Essex Tech Students Find Success at DECA State Conference

pentucketporta on March 25, 2022

HATHORNE – Superintendent Heidi Riccio is pleased to share the success of Essex Tech DECA at the State Career Development Conference held in Boston recently.

DECA, a nonprofit business and marketing student organization, works with high schools and colleges to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

More than 4,000 students from across the state participated in about 60 competitions. Two Essex Tech students finished among the top five in their disciplines, earning a spot at the International Career Development Conference on April 23-26 in Atlanta, Georgia:

  • Shaylla Fazolo, a sophomore from Peabody, Professional Selling Event
  • Gabrielle Guimaraes, a senior from Haverhill, Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling Event

Five other Essex Tech students earned recognition for finishing in the top 12 in their discipline:

  • Ella Anderson, a junior from Gloucester, and Sophia and Alexia Luchini, juniors from Salem, Start Up Business Plan
  • Jessica Donald, a senior from Methuen, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism
  • Divanni Fernandez, a junior from Salem, Professional Selling Event

“We have watched as our students have learned and grown, both individually and as a team,” DECA Advisor Joseph Giordano said. “DECA has led them to be stronger in creativity, problem-solving, and self-direction and motivation, all critical skills they will use wherever life takes them.”

“Congratulations to Shaylla and Gabrielle. It is an honor to have two students to qualify for the International Conference,” Superintendent Riccio said. “The competition was fierce, but each our students performed well and learned many valuable lessons.”

Essex Tech Offering Industry Training and Community Enrichment Adult Education Classes

pentucketporta on November 29, 2021

Participants in Essex Tech’s NightHawks Adult Education Program can choose from a variety of course offerings, such as welding, that include job placement assistance. (Photo Courtesy Essex Tech)

HATHORNE — Superintendent Heidi Riccio announces Essex Tech’s NightHawks Adult Education Program will offer new industry training and community enrichment course options.

Career Technical Institute (CTI) courses are funded through the Baker-Polito Administration’s Career Technical Institute initiative. These classes include industry training, credentialing and job placement assistance. Essex Tech works in collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center on this initiative. Courses begin in January.

“We continue to see growth in a variety of employment opportunities. Our school has a commitment to training the workforce but also through our enrichment programs,” Superintendent Dr. Riccio said. “Essex Tech hopes that our community members will take advantage of these offerings.”

A full list of courses may be found here. Individual classes are:

CTI – Construction Labor Course-Industry Training with Job Placement Assistance

This Construction Craft Laborers Training Program provides students with industry training and hands-on experience to prepare them for careers in the construction and building trades. The construction industry remains a major growth industry and a source of job opportunities for individuals entering the workforce.

Students enrolled in the Construction Craft Laborer program will earn certifications in Advanced Lead Awareness, OSHA 10 and HotWorks. This training will offer the opportunity to connect with the Local 22 Laborers Union.

Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-8 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classes start on Tuesday, Jan. 25, continuing for 15 weeks. Additional Career Readiness with MassHire is required. Sessions will be held remotely.
Cost: $75

CTI – Electro Mechanical Assembly Course-Industry Training with Job Placement Assistance 

Students will learn how to use assembly hand tools, print reading, measuring, torquing, micrometers, oscilloscopes, wire harnesses and termination types crimping, pins, lugs, extractors, and connectors. Students also will learn basic electrical theory and lab: conductance of current/electrons flow in an electric circuit, continuity, temperature measurements, decibels, and electrostatics. Students will earn certifications online in OSHA-10 and HotWorks.

Classes: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. Classes start on Tuesday, Jan. 25, continuing for 13 weeks. Additional Career Readiness with MassHire is required. Some sessions will be held remotely.
Cost: $75

CTI – HVAC Course-Industry Training with Job Placement Assistance

This HVAC Training program provides students with basic industry training and hands-on experience: troubleshooting issues, installing, and repairing a broad range of heating and cooling systems, including, window and central air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and various heating systems. Students learn different heating systems such as gas, oil, and electrical. Students receive a basic foundation on cooling systems, and air conditioning system installation and maintenance.Certifications include OSHA-10, HotWorks and EPA608. Students will also receive Career Readiness training.

Students will earn certifications online in OSHA-10 and HotWorks. This training will prepare and create a pathway for future employment in the industry. Students also will receive Career Readiness training. Registrants will be referred to the MassHire Career Center for additional information.

Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-8 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Classes start on Tuesday, Jan. 25, continuing for 13 weeks. Additional Career Readiness with MassHire is required. Some sessions will be held remotely.
Cost: $75

CTI – Welding Course-Industry Training with Job Placement Assistance

This course will include the basics of oxy-acetylene cutting, along with stick welding, most commonly done in industrial and commercial settings. Additionally, this course will include MIG and TIG welding. Topics include identification of alloys, advantages and drawbacks of each welding type, and a general understanding of the welding arc.

Students will be able to interpret and critique their own welds, making necessary adjustments to their machine or technique. The course will cover joints and positions and students will be working with mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Students will learn basic terminology and techniques, including cutting steel with a torch and making bead welds with the most common types of stick welding. Certifications include OSHA-10 and HotWorks. 

Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classes start on Tuesday, Jan. 25, continuing for 15 weeks. Additional Career Readiness with MassHire is required. Some sessions will be held remotely.

Cost: $75

Marine Trades Technical Training

This course will orient participants on the basics of Yamaha outboard motors through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on engine work. An experienced Yamaha instructor will teach skills such as water pump replacements; oil changes; and basic diagnostic procedures, enabling participants to quickly contribute to local marine businesses. OSHA-10 and HotWorks Certifications are included. This class will be held at both Essex Tech and Danversport Marina in Danvers and is supported through the generosity of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA).

Classes: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, starting Tuesday, Jan. 4 and continuing for eight weeks. Classes start at 6 p.m.
Cost: $400

600-Hour Journeyman License Series: Advanced: 75 Hours

This Advanced course is offered for students with more than 450 hours of code and theory instruction. This course also may be taught remotely when needed.

Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Tuesday, Jan. 4, continuing for 14 weeks. Classes begin at 5 p.m.
Cost: $600

600-Hour Journeyman License Series: Intermediate: 75 Hours

This Intermediate course is offered for students with 150 to 450 hours of code and theory instruction. This course also may be taught remotely when needed.

Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Tuesday, Jan. 4, continuing for 13 weeks. Classes begin at 5 p.m.
Cost: $600

Plumbing Tier 3 – Session 2

This class follows the state curriculum and is designed to prepare students for the Massachusetts State Examination for the Journeyman Plumbing License. Class will meet for 55 hours of Tier 3. Participants must have completed a Tier 2 program. Participants who have completed Tier 2 at a location other than at Essex Tech must provide a copy of a signed verification of school and shop hours form including hours completed. Participants must be working in the plumbing trade currently. Required: All students must bring their current code book to all classes.

Classes: Tuesdays starting Tuesday, Jan. 11, continuing for 11 weeks. Classes begin at 5 p.m.
Cost: $400

Plumbing Tier 4 – Session 2

This class follows the state curriculum and is designed to prepare students for the Massachusetts State Examination for the Journeyman Plumbing License. Class will meet for 55 hours of Tier 4. Participants must have completed a Tier 3 program. Participants who have completed Tier 3 at a location other than at Essex Tech must provide a copy of a signed verification of school and shop hours form including hours completed. Participants must be working in the plumbing trade currently. Required: All students must bring their current code book to all classes.

Classes: Tuesdays starting Tuesday, Jan. 11, continuing for 11 weeks. Classes begin at 5 p.m.
Cost: $400

Plumbing Tier 5 – Session 2

This class follows the state curriculum and is designed to prepare students for the Massachusetts State Examination for the Journeyman Plumbing License. Class will meet for 55 hours of Tier 5. Participants must have completed a Tier 4 program. Participants who have completed Tier 4 at a location other than at Essex Tech must provide a copy of a signed verification of school and shop hours form including hours completed. Participants must be working in the plumbing trade currently. Required: All students must bring their current code book to all classes.

Classes: Tuesdays starting Tuesday, Jan. 11, continuing for 11 weeks. Classes begin at 5 p.m.
Cost: $400

Essex Tech Students Earn Top Honors at National FFA Convention & Expo

pentucketporta on November 16, 2021

HATHORNE – Superintendent Heidi Riccio and Principal Shannon Donnelly are pleased to share that Essex Tech students attended the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis and returned with team and individual honors.

Essex Tech students competed at local and state levels to earn the privilege of representing Massachusetts at the event.

