McCann Goal Is Your Success. ... We believe in rigor and relevance for all studies, ... in chapter...

70 Hodges Cross Road | North Adams, Massachusetts 01247

T: (413) 663-5383 • F: (413) 664-9424 • www.mccanntech.org

McCann Technical School

Our Goal Is Your Success

Superintendent’s Letter

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A letter from Superintendent James J. BrosnanMcCann Technical School has been providing quality technical training and an excellent academic

education to students from our seven member communities for more than fifty years. We have an outstanding reputation throughout the Commonwealth, strong partnerships with numerous area employers, and a dedicated and caring faculty. Still, there are a number of misconceptions about what technical education is, and specifically, how it is delivered at McCann.

You are making an important decision about your future when you choose between attending an academic high school and coming to McCann. Our purpose is to help you make the choice that is right for you. In the pages that follow, and especially on our website, we will introduce you to our school and the opportunities available to our students. You may be surprised to learn that:

McCann students receive “two educations in one”. Our students receive the same amount of academic instruction as students enrolled in academic high schools, plus authentic, hands-on instruction in a chosen technical area.

More than sixty percent of our graduates go directly on to college. Some of these students earn college credits while at McCann through Project Lead the Way, articulation agreements and duel enrollment.

Many of our students participate in the co-op program, which allows them to spend weeks of paid employment in their technical major with area businesses.

Graduates who choose to enter the workforce directly after McCann typically have no difficulty obtaining skilled employment in their field.

Our postsecondary programs in dental assisting, medical assisting, surgical technology, practical nursing and cosmetology provide outstanding educational opportunities for area high school graduates.

Our dedication to your future is reflected in our state-of-the-art equipment, our well-maintained facilities, and our commitment to quality education and individual attention provided by a talented and diversified professional staff. We believe in rigor and relevance for all studies, measuring the results of student success, and in building relationships throughout our school community. With our students, parents, teachers, and professionals from local businesses and industry working toward one goal, McCann Technical School is the right choice to prepare you for success.

AdministrationKathleen Millard, Principal

Justin Kratz, Assistant Principal

Mary Lou Accetta, Director of Student Services

School CommitteeDaniel J. Maloney, Jr., Chairperson

Joseph Allard, Adams John Hockridge, North Adams

Richard Bernardi, Clarksburg Alice Houghtaling, Monroe

Aaron Dean, Adams Jana Hunkler-Brule, Florida

George Canales, North Adams Thomas Mahar, Williamstown

James R. Gazzaniga, Williamstown Daniel J. Maloney, Jr., Adams

Paul Gigliotti, North Adams Susan Reinhardt, Savoy

Michael Hernandez, North Adams Gary Rivers, North Adams

Superintendent’s LetterPHILOSOPHY AND GOALS

MissionThe mission of McCann Technical School is to graduate technically skilled, academically prepared, and socially responsible individuals ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

VisionMcCann Technical School is committed to being the leader of quality technical education and academic achievement in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Educational PhilosophyOur educational philosophy is sustained by individuals dedicated to customer focus and satisfaction through continuous improvement. The school community will create a learning environment that motivates and actively engages all students in mastering rigorous academic and technical curricula. This philosophy is implemented by adhering to our core values of communication, achievement, respect and ethics. • Communication strengthens partnership development

and teamwork. • �Achievement is attained through a strong work ethic. • Respect from all guarantees a safe learning environment. • Ethics ensure a dedication to honesty and integrity.

Goals • To increase the percentage of students performing at the

proficient and advanced levels as measured by the grade 10 MCAS and the grade 12 High Schools That Work Assessment.

• To increase the utilization of data to improve student performance.

• To engage students through dynamic and technologically integrated teaching strategies.

• To implement a rigorous and relevant curriculum that is aligned to the academic and technical Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core standards.

• To align technical programs to national standards and accreditation requirements, allowing students to obtain relevant licensure/certifications.

• To promote environmental awareness through green initiatives.

• To develop recruiting strategies to expand community awareness.

