certified. Congratulations to the students; your hard work paid off.

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Post by: John Hubbard

Construction Technology I students have been busy building form and pouring concrete. This is the first time in recent years that concrete has been formed, mixed, and poured in the Construction technology lab. Students used math skills to estimate the amount of concrete needed, safety skills during construction of the forms, framing skills to construct the forms, and team skills in pouring the concrete. The end product, an 8 inch by 8 inch by 16 inch block will be used to assemble concrete block walls in the shop.

Construction Technology II students are in the closing stage of assembly of the mock-up house. The mockup is 16 feet by 16 feet with 2 stories and a gable roof. Students will use the mock-up to sharpen their skills in siding, roofing, drywall, installing doors, installing windows, assembling stairs, metal framing, interior finish work, and installing kitchen cabinets.

A small group of Construction Technology II students took a Saturday to work with Mr Hubbard on the installation of new exterior stairs at the Friends shelter at 30 Thompson St in Concord. The old stairs were removed and the new stairs installed in less than6 hours.b

Automotive Tech

Post by: Phil Bill & Scott Mayotte

On October 12, at the NH Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., CRTC Automotive students were among 800 high school students from all over NH who got under the hood and into the driver’s seat at an automotive career expo hosted by NH Automobile Dealers (NHADA), the NH Automotive Education Foundation (NHAEF) and NH’s Community Colleges.

The colleges and area dealers showcased a variety of vehicles, new technology, including computerized diagnostic systems. College admissions personnel answered questions about educational opportunities and financial aid.

“Students are surprised to learn of the variety of careers in the auto industry in New Hampshire. In addition to technicians, we have jobs in information technology, finance, and sales,” said Tom Cavanaugh, fixed operations director of the AutoServe Dealerships. “Technicians can earn a salary of $70,000 or more, and work in a comfortable environment with advancement opportunities. These are financially rewarding careers in an industry that has really evolved into a high-tech, sophisticated enterprise with the demand for a broad range of skills.”

The students were also given an opportunity to join interactive contests and various hands-on activities. Before leaving, the students were required to visit each college booth and report on something they learned and liked at each stop. All students attending this event gave positive comments about the college programs, the co-ops, and available opportunities in the automotive industry.

Teacher Preparation

Post by: Val Flanders

As part of the second year of the Teacher Preparation Program, students complete a year-long internship in the community. The students have the opportunity to request placements in classrooms based on the grade level and/or subject matter they are interested in teaching in the future. This year, the senior internship requests ranged from working with students in kindergarten to 8th grade and in specialized subjects like art, special education, social studies, and science. All 23 seniors are currently placed in public schools in Concord, Penacook, and Pembroke. Students on internship are working toward gaining more advanced skills in areas such as professionalism, classroom management, differentiating instruction, and planning and teaching lessons.

While the senior internships have common goals, each cooperating teacher helps to make the internship a unique experience for every student. The cooperating teachers are selected to participate in the internship program based on their teaching style, experience, and enthusiasm for helping to train these future teachers. The cooperating teachers give students a variety of responsibilities while they are in their classrooms. Teacher Preparation students have already started completing tasks such as leading reading groups, providing math support, teaching grammar, giving spelling tests, and assisting with science research projects. They look forward to many more teaching experiences as the year goes on!

Graphic Arts

Post by: Tom Mungovan

This month the students were rewarded with college visits from The Art Institute of Boston and New England Institute of Technology. They both presented a very professional explanation of their schools and provided the students with much to think about for their college choices. They were also privileged to listen to and talk with two guest industry speakers; Ryan Nicholson from Jmaze Web Services & Designs and Rebeka Sobadacha from Sobadacha Designs. We all felt honored they would take time out of their busy day to come speak with us. It gave the students the chance to hear real life stories of how people in the industry have succeeded, and the miss-steps they might have taken and the actions taken to correct them. We have our advisory meeting on the 19th, and I am excited to include new members for a more dynamic team to make sure that we are staying current! Currently the Juniors are working in Photoshop designing DVD movies covers and the Seniors are working in Illustrator and Photoshop designing a 3D Cereal box.