The Essex Tech team received a Silver Team Emblem in Environmental and Natural Resources. During the event students apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations, focusing on problem-solving and decision-making skills in environmental and natural resources. These areas concentrate on soil profiles, water quality, waste management, and the use of global positioning units.

Team members Kassidy Gamerdinger of Woburn, Jessica Hickey of Tewksbury, Erin Morgan of Tewksbury, and Nathan Hammerschmitt Le Gal of Lynn were coached by Equine Science Teacher Clarice Mensale.

Hammerschmitt Le Gal received a Silver Individual Emblem, while Gamerdinger was awarded a Bronze Individual Emblem.

Savannah White of Melrose, coached by English Teacher Joyce Kimani, won an Individual Bronze Emblem in Prepared Public Speaking. The National FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking Leadership Development Event recognizes FFA members for their ability to prepare and present a factual speech on a specific agricultural issue, in a well-thought-out and logical manner, and in a competitive setting. Members prepare and deliver an eight- to 10-minute speech from memory and respond to five minutes of questions.

“Essex FFA has a rich history in providing agricultural education to our students on the North Shore. We are excited to be able to represent our school at the national competition and earn multiple awards,” Superintendent Dr. Riccio said.

Essex Tech FFA Officers Kayla Dundon of Burlington, Gwendolynn Therrien of Methuen, and Sophia Roderick of Woburn also attended the Convention & Expo.

“Congratulations to our FFA Silver and Bronze medalists. I want to commend our students for all the hard work and dedication it took to achieve this recognition. I am so proud of the way they represented the Essex FFA Chapter at the National level,” Principal Donnelly said.

This event, held Oct. 27-30, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis and Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown, Indiana, is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes.

Essex Tech students and coaches attended the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. From left, front row, Gwendolynn Therrien, Erin Morgan; second row, Sustainable Horticulture Teacher Jillian Plante, Sophia Roderick, Kassidy Gamerdinger; third row, Equine Science Teacher Clarice Mensale, Jessica Hickey, Savannah White; fourth row, Nathan Hammerschmitt Le Gal, Essex Tech alumni Kristen Kish, Kayla Dundon. (Photo Courtesy Essex Tech)

Essex Tech Educational Partner Honored by Project Green Schools for Sustainability Work

pentucketporta on June 16, 2021

HATHORNE – Superintendent Dr. Heidi Riccio and Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School are pleased to share that Educational Partner Jim Bauer has received an Energy Award from Project Green Schools.

Bauer, founder and CEO of Clean Power & Light, has worked with Essex Tech for more than four years to implement sustainable and renewable energy. Bauer also works with Essex Tech on school-based applied learning projects, new career pathways, and revisions to Career Technical Education curriculum frameworks to integrate sustainability.

Bauer advised the District on numerous sustainability projects, including electric vehicle (EV) campus charging stations and project-based learning focusing on sustainability through funding from Mass IDEAS (Innovative Designs in Education for All Students).

Bauer worked with the District and its legislative delegation toward passage of a bill that will allow the District to sign a lease agreement of up to 25 years with Danvers Electric and third-party investors to provide green renewable energy. This will be the first renewable energy agreement in Massachusetts partnering a public agency and municipal light district.

Jim Bauer, third from left, Educational Partner with Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, and Essex Tech students testify before a legislative panel at the Statehouse in Boston.

Bauer also served as a liaison between the District and Bio360 for a feasibility study by 40 students for viability and technology in anaerobic digestion, composting laws, general sustainability in Agriculture and food management.

Project Green Schools honored Bauer and other recipients during its Annual Green Difference Awards, held virtually on May 27.

“The credit here goes to Superintendent Riccio, the ENSATS teachers and staff, and above all the students for pioneering and supporting many of these efforts, and for the interest and enthusiasm they have displayed for clean energy and sustainability,” Bauer said. “We are, all of us, interested in making this a better world for ourselves and those who follow, and we are seeing first hand how that can be done with the focus, talent, creativity, energy and enthusiasm coming out of ENSATS.  It has been and will continue to be inspiring working with them.” 

“Jim has had a tremendous impact on Essex Tech and its students, and we’re thrilled that he is being honored with this much-deserved award,” Superintendent Riccio said, “Through his work, Essex Tech students will be able to investigate sustainability as part of curriculum and choose career pathways into sustainable/renewable careers.”