E D U C A T I GUIDE O N
Brought to you by the Chester County Press August 12, 2015
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The Tome School’s tradition of academic excellence dates back to 1889 “What is better for children . . . a large school or a small school?” Fifty years ago, researchers asked this same question (Barker & Gump, 1964) and discovered that small schools share certain characteristics: a sense of pride, and an attitude and sense of personal possession and involvement on the part of students, parents, teachers,
administrators, and community. These findings do not surprise us at The Tome School. Tome is proud of its long tradition of academic excellence dating back to 1889, when Jacob Tome founded the school in Port Deposit, Md. Today, the school enrolls over 470 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade at the Hostetter-Hogue Campus in North
East, Md. Its rigorous academic program boasts results that are undeniable – an average SAT score of 1886, nine National Merit Scholars in the Class of 2015, and merit scholarships totaling over 5.5 million dollars. Our faculty, staff, and families share in the responsibility of educating our future leaders. We stress personal responsibility and self-discipline in the classroom, the
athletic field and the community at large. We offer a safe and secure learning environment where students are permitted to take risks and stretch their latent talents. We are a community known as the Tome Family. Come see for yourself the benefits of a small school and become part of the Tome family.
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West Fallowfield Christian School accepting enrollment for Fall 2015 West Fallowfield Christian School is currently accepting registration for the 2015-2016 school year. West Fallowfield offers classes for students in Preschool (three- and four-year-olds) through the eighth grades. Little Falcons Preschool is academicbased and offers two-, three- and five-day programs for three- and fouryear-olds. The classes meet from 9 to 11:45 a.m. The hands-on curriculum incorporates reading readiness, math skills, language arts, pre-handwriting, science, art, music, drama, physical education, devotions, Bible, Spanish and library classes. Students learn through center time, discovery play, and handson activities, as well as fine and gross motor skill development.
Kindergarten at WFCS is a full-day program. Beginning in the Fall of 2015, it will be offered four or five days a week. The Kindergarten core curriculum (Monday through Thursday) includes reading readiness, mathematics, language arts, handwriting, writer’s workshop, computer, library, art, music, physical education, chapel, devotions, and Bible courses. The five-day students will benefit from additional curriculum including science, social studies, specials, reading and math enrichment, literacy centers and Kindergarten Cafe. Recesses and a rest period are part of each day for the Kindergarteners. Interscholastic opportunities for middle school students are available in the fine arts and athletics. Girls’ athletics include
volleyball, soccer, basketball and track and field. Boys’ athletics include soccer, basketball, track and field. In addition to the core subjects, middle school students choose from a variety of elective subjects to broaden their interests and learning. WFCS also offers clubs once a week to Middle School as well. All students participate in music and art programs. Several classes, including the eighth grade, will benefit from learning Spanish in order to prepare them for their high school career. West Fallowfield Christian School has a full comprehensive resource room to offer academic and learning support. The Chester County Intermediate Unit provides additional reading and speech therapy support. Small class size also
gives students the opportunity to receive individualized attention. For seventy-four years, West Fallowfield Christian School has been providing quality Christian education for families and students in the surrounding communities. The school is enriched by its diverse student body, which attends more than 30 churches in the Chester and Lancaster County areas. Bus transportation is supplied for K-8 students residing in the Avon Grove, Coatesville, Octorara, Oxford, Pequea, Solanco, and Unionville-Chadds Ford Districts. WFCS admits students of any race, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the programs, rights, privileges, and Continued on page 9
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New UD program focuses on fitness training for over 55 The youngest baby boomers turned 50 last year. With an age range of 51 to 69 years old and numbering nearly 75 million, they are expected to live longer than any previous generation. Committed to healthy aging like never before, older adults have become a fast-growing segment of the fitness population. Most health clubs and fitness trainers welcome the trend with open arms, but many do not know how to handle their changing clientele. “The baby boomer generation has a completely different motivation than the mainstream fitness industry Continued on page 9
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Two-year degree programs and one-year certificates can open doors to in-demand careers in health care technology (BPT) - Tiffany Fair initially ruled out a career in health care. She assumed most available positions were for nurses, and she knew she could never get past her fear of seeing blood. Fair’s outlook on the industry changed quickly when she learned about the growing field of health information technology (HIT). “HIT intrigued me because it enables individuals to play a key role in the health care system outside of the traditional clinical setting,” she says. “The most satisfying career aspect of HIT is that it continues to evolve as new technology is introduced in the marketplace. That
means my knowledge and skills are always changing and expanding.” Fair recently earned an associate degree in HIT from DeVry University and now works for a large health information management company processing patient’s medical records for legal or personal reasons to ensure the information is valid and complies with state and hospital laws and bylaws. The need for professionals in roles similar to Fair’s is expected to rise as experts anticipate 11.7 million new patients will enroll in health care coverage Continued on page 18