Mission Statement

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Mission.Statement.&.Goals. . . . . . 3

Project.Lead.The.Way. . . . . . . . . . 4

SkillsUSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

BPA .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6

Co-Op.Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Business.Technology. . . . . . . . . . 10

Carpentry/Cabinetry . . . . . . . . . . 12

Computer.Assisted.Design. . . . . . 14

Culinary.Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Information.Technology. . . . . . . . 20

Machine.Technology. . . . . . . . . . 22

Metal.Fabrication. . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Course.Offerings. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Graduation.Requirements . . . . . . 26

Math/Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

English/History/Spanish. . . . . . . . 28

Business/Physical.Education. . . . 29

Guidance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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Project Lead the WayProject Lead the Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized pre-engineering program serving over 350,000 students in 50 states. It’s a classroom that’s unlike any other you have experienced. The latest design software and equipment compliment the experiments and creative projects designed, built and tested. Partnerships with notable universities allow students to receive college credit for courses taken at McCann. Acceptance into the program is competitive, based on interest, academic achievement and mathematical ability. Continued involvement is determined by achievement, attendance and disciplinary record. More detailed information is available on our website, www.mccanntech.org.

Project Lead the Way SkillsUSA

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SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. McCann is a 100% member of SkillsUSA, a national organization with more than 300,000 members. All students participate in chapter activities to include the Professional Development Program (PDP) and local, state and national skills competitions.

At the 2011 SkillsUSA state competition McCann students earned gold medals in culinary arts and customer service at the high school level, dental assisting, medical assisting, and job interview at the postsecondary level. Silver medals were earned in engineering technology, mechatronics, welding at the high school level and cosmetology and medical assisting at the postsecondary level. Bronze medals were awarded in automated manufacturing technology, mechatronics, computer maintenance technology, and customer service at the high school level and cosmetology at the postsecondary level.

All state gold medal winners attend the National competition in Kansas City, MO where more than 15,000 people—including students, teachers and business partners—are expected to participate in the week-long event. Competitions include 96 different hands-on trades, technical and leadership fields.

BPA

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I will always be indebted to McCann for providing a solid education which enabled me to attend college and law school. The curriculum was both exciting and challenging. Without the inspiration received from my education at McCann, I may not be who I am today and have my own law practice.”

Thomas W. Rumbolt, Esq.Law Office of Thomas W. RumboltNorth Adams, MA

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Business Professionals of America is the leading CTSO (Career Technical Student Organization) for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields. BPA has more than 51,000 members in over 2,300 chapters in 23 states. BPA is a “co-curricular” organization that supports business and information technology educators by offering curriculum based national standards. Resources and materials are available on-line and designed to be customized to a school’s program.

Students from the business technology and information technology departments attended the Business Professionals of America 2011 National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., May 4th through the 8th. McCann Technical School sent 12 students and 10 received medals for placing among the top 10 in the nation in their individual and/or team events.

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BPA Co-Op Program

AUTOMOTIVEBobby McLear

(Greylock Repair)

MACHINE TECHNOLOGYKyle Rocca(Marland Mold)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Chris Culpepper(Hoosac Bank)

MACHINE TECHNOLOGYDavid Jennings(Tog Machine)

McCann has a very active Cooperative Work Experience Program. Under this program, qualified seniors are able to receive on-the-job experience in their chosen major by spending their technical week as salaried employees of area businesses. These cooperating employers share current industry trends and ensure that students receive valuable experience in business ethics, communication and job preparation and skill materials.

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The field of automotive repair employs over 50,000 people in the state

of Massachusetts alone. Opportunities exist for qualified automotive

technicians in both dealerships and service-shops. The automotive

shop, staffed by two ASE Master Certified instructors, is equipped with

the latest technology and equipment to keep students current with

trends and practices in the automotive field. Recent upgrades to the

automotive shop include four new auto lifts, new tire changing and

balancing machines, an alignment rack, and full sets of Snap-On hand-

tools for student use. A blend of classroom time, working on trainers,

and performing repairs on “live” work in our garage, prepares students

for both further education and immediate entry into the job-force.

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Curriculum FrameworksThe automotive program adheres to the state vocational standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The standards are met by following the McCann automotive curriculum.

Career OpportunitiesAn automotive education prepares students for rewarding careers as master technicians, transmission technicians, drive-ability and electrical specialists, front-end specialists, tire and alignment specialists, service managers, service writers, parts managers, and parts-counter specialists.

With further education automotive students can go on to become service engineers, diesel engine specialists, automotive writers, pit-crew team members, and more.

Additional information is available at www.mccanntech.org.

