Metro Technology Centers prepares people for successful employment and life in a global society.
2011 Oklahoma ArtScience Innovation Prize Kickoff at MCA!
Sep 15th
Attention teachers, parents,
sophomores and juniors!
We are looking for creative and innovative students! This Saturday, September 17, the Oklahoma ArtScience Prize staff will kick off this year’s event. There will be a Q & A session from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Metro Career Academy (MCA). High school sophomores and juniors are invited to apply for the program at the kickoff event. The MCA is located across the street from the Metro Tech Springlake Campus at 1901 Springlake drive in Oklahoma City.
What is ArtScience Prize you ask?
The ArtScience Prize is a year-long afterschool competition in which high schools students develop innovative art and design ideas based on concepts from the frontiers of modern science.
This year’s theme of Virtual Worlds invites young people from three selected cities to compete for the ArtScience Prize by dreaming new art and design ideas related to this fascinating frontier of information technology.
In Oklahoma City, 36 students will be selected from the applications and put into teams of six. Each team will work with two mentor facilitators throughout the year.
Metro Tech Community Outreach Coordinator, Liz Guerrero, is one of the selected mentors. “The mentors help the teams orchestrate their ideas into action. We are there to guide them through the program and provide them with any materials they will need,” Guerrero said.
Boston, Massachusetts, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Paris, France were chosen for this exciting opportunity. Oklahoma City was selected after holding the World Creativity Forum last year. “This is a phenomenal opportunity for students who want to be change makers in the world,” Guerrero said. “The creation that comes out of ArtScience may very well be the next big breakthrough.”
Anyone interesting in applying should go to MCA on Saturday, September 17.
For more information about ArtScience go to artscienceprize.org or watch this video.
Oklahoma SkillsUSA Postsecondary Fall Leadership Conference
Sep 14th
Metro Technology Centers students will be attending the Oklahoma SkillsUSA Postsecondary Fall Leadership Conference on Thursday, September 29, 2011. This is being held at the Payne County Fairgrounds in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Leadership Conference has three main objectives:
- To provide sessions on leadership, citizenship and character development to support adult students who are preparing themselves for the labor market.
- To promote understanding of the role of Careertech training and its place in preparing workers to successfully work within the free enterprise system.
- To describe leadership and skill development opportunities offered through SkillsUSA that emphasizes the role of applied academics in vocational training, dignity of work, work ethic, and teamwork.
The Agenda is as follows:
9:30 a.m.- Registration begins
10:00 a.m.- Opening General Session
Opening Ceremony……………………………………………………Secondary State Officers
Opening Remarks & Welcome…………….Michael Emery and Eric Critchnau
Postsecondary State Officers
Campaign Speeches
Delegate Session
11:30 a.m.- Lunch
12:30 p.m.- Closing General Session
Keynote address………………….Danny King Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Awarding of Pins and Certifcates
Installation of new Postsecondary State Officers
Closing
Lunch is provided on site for all participants. Everyone attending will receive a conference t-shirt and pin. Registration is
due no later than September 16, 2011!
Should you have questions, please contact the state SkillsUSA office at 1-800-522-5810 ext. 143 or by email at dgibs@okcareertech.org.
Birthday Party at Culinary Arts
Sep 13th
Today was instructor, Ms. Hammond’s birthday and surprise party. Our class treasurer took donations so we could bring some food and a nice gift. The party was a success!
We all had fun, relaxed and
ate! We had mini weenies, cupcakes and a zebra cake made by fellow blogger, Donna. The food was great and the company was even better. Too bad I didn’t get to try the cake. The party was during the last hour of the morning class. It may have spilled into the second class after lunch.
This is just one of the many events (and delicious food) to come. First-year students get to cook this week. Be sure to check back with me on the MTC blog because I will have coverage of my culinary experience. Stay tuned!