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Cecil College building designs receive national recognition and praise Over the last few years, Cecil College has experienced significant growth and modernization of its facilities, which can be greatly attributed to the support it receives from its county and state funding partners as well as an ongoing design services collaboration with the architects from Marshall Craft Associates of Baltimore and York, Pa. The firm has designed several projects on Cecil’s North East campus, and this work has been lauded by a couple of national publications. “American School & University” magazine has recognized both the Physical Education Complex and the science labs on the fourth floor of the Arts and Sciences Building as “Outstanding Designs.” The Physical Education Complex appeared in the magazine’s “Architectural Portfolio,” while the science labs were in its “Educational Interiors Showcase.” “Recreation Management” magazine has also honored the Physical Education Complex with an “Innovative Architecture and Design” award. The Physical Education Complex project entailed the renovation of and addition to the Physical Education and Activities Building by 71 percent from 29,200 square feet to 50,070 square feet. Two years later, the opening of the
renovated science labs was celebrated. The lab renovations were actually the first phase of a two-part project, which also entailed the three-story, 28,683 square foot Engineering and Math Building. Your future begins at Cecil College with more than 100 degree and certificate programs. Conveniently located in North East and Elkton, Cecil’s small classes provide individual attention and academic excellence at an affordable cost. Many courses are offered online or in condensed and accelerated formats. Cecil also has advising and career planning services as well as job placement assistance. Programs include degrees in business administration, business and commerce technology, computer science, criminal justice, education, equine studies, general studies, horticulture science, visual communications, social work, biology, engineering, mathematics and physics. Students can also enroll in one of Cecil’s certificate programs to prepare for a new career such as government contracting. In addition, Cecil has continuing education classes to help students stretch their minds and bodies. For more information, visit www. cecil.edu or call 410-287-1000.
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Top tips for getting your child ready for college (BPT) - Heading back to school can be stressful for a number of reasons, from new routines and lengthy shopping lists to preparing your students for the year ahead. It becomes even more stressful when you’re faced with the tough task of outfitting a college-bound teen for dorm life. But there’s no need to fret, the following tips will allow you to rest easy and have confidence that your child is prepared for the adventure ahead. Plan-ahead packing Unlike typical back-to-school shopping, college preparation takes a lot more planning. Begin shopping for school supplies and clothes at least two months in advance to avoid last minute stress. Many schools help by providing a shopping list of must-haves for the dorm, including power strips, refrigerators and toiletry kits - which is a great place to get
started. You can also encourage your teen to reach out to their new roommates in advance through social media to discover their likes and dislikes. This can help them learn what kinds of supplies and furniture each person is bringing, so they don’t end up with two microwaves or small refrigerators in what will likely be extremely limited space. Many retailers even allow grads to create a college registry so family and friends know just what to get them. Soon-to-be college students can create an account and handpick specific gifts that range from dorm room essentials to tailgating supplies, bicycles and even pepper spray. These retailers also often provide helpful registry guides so you don’t miss a thing. Creating a registry will allow you to start preparations early and shop throughout the summer for
Oxford Center for Dance 610-932-3267 • 2371 Baltimore Pike, Oxford, PA 19363 www.oc4dance.com • oc4dance@zoominternet.net
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items that may not be purchased as a graduation gift, rather than darting out on a mad dash when it’s time to move. Savvy storage If there’s one thing your teen will need to adjust to when going to college, it’s dorm life. The rooms are typically a small, bland 200-square foot space with very little storage. And sharing with at least one other person is definitely not luxurious. While preparing for life in such small quarters may feel like a messy situation, it doesn’t mean your teen’s room has to look like one. With a little creativity and know-how, your teen’s home away from home will be an organized, cozy retreat. For storing large items, look no further than under the bed. Use extra-long containers to store clothing, shoes and other items that require easy and often access. To eliminate clutter, you can also
turn empty suitcases from move-in day into storage containers. If you need more space, consider requesting a lofted bed to create more height for additional storage. When closets and horizontal space run out, look to the walls. GeckoTech Reusable Hooks help provide added storage to dorm rooms, allowing your teen to easily organize items such as desk accessories, jewelry and jackets. Utilize these hooks in the closet to organize scarves and hats, and by the door to keep keys, umbrellas and backpacks at hand. GeckoTech Hooks are easy to re-position and reuse, which means you can move them - and your belongings - around the room, to find the best organizational solution for your new space. Plus, the hooks remove cleanly so you won’t have to worry about damaged walls during move out next spring.
