Order for Thanksgiving Today!

Thanksgiving Centerpieces
Fall Mix Arrangements with or without candles.
Prices:
$10,$15 -circle shaped w/ 1 candle.
$20,$25 -oval shaped w/ 2 candles.

Made by the N.S.T.C Floriculture Class
5561 Elmer Drive(next to Toledo Botanical Gardens)
Phone: 419-536-7638 Email: jennifer.cummins@tps.org

Pick up only. Weekdays 7:30am-2:30pm, Wednesday November 5th 7:30am-4pm
We accept cash or checks.

Bowling with the FFA

Last Tuesday, the Toledo FFA members and advisors went to Miracle Lanes for a bowling meeting. Check out some pictures of the the fun the students were having!

Floriculture Job Interview CDE

Today the Floriculture I and II classes participated in a job interview career development event. To participate they had to fill out an application, turn in a cover letter and resume, complete a personal interview, and write a follow-up letter. We have been preparing for this activity for two weeks by practice, role playing and discussions. Thank you so much to Jean Emery and Doreen, our industry professionals, for their help interviewing the students.

Results will be up soon! Miss Cummins is so proud of everyone for trying their best!

Here are some pictures of the Floriculture I class practicing.

Fire Drill for Dogs

Students in the senior class of the Small Animal Management Program at the TPS Natural Science Technology Center were surprised by a fire drill conducted by the Toledo Fire Department on Monday, October 26. The students were busy working on the dogs they were assigned to groom when the alarm went off. Without hesitation, dogs were pulled off grooming tables and out of tubs as the students made their way to the designated safe meeting location.

Fire drill practice is required on a monthly basis at all schools in order to ensure safety in case of a real incident. In career training programs, such as those at the Natural Science Technology Center, drills can be more of a challenge than at a typical school. Students are often engaged in projects with animals, plants, and equipment, both indoors and outdoors.

Reptile Club

The Toledo Herpetological Society met at the Natural Science Technology Center on Thursday, October 15. Animal Management Students attended this meeting and learned about the responsibilities of keeping large snakes as pets. Students got an up close look at a young Burmese Python that will weigh 200 + pounds when full grown and reach a length of 15-20 feet! In addition to size, one must consider appetite and lifespan. A full grown captive Burmese eats rabbits and can live 25 years!
In contrast, the students were introduced to some very tiny hatchling corn snakes. These animals are perfect for the beginning snake owner with no experience. Their docile temperament and small size contribute to much easier care. In addition, they can be found in many interesting color morphs with fun names like; caramel corn, butter corn, cream sickle, candy cane, etc.
The Toledo Herpetological Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to education concerning reptiles and amphibians. The society meets every 3rd Thursday of each month at the Natural Science Technology Center 5561 Elmer Drive, Toledo, Ohio 43615. The meetings start at 7:15 PM. For additional information about the club go to http://www.toledoherps.org.

First FFA Meeting of the Year!

Our first meeting was at Krotz Corn Maze on October 13th. The students really enjoyed their time at the maze. Since the students at NSTC come from all different schools, the juniors and seniors got a chance to get to know each other while having fun. Although it was cold, there were still lots of smiles on the student’s faces. We can't wait for our next meeting on November 10th when we go bowling!

Congratulations New FFA Officers!

All of the NSTC students are members of the National FFA Organization which is a student leadership organization. Completely run be the students with the aide of Ms. DeYonker, their advisor, the following students have been elected by their fellow members.
President: Tami Crockett, Floriculture 2, Start Senior
Vice President: Jeff Czech, Landscape 2, Start Senior
Secretary: Krista Woodruff, Floriculture 1, Start Junior
Treasurer: Amber Conklin, Animal Care 2, Start Senior
Reporter: Tyrena Depp, Floriculture 1, Waite Junior, and Jordan Enis, Start Senior
Sentinel: Derek Fuller, Landscape 2, Rogers Senior

Grove Patterson Academy Bulb Labyrinth by Derek Fuller

On Monday, October 26th, the Landscape and Turf Program recently helped Grove Patterson Academy construct a Labyrinth which consisted of 4,000 bulbs. The students cut the design into the grass using a sod cutter. Next, they removed the cut sod in preparation for the Grove Patterson students to begin planting the next day.
On Tuesday, October 27th, the Landscape and Turf 1 and 2 students, along with the Floriculture 1 and 2 students helped the Grove Patterson Academy students plant the tulip bulbs. The Landscape students helped dig trenches for the younger students and the Floriculture students helped teach the Grove Patterson students how to plant the bulbs, It was a great learning experience for everyone involved. We can’t wait to see everything growing this spring!

A Trip To Nationals by Tami Crockett and Asia Manzie

The Natural Science Technology Center’s Floriculture Class placed first in the state in Floriculture in April of 2009, which earned them the right to represent Ohio at Nationals. Six students and advisor Jen Cummins traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to the National FFA Convention. Competing in the Floriculture Career Development Event were students Jeff Czech, Angela Avery, Tamnika Newsome, Danielle Taylor, and alternates Tami Crockett and Asia Manzie. Jeff, Tami and Asia are currently Start High School students, while Angela, Tamnika and Danielle graduated last year from Start.

At the Career Development Event the students competed individually in identification, job interview, identifying plant disorders, person-to-person selling, making and packaging a corsage and completed a written exam. There was also a team activity. Jeff earned a gold medal and placed 48th in the nation, Angela earned a silver medal and placed 84 in the nation, Tamnika and Danielle both received bronze medals and Tamnika placed 142 and Danielle placed 169 in the nation. Altogether the team earned a bronze medal and were 39th in the United States.

While in Indianapolis we also attended the opening ceremonies with Keynote Speaker Mike Rowe, a Laser show, a Toby Keith concert and a Career show. While the four students competed, Tami and Asia explored the Children’s Museum with Ms. Cummins and learned about King Tut, Ruby Bridges, Ryan White and Anne Frank. It was a great learning experience for us all. We got the chance to meet different people from all over the country and we are so proud of our team!

Fun at the Fair by Mazie Zeller

On September 8, 2009 all schools in Fulton County were closed due to the fair. All school children are admitted to the fair free of charge on Junior Fair Day. My Animal Management Class visited for free on this day as well. The Fulton County Fair is the most visited event to come to Fulton County and residents there proclaim it as, “The Fairest of them All.”

We had a fun, enjoyable experience that was educational at the same time. There are so many things to do, from rides, games, food, and checking out the animals. That’s right I said animals. The animals are a MAJOR part of the Fulton County Fair. There are competitions for all age groups. We saw rabbits, cows, goats, horses, llamas, chickens, pigs, and rabbits. Basically, any animal that you may find on a farm was there.