News & Events

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School Year 2020-2021 Reopening Updates

Posted on July 31, 2020 by webadmin

Posted Jan 8, 2021

Dear EASTERN Family,

We hope that you had a safe and rewarding holiday break.  Our staff looks forward to seeing our students on Monday, January 11, 2021, when we will revert back to a hybrid instructional schedule.  Below are some important reminders:

• Please keep your child home if they are sick and get them tested if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• Report all COVID-19 exposures, quarantines, and positive cases to covid@eastech.org.  EASTERN must report all positive and probable cases to the Montgomery County Department of Health as they assist us in evaluating the health and wellness of our school community.
• Report all absences to attendance@eastech.org.

The violence that occurred this week at the Capital Building has saddened our nation and further marked the division we are feeling in our communities and country.  EASTERN condemns any violence and acts of hate.  Our EASTERN Cares logo for this school year rests on the foundation of “respect, equity, and safety.”  This means we protect and cultivate an inclusive environment that provides a safe environment for all students and where students can express their ideas in a respectful way that does not offend others.  In a time where our nation needs to come together in peaceful unity, we have the opportunity as an EASTERN family to model the unity and respect we wish to see in the world.

Thank you for your continued support,

Cathleen Plesnarski, Ed.D.
Executive Director

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Career Pathways at EASTERN

Posted on September 15, 2020 by webadmin

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) is committed to providing our students with career pathway options that suit their skill sets and career aspirations. Our goal for all graduates is placement on the track that they select, which may include going directly into the workforce, an apprentice program, internship, certificate program, post-secondary education, or a combination of two or more. We work closely with our participating districts to provide the highest quality career and technical education possible.

We have developed this Career Pathway Program Booklet with students, participating high school guidance counselors, and parents of potential EASTERN students, in mind.  This document provides a clear and purposeful description of our career and technical programs, their expectations, requirements, and the potential career and postsecondary options available. If you would like to request a hard copy, please contact Amy Shields, Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator, at ashields@eastech.org.

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Third Marking Period Information

Posted on January 13, 2021 by webadmin

The end of the third marking period is January 20, 2021.

Students who are currently virtual and would like to switch to hybrid instruction should notify EASTERN by emailing attendance@eastech.org. prior to January 20, 2021.The first day of instruction for the third marking period is January 21,2021. Students needing district provided transportation must notify their district before January 20,2021 to ensure transportation has been arranged.

Students who attend Abington, Cheltenham, Jenkintown, Lower Moreland, Springfield (A-LI) and Bishop McDevitt attend in-person on Monday and Tuesday.

Students who attend Hatboro-Horsham, Springfield (Lo-Z), Upper Dublin, Upper Moreland, and Archbishop Wood attend in-person on Thursday and Friday.

Grades will be posted to the parent portal by January 22, 2021.  The parent portal address is  https://parentsis.csiu-technology.org/EASTERN.  If you need log in information for the portal please e-mail eschool@eastech.org .

Thank You,
Allison Larson
Supervisor of CTE

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EASTERN’s Allied Health Program Expands

Posted on January 13, 2021 by webadmin

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) is pleased to announce that the Allied Health program has been approved to open a second section for the 2021- 2022 school year, increasing the capacity of the program from 30 to 60 students. The Allied Health program is for high school seniors interested in a career in the healthcare field. The program’s popularity has consistently grown over the past decade, with an increasing number of students left on a waitlist.

Currently, the program only allows 15 students in the morning session, which runs from 7:45 – 10:30 a.m.; and 15 students in the afternoon session, which runs from 12:00 to 2:45 p.m. EASTERN’s Joint Operating Committee approved the hiring of a second instructor, so that the program can double in size, allowing more high school students to get a head start on their healthcare education. In addition to healthcare professional shadow experiences (dependent on COVID restrictions), EASTERN’s Allied Health program is also dually enrolled with Montgomery County Community College, where students will have the potential of earning three transferable college credits for Medical Terminology at a significantly reduced tuition rate.

“Our Allied Health program is very popular and has been a platform for many students to pursue careers in the health care industry. There is a myriad of rewarding jobs in the health care industry and we want to make sure that more students have the opportunity to learn and experience this field while still in high school.” said Dr. Cathleen Plesnarski, EASTERN’s Executive Director. “Allied Health provides students in Eastern Montgomery County with the opportunity to explore and clarify their career goals, from becoming a nurse, a physician’s assistant, or doctor. This expansion is made possible by the commitment of our Joint Operating Committee and district Superintendents to connect our students to their career goals. We want to thank our participating schools for their support and patience.”