Certification and Affiliations

Students completing the automotive program are eligible to receive the following certifications:

• SP2 Safety Training

• The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) General Industry Safety and Health certification

• SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System certification

The automotive program is affiliated with the following professional organizations:

• National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)

• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

• Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES)

Business technology prepares students for a wide range of business and

office career paths by combining the business, computer, and business

technology fields into one course of study. Students graduating from business

technology are ready to enter different sectors of the business world with very

marketable skills. Through the four year program, students gain a thorough

knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation,

and desktop publishing applications. In addition, students explore related

business topics such as marketing, business management, customer service,

entrepreneurship, communications, accounting, and finance. Students leave

ready to be effective team members in a business organization or develop

their skills further in college.

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Curriculum FrameworksThe business technology program adheres to the state vocational standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The standards are met by following the business technology curriculum.

Career OpportunitiesPaths for students completing the business technology program include careers in fields such as administration, management, medical, legal, education, entertainment, entrepreneurship, sports management, corporate, finance, marketing, and technology.

With completion of the business technology program and further education students can pursue careers in accounting and finance, business administration, business management, and business marketing.


Students completing the business technology program are eligible to receive the following certifications:

• Microsoft Office Specialist certifications in Word, Word Expert, Excel, Excel Expert, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook

• Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3)

• SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System certification in Customer Service, Employability

• The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) General Industry Safety and Health certification.

The business technology program is affiliated with the following professional organizations:

• Business Professionals of America

McCann Tech is a great school and provides students with a strong foundation whether they are entering college or going directly into the workforce. Personally, I attribute many of my “core” strengths to lessons and experiences I had while at McCann Technical High School!”

Shelley K. GuyetteVice President Human ResourcesBerkshire Bank

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The carpentry program prepares students for careers in construction-

related fields by developing their skills in building construction and

woodworking techniques. Through classroom projects, and actual “live”

work in both the school and community, students learn such skills as

installing roofs, windows, and doors, framing, constructing footings and

foundations, and all aspects of house construction. While developing

these skills students move through the different phases of project-

planning including blueprint creation and reading, estimating costs and

creating material lists, creating work schedules, and completing tasks on

time. Carpentry students can also learn the art of furniture and cabinet

making by electing to take the cabinetry pathway. Regardless of which

path students choose they

will complete the program

with the expertise necessary

to enter directly into the

workforce or pursue further

education.

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Curriculum FrameworksThe carpentry program adheres to the state vocational standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The standards are met by following the McCann carpentry/cabinetry curriculum.

Career OpportunitiesUpon completion of the carpentry program students can go on to careers as carpenters, building construction workers, remodelers, furniture makers, estimators, and maintenance and renovation employees.

With further education students from carpentry can pursue careers as architects, building engineers, construction managers, civil engineers, and contractors.


Students completing the carpentry program are eligible to receive the following certifications:


• The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) General Industry Safety and Health Certification

Careers in the fields of drafting and design and manufacturing require

designers that are competent, knowledgeable, and highly skilled in the

use of modern drafting technology and methods. The CAD department

trains students on state-of-the-art computer equipment utilizing the

latest software including AutoCAD, SoftPlan, SolidWorks, Pro/Engineer,

as well as Maya 3D Animation. A variety of 3D printers allow students

to take the design process all the way to its final end with the creation

of a working prototype of their design. Creating technical drawings,

computer animations, and working prototypes prepares students to

pursue careers in manufacturing, construction, animation, or further

their CAD education at the college level.

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Curriculum FrameworksThe CAD program adheres to the state vocational standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The standards are met by following the McCann CAD curriculum.

Career OpportunitiesUpon completion of the CAD program at McCann students are prepared to undertake careers as CAD operators, layout designers, structural drafters, mechanical drafters, civil drafters, computer animation technicians, and architectural drafters.

With further education, students who have completed the CAD program can pursue careers as architects, mechanical engineers, injection mold designers, civil engineers, 3D animators, electrical or electronic engineers, and aeronautical engineers.


Students completing the CAD program are eligible to receive the following certifications:


• The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) General Industry Safety and Health certification.

The co-op program at McCann establishes a foundation for students that gives them an advantage when entering the workforce after college. Graduating college with a degree and prior work experience on a resume gives McCann students a significant advantage over other college graduates.”

