From the Director's Desk

It's finally here! After much anticipation and excitement, our moving day into the newly constructed Table Rock Career Center has finally arrived. We are still moving equipment over and the students made the transition into the new building on November 12. As you can imagine, this is quite the undertaking and it will take some time for us to be completely settled in and the shops are 100% operational. This leads to such a great learning experience for our students as they'll have a huge role in helping with the set-up and training on the new equipment. We do not have a date for our public open house, but we are looking at doing something after the holidays. We'll let everyone know as soon as we have a date set as we know everyone would love to come see the new building. I am so thrilled about the exciting future TRCC holds for our students and community. The TRCC staff and myself are very grateful for everyone's support.

TRCC Officially Welcomes Students

The day everyone has been waiting for finally arrived on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Table Rock Career Center opened its doors to students from the eleven schools TRCC serves from Stone, Taney and Christian Counties. This day was almost five years in the making and was made possible with the help of so many people. Here is a timeline of important events that led to this historic date:

December 2, 2019: Stakeholders in the community put together a framework for a strategic plan that would be known as Vision 2025 Strategic Plan.

June 24, 2020: The Reeds Spring Schools Board of Education adopted the Vision 2025 Strategic Plan.

April 5, 2022: The voters in the Reeds Spring School District approved the Prop RS $40 million bond issue. A portion of the funds from the approved bond were in support of the construction of TRCC.

January 27, 2023: TRCC ceremonial groundbreaking

June 30, 2023: The 2024 Missouri State Budget signed by Governor Mike Parson, included an additional $17 million earmarked for the construction of TRCC.

There is no way to measure our gratitude to everyone who helped make this vision a reality. We are looking forward to hosting an open house in January 2025 where people in our community will see how this state-of-the-art facility is a “The Rock Careers are Built Upon.”

Congratulations to our Culinary Arts instructor, Jennifer Noriega, for being selected as the October Teacher of the Month. One of her students had this to say about Mrs. Noriega, “She’s more than a teacher; she’s a great role-model.” She is always excited to share her passion for the hospitality industry with the next generation of students who are interested in this ever-changing career path. In a time of need, she is always there to lend a helping hand.

We are proud to recognize Brian Leisinger as our October Employee of the Month. Mr. Leisinger recently joined the TRCC staff after working in the automotive industry for 38 years. He comes to work every day with positive energy that is contagious. In his role as an assistant teacher he invests so much into the students making sure they are ready for life after high school, especially those students who are curious about pursuing a career in the automotive industry.

Spotlight on Auto Technology

The Automotive Technology program at TRCC is off to a great start of the 2024-2025 school year. The program has an enrollment of 72 students who range in automotive experience from never turning a wrench to students who are able to complete basic repairs.

Shannon Lasiter’s Auto Technology I students have completed their initial training on creating work orders, tool identification, mounting and balancing tires and brake replacement. Mr. Lasiter is in his third year at TRCC after serving as the fleet manager for the Stone County Sheriff's Department. He brings over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry to his classroom.

Tom Sears’ Automotive Technology II students have been learning about Ohm’s Law and how it relates to the automotive electrical systems. When the students are not in the classroom they are in the lab working on customer vehicles. Last year they invoiced almost 400 automotive repairs. Mr. Sears has over 27 years of experience in education and over ten years of industry experience working for various car dealerships.

Students who complete this two year program of study have an opportunity to earn a two year Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in Engine Performance, Maintenance/Light Repair, Steering and Suspension, Electrical and Brakes. Additionally, students who complete the program can earn up to 16 hours of articulated credit from Ozarks Technical College (OTC).

Focus on RS Works Interns

Vince, a senior at Reeds Spring High School, is interested in pursuing a career in real estate. On Mondays, he works with the Aux-Arc Realty team, gaining valuable insights into the profession. Vince has learned the importance of "good time management and soft skills are key to being successful in this industry. He also emphasizes the importance of “staying organized and not procrastinating.” His employer has showered him with the following praise, "Vince has a great attitude, dresses appropriately, and is eager to tackle any real estate task. We appreciate his questions and enthusiasm.”

It is an honor and a privilege to recognize two students from our Early Education Careers program as our Table Rock Career Center's October Professionals of the Month. Congratulations to the following students:

Branson High School senior Hailee Blair always brings positive energy into the classroom and into her practicum. This energy is fueled by Mrs. Sullivan’s continuous encouragement and support. Without Mrs. Sullivan’s positive reinforcement Hailee would not be looking forward to pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education with the goal of becoming a kindergarten or first grade teacher.

Spokane High School senior Libby Louviere does not meet expectations, she exceeds them in her program of study. Libby appreciates how the Early Education Careers program is providing her an opportunity to learn what will be expected of her as a future educator. She is looking forward to building on what she is learning at TRCC at Missouri State next year as she pursues a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Thanks to Tracy Carver-American Family Insurance Agency for their continued support of our TRCC Professionals of the Month!

TRCC Emergency Response Protocol Information

We believe a safe environment is essential. That's why the district is constantly evaluating our procedures to keep students and staff safe. To ensure clear communication during drills or emergencies, we use the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) with specific terms and directives.

HOLD keeps hallways clear

SECURE means locking outside doors

LOCKDOWN secures individual rooms

EVACUATE moves people to another location

SHELTER protects against specific hazards

We continue to work with students and staff on this terminology.

Please refer to our Standard Response Protocol for more detailed information.