Be sure a career pathway in healthcare is right for you! This one-year senior-only program is designed for students with rigorous academic preparation who plan to continue their education in college to prepare for a career in the health field. Students have the opportunity shadow health professionals, dependent on COVID restrictions. This program offers the potential of earning college credits at Montgomery County Community College at reduced tuition rate. This unique opportunity provides students with a first-hand look at the many healthcare careers available to them. Fore more information, please visit https://www.eastech.org/eastern-programs/alh/.

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EASTERN’s Practical Nursing Program – Become Part of the Solution

Posted on January 7, 2021 by webadmin

The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Practical Nursing program is looking for individuals ready to begin an in-demand, rewarding and financially prosperous career. EASTERN’s Practical Nursing program is a post-secondary program designed to prepare qualified individuals for a career in practical nursing. It is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. There are full-time and part-time class options available to accommodate busy lifestyles. The testing and application deadlines for the next part-time class for Spring 2021 have been extended! The testing deadline is now January 20, 2021 and the new application deadline is January 30, 2021.

The full-time program is for one-year, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Once the clinical portion of the program begins, hours adjust to 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The next full-time class begins September 2021.

The part-time program is completed over two years. Our part-time program is held two evenings a week from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and every other weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Once clinical begins, your weekend hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The next part-time class begins May 2021.

“Healthcare careers are in demand and rewarding,” said Carol Duell, EASTERN’s Practical Nursing Program Coordinator. “Within a year or two, depending on which program you choose, you walk away with something that can never be taken away from you. Nursing is so very important at all times – but especially now. Visit our website and learn more about admission to our Practical Nursing program.”

Admission procedures are detailed on the Practical Nursing website at https://www.eastech.org/practical-nursing/. EASTERN’s campus is at 3075 Terwood Road in Willow Grove. For more information, please contact the Practical Nursing program directly at 215-784-4800 Ext. 451, or via email at KBradley@eastech.org or LIngersoll@eastech.org.

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Construction Program Honored for Assistance Building Police K9 Training Facility

Posted on December 22, 2020 by webadmin

On December 15, 2020, Upper Moreland Township K9 Officers, Brian Rems and Matthew Snyder, presented Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Construction Technology Instructor, Mr. Jeffrey Pakula, with a plaque for the Construction Technology program’s contributions to building the tri-township K9 training facility for Upper Moreland, Hatboro, and Warrington Police Departments. The new training facility is located in Warrington Township at Lower Nike Park.

EASTERN Construction Technology students, along with Mr. Pakula, worked to build the training apparatus such as obstacle course search boxes used in agility and search test training for the police dogs. The facility contains six boxes for suspect searches, including low crawl, hurtles, long jump, cat walk, and two separate dog runs. The project was started in 2019 and completed in early 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Police Departments were unable to have an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to thank all their partners who assisted in building the facility, but they hope to schedule something for the near future.

“This was a great experience for my students,” said Jeff Pakula, EASTERN Construction Technology Instructor. “They were able to use their carpentry skills in a way that is not typical in my class. I am looking forward to inviting them to the K9 training facility so they can see their efforts in action.”

Maintaining a K9 Unit benefits the community and surrounding communities. The K9 Unit is available on call 24/7 for high priority incidents for the purposes of tracking, searches, and explosive or drug detection. The K9 program is integral in keeping both residents and officers safe as they fulfill their duties.

Lay the foundation for a towering future! Get satisfaction from building projects and working with current materials used in the field to refine your construction skills. This two-year career program is the first step for students interested in pursuing a successful career in the construction field. Students will work on both residential and commercial construction in the school’s lab area. For more information on Construction Technology at EASTERN, please visit https://www.eastech.org/eastern-programs/con/. 

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EASTERN Alumni Spotlight: Morgan-Victoria Johnson, Cosmetology

Posted on December 22, 2020 by webadmin

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Cosmetology/Springfield Township High School 2014 graduate, Morgan-Victoria Johnson, has served as the Communications Director for the PA House of Representatives in the 154th district since May 2020, and runs an aroma-based business called Mo Vickyy – https://www.morgan-victoria.com/air-aroma. In December 2019, she received her Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Johnson’s Great Grandmother was a cosmetologist and owned a hair salon. Johnson grew up spending a lot of time in her Great Grandmother’s salon and credits her Great Grandmother for instilling in her a love of the hair and the beauty industry. Although Johnson does not currently work as a cosmetologist, she took much of what she learned about customer service and business and applied it to her aroma-based business.

