Electronics Tech Dept. Hosts Job Shadow for Middle School Students

Recently at OWTS Electronics Technology Department Head Al Valletta hosted 10 eighth-grade students from Torrington Middle School to a hands-on experience in the Electronics Shop.  The program was put together by Mr. Valletta, Wolcott Guidance Coordinator Ruth Simoncelli, and Torrington Middle School Technology teacher Nick Molino.  Mr. Valetta’s 10 electronics seniors acted as mentors for the 10 eighth-grade students.

“The program is mutually beneficial,” said Ms. Simoncelli. “Our goal is to showcase the shop.  It’s an opportunity to show the kids what we can do.  The seniors take what they’ve learned and apply it in a mentoring capacity.  For the Middle School students, it’s career exploration, an electronics practical, and helps them in their planning for High School.  It provides them with an educated choice by being embedded for the day with our kids.  Mr. Valetta and I have been talking about this, but it’s the first time we’ve done it.  Matt Harnett, TMS principal, was very supportive and thought it was a great opportunity for his students.”

Down in the IE shop, Mr. Valletta and Mr. Molina were monitoring the program.  The students were building LED flashers as their practicum.  “For most of these kids, it’s the first time they’ve ever soldered.  They’re really into it.  What I like is it’s seen through the eyes of another student, not a teacher.  Our freshman have already told me they want to be mentors next year when they’re sophomores.”  We agreed that this kind of enthusiasm was very encouraging.  “All ten of these kids have already applied to OWTS.  I know all their names by now.  I am hoping to get 70% of them to choose this shop next year.”

Mr. Molina agreed about the success of the day.  “Most eighth-graders have no idea of what they want to do, or what’s out there for them.  These kids are a step ahead of the others.  They were chosen from a larger group of 30 Technology students, who have all expressed interest in the trade.  There are four of Al’s seniors who are former students of mine at the Middle School.  It’s kind of cool to see them teaching my current students.”

I spoke with Brian Hafey, eighth-grader, who said he liked that he learned a lot over just one day, even though he had a limited knowledge of the technology.  “My teacher [Mr. Valletta] had a lot of clarity.  He also was a real character, which I liked.  My mentor, Steve, was really good.”

Ryan Griffin, ET senior, said, “We all agreed as a shop that we wanted to do this.  I even went with Mr. Valletta to pick the kids up at the Middle School.  I mostly liked the fact that they had fun.  My partner was Alexa.  She basically did the whole project herself.  I just gave her a few hints.  It was also great eating lunch with them.  We got to talk casually and I got to know them better.”

Mr. Molina summed up the day this way, “This is a fantastic concept.  I hope it spreads to other shops.  We all agree what a great experience these kids are getting.”

 

Mr. Valletta and Ryan Griffin