Programming

Post by: Joe Messineo

We continue to be challenged learning to write programs to control our robot’s behavior in order to solve challenges. Students are writing computer programs to control motors navigating obstacle courses and completing numerous programming challenges. Next we will be rounding the corner from wire-tethered and autonomous programming to wireless control and remote sensing.

Students will learn how to program the sensors and buttons available on a remote wireless device to control their robot. As this semester progresses we will also discover the world of remote sensing, utilizing a wide variety of sensors such as ultrasonic rangefinders, and light sensors to detect and react to changes in environment. Remote sensing will allow our robots to navigate mazes and complete challenges based on feedback from their sensors.

Criminal Justice

Post by: Scott Lane

Attention! Uniform Inspection.

New Criminal Justice logo to appear on uniforms

The Criminal Justice Program joins Auto mechanics, Culinary, and Cosmetology in requiring students to wear uniforms. One of the goals of the CRTC is to give students exposure to industry standards. “Uniforms are a requirement for most entry level positions in the criminal justice field.” said Criminal Justice instructor Chief Scott Lane. The uniform will consist of a navy blue polo shirt and tan tactical pants. A new Criminal Justice logo was developed by CRTC Graphics Design Program Instructor Tom Mungovan. It will be worn on the left breast of the shirt.

The crisp, clean uniform of the police officer conveys power and authority. Clothing has a powerful impact on how people are perceived, and this goes for the police officer as well. A well maintained uniform portrays professionalism, trust, and competency in an officer. The uniform of a police officer has been found to have a profound psychological impact on those who view it.

Most people can identify a police officer by the official police uniform. Criminals usually curb their unlawful behavior when they spot a uniformed police officer in the area. Many parents teach their children to respect and trust a person in the police uniform. Police
academy recruits relish the day when they may finally wear their official police uniforms. “Wearing your uniform as you march in formation at recruit graduation is a very proud moment for new police officers.” Said Chief Lane., “And one that many of our students in the criminal justice program will have the privileges of experiencing.”

Cosmetology

Post by: Kim Hannon

Got Pink? That was Crimson Creations Salon motto for the month of October. The cosmetology class is about giving back to the community. Their cause for October was Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.The junior and senior Cosmetology class created a team four years ago called Crimson Creations Cuts 4 A Cure. The team did a wonderful job raising money by showing of their skills in the salon by hosting a Friends and Family night of glamour and fun. The seniors were able to offer services such as manicuring
and hair cutting with a dash of pink. The juniors offered great customer service by greeting clients. The team was able to create a Wall of Hope from the salon proceeds and sponsors of those who walked. We were able to raise over $1,000!

The Past and The Future - How to BEST Communicate Student Performance and Get the Most Out of Students

by Director Steve Rothenberg
sroth@concordnhschools.net

At its root, performance reporting, in whatever form it assumes is all about communication. Communication to help students, educators and families assess an individual student’s performance and growth; in doing so make a plan to achieve future appropriate educational goals.

Historically the determination process to create a grade has been extremely convoluted. We’ve embraced giving schools and teachers a great deal of latitude in determining a reporting (grading) systems. This was the norm. We’ve all experienced grading systems that involve total points, percentage breakdowns (homework, tests..), bonus points, and more. The systems used reflected the values associated with the particular entity providing the educational experience (teacher and/or school). Ultimately students worked to develop the adaptive skills necessary to figure out these systems.

Yet those adaptation skills are not necessarily what research shows help students to improve. Rather than adaptive skills, we want students to develop ownership skills. Performance objectives needs to be defined (transparent) and scoring must align without prejudice.

The good news is that over the past few years performance reporting systems have begun to change considerably with high schools as the last frontier. We are proud that the CRTC has been leading the way in this area.

Quality systems don’t label student performance with one number or letter; nor do they merge behaviors (homework completion rate) and understandings (demonstration of hard skills) into one score. If there were one theme to summarize the future - it would be separate reporting.

For example the CRTC separates reporting of hard and soft skills. A students who is bright, knows his/her material, demonstrate his/her knowledge, but is lousy at doing homework would get a 4 or 5 (out of 5) in hard skills, but would get a 1 or 2 (out of 5) on work ethic. This level of reporting allows teacher and parents to have the most meaningful discussion with students so the student can adjust their future educational targets and career plans.