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West Fallowfield... Continued from page 4
New UD program... Continued from page 5
activities generally afforded to students. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, or gender in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, athletics, or other schooladministered programs. Financial aid is available. The school is located at 795 Fallowfield Road in Atglen, Pennsylvania. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the school at 610-5935011 for more information or to schedule an appointment. You may also visit the school’s website at www.wfcs.org or on facebook.
recognizes,” says fitness expert Jim Menz, faculty member and program director for a new program training fitness specialists to work with older adults. “Rather than cosmetic results, folks over 55 are thinking more about their health, living longer and enjoying a great quality of life.” The University of Delaware’s new Senior Fitness Training Specialist Certificate was created with a variety of fitness and health care professionals in mind, preparing them to work as personal fitness trainers to clients over age 55. The program will also appeal to fitness enthusiasts seeking a rewarding career change or side career in helping others achieve their health and fitness goals. The 15-week certificate program takes place at Hockessin Athletic Club and combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning in a state-of-theart fitness facility. The curriculum includes a detailed foundation in exercise science; anatomy and physiology;
and health, medical and exercise considerations for older adults. There are no academic prerequisites to enroll in the program. With over 20 years in the field, program creator and lead faculty member Jim Menz is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, a corrective exercise specialist, and holds a master’s degree in exercise science and postgraduate certificate in rehabilitative science. Program faculty are certified, practicing professionals in the fields of nursing, physical therapy, personal fitness training and exercise science. This noncredit program is offered through the UD’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies. An information session is planned for Monday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m., at the Hockessin Athletic Club in Hockessin, Del. This information session is free, and all walk-in attendees are welcome. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.pcs.udel.edu/seniorfitness/, write to continuinged@udel.edu or call 302-831-7600 or 1-866-820-0238.
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The future is bright for TCHS graduates At the Technical College High School (TCHS) Pennock’s Bridge Campus, Thomas Baires works on wiring for an air conditioning unit in the spacious HVAC shop. He concentrates on his project as he explains that he’s learned the fundamentals and skills to work on basic wiring, furnaces and air conditioning units. “Before I came to TCHS, I had no experience in this at all. I didn’t even know what HVAC was,” he chuckles. “It was a bit difficult to come here and learn from scratch. But I did learn, and I progressed. I really love the hands-on learning.”
Courtesy photo
Students in the HVAC program learn wiring and other techniques in the classroom and then apply what they learned in the hands-on learning lab. TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus student, Thomas Baires, works on an air conditioning unit.
Baires graduated in June and is one of many TCHS students from all three TCHS campuses (Brandywine, Pickering and Pennock’s Bridge) who are working toward their future careers. The 17 career and technical programs at TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus help prepare students for their lives after high school. Baires is attending Penn College of Technology to earn his bachelor’s degree in HVAC design. After college he hopes to work in the commercial industry, eventually designing new HVAC equipment and later opening up a business with his brother - another
graduate of the TCHS HVAC program. In addition to developing a clear career pathway, all TCHS students have the opportunity to jump-start their higher education by earning college credits while in high school. TCHS programs have a variety of agreements and partnerships with colleges and universities throughout the state, such as dual enrollment, 1:1 articulation agreements and SOAR credits. The NOCTI test, which measures both the academic and hands-on skills students have learned in their programs, also gives students the opportunity to
earn college credits. Baires earned ten college credits for receiving an advanced score on the NOCTI HVAC exams. Whether going on to attend college or a post-secondary program, or directly entering the workforce, TCHS students are prepared for their futures. “Without TCHS, I would not know what to do with my life. I didn’t even know if I would go to college,” said Baires. “Now I know I’m going to college and I’m going to have a great career.” For more information, visit www. technicalcollegehighschool.org.
