New Castle Career Center Health Science Education program students anticipated that this school year would look different; they just didn’t know how different. Students applied for the program just as the pandemic began.

As part of the Infection Prevention and Control Unit, the students completed extensive COVID training. They were educated on topics such as clean hands, PPE lessons, infection prevention and control, and monitoring residents. Students also practiced hand washing and donning and doffing PPE techniques and procedures.

“Students were prepared to begin clinical on October 19,” noted Health Science Education instructor Angie Talbott. “Unfortunately, some clinical sites have delayed starting to November 2.”

Not only were there some clinical delays, but students are also finding clinical procedures to be more intense than expected. Students participating in clinical at extended care facilities are required to be COVID tested weekly to comply with ISDH and Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services COVID testing requirements.

“Each student must be extremely vigilant about hand washing and wearing a mask,” added Talbott. “Students understand the reason for these precautions and have even shared what they have learned with their family and friends.”

A handful of students who were accepted into Heath Science Education program for the 2020-21 school year decided to drop the program before beginning. Those who chose to stay are using their unexpected classroom time to break down theories and skills before starting their clinical.

“These students did not turn away when COVID stirred up their plans, which tells me they will be heroes,” continued Talbott. “Heroes rush in when threats arise and that is what I’m confident these students will do.”

For more information about the Health Science Education Program, visit nccareercenter.org

The New Castle Career Center Culinary Arts Program is spearheading two fall fundraisers to raise money for their program. The students go through a large number of ingredients during food labs, and the money will help to underwrite some of those costs. 

The culinary students will be responsible for planning the menu for the October 16 Pig Roast hosted by Shirley Pumpkin and Peddlers. The students will plan the menu, budget for the food ingredients needed, and produce and serve food.

“Students will not only further their skills by having guest interactions and being hands-on in the kitchen,” Program Instructor Robin Rinehart explained. “They will also be able to make food on a large production scale and see the work it takes to plan, hold, and cater to food.”

The Culinary Arts Program is also partnering again this year with the Health Occupations Program in selling cheeseballs. The students will be selling cheeseballs from October 12- November 5. To fill orders, students will be responsible for learning how to mass-produce the cheeseballs.

“Last year, we sold and produced almost 2,000 cheeseballs,” added Rinehart. “The students are thrilled to experience the cheeseball fundraiser.”

Cheeseballs can be purchased through the New Castle Career Culinary Arts Facebook page. Send the page a direct message with order requests and preferred payment method.

“The cheeseballs are easy to stock up on for the holidays,” Robin noted. “They can be frozen for up to six months and just need to be thawed before serving.

For more information on the Culinary Arts career program, visit nccareercenter.org