Metro Technology Centers prepares people for successful employment and life in a global society.
Metro Career Academy
FREE Tax Assistance at MCA!
Jan 19th
Metro Technology Centers and the Community Action Agency are offering FREE Tax Preparation Assistance. Metro Tech’s Parent Resource Center (PRC) is hosting the tax assistance for the third year. This year it is located in the new Metro Career Academy at 1901 Springlake Drive. Assistance is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Several Metro Tech students were trained in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) software. PRC Coordinator, Carole Brown says this opportunity gives the students a chance to work with community members. “I hope the community
takes advantage of this service,” Brown said. “It is right here in our neighborhood.”
Those who cialis 10mg participate in the tax assistance will need to bring their W-2 or 1099 forms, a picture I.D., and social security numbers for all individuals claimed on tax returns. Call 232-0199 for more information or visit our Facebook event.
ROWERS FINISH AN IMPRESSIVE FALL SEASON
Dec 6th
2011 MCA Fall Rowers
November 15th, the MCA Rowing team competed in the Sandridge Youth Regatta. The rowers finished and impressive 2nd place to US Grant. Only half a boat seperated the two teams in the finals!! There were 8 teams in this year’s competition compared to 4 teams last spring. The rowers practiced as a squad for 9 weeks leading up to the competition under trainer, Griffin Elrod. The twice a year event was held at the Oklahoma River at cialis the OKC Riversport facility.
Warming up on the ergs
Members of the team included Gloria Porter, Camesa Johnson, Lydia Williams, Courtney Easterday, Delvin Okoe, Tob Thomas, Jervon Easterday, Sam Garcia, Jamal Bowen, Tyrae Threats, and Darvee Lovan.
Following the competition, the rowers
were presented with their medals and fed a meal of grilled burgers. Thank you to the OKC Boathouse Foundation for giving these students the opportunity to participate in this great sport.
Thank you to all the supporters from MCA and Metro Tech who came out to support the rowers on a frigid day!!
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- 2011 MCA Fall Rowers
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- Getting ready to row!!
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- Warming up on the ergs
MCA STUDENTS BUILD PLAYGROUND FOR METRO CHILDREN
Nov 22nd
A big pat on the back to our students; Courtney Easterday, Chrystal Richards, Tania Bustillos, Taylor Smith, Raven Wilson, and Arlington Smith for working hard and giving back to the community.
On Saturday November 12th, students from MCA joined Mrs. Tessa Martin and Mrs. Kristin Graham in a community service project to provide a safe place
to play for Oklahoma City’s children.
BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma, KaBoom playgrounds, and the OKC Boathouse Foundation sponsored a community service project to build playground for children while downtown and at the Oklahoma River. Mrs. Martin and I brought six of our MCA students to join 232 adults and 77 teens from various organizations to build the playground from the bottom up. The group braved fierce winds and cold from 8am until the ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30pm. The OKC Boathouse Foundation provided breakfast, snacks and lunch for the volunteers. “It was worth giving up a Saturday to help out. I really enjoyed working with the kids and meeting new people,” Courtney Easterday said.
Metro Career Academy Awarded LEED Gold Certification
Oct 19th
Metro Technology Centers announced its Metro Career Academy (MCA) has been awarded LEED Gold certification. Established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
Metro Tech’s MCA achieved LEED Gold certification for energy use, lighting and water conservation and for using materials found within 500 miles of the site. The facility’s green roof garden and landscaping are made of Oklahoma native vegetation. This is one example of incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, the MCA saves money for businesses, taxpayers and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier environment for students, employees and the larger community.
“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The Metro Career Academy project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”
Another important aspect of the building that produces energy savings is an innovative,
insulated exterior cladding called Outsulation, manufactured by Dryvit Systems. J.W. Mollohan, Dryvit’s strategic marketing manager, said by placing insulation on the outside of the building, air leaks are sealed so the cool or hot air is kept inside the structure, saving on energy costs. “Outsulation breaks the notion that green can’t be beautiful,” Mollohan said. “We’re proud that our product will save Metro Technology Centers a ton of money on energy costs and serve as a warm welcome for visitors and students.”
