Auto Tech Instructor Mike Pekrul is live in the automotive lab for the Virtual Open House, explaining some of the systems students learn in the program
When staff and administrators at Kent Career Tech Center, MySchool@Kent and the Transitions program faced the prospect of losing another open house for prospective students and families to the pandemic, they decided they had to try another approach. A live virtual open house on March 25 became the answer.
The plan included scheduled presentations, tours and interactive sessions with instructors (and even a couple of students), backed up by staff answering the phones.
SNN photojournalist Dianne Carroll Burdick captured some of the moments, from the auto lab to student services.
Graphic Communications instructor Kylie Dykema goes live at the Virtual Open House
Health Career Foundations student Jasmin K. Landero-Mottus, 11th-grader at Lee High School, participates in the first virtual version
Mechatronics instructor Travis Raspotnik uses an add-on microphone and camera for his presentation for the Virtual Open House
Donna Clinton-Sanders, instructor with the Health Science Early College Academy, provides information on the program and answers questions
Digital Animation and Game instructor Marc Petz operates multiple screens at the Virtual Open House while presenting his program
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Transition Center staff gathered for this most unusual open house include (l-r): Morgan Dailey, career navigation coordinator; Toni Verberg, math specialist; Deb Rajaratne, English language arts instructor; Duane Kiley, principal; and Linda Nawrocki, administrative assistant
Gary Moline, counselor with student services, takes calls from prospective students about enrolling at the Tech Center
Auto Tech instructor Nathan Vannest Zooms with families at the virtual open house with colleague Joshua Denhof in the background
Kyle Retan, retail marketing instructor, talks with prospective Transition Center students and families from the classroom
Ryan Graham, Tech Center principal, and Sue Gardner, assistant superintendent for secondary programs, celebrate the success of the Virtual Open House
The Tech Center’s Student Services staff were on hand to answer questions. (l-r) Karen Riemersma, Sheila Boyd, Angie Pulera, Joanne Fedewa, Cinnamon Mellema, Lara Roessler and Colton Cnossen
Alicia Gonzalez, CTE specialist, participates from the practice store, a part of the retail marketing program at KTC
Dianne Carroll Burdick has worked as a photojournalist in the West Michigan area since 1991. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she has photographed for The Grand Rapids Press, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Detroit Free Press, Advance Newspapers, Grand Rapids Magazine, BLUE Magazine and On-the-Town Magazine. She has been covering the many exciting and thought provoking stories of K-12 public education for School News Network since 2016.