We are still stuck behind transcripts that share one element of reporting data per course (a single number or letter). All of our hard work is sadly compromised at this final stage. Schools throughout New Hampshire are changing their transcripts and report cards to better reflect performance. Ultimately to tell a more complete story. In our conversations with local colleges like UNH, Plymouth State University and Keene State, they are willing to embrace performance reports in many different formats.

To summarize, I want to challenge those of you with extensive work experience, to reference a great performance review you’ve hopefully received from a caring boss at some point in your career. That boss knew you, your strengths, your weaknesses and was able give you honest performance feedback that, most importantly, gave you targets to improve. This clarity, as well as a potential raise, may have motivated you to improve. Now, apply that to report cards. School are moving slowly to change our age-old model, but it is taking time. We are especially proud of our report cards and I think you will see how far we’ve come.

Spotlight on: Health Science and Technology

HOSA Students working the blood drive

Post by: Instructor Sharon Bean sbean@concordnhschools.net

Program basics: Health Science and Technology (HST) is a program for students interested in being future healthcare professionals. The first year introduces students to the core material needed by most health care workers. The curriculum is based upon the New Hampshire Health Science standards. Emphasis is focused on body functions, medical terminology, and safety principles. During the second year,  tudents are able to receive college credit for Medical Terminology and Exercise Science, and upon successful completion are able to become certified Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA). Upon successful completion of the two year program students potentially leave with: Certification in First Aid and CPR, LNA certificate, and six college credits.

Where it started and where it is now: Health Science and Technology (HST) has been a program in CRTC since 1978. It originally was a program for training as a hospital housekeeper and LNA. In 1995 when CHS was renovated significant changes took place to include a classroom and lab area and the implementation of a statewide curriculum for Health Science. Today HST is a robust program that is at full student capacity (in fact over-enrolled). It is a great stepping stone opportunity for future healthcare professionals or as career path right out of high school.

Economic Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Nursing is the occupation with highest job growth projections thru 2020. Also in the top 10 are: Home Health Aides, Personal Care Aides. Among other fastest growing occupations is Veterinarian Technicians, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physicians, Medical Secretaries and Medical Assistants.

Facility/Equipment: Health Science Lab is in the process of expansion to include; SIM manikins, state of the art hospital and medical office equipment and supplies.

Successful graduate: Over the past two years, 100% of the students have gone to post secondary schools. Schools of acceptance are: Colby-Sawyer, Endicott College, Great Bay Community College, Hobart and Smith, Keene State, Massachusetts School of Pharmacy and Health Science, Montclair State University, Oral Roberts, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Mount Ida, Plymouth State, Queens University of Charlotte, Quinnipiac, Rivier, St. Anselm's, St. Josephs, St. Michaels, UNH, and University of New England. Primary majors are Nursing, but also include, PA, Pre Med and Veterinary Science.

HST student Grace Hannon donating her
blood during the HOSA blood drive on 10/31

Curriculum: Human structure and function and its effect on wellness, diseases disorders and therapies. Fundamentals of Wellness and Prevention, understanding the healthcare system, multidisciplinary team members, health care policy, regulations and laws, ethics, employment opportunities, communication, leadership, general safety and infection control.


Work-based experiences offered: Throughout the program guest speakers of a multitude of healthcare professionals come into speak to include, Neurosurgeon, family practice MD, Dietician, Radiology Tech, Anesthesiologist, Nurse Anesthetist, RN, Mortician, OT, PT, Blind Association, Audiologist, Opthomologist, Vet Tech, Central Sterile Supply , Hospital Security, Respiratory Therapist, Hospital CEO, Speech Pathologist, and Pharmacist. The choice of speakers is based on student interest and curriculum. We also collaborate with the residents at Presidential Oaks on a monthly basis. Students with specific interests are able to do job shadows (as allowed). We have also had the opportunity to do small group tours of various departments at Concord Hospital and Health South Rehabilitation Hospital.

Affiliated industry partners: Presidential Oaks, Red Cross, Concord Hospital, NHTI, Home Instead Senior Care, and The Prescription Center.

HOSA students at their recent mac &
cheese drive rasieing funds to go to
Cystic Fibrosis.

