Dear EASTERN Families,

Welcome to a new school year at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN)! Whether your student is joining us for the first time or returning for another year of career and technical education, we are excited to partner with you in helping them explore their passions, develop valuable career skills, and prepare for success after high school.

At EASTERN, our mission is to provide every student with meaningful opportunities that connect learning to future careers and postsecondary education. This year, students enrolled in many of our programs will have the opportunity to earn dual credit, allowing them to begin earning college credits while still in high school through Montgomery County Community College or Penn College of Technology. All programs have articulation agreements where students can earn credit for their education at EASTERN, allowing students to accelerate their educational journey while reducing future college costs. EASTERN continues to expand these opportunities to ensure more students graduate with both technical skills and college-level experiences.

We are equally proud of our growing number of registered pre-apprenticeship programs. Students can participate in one of our five registered pre-apprenticeship pathways (Electrical Technology, HVAC, Networking and Cybersecurity, Robotics and Automated Technology, and Welding Technology) to gain valuable industry experience, connect with employers, and build direct pathways into high-demand careers. These programs provide students with exposure to real-world work environments, industry mentors, and opportunities that can lead to apprenticeships, employment, and long-term career success.

Leadership development remains a cornerstone of the EASTERN experience through SkillsUSA, our nationally recognized career and technical student organization. SkillsUSA allows students to develop leadership skills, serve their communities, and compete against the best students in the state and nation. Last year was one of the most successful in our school's history. EASTERN sent 10 students to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, where six students earned national medals, our chapter was recognized as a Model of Excellence, and one student was recognized as a SkillsUSA Pennsylvania State Officer and National Delegate. These accomplishments reflect the hard work, talent, and dedication of our students and staff and demonstrate the outstanding opportunities available to EASTERN students.

Beyond competitions and credentials, EASTERN provides students with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, engage in work-based learning experiences, develop leadership skills, and prepare for both college and careers. We are committed to ensuring that every student leaves EASTERN with the knowledge, confidence, and experience necessary to achieve their goals.

Student interest in our programs has increased so much over the past 5 years that despite adding 174 seats through opening new programs and expanding existing ones, we still have 100 students unable to access our programs. Popularity has centered around manufacturing (Welding Technology) and our Construction Industry-related programs like Carpentry, HVAC, Electrical, and new this year – Construction Careers and Management. We are also seeing an increase in healthcare-related programs like Allied Health, Exercise Science, and Veterinary Science. We will continue to examine enrollment trends and focus on expanding access for students.

There are many people to meet! We have 17 programs, 19 career and technical teachers, 2 special education teachers (Student Success Coordinators), 1 Counselor, 1 School-to-Career Coordinator, 9 classroom aides, and approximately 20 other staff who are administrators and support staff. Over the next few weeks, you will receive an email from our Assistant Director with information on purchasing uniforms, and then later an email from our Supervisor of Career and Technical Education regarding parking passes, health forms, and other important paperwork to start the school year. Here is the structure of our administrative team:

Executive Director: Dr. Cathleen Plesnarski cplesnarski@eastech.org

Assistant Director: Mr. Joe Greb jgreb@eastech.org

Curriculum, Industry Certifications, Professional Development, School-to-Career, Instruction, NOCTI

Supervisor of Career and Technical Education: Mr. Gerry Rooney grooney@eastech.org

School Safety, Student Management, Special Education Services, Instruction, parking passes

Family Orientation Night

Mark your calendar for September 14th from 6:00 – 8:30 for our Family Orientation Night. This provides you with an opportunity to meet our teachers, understand program expectations, and learn about the support provided to students. If you need special assistance or translation services, please contact ashields@eastech.org.

We are looking forward to a rewarding school year for all our students.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We look forward to working together to make this a successful, rewarding, and memorable year. We encourage you to stay connected through our website, social media channels, family events, and school communications throughout the year.

Here's to an exciting year filled with learning, growth, achievement, and opportunity!

Warm regards,

Dr. Cathleen E. Plesnarski

Executive Director

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology