PROVIDING EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR OVER …p1cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers... · 100 Littleton Road | Westford, MA 01886 | 978.692.4711 | nashobatech.net

100 Littleton Road | Westford, MA 01886 | 978.692.4711 | nashobatech.net

PROVIDING EXCELLENCEIN TECHNICAL EDUCATION

FOR OVER FORTY-FIVE YEARS

AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION REPAIR & REFINISHING | AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY | BANKING, MARKETING

& RETAIL | CARPENTRY | COSMETOLOGY | CULINARY ARTS | DENTAL ASSISTING | DESIGN & VISUAL

COMMUNICATIONS | EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION | ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY | ENGINEERING ACADEMY

(BIOTECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRONICS/ ROBOTICS) | HEALTH ASSISTING | HOTEL /RESTAURANT

MANAGEMENT | MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY | PLUMBING/HEATING | PROGRAMMING & WEB DEVELOPMENT | TELEVISION

& MEDIA PRODUCTION/THEATRE ARTS | VETERINARY ASSISTING

PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OFAYER, CHELMSFORD, GROTON, LITTLETON,

PEPPERELL, SHIRLEY, TOWNSEND & WESTFORD,

The core mission of a vocational-technical school is to impart to its students’ knowl-edge and skills that will be valuable for securing and having success in future employment. In order to achieve this goal, Nashoba Valley Technical High School, like any successful technical school, must con-stantly look to the future in order to deter-mine what sorts of training will still have value in an economy yet to come.In the 45 years that have passed since Nashoba Valley Technical High School

opened its doors in September 1969, in-demand skills have changed along with career paths and technology. Nashoba Tech’s history is one of near-con-stant adaptation; not just to keep pace with a rapidly-changing world but to anticipate those changes and keep the skills its students learn relevant.These changes have come about both in the technical programs that Nasho-ba offers and in the facilities and equipment of the building. To reflect the changing labor market, technical programs like Painting & Decorating, Horti-culture, and Upholstery have been phased out over the years. They have been replaced with TV Production/Theatre Arts, Programming & Web Development, Dental Assisting, and the Engineering Academy.Nashoba Tech’s one-of-a-kind Engineering Academy is a specially devised course of technical and academic classes designed specifically to prepare students for a future in STEM – (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math-ematics) related fields, including electronics/robotics, engineering, and biotechnology. This innovative program is based on the acclaimed Project Lead the Way, and has been awarded almost $500,000.00 in state grants designed to advance education in the highly competitive tech job market.Technologically-oriented programs, along with more traditional vocational programs, have seen significant advances in equipment, standards, and safe-

Superintendent’s MessageAbout Nashoba TechAcademicsTechnical EducatonAuto Collision Repair & RefinishingAutomotive TechnologyBanking, Marketing & RetailCarpentryCosmetologyCulinary ArtsDental AssistingDesign & Visual CommunicationsEarly Childhood Education & CareElectrical TechnologyEngineering AcademyHealth AssistingHotel Restaurant ManagementMachine Tool TechnologyPlumbing & HeatingProgramming & Web DevelopmentTV & Media Production/Theatre ArtsVeterinary AssistingExtra Curricular Clubs & ActivitiesAthletic ProgramsCommunity Service

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TABLE OF CONTENTSSUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