Highlights:
Certificates- LNA
Dual enrollment- NHTI, MCC
Trips - HOSA- State competition in Manchester, annually, HOSA Nationals either, Anaheim, CA, Orlando, FL or Nashville TN annually.
Special Events: Blood Drives, Manchester Marathon, St. Judes Walk, Cystic Fibrosis events, Presidential Oaks events, Health Fairs, Community fundraising walks.

Future of Program: The Health Science and Technology Program continues to explore growth. Our program works with other similar programs in CTE Centers throughout New Hampshire. We continue to explore adding elements to the program to enhance the experience for students. Our present focus is upon Physical Therapy and Sport Medicine, both of which are very high interest to students. In each case, we need to establish local partnerships to leverage and enhance these investments.

NH Healthy Meals Competition

Above Joey is making his tasty quesadillas.

Saturday November 17th NH Healthy Meals CompetitionPost by: Bob McIntosh

Three CHS Culinary Arts students entered the NH Healthy Meals Competition at the  beginning of October. The contest is a state version of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign. It requires culinary arts students to design a healthy recipe that has student appeal, fits the USDA guidelines for the school lunch program and utilizes local, farm to table ingredients. All recipes will be available for use by school lunch programs across the country.

Finalists were chosen from the recipes submitted and those teams competed November 17 at Southern New Hampshire University by producing their recipes.

One team was Shannon Geher and Zoran Garic cooking their version of apple cider pulled pork sandwiches with apple slaw and roasted potato smiles. The other was Joey Parkinson producing his version of chicken, apple and caramelized onion quesadillas with a brown Spanish rice. Both of our teams were first year culinary students competing against the other teams ,which were all second year students from other schools. All of their hard work paid off as team Shannon and Zoran took 3rd place and Team Joey took 2nd place. Congratulation and well done folks!

Above Shannon & Zoran assemble their trays for the judges. 

CRTC Core Values and Beliefs Statement

We seek feedback on our newly proposed CRTC Core Values and Beliefs Statement.  We've never had a document of this nature although our beliefs have always been strong.

http://concord.tech.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/498202/File/THE%20CRTC%20WAY(1).pdf?sessionid=67c0d98e40481c29b438ea53324f8efb

Please send feedback to Director Steve Rothenberg by calling 717-7654 or by emailing sroth@thecrtc.net

THANKS

Tid bits of Classroom News

Culinary Arts

Post by: Chef Bob Mcintosh

In an exciting kickoff to our year, CRTC culinary classes hosted the “Cooking with the Culinary Institute of America” event on Monday, September 24. Along with all CRTC Culinary Arts students (and some parents) we were joined by students, parents, and staff connected to Culinary Arts Programs at Salem High and Portsmouth High Schools. Everyone was treated to an admissions video, a demonstration on vegan knockwurst by seasoned demonstrator Aaron Baddely, and a lesson on white and dark chocolate mousse by Chef Instructor Paul Prosperi. Lots of information and some great tastings made the day very memorable.

Student teams are also making plans to enter the NH Healthy Meals competition in October and November. The contest requires culinary arts students to design a healthy recipe that has student appeal and fits the USDA guidelines for the school lunch program. Finalists will be chosen from the recipes submitted and those teams will compete in November at Southern New Hampshire University for the bronze, silver and gold medals. All recipes will be available for use by school lunch programs across the country.

Teacher Preparation

Post by: Val Flanders

Talk about an unexpected and interesting start to the school year! During the second week of school, we discovered that the Teacher Preparation building needed major construction and we had to move to another building. Elementary Principal Deb McNeish graciously offered us available space in their newly-built elementary school. In September, we moved both the Teacher Preparation classroom and our lab classroom, Crimson Tide Preschool, to the Abbot-Downing School. The high school students are housed in an upper elementary classroom and the preschool is in a kindergarten classroom. All of our students, high school and preschool, have quickly adjusted to our new environments.


We feel very fortunate to be located in this state of the art building. The high school students are amazed by the design and structure of this school. It has also been a wonderful experience for the high school students to be exposed to the reality of what life in a running elementary school is like. They are seeing all aspects of the school throughout the day. The staff of the Abbot-Downing School has warmly welcomed our students and are sharing teaching materials with us. In the coming months, the high school students will be able to work with some of the elementary students on special projects. We hope to build a strong relationship with the staff and students this year.