Continue Reading EASTERN Alumni Spotlight: Morgan-Victoria Johnson, Cosmetology

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Students Participate in Virtual Fall Leadership Conference

Posted on December 3, 2020 by webadmin

On November 13, 2020 a delegation of 18 Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) SkillsUSA students and one Advisor participated in the Annual District 2 Career and Technical Student Organization’s Leadership Conference virtually. This virtual conference was designed for SkillsUSA members to develop their personal, workplace, and technical skills in the areas in which they need the most development. The decision to conduct this conference through Zoom in 2020 was made in the best interest of all students and in response to the restrictions on large gatherings due to COVID-19.

SkillsUSA functions as EASTERN’s Student Leadership Organization, in which program and school-wide officers represent their programs and EASTERN as ambassadors. Student ambassadors are critical to EASTERN and serve as an example of what career and technical education can do for self-confidence, self-assurance, and leadership development. The students chosen to participate have displayed leadership qualities and were nominated by their EASTERN instructors. Currently two students have been named as School-Wide Officers: Laurence Jacoby from Commercial Art, and Kayla Marshall from Business and Technology Professional.

SkillsUSA’s Framework Certification is an e-learning module where participants learn about SkillsUSA and how it ensures the development of world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens through the SkillsUSA Framework. Through achieving this certification, student become aware of what it takes to be career ready as well as what industry wants most in future employees. The 14 EASTERN students who achieved this certification include:

• Courtney Cole, Business and Technology Professional, Springfield High School
• Noah Cruz, Protective Services, Cheltenham High School
• Jessica Derricks, Cosmetology, Abington Senior High School
• Greg Destefano, Veterinary Science, Abington Senior High School
• Benjamin Hoffman, Culinary Arts, Upper Dublin High School
• Owen Hoy, Electrical Technology, Springfield High School
• Nina Ivey, Cosmetology, Springfield High School
• Laurence Jacoby, Commercial Art, Springfield High School
• Nydia Johnson, Veterinary Science, Upper Moreland High School
• William Klanderman, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Lower Moreland High School
• Jonah Oberman, Welding Technology, Abington Senior High School
• Camryn Pressman, Cosmetology, Lower Moreland High School
• Vincent Sturm, Networking and Cybersecurity, Hatboro-Horsham High School
• Emilia Wanders, Cosmetology, Abington Senior High School

The Statesman Assessment Award is presented to members who demonstrate SkillsUSA knowledge and civic awareness, along with an understanding of the SkillsUSA Framework and how to articulate their personal career and technical education (CTE) experience. The following nine students earned this distinct honor by successfully completing the Statesman Quiz, which tested their SkillsUSA knowledge:

• Greg Destefano, Veterinary Science, Abington Senior High School
• Owen Hoy, Electrical Technology, Springfield High School
• Nina Ivey, Cosmetology, Springfield High School
• Nydia Johnson, Veterinary Science, Upper Moreland High School
• William Klanderman, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Lower Moreland High School
• Camryn Pressman, Cosmetology, Lower Moreland High School
• Vincent Strum, Networking and Cybersecurity, Hatboro-Horsham High School
• Emilia Wanders, Cosmetology, Abington Senior High School

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College Credit Agreement with Automotive Training Center

Posted on December 3, 2020 by webadmin

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology students can benefit from a partnership with Automotive Training Center (ATC). ATC will evaluate the student’s records received from EASTERN and award advanced standing credit for up to three subject areas (not to exceed a maximum of 16 weeks of study).

In order for students to take advantage of this advanced standing, they need to meet certain criteria, such as verification by the student’s EASTERN instructor that the student has successfully completed a minimum of 85% of the program tasks listed on the program progress chart, graduation from EASTERN with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, an academic grade point average of 2.0 or higher, and a minimum attendance record of 85% or better in the program. ATC will also administer an Advanced Standing examination in which students may earn advanced placement in a maximum of three different subject areas: Brakes, Electrical Systems I, Suspension and Steering, Welding and non-Structural Damage Repair, and Painting & Refinishing.

“We have had many successful graduates continue their education at ATC,” said Joe Greb, EASTERN’s Assistant Director. “We have always been partners and mutual supporters of skilled trades. It is great to formalize an articulation agreement that will benefit students from our Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology programs.”

ATC is an ACCSC-accredited career technician school with campuses in Exton, PA, and Warminster, PA. Through hands-on training focusing on the modern aspects of the automotive, collision, diesel, hi-performance, and marine industries, ATC graduates are prepared for a career that they’re passionate about. Our graduates have landed careers with some of the area’s best-known and credible employers. For more information about ATC, please visit https://www.autotraining.edu/get-started/.

Take a virtual tour of EASTERN’s Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology program here – https://youtu.be/vCZ0CCQxYpQ.

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