COLLABORATION RESULTS IN DELICIOUS SUCCESS
Sep 12th
Veteran Culinary Arts Instructor of 20 years just had a birthday! Ms. Hammond’s birthday was celebrated by all of her morning students. The F.C.C.L.A and SkillsUSA officers raised money for the party. My contribution to the party was decidedly going to be a cake just for her!With this in mind I recruited my “sis” (best friend) to help me. She arrived Saturday afternoon with her son in tow and off we went to go shopping! First I went looking for little 4-5 inch round cake pans because my idea was to make a small individual round butter cake with chocolate frosting (Ms. Hammond’s Favorite). NO SUCH LUCK! Funds were tight and cake pans are pricey.
I finaly came across a set of three 8″ round cake pans. Sherrie (my sis) was bummed about the whole round, chocolate frosted cake idea. “But that’s SO boring!” So I asked her, ”What would YOU do for the cake?” This is where the collaboration for our delicious success began.
Walking through the store I searched a phone ap for a butter cake recipe (which I have posted below).
Next decisionL sprinkles vs. sugar sheets!
We settled on a Zebra print sugar sheet. Since Sherrie was still though the cake was still too boring. “What about fruit or jelly inside?”
Strawberry filling it was!
First order of business was baking the cake. Instead of using two 8-by-2″ round cake pans I used 3 so we could accomplish the whole surprise effect with the strawberries.
For cake:
2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising; sift before measuring)
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large whole eggs, at room temperature for 30 minutes
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh orange zest
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup whole milk
2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising; sift before measuring)
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large whole eggs, at room temperature for 30 minutes
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh orange zest
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup whole milk
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour cake pans, knocking out excess flour.
Sift together flour (2 3/4 cups), baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
Beat together butter and sugar with an electric mixer
Sift together flour (2 3/4 cups), baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
Beat together butter and sugar with an electric mixer
(fitted with paddle attachment if using a stand mixer) at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, then beat in zest and vanilla and continue beating 5 minutes more. Reduce speed to low, then add flour mixture and milk alternately in 4 batches, beginning with flour mixture and mixing until batter is just smooth. Divide between cake pans, spreading evenly.
Bake cake layers until they begin to pull away from sides of pans and a wooden pick or skewer comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes in pans on racks, then invert cake layers onto racks and cool completely.
Once the cakes were cooled we took what was to be the middle layer and cut a hole in the center starting an inch from the outer edges. We placed the bottom layer on the plate, then coated it thinly with white frosting, then placed the middle layer and filled it with the thawed strawberries. Next came the thin layer of white frosting again and finally the top layer. At this point Sherrie took over. She used a regular baggie with the corner cut out to “caulk” the outer edges of the cake with white frosting to make a smooth outer edge. After that was done she frosted the entire cake with the chocolate frosting and then I cut out the designs from the Wilson’s sugar sheet and placed them on the cake.
PRESTO! The collaboration was complete and if I do say so myself, IT WAS DELICIOUS!
Thanks goes to Ms. Hammond for naming the cake a Zebra Surprise Cake.
10 Years Later – Remembering 9/11
Sep 9th
Sunday is the 10th anniversary of what we know as 9/11. Metro Tech would like to take time to reflect on the tragic day that changed the nation.
On that morning in 2001, 19 terrorists from the Islamist militant group al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger jets. The hijackers intentionally crashed two planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; both towers collapsed within two hours. Hijackers crashed a third plane into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. When passengers attempted to take control of the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, it crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, preventing it from reaching its intended target in Washington, D.C. Nearly 3,000 died in the attacks.
As Oklahomans, we have felt a connection with the cities that were inflicted with terror. The phrases “We Will Never Forget” and “We Will Always Remember” represent a national sentiment that NYC, Washington D.C. and Oklahoma hold on to with their hearts.
If you would like to listen to stories, pay tribute or participate in the anniversary of 9/11, we would like to share some resources to help you on this journey.