Construction Technology

Post by: John Hubbard

Exciting time in Construction Technology! Construction Technology I students are busy working towards completion of their first project. Each student is cutting and assembling pieces for their individual sawhorses. The project involves the use of power tools such as circular saws, table saws, electric drills, and orbital sanders. Math skills and safety are heavily stressed throughout the project.

Construction Technology II students have begun construction of a two story building in the shop area. Upon completion, the building will be used by the students in refining their hard skills like roofing, siding, drywall, stairs, plumbing, electrical, windows, doors, and kitchen cabinets.

On September 21, all Construction Technology students attended Construction Career Days at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds. Over 1,200 students from high school construction programs attended the two day event. Students were exposed to over 50 different careers, many with hands on activities. Some of the careers included architecture, heavy equipment operation, surveying, and welding.

The Construction Tech Program also does work in the community.  This month we are working on the stairs at the Friends Program Homeless Shelter on Thompson Street.

Health Science & Technology

Post by: Sharon Bean 

This year's enrollment is exciting for several reasons. Number one, the students are a great group of kids that are eager to learn. Number two, according to the US Department of Labor Statistics, “in health care and social assistance are expected to have the fastest rate of growth over the next 10 years, adding a projected 4.0 million new wage and salary jobs, or 27 percent percent of all new nonagricultural wage and salary jobs” (http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2007/11/art5full.pdf).

To start off the year, the Health Science students were invited to Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital (HSRH) at 254 Pleasant Street in Concord for “Career Day” in honor of Rehabilitation Week. While at HSRH, students were introduced to several health care professionals who are currently active in their professions including the CEO of HSRH, the Chief of Nursing, a Speech Pathologist, an Occupational Therapist and a Physical Therapist. Students were also given a tour of the state of the art rehabilitation facility. Throughout the year guest speakers of various disciplines will come to class to share their expertise and pathway to their profession. This month we have a Respiratory Therapist from Concord Hospital, the CEO, Mike Green of Concord Hospital and a Cystic Fibrosis patient from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center coming into class.

Students are also invited to and attending a six week educational series sponsored by Dartmouth Community Medical School titled, “It’s Personal: Medicine’s evolution away from one size fits all”. This program is voluntary and takes place on Tuesday evenings from 7pm-9pm in Manchester or Nashua. Lastly, we had our semi-annual Blood Drive on October 31, 2012 from 8am- 2pm in the Concord High School Gymnasium.

Automotive Technology

Post by: Scott Mayott & Phil Bill

On September 20th, Automotive Technology had their annual Engine Night. Trucks, trailers, and even one minivan lined the street as students waited in anxious anticipation of dropping off their engine. You could feel the excitement as the engines were unloaded by the Auto I students and their parents. Four Auto II students were invited to help, so that number swelled as some of the students and parents stayed to help others with the unloading of their engines.

On Friday, October 12, all of the CRTC Auto Tech students attended NHASA Automotive Day at New Hampshire International Speedway. The event included: exhibitions and demonstrations of new technologies and a chance to meet college representatives. Our students enjoyed the day and made a number of great connections.

Fire Science

Post by: Steve Rothenberg

We continue to finalize plans for a Fire Science Program starting in 2013/2014. The actual offerings will be finalized in the next two months, but the expected plan is to offer Fire Science I, in the spring semester of 2014 and EMT the following year. Fire Science I will run from 7:45 am to 10:45 am daily. We continue to work with the Concord Fire Department as well as the State Fire Academy to create the best configuration. This will be a unique offering in any case and unprecedented for us. There will not be one teacher - instead a mix of Certified Fire Science trainers will be teaching it. It is also very possible that much of the programming will take place at the Fire Academy at Smokey Bear Drive off Route 106 including on weekends to do hands-on activities. This raises transportation issues and other challenges, but on the other hand provides us the most authentic setting. We are definitely blazing (bad pun) a new trail with this program. More news coming.

Information Technology

Post by: Joseph Messineo

We have a very exciting semester in Info Tech as we begin the year with Robotics. Students will be learning the fundamentals of science & engineering through the hands-on activity of building and programming robots.

Students are challenged to use Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to solve problems and complete individual challenges using both physical robots and robots in Virtual Worlds.

SPUR Conferences and Performance Reviews

Post by: Will Brunkhorst

At CRTC our motto is “Students Own their Education”.  With ownership comes personal responsibility, and daily attention.

