When the Fall 2012 Term Begins, Lake Tech will open its virtual bookstore and marketplace. This innovative approach will allow students to buy books and supplies online, buy used books, and sell back their books. We will pilot the virtual bookstore with a couple of programs that have start dates this spring and summer before we become completely virtual in August. We are excited that our students will be able to save money and time!
Mark Your Calendars!
- Advisory Committee Event and Meeting – February 23, 6 pm
- GeorgeFest Parade – February 25, 10 am
- Teacher of the Year Event – February 25, 6 pm
Academic Affairs
Arts, AV & Communication
Digital Design students completed their first big design project – timed and combining two software program skills. They each designed postcards for two locations, with specific client requirements. It was much more challenging than they thought with a deadline component, but very exciting to see their bookwork applied to a real marketing piece. The printed postcards will be in the display case outside of the class (that’s B-bldg if you haven’t visited in a while).
Monday morning is going to be a big deal for Digital Design as we will host the SkillUSA Qualifier for the Advertising Design contest. This will determine the three adult students who will represent Lake Tech at the Regional level. Six judges, consisting of Advisory Committee members and graduates who are very successful graphic designers, will be on campus to judge and give the students direct feedback. It’s sure to be a great Monday!
Business Management & Administration
Six new students started the Accounting and Administrative Assistant programs on Monday. They are all doing well and the online Discussion Boards are lively. One student has come in with a great deal of work experience and has contributed invaluable information to the Employability Skills discussions. What a great opportunity for the dual-enrolled students!
Last Tuesday, the Accounting Operations students came back to class excited about the past week they spent being trained as a tax preparer. All of the students earned their certificate and said that although the tax laws were not difficult, the program they learned, TaxWise, was a challenge. We’re proud of them all for earning their certificate and beginning the volunteer tax preparation for the United Way.
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, provided by United Way of Lake and Sumter (UWLS) Counties, is entering its fourth year of operations. If your household income was $50,000 or less in 2011 you qualify for FREE Tax preparation through the VITA program.
United Way’s goal is to save its residents hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees and high interest rate loans associated with Rapid Refund offers. Last year, UWLS filed 449 tax returns, and this year the goal is to double that number. In addition to saving filers tax preparation fees, United Way’s IRS-certified volunteers make every effort to ensure taxpayers receive their often unclaimed credits. Last year’s average refund was over $6,000. Taxpayers will receive their refunds in 7-10 days with free e-filing and direct deposit. United Way will offer VISA bankcards for tax filers without a bank account to receive their refunds.
United Way is offering a self-serve FAST site at Lake Tech. FAST sites are geared toward individuals who are computer literate and may only need some assistance in preparing their own tax return. Computers, tax software and trained volunteers are provided to help individuals prepare their own tax returns. No appointments are necessary for the FAST site. The FAST site will open in February.
Education and Training
For those people thinking about a career as a child care worker… Classes began on January 21. Students can register online at www.myflorida.com/childcare/training. Before registration is complete, payment must be received in Admissions. The cost has recently been decreased (yes, decreased) so check it out! Students must pass a state competency test in order to receive a certificate. Test registration information will be given during the first day of class. Classes meet either Tuesday evening or Saturday and are held at the Lake Tech main campus.
Health Science
The Evening LPN students will be graduating very soon!! The Day LPN students celebrated with them by providing pizza and cake for lunch on Friday. The students and instructors enjoyed the yummy food and especially the fact that they are almost finished with the program. On February 21, six employer representatives will be on campus for a mini-career fair. All of the Evening LPN students will have the opportunity to discuss job openings with the recruiters.
Last Friday, the first class of Patient Care Technicians graduated. Instructor Kathy Girard was very proud of her group!
The Medical Assisting students are learning to draw blood – so if you faint at the sight of it – don’t stop by the classroom!!
Instructor Beth Thornton will hold monthly information sessions for the Medical Assisting program. Through the sessions, which will be held the first Tuesday of the month at 4 pm, potential students will be provided with the opportunity to learn more about the program and the specifics about how to enroll.
Human Services
The Cosmetology students who are SkillsUSA members will be having a “run-off” competition on Monday with guest judges. This contest will determine which students will represent Lake Tech at the regional contests in March. Good luck students!
Adult Education
We’ve had a great start to our second semester. First of all, many of our previous students re-enrolled and many wonderful new students joined us. We are excited to work with all of them. Second, thanks to the wonderful new posters that our department purchased, the room is looking very professional. These posters show former GED and AAAE students in the various programs at Lake Tech and serve to encourage our current students to continue their education and pursue their goals. Last, but not least, we’ve had several students test this week and achieve amazing scores. One of these students moved up to the GED level and another completed our program and entered the Auto Collision program.
As you may know, enrollments in Adult Education have been adversely affected throughout the state by the new tuition policy. Our programs were not immune. Nevertheless, we know that where there is a will, there is a way. We are happy to announce that through some strong recruitment efforts, enrollment is on its way back—and with some effort, may even exceed last year’s marks. Also, we are happy to announce that enrollment at the new Mascotte location started strong. Check out these pictures for proof:
opens IMAGE file 
opens IMAGE file 
opens IMAGE file 
opens IMAGE file
In addition, Adult Education at Lake Tech is going through a “re-branding” process. This process is about focusing on career pathways in some new and different ways. We want our students to understand that GED is, truly, just the beginning. Here is a picture of our new banner that will be used for marketing and class engagement:
Student Affairs
Lots of January birthdays in the Admissions Department this month. The team took a few minutes to celebrate!
opens IMAGE file 
opens IMAGE file 
opens IMAGE file 
opens IMAGE file
Staff Development
Webinar: Free Resources for Literacy and ESL Instruction on Wednesday, February 8th at 3:00 pm Presented by: Todd Evans, Technology and Product Training Coordinator
Marketing
Did you know that we have begun advertising in the Lake County high schools’ newsletters? We are hoping students see Lake Tech as a viable option upon graduation from high school and also a way to jump start their careers through dual enrollment. Check out the ad that is currently running.
In the Community
- Jack Miller and Diane Culpepper will be attending a tour of GW Schultz in Tavares sponsored by the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida.
- Trudy Dailey will be decorating a table for the February 8 Eustis Chamber Breakfast. Our theme is “Made in America – A Career in a Year!” The table decorations will be part of the George Washington birthday festivities culminating in the GeorgeFest parade on February 25 at 10 am. Of course, Lake Tech will have a float in the parade again this year.
- Diane Culpepper will be making a presentation about the Lake Tech and the new Mascotte facility to the Education Committee of the South Lake Chamber on February 6.
- DeAnna Thomas will be part of a panel discussion at Leadership Lake Education Day on February 8.
- Lake Tech will participate in the South Lake Community Green Festival on Saturday, March 17.