Chad M. RichardSoftware EngineerGeneral Dynamics

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The culinary arts program is proud to be Berkshire County’s only culinary

program certified by the American Culinary Federation. This distinction

is a direct result of the high quality culinary education our students

receive. Students enrolled in culinary arts progress from the fundamentals

of baking and cooking to the more creative aspects of the field. In

addition to daily assignments in our modern kitchens, opportunities for

students to apply their knowledge are provided through participation

in our school cafeteria, “Tea Room” restaurant and bake-shop, the

annual Gourmet Dinner, as well as SkillsUSA competitions. The demand

for qualified employees in the hospitality

fields is growing and graduating from the

culinary arts program will help ensure you

are ready to pursue a career in this exciting

area or further develop your skills at a

postsecondary institution.

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Curriculum FrameworksThe culinary arts program adheres to the state vocational standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The standards are met by following the McCann culinary arts curriculum.

Career OpportunitiesAfter completing the culinary arts program students are prepared to enter careers as a baker’s assistant, prep cook, line cook, restaurant wait personnel, caterer, food service management trainee, dining room management trainee, dietary aide, kitchen assistant, meat fabricator, concessionaire, host personnel, garde’ manager, and fast food manager.

With further education, students who have completed the culinary program can pursue careers as a bakery owner, restaurant owner, food service manager, kitchen manager, executive chef, banquet chef, sous chef, pastry chef, dining manager, restaurant manager, food stylist photographer, food and beverage director, dietitian, food critic, Maiter D’, research chef, or chef instructor.


Students completing the culinary arts program are eligible to receive the following certifications:

• Servsafe Certification



Electricians install and maintain electrical systems that are essential for life

in the 21st century. As the sophistication of these systems has increased,

so has the demand for skilled workers with the training and experience to

design, install, troubleshoot, and repair these systems. The electricity program

prepares students for electrical careers in residential, commercial, and industrial

settings. Students begin with the basics of residential wiring and over their

four years in the program acquire skills in more advanced electrical work

including photovoltaic (solar) wiring, programmable logic controls, burglar

and fire alarm wiring, and network

wiring. Further education after high

school, or entry right into the work

force, are both viable options for

our students after completion of the

electricity program.

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Curriculum FrameworksThe electricity program adheres to the state vocational standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The standards are met by following the McCann electricity curriculum.

Career OpportunitiesUpon completion of the electricity program students are prepared to undertake careers as residential electricians, commercial electricians, telecommunications installer, and utility company workers.

With additional education and experience electricity students can go on to become electrical engineers, electrical contractors, industrial electricians, fire alarm and security systems specialists, motor repair technicians, photovoltaic installers and technicians, HVAC technicians, telecommunications technicians and power line technicians.


Students completing the electricity program are eligible to receive the following certifications:

• Journeyman’s Electricians License


• The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) General Industry Safety and Health Certification.

Information technology (IT) is one of the most rapidly growing fields in the

United States today. As technology expands and develops at an exponential

rate the need for highly qualified information technology specialists will

continue to grow. The overall employment in the information technology field is

expected to increase 30% between 2011 and 2018, which is significantly higher

than the national average for all other occupations. Information technology

students engage in an intense and thorough experience that encompasses

every part of the information technology profession. This includes computer

repair and maintenance, networking, programming, web-design, computer

security, and resolving network issues for large corporations and businesses

among many others. IT students also gain hands-on experience with the latest

developments in hardware and software technologies; including networks

and operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, Unix, and new-

generation web-based applications. Whether you go straight to college or

enter directly into the workforce the information technology program is a

great step towards a successful future.

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Curriculum FrameworksThe information technology program adheres to the state vocational standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The standards are met by following the McCann information technology curriculum.

Career OpportunitiesUpon completion students are prepared to enter the careers of computer support specialist, network technician, computer programmer, web designer, technical communicator, and data base specialist.

With additional education and experience students can continue as computer engineers, software engineers, computer scientists and systems analysts.


Students completing the IT program are eligible to receive the following certifications:

• Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ and Net+ certifications

The IT program is affiliated with the following professional organizations:

• Cisco Networking Academy

• Computing Technology Industry Association

Machinists design and create precision parts and tools that are essential

to an enormous number of industries ranging from aeronautics, plastics,

shipbuilding, and engineering, among many others. These parts and tools are

manufactured through the use of lathes, drill presses, milling machines and

grinders, many of which are Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines.

The machine technology program provides students the opportunity to learn

all the skills demanded of the 21st century machinist. Students follow a course

sequence that starts with the basics of manual machining and progresses to

advanced multi-axis CNC programming, setup, and operation. Qualified and

skilled machinists are presently in high demand and students completing

our program are ready to immediately enter the workforce or continue their

education in college.