In a traditional classroom setting students perform their work, instructors talley scores, and assign a grade. At CRTC rather than “grading” students, we prefer to think of the process as a “performance review”, much like a performance review at work.

This is the fourth year of our SPUR (Student Performance upon Understanding Review) process.  Our staff invented the SPUR in response to their dissatisfaction with the traditional review process.  We believe the SPUR process has evolved into a genuine process that prepares students to be college and career ready.

Our website has extensive information about the SPUR process (under the assessment tab) and we urge all readers to check it out.  A few highlights of the process include:

• Four times a year students formally meet with their instructor for a 15 minute, one to one, “SPUR Conference”. During these private sessions, performance is discussed, feedback provided, and goals for future accomplishments are set or modified. Moreover, instructors and students really get to know one another.
• Students are not handed a grade by instructors. At CRTC students actively participate with the establishment of a grade, and also with the content and direction of their education. Personal responsibility and daily attention to education is expected of students.
• Students must gather data and present their performance against clearly defined competency rubrics.
• Students assess themselves against hard and soft skills.  Our Soft Skills Rubric parallels industry expectations.

Our staff has completed extensive professional development to refine the SPUR Process.  This year we will be adding a peer review element.

Please click here to check out our assessment website for much more information.  Feel free to contact program coordinator Will Brunkhorst (wbrun@concordnhschools.net) to learn more.

Teacher Spotlight: Tom Mungovan

Quick Stats - Graphic Arts Tom Mungovan:

Lives in Merrimack with his wife, three young children.

Owner: Van-Mungo Graphics

Finishing Master’s in Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College

Bachelor’s Degree in  BS in Management, from Franklin Pierce College.

Business Specialty's:

- Graphic Artist for over 20 years

 - Published twice for books on screenwriting and on heavy metal music

- Wrote 29 surrealistic style poetry books

- Founded a non-profit organization called NH Drum Festival

Spotlight on: Graphic Arts & Digital Communication

Post by: Tom Mungovan

In the CRTC’s Graphic Arts and Digital Communications Program, students learn all about becoming a successful graphic designer, from understanding the codes and principles of graphic design to learning typography, color theory and composition. Students learn and gain proficiency at software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign to become well versed and knowledgeable in making the journey from interested novice to budding expert to the industry.

Projects are crafted to represent a real graphic design job in the industry today, while maintaining connections and satisfying State competencies. Students are trained to focus on technical abilities in their designs that promote a professional edge. A little known secret about the Graphic Arts computer lab classroom is one of the best around. It has the most up-to-date software, the fastest computers, 22" wide monitors for optimal graphic workspace, and each computer has a pen tablet for student use. Each student has access to three different printers as well. Being that this industry is presentation and critique heavy, students constantly hone their skills on the same tools used throughout the industry.

A variety of outside speakers come in and "talk shop" with the students; it’s a no-holds barred kind of conversation that opens a lot of eyes. As there are many paths for success, multiple colleges come in to speak directly to the students. The purpose is to entice students to think about college as another avenue to get where they want to go.

Graphic Arts is also aligned with Running Start, a great opportunity for students to be dually enrolled in high school and college at the same time. Simply by signing up, paying a very small fee and taking this class, students can earn up to 12 credits of college without ever having to set foot on an actual college campus! The Seniors or Level 2 students are required to go on internships to a variety of local businesses, including Say It In Stitches and NH Bindery which further enhances their understanding and experiences of being a successful graphic designer.  

In the coming year, the program looks to replace all computers and monitors, upgrades to CS6 from CS5, and explore Adobe Photoshop ACA Certification for students.

This environment of teaching students for 2 years 5 days a week builds up trust and solid relationships. A few of past GA students who are currently enrolled in graphic studies at college, have been e-mailing me their updates. Carl Heath tells me, "thanks Mr. Mungovan for making me so bored in college", and Louise Murphy tells me that, "I feel like I can teach this Photoshop class with everything you taught me already!" I think its fair and honest to admit that I love what I do and take great pride in providing the best education and positive experience I can for my students. Feel free to get in touch with me for any reason, e-mail: tmungovan@concordnhschools.net or 603-225-0800 x6264.