The 9/11 Tribute Movement on 9/11day.org is asking for pledges of kindness and change. This site ask you to describe what you will do in the year of the 10th anniversary to “honor the victims, survivors and those that rose in service in response to the attacks”. There are many resources and a community to aid you in your tribute.
The Tribute WTC Visitors Center is a collection of names, tours and programs at the heart of the rebuilding of ground zero. The website, tributewtc.org, has resources for exploring 9/11 in the classroom or with family. All donations collected at the Center or online go to the victims and their families.
Sometimes just hearing the story of someone affected can lend you to a reflective moment you can connect with. National Public Radio has been documenting stories since that day and is airing the
series; Living 9/11 in honor of the anniversary.
Please share with us other resourses and words of reflection in the comments.
FILLING UP ON FOOD AND KNOWLEDGE
Sep 9th
On August 31, 2011 Metro Tech Students attended the 2011 Student Educational Seminars in conjunction with the 2011 Oklahoma Restaurant Convention and Expo at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Ok. This is Oklahoma’s largest trade show!. Before entering the trade floor we were given the opportunity of a lifetime! We attended seminars regarding college and scholarships. The networking luncheon was all about different aspects of the food industry. We were introduced to the SkillsUSA and FCCLA organizations. They offer assistance to students, helping them advance in the industry.
On to the trade floor! Many distributors were set up offering samples of the foods and equipment they sell in the restaurant industry. The food we sampled ranged from appetizers of mini tacos all the way to fine dining flavors of baked cod in a blue cheese sauce, and duck served many different ways. Restaurant equipment ranged from cleaning supplies to big equipment
such as grills, ovens, and refrigeration. Not only did the conference fill my mind with new ideas on how to network within my industry, I filled my stomach with new ideas! I can’t wait to try these ideas at the Metro Tech Cafe to serve at our fund-raisers.
If you’ve never been to one of these food shows I would HIGHLY recommend you go. Whether or not you are in the food industry you will be enlightened to many creative ways to spice up even the smallest dinner party.
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!”
Metro Tech Receives Award for Energy Stewardship !
Jul 25th
Metro Technology Centers was presented with the Award for Energy Stewardship from Energy Education during Metro Tech’s July 12th board meeting. The Energy Stewardship award recognizes Metro Tech’s efforts to implement an innovative, people-oriented energy conservation and management program.
Energy Education is honoring the impact Metro Tech’s energy program is having on natural resources by focusing on the environmental equivalent of the reduction in energy consumption. According to EPA/eGRID figures, in the first 15 months of the program, Metro Technology Centers saved 13,500 MMBTU, the equivalent of 1,894 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions being prevented, 340 cars removed from the road, or 48,434 pine trees grown for 10 years.
“Metro Technology Centers’ Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. James Branscum, administration, faculty and staff are demonstrating wise fiscal and environmental stewardship by implementing this unique, people-oriented energy conservation program,” said Dr. William S. Spears, Chairman and Founder of Energy Education. “Using human resources to reduce energy use saves natural and financial resources for the organization and the community.”
“This energy program is an excellent vehicle to assist our district personnel in practicing good stewardship of our resources. The willing participation of virtually every staff person — teachers, administrators, food service, maintenance and custodial— adds to our success,” said Dr. Branscum. 
District Energy Education Specialist Ms. Melanie Stinnett receives intensive training through the Transformational Energy Management® process from Energy Education. She conducts energy audits to ensure that students and teachers are comfortable during class times, scheduled activities and that energy is used only as necessary. She works hard to motivate everyone in the district to use energy wisely and practice smart energy strategies. The behavioral and organizational change substantially reduces energy consumption without purchasing new equipment. The program is funded solely by the savings it generates.
Seeing the Results with Monthly Updates – Recycled 1.98 TONS of Paper at the Springlake campus!
Saved 33.6 TREES
Saved 8120.05 Kwh of Energy
Saved 13863.5 Gallons of Water
Saved 6.53 cubic yards of Landfill Space
Saved 118.8 pounds of Air Pollution….
All in the month of May , 2011 !
