On Tuesday January 5, 2021, we welcomed Todd Fields WRVC Director to our Zoom meeting to share updates about WRVC. Despite the pandemic, student retention year-to-year was high and funding has been secured and utilized for many updates and enhancements to the school’s facilities and programs.
WRVC applied for and received a $200K state grant that allowed the school to purchase several pieces of heavy equipment to enhance that program. In addition, they were able to add three lifts in the automotive shop. Previously budgeted funds were used to remodel the culinary arts dining room with new paint, chairs, tables and shades. The old fake fireplace is gone and we will likely see a change to audio and visual options in that room for programs and presentations. They are also in the process of replacing stoves and other equipment in the kitchen.
Todd gave us a virtual tour of the dining room that is currently being used as the culinary arts classroom to support social distancing, and we had a chance to greet Chef Limoggio and some of his 2nd year students. We look forward to seeing the students and those changes first hand. Hopefully sometime later in 2021!!
The building trades students are building sheds this year. Each student is building their own structure which will offer the opportunity to learn a variety of construction techniques.
The former Marketing program area, including the former school store, is being renovated to support the new Cosmetology program. This is exciting news for WRVC. Cosmetology is one of the largest CITE programs in other New England states, but has not been available in Maine previously. That career area has strong growth potential in Maine and is expected to be a draw for students starting in fall 2021.
Todd offered praise for the teachers and staff of WRVC. With five sending schools, there have been scheduling challenges and intense negotiations to keep students on track. The faculty and staff have worked hard to create a positive and effected learning environment for students with a combination of in-person and remote learning.
Todd also let us know that Assistant Director Sandy Peabody retired at the end of the last school year. The new Assistant Director is Gloria Noyes. Gloria was name 2009 Maine Teach of the Year while teaching at Congin and was Principal at Falmouth Elementary school prior to joining WRVC. She holds master’s degree in literacy education from USM.