Cary DeHart, president of the construction management firm, CMSWillowbrook, said the MCA was constructed to meet the needs of a full-service community school while remaining sustainable.
“We knew it was important for the building to provide a superior academic experience while promoting sustainability,” DeHart said. “The building is breathtaking, environmentally friendly and will provide the innovative learning approaches these students need.”
The MCA is a school designed to provide at-risk teenagers with the academic and life skills needed to prevent them from dropping out of high school. Metro Technology Centers’ Superintendent, Dr. James Branscum, said the building will also serve as a learning tool for the students. “While learning skills they’ll use for the rest of their life, these students will also learn ways to make the future greener,” Branscum said. “From concept and design to construction and the final details, every aspect of this building will save on energy costs and help promote a healthy environment.” The MCA is the first LEED-Gold-certified CareerTech building in Oklahoma.
LEED Gold certification of the MCA was based on a number of green designs and construction features that positively impact the project and the broader community. MCA architect, Fred Quinn of Quinn and Associates said designing the MCA had unique challenges. “You must combine beauty and usability while
showcasing energy-savings features. I’m proud to know the building went from a sketch to a tool that will create bright futures for Oklahoma City area students,” said Quinn.
MCA’s "School of Rock"
Oct 13th
Bill Sparrow and Friends join students on Community Partners day at MCA. Bill and
the students meet in studio 112 for a lively jam session and music exchange.
Bill’s Guitar Class is providing an opportunity for MCA students to share their musical gifts with each other and the community. Additionally, other MTC employees like James Martin, are giving up their lunch breaks to drop in and
jam with the students. The class ranges from beginners to advanced and all points in between giving students an opportunity to explore the rewarding world of music.
Ultimately, a band will be formed from this gathering of musicians who will represent MTC/MCA at venues throughout the metro. For now, everyone is enjoying the process of finding their sound and creating something fresh along the way. Perhaps the next American music virtuoso will be an MTC/MCA graduate.
Every Wednesday at the Metro Career Academy, various community partners join the students in engaging activities. This is part of the MCA model of education to build relationships with the community.
Culinary Students Work Side-By-Side with Industry Professionals
Sep 26th
Metro Career Academy culinary arts students worked with Chef Jon Wheeler and Don Theory, Waterford Marriott’s Food and Beverage manager. Students helped
prepare a five course meal for sixty and served the food to industry professionals at the monthly American Culinary Federation meeting (ACF). The local ACF chapter meets at different restaurant, hotel and club locations.
The ACF sets the standards, trends and certifications Nationwide for the Culinary Industry. MCA Chef and Instructor, Travis Williams, says this is a great opportunity for all culinary students. “They get to see and work in different kitchens and types of establishments. Most importantly they work and network with industry related professionals, leading to possible job opportunities,” Chef Williams said.
MCA Receives Beautification Award
Sep 19th
MCA Horticulture Students: Josh Phillips, Mica Jansky, Petrina Duhon, Hanh Tran and Drake Mason
OKC Beautiful selected Metro Technology Centers’ Metro Career Academy (MCA) for the September OKC Beautification award. An anonymous source nominated the MCA on the OKC Beautiful website.
Each March through November, Oklahoma City Beautiful presents a Beautification Award recognizing citizens and organizations that show pride in their neighborhoods through public landscaping and other beautification efforts. Winners are recognized with a sign placed on their property and are shown in OKC Beautiful’s Vision In Action newsletter. Winners are also featured on the Oklahoma Horticultural Society website and on OKC Beautiful’s website.
About OKC Beautiful
OKC Beautiful is a non-profit organization celebrating 40 years of “improving the image and appearance of
Oklahoma City.” In 2010 OKC Beautiful saved more than 500,000 tax dollars through the Adopt-A-Park Program. OKC Beautiful believes the appearance of our city directly impacts its economic viability as well as enhancing the quality of life and self-image
of its residents.
ATTENTION STUDENTS: National Speaker Coming to Metro Tech !
Sep 2nd
All Metro Tech students are invited to listen to one of the nation’s premier story tellers, Donald Davis. Mr. Davis will be speaking at the BCC Auditorium on September 8th from 9 to 10 am. Refreshments will be provided.