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Curriculum FrameworksThe machine technology program adheres to the state vocational standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The standards are met by following the machine technology curriculum.

Career OpportunitiesStudents completing the machine technology program are ready to pursue a career as a precision machinist, machine tool salesperson, CNC operator, mold maker, prototype machinist, tool and die maker, CNC programmer, quality control technician, EDM operator, or mechanical engineer.

With additional education machine technology students can continue in careers such as plastics engineer, mechanical engineer, advance manufacturing engineer, and industrial engineering.


Students completing the machine technology program are eligible to receive the following certifications:

• National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level 1 and Level 2 certificates.

• Mastercam Associate Level Certification



The machine technology program is affiliated with the following professional organizations:

• National Institute for Metal Working Skills (NIMS)

Students in the metal fabrication program alternate between sheet metal and

welding instruction to develop a complete set of metal-working skills. These

skills help students fabricate a virtually limitless number of metal objects

or structures to blue-print specifications. Students practice these hands-

on skills by learning how to operate brakes, shears, presses, rolls, forming

machines, welders, and metal-worker. Extensive instruction is also given in

the various methods of welding such as stick, M.I.G. and T.I.G. welding. Also

covered in the course are cutting processes including plasma arc cutting and

oxyacetylene cutting. Extensive improvements in our metal fabrication shop

result in a state-of-the-art facility for your education including new welding

booths, plasma-cutter, press-

break, and metal-shear. The metal

fabrication department will help

you develop the skills and work-

ethic needed to be successful

whether you decide to enter the

field directly after high school or

pursue further education.

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Curriculum FrameworksThe metal fabrication program adheres to the state vocational standards set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The standards are met by following the metal fabrication curriculum.

Career OpportunitiesUpon graduation students completing the metal fabrication program are ready to pursue careers such as entry-level sheet metal workers, shipbuilders, fabricators, entry-level welders, pipe-fitters, and sheet metal apprentices.

With further education metal fabrication students can go on to careers as forepersons, project cost estimators, project managers, system designers, weld inspectors, mechanical engineers, welding engineers, vocational technical instructors, college instructors, and senior system designers.


Students completing the metal fabrication program are eligible to receive the following certifications:


• The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Construction Industry Safety and Health certification.

The metal fabrication program is affiliated with the following professional organizations:

• American Welding Society entry-level welder certification

McCann Technical School gave me the foundational knowledge to build a successful manufacturing and supply chain leadership career. It is a great advantage understanding the work being performed and having a personal relationship with those doing it.”

John BishopVice PresidentGlobal Transitions - Sikorsky

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Course Offerings Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12MathematicsIntegrated Mathematics I* Integrated Mathematics II* Algebra II* Algebra IIBAlgebra I** Geometry** Algebra II** Foundations of

College Math*Geometry** Algebra II** Pre-calculus** Trigonometry* Pre-calculus** AP Calculus**

ScienceIntroduction to Biology A Introduction to Biology B Introduction to Chemistry Biology A* Biology B* Chemistry* Physics* Biology B** Chemistry** Physics** Anatomy/Physiology* Forensic Science* Virtual Classroom*

English Language ArtsLiterature/ Writing* Literature/Writing* Literature/Writing* Literature/Writing*Literature/ Writing** Literature/Writing** Literature/Writing** Literature/Writing** Virtual Classroom*

HistoryUS History I* US History II* World History I* World History II* World History I** World History II** Virtual Classroom*

Foreign LanguageSpanish* Spanish* Spanish* Spanish* Virtual Classroom*

Computer Technology Computer Application

Business and Economics Personal Finance Business Management

Physical EducationPhysical Education/Health Physical Education/Health Physical Education Physical Education

Project Lead The Way (Honors Level)Introduction to Engineering** Principles of Engineering** Digital Electronics** Engineering Design &

Management**

Technical Studies*College Preparatory Classes, **Honors Classes

Graduation RequirementsStudents must successfully complete all courses, earn 32 credits, and achieve a competency on mandated Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Test in order to receive a diploma.