Additional information for parents is available on iloveyouguys.org.

Click on the following link for more information:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kjXNSyrrGtGRm0ryh-dpyTvI5EZ-XfrD/view

TRCC Alumni Spotlight:

Allyssa Pokorney

We are excited to feature 2017 Reeds Spring High School graduate Allyssa Pokorney as our alumni spotlight. Allyssa excelled in the Culinary Arts program and parlayed this success into a successful career in the hospitality industry. She is the general manager at the SS Dockside Cafe and Pub in Branson, Missouri. Her story is one of hard work and determination. She began working for her current employer ten years ago. She was initially hired as a hostess and since then has stood out in every position she has held with the company. Her professional growth with SS Dockside is a tribute to her willingness to do whatever it takes for the betterment of the restaurant.

She loves the relationship aspect of this industry. From the employees to the locals and tourists who dine at SS Dockside, she appreciates the role she plays in making everyone feel like family in this family-owned business. As Allyssa reflects on her time in the Culinary Arts program she is thankful for her instructor, Jennifer Noriega, and how much time she invested in her success in her program of study. Because of Mrs. Noriega’s investment in her, she was able to graduate high school with skills that helped her become the success she is today.

Focus on RS Works Interns

Kash Myers, a senior at Reeds Spring High School, is pursuing a career in coaching. He’s interning under the mentorship of PE Teacher, David Sherer at Reeds Spring Elementary School. Kash has gained valuable insight into the dedication of the district’s educators. He shares, "During my internship I have learned about what the Reeds Spring School District is all about. With behavioral challenges in the classroom, the teachers never blink and have witnessed firsthand how much they care about all students." Kash adds, "I also enjoy greeting the students when they get dropped-off in the morning, because it sets a positive tone for the kids' day."

Spotlight on Culinary Arts

The culinary students began the year learning safety and sanitation. All of the students passed the Servsafe Food Handlers Certification. This industry recognized credential students will stand out when pursuing employment in the culinary industry.

The students in the Culinary Arts program have been very active in the kitchen learning about multiple cooking methods like dry heat, moist heat and the combination of the two. Just in time for the cooler weather, the students just completed a soup and sauce unit. The students are excited about moving into the new building where they will gain valuable experience in grilling and frying in the new state-of-the-art kitchen. The program is now utilizing a Toast point of sale system that many restaurants are currently using. Whether it is the front of house or the back of house these students are gaining valuable experiences in the culinary industry.

Culinary Arts instructor, Jenifer Noriega earned a degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management from Missouri State University. She has over 15 years of industry experience as a restaurant and kitchen manager before she decided to begin a career as a CTE educator. Mrs. Noriega has a passion for the hospitality industry and clearly communicates to all of her students that the hospitality/restaurant industry provides many different types of opportunities for students. She knows that some of her students may not seek a career in the restaurant industry, but they will develop an appreciation and respect for those who work in this industry for the rest of their lives.

SkillsUSA Facilitates Diaper Drive

SkillsUSA students are leading the Pooper Troopers of the Ozarks Diaper Drive from November 8-24. Pooper Troopers is an organization out of St. Louis and has been facilitating diaper drives since 2015. They have collected 1.7 million diapers since its inception. With the help from Harter House locations in Shell Knob, Kimberling City, Nixa, and Hollister the goal is to collect 150,000 diapers during this diaper drive in support of Pregnancy Lifeline in Branson West.

To learn more about more about the diaper drive, click on the following link: https://poopertroopers.org/ozarks/

Focus on RS Works Interns

Reeds Spring High School senior, Desirae Hulse, is a Healthcare Careers I program completer at Table Rock Career Center. As a licensed CNA, she is a nursing intern at Tri-Lakes Family Care in Branson. Desirae is excited about "Being able to work in a certified position that aligns with my career goals versus working in retail or in the hospitality industry " She adds, "I’ve learned the importance of staying organized. I am balancing homework, a part-time job, and my internship. Tri-Lakes Family Care is impressed: "Desirae has been such a blessing to our office! She’s hardworking and kind."

Spotlight on Construction

The school year is off to a fast start in the Construction Program. There are 31 new students and 9 returning seniors. All of new students have completed their introduction to hand and power tools, mandatory safety units and earned his/her 10 Hour OSHA certification for the construction industry. The program is expected to finish construction on the home they began working on last school year in May 2025. The students have completed the framing for the vaulted ceiling and constructed the deck. The students are currently working on an electrical unit. The students have been busy drilling holes for Romex, installing boxes for outlets, light switches and running Romex to the main electrical panel. This new group of students are hardworking and professional. They maintain a safe work environment on the job site and have demonstrated a willingness to learn new things in the classroom.

Sonny Young, the program instructor, earned a degree in Forestry from the University of Missouri. He has been leading the construction program at TRCC for the last 16 years and has an additional six years of experience teaching at King Career Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Mr. Young knows what employers are expecting out of employees and he makes sure students in his program exceed these industry expectations. If a student decides not to pursue a career in construction, they will always have the skills learned in this program for the rest of his/her life.

Focus on RS Works Interns

Ashton Plumlee is a senior at Reeds Spring High School and is enrolled in Table Rock Career Center's Construction program. He is interning with Crossland Construction who is currently working on various new construction projects for the Hollister R-V School District. His foreman showered the following praise, "Ashton has a very bright future ahead of him. I speak for the whole crew when I say he is definitely an asset to the team."