Donald Davis at the 2009 WinterTales Festival
This rare opportunity for Metro Tech students was provided by an anonymous donor. Mr. Davis will be performing at the Arts Council of Oklahoma City on September 9th and 10th at the annual Story Telling Festival.
If you are a student at Metro Tech and are interested in attending this event, inform your instructor in order for them to RSVP.
Donald Davis is a featured teller at the Smithsonian Institution, the World’s Fair, festivals and concerts throughout the United States and the world. Davis is a prolific author and producer of books and tapes of his works; a master teacher of workshops and storytelling courses and a guest host for the National Public Radio Program “Good Evening”
For Donald Davis, storytelling is a way of giving and living life. He invites each listener to come along, to pull deep inside for one’s own stories, to personally share and co-create the common experiences that celebrate the creative spirit. For Donald Davis storytelling “…is not what I do for a living…it is how I do all that I do while I am living.”
Metro Tech Students Tour MIO Vineyard
Aug 31st
Metro Technology Centers Horticulture and Culinary Arts students learned about local business and viticulture at the Redland Juice Company in Lexington, Oklahoma. Viticulture is the science and production of grapes and grape products in a vineyard. Metro Tech students toured the vineyard as part of their hands-on experience in the fields in which they are continuing their education.
Culinary Arts student, Kristen Gers said she never realized how important grapes were in Oklahoma. “I couldn’t believe two to four tons of grapes can be grown on a single acre,” said Gers. The Redland Juice Company is a seven acre vineyard that produces only grape juice. 
Co-owners of Redland Juice Company, Jill Strichler and Kathy Bates, operate the Made-In-Oklahoma (MIO) vineyard. “We are proud of our products and what they stand for in terms of quality, taste and for the state of Oklahoma,” said Strichler. Bates and Strichler invite students and grape enthusiasts to the vineyard to teach them about grapes as a unique crop that is produced in Oklahoma. Along with touring the vineyard, students learned how to use a refractometer to check the sugar content in grapes and learn about what it takes to become a MIO company.
Horticulture student Leola Scott said tasting the various flavors of grape juice the Redland Juice Company Produces was a nice surprise. “The tastes were so unique and refreshing,” Scott continued. “I couldn’t believe the difference in the quality of this juice compared to what I’m used to having from stores”.
WELCOME TO MRS. JONA KAY SQUIRES…. HORTICULTURE INSTRUCTOR
Aug 29th
Mrs. Jona Kay Squires is the new instructor for Metro Tech’s new Horticulture program at the Metro Career Academy. Mrs. Squires is the mother of three; Maverick, 19, Gatlin 15 and Jentry 9. Growing up the daughter of CareerTech teachers, Mrs. Squires says she is a product of CareerTech and has worked for the CareerTech system for several years. “At an early age, I found a love for Agriculture and teaching which is a perfect fit for me because they go hand in hand” Mrs. Squires said.
Coming to Metro Tech is another chapter in her career. With a background in Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Mrs. Squires says she views education as a product with a target market that has to meet the demands of consumers; in this case, students.
“Horticulture, combined with technology, is leading Oklahoma in the ”Going Green” trends,” Mrs. Squires said. “For me, this is a dream come true. I’m excited to be a part of this Metro Tech program, building it from the ground up.”
Mrs. Squires leads her classroom with team building, creativity and hands-on experiences. ”Our greenhouse will be completed soon and we are looking forward to hosting plant sales annually. Outside of the greenhouse we will have raised beds utilizing plasticulture to reduce erosion loss of soil and water. Our students will learn to grow vegetables year-round in these beds while learning the various techniques of Horticulture.
Students creating corsages for prom last year
Inside the greenhouse students will raise fresh herbs and tend to a unique, “Oklahoma-grown” rooftop garden. “Students will work with the Entrepreneurship class by selling floral arrangements in the Courtside Cafe,” Mrs. Squires said. “The Horticulture program brings the plants and environment together in the landscaping courses that utilize state-of-the-art CAD programs.”
“Teaching this industry is always fun and challenging. I love telling people about my job. As far as I’m concerned, I have the best job in the world!”