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Enroll now for fall classes at Delaware County Community College Delaware County Community College is offering several options for fall, including traditional and accelerated courses as well as online and on-campus classes.
Fall Full term semester with courses beginning August 31 and ending December 21. The last day to register is August 26. Fall Accelerated 1 An accelerated option, courses begin August 31 and end October 16. The last day to register is August 26.
Fall 2 Courses begin September 15 and end December 14. Not as fast-paced as fall accelerated 1 and 2, this option gives students a chance to get started on their education without waiting until spring. The last day to register is September 11.
Fall Accelerated 2 A second accelerated option, courses begin October 21 and run until December 14. The last day to register is October 16. Winter Online A fully online session that gives students a chance to earn credits between semesters. These intensive, five-week classes are offered entirely online and begin December 15. Courses run until January 18. Registration is open from October 15 to December 11. All five sessions feature courses on a broad range of subjects, including allied health, business, communications,
English, mathematics, public service, science and the trades. Courses are offered in Delaware County and in Chester County at the College’s Brandywine Campus, Downingtown Campus, Exton Center and Phoenixville Campus. New students must apply for admission before registering. Returning students may register for courses through delaGATE, the College’s online student portal. Financial aid may be available. Visit www.dccc.edu/register or call 1-855-56-LEARN (1-855-565-3276) to start the process.
About Delaware County Community College For more than 45 years, Delaware County Community College has served as the center of educational opportunity for residents of Delaware and Chester Counties. Here, students find affordable open admission to higher education and can earn an Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.) or an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. The College’s comprehensive programs offer dual enrollment and transfer options to four-year colleges and universities, prepare students for entry into the workforce, award professional certificates and provide career advancement and lifelong learning opportunities. The College serves a diverse population of more than 28,000 credit and non-credit students each year. For more information, visit www.dccc.edu.
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Time to get off the beach and on the ball! Enroll now for fall classes before it’s too late.
Fall semester and accelerated classes start August 31 • Choose from transfer degrees, career degrees and certificate programs • Day, evening and online classes available • Registration ends August 26
APPLY TODAY
dccc.edu/fall 1-877-912-DCCC (1-877-912-3222)
Convenient Locations • Media • Downingtown • Sharon Hill • Exton • Upper Darby • Phoenixville • West Grove
Delaware County Community College is an equal opportunity institution.
Serving Delaware and Chester Counties
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Preschool Learning through Understanding and Success The Arc’s P.L.U.S program, Preschool Learning through Understanding and Success, offers a unique inclusive learning environment that fosters all abilities of children from a young age. The Arc’s P.L.U.S. early childhood preschool is Pennsylvania state-licensed, operates year-round and accepts new student enrollment throughout the year for children 2.7 years of age (prior to their first day of school) through age five. The P.L.U.S. program is led by highly trained and certified teachers and staff experienced in support of various learning styles with countless years of early childhood education and specialized instruction experience. The program offers a family-centered approach through open communication with parents and caregivers. Children may attend the program for as little as one day a week. Small class sizes and low teacher to child ratio provides for individualized attention and the ability for teachers to adapt programming to each student’s style of learning. With a full-time nurse on-site, nursing services are available for all students based on each individual child’s needs. Call The Arc of Chester County to arrange a tour and for more information. Contact Judy Glass, OTR/L Director, Children’s Early Learning Services/Programs; 610696-8090 or jglass@arcofchestercounty.org.