YEARS CREDITS CREDIT BREAKDOWN4 Years Technical Major 16 4 Credits per year4 Years of English 4 1 Credit per year4 Years of Mathematics 4 1 Credit per year4 Years of Science 4 1 Credit per year4 Years of History 2 .5 Credit per year4 Years of Physical Education 2 .5 Credits per year (½ year of PE, ½ year of Health Grade 9 and 10)

Total Number of Credits 32 ELECTIVES

1 Year of Personal Finance .25 .25 Credits for ½ year1 Year of Business Management .25 .25 Credits for ½ year4 Years of Spanish 2 .5 Credits per year4 Years of Project Lead The Way 4 1 Credit per course, part of program major’s 16 credits

Course Offerings Math/ScienceMATHEMATICSThe design of the mathematics program provides a quality education to all students. This program is being revised and aligned to meet the requirements of the Massachusetts Common Core State Standards. Each course offers a variety of strategies to provide students with opportunities to move toward meeting these standards. The department offers a variety of levels of instruction that meet the needs of our students while ensuring quality instruction.

SCIENCEOur enthusiastic faculty delivers courses in several disciplines, and at various levels in order to meet the needs of all our students and their varied interests. Topics include biotechnology, environmental science, chemistry, nanotechnology, physics, forensics, and anatomy and physiology. Featuring newly renovated state-of-the-art lab facilities and equipment, students develop real-world laboratory skills necessary to participate in the 21st century workforce. Students explore these fields through exercises that include labs on bacterial transformations, ecological river study, DNA fingerprinting, dissections, electroplating, and roller coaster physics. McCann Technical School’s science graduation standards exceed Massachusetts DESE requirements ensuring that students are thoroughly prepared to either enter the workforce or go on to further education.

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English/History/SpanishENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTSFor every career field in the 21st century, communication and critical thinking skills are essential for success. Students develop these skills by analyzing works of fiction and non-fiction and then presenting their thoughts in a variety of formats that include traditional paper-writing as well as through the use of technology. Students encounter works of literature ranging from classics that relate to modern situations and events to contemporary American literature that offers different perspectives on our daily lives. The English staff provides our students with opportunities to develop and share their own thoughts and opinions about material covered in class through a variety of media including discussions, oral presentations, artistic representations, and the use of electronic-medias. The English curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks ensuring that all students are equipped with the knowledge and skills required for college, work, and the 21st century.

HISTORYPart of the mission of McCann Technical School is to graduate socially responsible individuals. To help students develop social responsibility, our history department focuses on helping students acquire an understanding of their role as citizens of their town, state, country, as well as the world at-large. United States and world history courses connect events of the past with what is currently happening in the world to give students a better understanding of the world in which they live. Using a variety of instructional methods including group discussions, textbook readings, reflective writings, interpretation of primary sources, projects, and viewing of historical documents, students develop a deep understanding of history and its importance in helping them grow into productive, participating citizens in a democratic society.

SPANISHStudents acquire a working knowledge of the language system as well as cultural conventions and norms of politeness. This enables them to perform communicative tasks in Spanish and to successfully transmit and receive meaningful messages. Students’ technical areas integrate into the Spanish curriculum through exploring pertinent issues from a Spanish perspective. These connections include work-place diversity, employability skills, positive work behaviors, and underlying principles of technology. Links to academic areas are also developed through the use of hands-on projects, writing, reading, and public speaking. The Spanish curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks and students who complete the Spanish program meet the foreign language requirements necessary for most colleges.

English/History/Spanish Business/Physical EducationBUSINESSFinancial and technology skills that students will use throughout their lives are the focus of business courses and are delivered to the students through hands-on projects. Students will develop their personal computing skills, personal finance abilities, and an understanding of the financial operations of businesses. The legal and ethical aspects of business are also explored, further enhancing the student’s view of the business world and its impact on the economy. Whether going on to run their own business, work within one, or just interact with businesses as part of their daily lives, a working knowledge of the business world is something that will benefit every student enrolled in business courses. McCann partners with South Adams Savings Bank to provide an enhanced personal finance component.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTHThe physical education and health program provides each student with the opportunity to develop their physical fitness and learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. Physical education courses promote an appreciation of lifetime health and fitness. Recreational activities help to instill cooperation, self-discipline, and respect for others through competitive and non-competitive experiences.

Health education courses encourage students to understand human development as it relates to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the individual. This includes building an awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and bullying.

