Good News From Breathitt County ATC

1
Good News From Breathitt County ATC
2
Trus Joist and Carpentry Class, a Perfect Match
Ask Breathitt County ATC Carpentry
Instructor Claude Gross what the most important
asset in his class is and he will always say his
students. Ask him what comes second and most
likely he will say the schools relationships
with area businesses. One of the most important
is that with Trus Joist, a subsidiary of
Weyerhaeuser Incorporated, one of the worlds
largest wood materials manufacturers. My
first communication with Trus Joist came five
years ago when I started this job. It was my
responsibility to get an advisory committee
together, so I just got on the phone and started
calling companies, said Gross. It was our good
fortune to get Mr. Derwood Brady, Trus Joist
plant manager, to commit to being on the
committee.
Since then, the company has provided many
services and products for the students including
sending their safety director to the school for
presentations, sponsoring field trips, donating
safety glasses and 12,000 worth of wood
materials. Most of the wood material has been a
product called Timber Strand, a type of
compressed lumber, that is virtually defect free
and guaranteed against warping and termites.
Pictured above Jason Adams, left and Ryan Adams
work together on a class project.
3
This durable product can be used to fulfill
any carpentry needs the class encounters. Items
such as picnic tables, lawn chairs and storage
buildings have been built. The items are sold at
very modest prices and the money is used for
other projects. Since the materials are
donated, we feel like we can sell what we build
at very low prices to help out the buyer and
raise a little money as well, said Mr. Gross.
Currently the class is constructing bulletin
boards for each ATC program to be used in the
school hallway. Whatever the project, the
carpentry students seem to enjoy each new
activity. This class is fun and Mr. Gross
is very helpful in showing us how to use the
material, said student Crystal Haddix.
Heather Hughes said, Its entertaining and we
have learned a lot about different types of
wood. Mr. Gross is a great teacher and
knows what hes doing, said Colin Adams.
While Mr. Gross receives rave reviews from his
students, he also gives much praise in return.
These kids are great and they work really
hard in this class, he said.
Pictured above Mr. Gross provides an
explanation during one of his classes.
Pictured at right Mr.Gross enlists the help of
Jared Stacy (center) and Harold Spencer to work
on new bulletin boards for the school.
4
"Breathitt ATC students and staff appreciate
the generosity of Trus Joist, said Breathitt Co.
ATC Principal Margaret Gross. This exemplifies
the integration of industry and education by
offering students the opportunity to develop the
skills to become part of a competent future work
force. Investments of this nature will evolve
alongside growth and development of our region
and state, but the partnership between students
and teacher will inevitably produce the most.
The partnership between the ATC and Trus
Joist has been very productive and its the
students who will ultimately benefit the most,
said Mr. Gross.
Pictured above Jason Adams works on putting a
wall frame together. Left Eric Back (left)
Harold Spencer (center) and Josh Napier work
together to raise this frame. Right Crystal
Haddix gets into the swing of things during class.
5
Local Radio Station Spreads the ATC Message
If the residents in Breathitt County happen
to hear one of the local ATCs instructors coming
across the radio airwaves, it doesnt mean the
teachers have found new careers. Thanks to the
efforts of John Bunn and WJSN radio, they have
found a positive way to spread the word about the
careers they teach to their students. As a
service to the community, the radio station has
started running messages regarding class
offerings and happenings from area schools.
Bunn, a local pastor, makes regular trips to the
schools to do short interviews with a different
teacher each time. He then spotlights their
program in 30 seconds segments throughout the
course of a day. The segments are public service
announcements so there is no cost involved.
Bunn came to Jackson ten years ago and
was interested in finding ways to be of service
to his new community. Thanks to the help of
Breathitt County Football Coach Mike Holcomb, he
got involved with the radio station by calling
football games and has remained a constant on the
air.
Betty Bach records a segment
6
Local Radio Station Spreads the ATC Message
Health Science Instructor Betty Bach said,
This is such a great way to let the whole
community know what is going on not only at our
school, but in schools throughout the county.
ATC Principal Margaret Gross added similar
sentiments saying, John Bunn and his radio spots
have evolved into one of our most useful assets
-he informs the community about our programs and
personnel. Mr. Bunn coaxes the students and
staff during timely interviews about school
events and is always positive. The ATC looks
super on the radio! It is a way to spread our
good news out into the community.
Good News Flash 23 April 30, 2003
Click on logo to go to KY Tech Technically
Speaking website.