Two-year degree programs... Continued from page 6
in 2015 through provisions outlined in the Affordable Care Act. “For those who want to quickly enter the workforce, an associate degree in HIT provides the education and skills preparation needed to break into emerging health care professions that provide career mobility and fulfillment,” says Dasantila Sherifi, professor and HIT program chair at DeVry University. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the population of Americans 65 and older will more than double by 2060. An aging America will send more health care workers into retirement, and expand the population that requires additional primary care services to address chronic health issues. Workforce projections and population shifts signal emerging health care career opportunities in a variety of roles, including: Health information technicians Individuals who are highly organized and detail-oriented can thrive in a career as a health information technician. These professionals are responsible for organizing and managing health information data in both paper and electronic systems, as well as coding and categorizing patient information for clinical care, research and insurance reimbursement. Demand for health information technicians will continue to rise with growing use of electronic health records by hospitals and physician’s offices, especially in the areas of data analytics and population health. Further compounding this demand is the pending implementation deadline of the new version of the International Classification of Diseases, which expands the number of diagnostic codes from 14,000 to 69,000. Medical and clinical technicians A career as a medical or clinical technician requires both analytical and scientific skills for procedures and processes that can have significant impact on patient health. Responsibilities include the study and analysis of blood
and tissue samples to determine normal and abnormal findings. Technicians are also accountable for logging data into a patient’s medical records and discussing results of laboratory tests and procedures with physicians. The growing aging population and diagnosis requests for chronic diseases such as diabetes and terminal illnesses like cancer means careers in this field will continue to rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within the medical records and health information technician field is projected to grow 22 percent from 2012 to 2022. Radiologic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists Americans are living longer, so their total lifetime health care needs are rising. Medical conditions such as broken bones and fractures caused by osteoporosis are common and frequent, as is the diagnosis of terminal illnesses, all of which can require imaging for correct diagnosis. In these instances, radiologic and MRI technologists play a role in patient diagnosis and work closely with physicians to utilize X-rays, MRIs, computed tomography and other hightech equipment to perform diagnostic imaging. Opportunities in the field are projected to grow 21 percent and 24 percent for MRI technologists and radiologic technologists respectively. To secure a position in these fields, individuals should identify schools that offer degree programs or certificates that can prepare them for the constantly evolving field of health care and increase their marketability in the workforce. Certain states or employers may also require professional certification or licensure. “DeVry University’s medical billing and coding certificate can be completed in one year of full-time, yearround study, allowing prospective HIT professionals to swiftly enter the field with the knowledge and skills preparation required to function as an entry-level coding specialist,” says Sherifi.
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The Music School of Delaware allows students to pursue excellence through music education The Music School of Delaware makes an impact in our lives by inspiring leadership in pursuing excellence, providing music education for all, presenting performances and enhancing the greater community. The Music School offers interactive early childhood music and movement programs for children as young as six months; private lessons (for all ages/ levels) in 30 instruments (strings, winds, brass, percussion, piano/keyboard, guitar, harp and voice); as well as ensembles and classes for adults and youth in varied genres including classical, jazz, rock, bluegrass, folk and more! No matter who you are -- new parents wishing to enrich your child’s world through music; a young singer seeking
to improve your “technique and style”; an adult yearning to return to piano or voice lessons of your youth, or try something new -- there is truly something to inspire everyone at The Music School of Delaware. With branches in Wilmington and Milford, plus satellite and outreach locations in Pike Creek, Dover, Lewes and Felton, we are close to people in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. The Music School provides personalized instruction delivered by more than 90 highly qualified faculty musicians in a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment. Accessibility, opportunity and interpersonal connections are the hallmarks of our music education goals.
ALWAYS ENROLLING in New Castle, Kent & Sussex Counties!
PRIVATE LESSONS for youth, teens & adults in 30 LQVWUXPHQWV YRLFHs covering classical, rock, jazz & folk genres!
EARLY CHILDHOOD classes for young families & children 18 months to 6 years! www.musicschoolofdelaware.org
In addition, the Music School presents nearly 100 live performances annually, featuring classical, jazz, world music and fun, familythemed concerts-many free of charge. With every performance, we aim not only to entertain but also to expand horizons and inspire imagination. To get a taste of the Music School first-hand, call for a tour or a sample lesson, and join our Annual Open House at the Wilmington Branch on Monday, January 25. We’re always enrolling -- statewide -- and we’re
happy to welcome you! For more information, visit musicschoolofdelaware.org or call 302-762-1132 in Wilmington or 302.422.2043 in Milford. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/MusicSchoolofDE and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ MusicSchoolofDE!
WILMINGTON BRANCH 4101 Washington St.
CALL TODAY: (302) 762-1132 Schedule a personal tour or a sample lesson!
Programs are made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.