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GuidanceThe McCann guidance department provides a personalized experience for all of our students. Problem solving, academic counseling, personal counseling, school to career guidance, college guidance, and a multitude of referral services are available. The counselors are committed to helping students follow the career pathway that is right for them, whether that means continuing their education or entering the world of work. Each student will have the opportunity to work closely with their counselor in the development of a personalized career plan.Students are encouraged to take advantage of all resources including the after-school homework center which meets Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, in-school peer mediation, library media center, and individual teacher assistance. The Your Plan for College software system enables all students to gain a keen insight into the development of their individual career plan.

Once a new technology rolls over you, if you’re not part of the steamroller, you’re part of the road.” Congratulations on being part of the steamroller!”

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GuidanceHigh School AdmissionsAn admission process is necessary in vocational technical schools where space is a limiting factor. Vocational technical laboratories (shops) are designed and equipped to serve a specific maximum number of students safely. Consequently, a complex of such laboratories lacks both the space and flexibility to accommodate the possible needs and/or interests of all applicants. Therefore, a selection process is necessary to determine which applicants may most benefit from such educational opportunities. All applicants to grades nine through eleven at Northern Berkshire Vocational Regional School District will be evaluated using the criteria contained in our complete admissions policy.

Getting Started • Students and parents complete the first two pages of our application. • Submit the entire application to the student’s current guidance counselor. • Your current guidance counselor will submit the completed application along with

your current transcript to our admissions coordinator. • Applications will be reviewed and scored according to the criteria listed in our

complete admissions policy. • Students will be either accepted, declined or put on a waiting list and will be

notified in the spring. • Applications received after the deadline may not be accepted. If accepted, they will

be evaluated using the same criteria as other applications and their composite score will be computed. They will be placed in rank order on a waiting list with other late applications.

OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT

Eighth Grade ToursAll eighth grade students in our service area should have the opportunity to take a tour of McCann Technical School with their current school. If your student is unable to attend a tour with their school, please contact our director of admissions, Michael Naughton for more information.

Showcase for SuccessEach fall our students and faculty showcase their talents at our open house. During this evening, all technical areas are open and both students and faculty are available to answer questions and give explanations of our programs. All shops have exhibits available. We encourage all members of the community to come and see all we have to offer.

Career Awareness ProgramEach fall a Career Awareness Program takes place at the end of November. The program runs for four weeks, three afternoons per week from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Students in 8th grade are encouraged to participate. All students will have the opportunity to experience each technical area with the guidance of instructors and current students. Transportation is provided from most area middle schools. Specific dates will be posted at www.mccanntech.org as well as on the updated Career Awareness Program application.

Admissions

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Athletics

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Athletics

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Student Activities

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STUDENT LIFE

Student Organizations and Activities• Book Club

• Drama Club

• Mets Television

• National Honor Society

• School Council

• Ski Club

• Yearbook

Athletics

Fall Sports• Boys Soccer

• Girls Soccer

• Cross Country

• Football

• Golf

Winter Sports• Boys Basketball

• Girls Basketball

• Wrestling

• X-Country Skiing

• Swimming

Spring Sports• Baseball

• Softball

• Tennis

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Student Activities AlumniMcCann Technical School graduates are involved in all businesses throughout

the county, the state and the nation.

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McCann guided me on the right path for success. From academics, to the shop areas, you always felt that awesome sense of pride as you walked down the halls.The culinary arts department jump started my career as a chef. Trained me on hard work,dedication and respect for food. There isn’t another school around that can give students the ultimate education, and make kids feel good about their accomplishments.”

Adam Brassard Executive Chef, Williams Inn

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McCANN ALUMNI FACULTY (row 1) Thomas Lescarbeau Surgical Technology ’92, Edward Menard Metal Fabrication ’70, Kristi Mastroianni Cosmetology ’91, Rebecca Buck Business Information Systems ’95, Melissa King-Tinker Culinary Arts ’97, Terry LeClair Medical Assisting ’75, Michelle Racette Dental Assisting ’90, Pamela Dorwin Business Data Processing ’80, (row 2) Patrick Cariddi Culinary Arts ’83, Thomas Tinney Drafting ’84, Gary Wood Machine Technology ’74, Perry Burdick Electronics ’82, Donald Tatro Electricity ’79, Michael McCarron Automotive ’77, Scott Botto Machine Technology ’81, Richard Lincourt Machine Technology ’95, (row 3) John Kline Metal Fabrication ’84, Robert Davis Electricity ’73, Ronald Pierce Electricity ’85, Thomas Matuszak Machine Technology ’81, Richard Bergendahl Electronics’86, Chad O’Neill Electronics ’95.

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