Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools March 2014 | Page 12

Learning the ropes Firefighter technology program prepares students for community-service career The firefighter immobilized at Providence High School needed help. Two of his colleagues grabbed their tools for the search and rescue mission. This challenge was part of the school’s Career and Technical Educational (CTE) firefighter technology course, where students are trained through re-enactment rescue missions. The pilot firefighter technology program for Providence and Butler students is a statewide partnership between the office of the state fire marshal, local fire departments and school districts. It is designed to introduce students to firefighting as a career. Students learn the basics of firefighting: to use safety and protective equipment, fire behavior and how to properly rescue victims. The curriculum, supplies and equipment, including a fully functional fire truck are supplied by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Department. Students train in a standard firefighter uniform wearing at least 50-60 pounds of equipment, with hand tools, air packs and protective gear. They also learn fundamental medical skills. “I never thought I could prepare to fulfill my dream while still in high school,” said Providence senior Jeremy McIver. “I wanted to be a firefighter since I was five years old. How many times do you see people running into a burning building to save someone they don’t know?” Certified teacher and Charlotte Fire Department Captain Kelvin Brim has 16 years of experience with the city. He was 18 when he decided to become a firefighter. He said the training students receive now will help them handle dangerous situations that can escalate in moments. “Recruit training is tough. It isn’t meant to be easy, because a fire department wants the best of the best firefighters who can respond when they are needed, because lives are on the line,” said Brim. “Through this course we are providing students with an opportunity for the same training. They will have the knowledge, skills and abilities they will need in case they want to become firefighters.” Once they complete the extensive CTE program, students can apply to be members of the fire department after graduation. Making Toxic-Free and Organic products affordable. Mommy’s Club was founded on the premise of making your home a healthier place to raise your family. Guided by leading nutrition pioneers and medical professionals, Mommy’s Club has developed a premium line of products that adhere to stringent, unyielding guidelines, allowing each of them to be labeled as having, “Organic, All-Natural, and Toxic-Free” ingredients. For more information contact: Dani Noto [phone] [email protected] www.mommysclub.com/daninoto 10 • March/April 2014 • Parent Teacher Magazine  “We want to see the program expand, not only for students, but so that we can have a viable pool of potential candidates,” said Brim. “The Charlotte Fire Department wants to hire people who have a vested interest in the community.” Brim said if a student decides to become a firefighter after high school, there is also opportunity for more. A college degree will offer students the option to advance to the rank of chief or captain. “It takes a certain type of person to do this job. It’s a lifestyle and it isn’t for everyone,” said Providence senior Bryson Estridge. “When students enroll in this class, they should be prepared. This isn’t an easy ‘A’ or an effortless class.” Nine students are enrolled for second semester, a combination of Firefighter Technology I and Firefighter Technology II students. A blueprint for bright minds Druid Hills STEAM camp enriches after-school hours A model car in the hands of a fifth-grader may look like a toy, but at Druid Hills Academy, it is imagination in action. During the school’s science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) camp, students are engaged in creativity and innovation. The school’s STEAM camp began in the summer of 2013, when the school started its continuous learning calendar. The STEAM camp is for students in grades K-8 throughout the school week. It is designed to help close achievement gaps and introduce students to STEAM-based career options. K-8 teacher Rebekah Fuerst recently worked with fifth-graders to teach them about designing and building cars using K’NEX construction toys, as well as how to market automobile commercials. Students made cars with propellers, sails and other devices that would be attractive to consumers. Once the cars were built they had to take them on test runs to check for mobility, friction and overall product satisfaction. Students then developed scripts for their auto commercials and made the videos using iPads. “It’s nice to have afterschool time, because we can dive in as deep as we want into STEAM learning,” said Fuerst. “I’m not just teaching science any more. We practice with data tables, g