Technology courses giving Sweet Home an advantage
by DAVID F. SHERMAN Managing Editor

Technology education was on the mind of Sweet Home Central School District board members last week.

At the March 18 meeting, high school faculty outlined the innovative program available to select students, stressing the preparation it offers to college.

Ed Hawkins, peer coordinator for the program, told board members that students who successfully complete the program are able to obtain academic credit upon enrollment at Erie Community College. There is a possibility of other postsecondary schools also granting credit.

"Agreements are in place with ECC for certification. Approval from Niagara County Community College is in progress, and approval from the Rochester Institute of Technology is pending," Hawkins said.

Up to 12 credit hours are granted by ECC, he added.

The 9-12 technology program is intense, with students required to maintain an 85 average or better. Those who complete it and advance to a college technology or engineering program have an advantage over entry-level students, according to alumni who have reported back to Hawkins.

"We would like to increase enrollment, but staffing could become an issue," he said. "We want to retain more students and attract more girls as well."

Hawkins said the department reaches out to eighth-graders during pre-high school orientation sessions, hoping to attract them before schedules are set.

"What they get here really lets them know what engineering is all about," he said.

In other board activity:

• A public hearing on the proposed 2008-09 budget will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at Sweet Home High School, 1901 Sweet Home Road.

• Petitions to run for a seat on the Board of Education must be filed by Monday, April 21. Board Member Scott Johnson is seeking re-election. Voting on the budget and the board seat will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 20.

• Proposed physics and food science textbooks were reviewed by the board following faculty presentations.

• Beverly Ann Shipe was recognized by the board for being named Nurse Practitioner of the Year.