ty. Nashoba Tech has worked tirelessly to keep the entire school’s facilities and infrastructure at the leading edge of technical advancement. The school has undergone many major building projects in the past decade; adding such valuable facilities as our Science & Technology wing, a state- of-the-art TV studio and Performing Arts Center, and the recently completed Athletic Complex – which added $3 million in new fields, stands, tennis courts, and lighting to our existing athletic facilities. This year we also completed a beau-tiful Dance and Art Center where the required Fine Art and Dance electives will be given in addition to our already offered music program. This adds the “A” to our ‘STEAM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).Also coming this year (2015) to Nashoba will be two new programs: veteri-nary science which will encompass a Veterinary Assistant Program, the first to be offered at a regional technical school in Middlesex County and Sus-tainable Farming/Farm to Table which will expand our culinary arts cluster. Construction for the veterinary program will be done during the fall 2015 and renovation of the greenhouse was completed in the summer of 2015.The model of technical education that Nashoba Valley Technical School District follows is clearly working. Numerous reports—including the Pioneer Institute White Paper on Technical Education in the Commonwealth (2008, 2014), Mass Inc.’s Massachusetts Education Reform at 15 (2010), and Har-vard University’s Pathways to Prosperity (2011), and the most recent paper, “Robert Reich Demolishes Myth That College is the Gateway to the Middle Class” (March 23, 2015), have found technical high school graduates to pos-sess superior job skills and be more team oriented, disciplined, and job ready than even college graduates.I hope you will find this booklet informative, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Judith L. Klimkiewicz, Superintendent

ABOUT OUR STUDENTSAll of Nashoba Tech’s career and technical programs are offered following extensive research into the in-demand careers of the future. Our students are learning skills and gaining experience in the fields that are most likely to have good job availability and security, as well as provide decent compensation to skilled workers. The chart below shows student enrollment in our technical programs, grouped by general field. The STEAM group represents programs that fall under the Science, Technology, Engi-neering, Arts, and Mathematics umbrella (which is coming to replace STEM as an area of focus in some quarters of discussion).

For most Nashoba Tech students graduation does not mean the end of career preparation. Over the past five years an average of over 70% of our graduating class has pursued further education; either at college or in a special-ized training program. In that period, many more students have found gainful employment in the first year following graduation from Nashoba Valley Technical High School.

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Nashoba Valley Technical High School provides the highest quality technical education to our students. Founded on the idea that skills are as essential as knowledge, this school’s forty-five year history reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that our graduates can take charge of their own lives, and thrive in a post high school world. Nashoba Tech continually expects more of itself, and of its students; always striving to reach the next level of success.

ADMISSIONSStudents who have completed the eighth grade and live in one of our eight district towns (Ayer, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Pepperell, Shir-ley, Townsend or Westford) are eligible to apply for admission as a district student without restriction. Applications are carefully reviewed by our Admissions Committee, with admission based on grades, attendance, discipline record, recommendations, and an interview.

Students who live outside of the district may apply as a school choice can-didate. Additionally, students from our district who are already enrolled in another high school may apply as a transfer student. In both of these cases admission will be considered following the same criteria as district students, providing that there is space available at that time.

This booklet offers an overview of what a Nashoba Tech education has to offer; but there are several other ways to find out more about the school before deciding to apply:

• Attend an 8th grade student presentation. Early in the school year, Nashoba Tech representatives visit each of the District’s middle schools to provide information about the school and answer questions.

• Explore the school. Each District middle school schedules a field trip to Nashoba Tech for their 8th grade students early in the school year. Students are given the opportunity to try a few hours in a technical program that interests them and tour the school’s facilities and classrooms.

• Sign up for a Mini-Exploratory. Twice a year Nashoba Tech

ABOUT NASHOBA VALLEY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

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runs a free, four week after school Mini-Exploratory program. For two days a week, District 7th and 8th grade students spend two hours completing fun and educational projects in various technical programs. Often, Nashoba can provide transporta-tion to and from District middle schools at no cost.

• Visit our annual Open House. A grand showcase of every-thing Nashoba Tech offers, our Open House is an ideal way to find out everything you might want to know at once. On the first Sunday of November there are presentations, displays, and demonstrations highlighting the school’s departments and programs—while raffles, entertainment, special guests, and other diversions create a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

• Schedule a Tour or Interview. Potential students and parents are welcome to schedule a personal visit for most any time during the school day. You will be able to find out more about any aspect of the school that interests you at your own pace.

• Visit our website (www.nashobatech.net). See sidebar. ▶

GETTING STARTEDNew students at Nashoba Tech have several resources to help them adjust to life at a technical high school. Our Kick-Off-Mentor program matches each entering freshman with a carefully selected upperclassman, who is trained to both guide and support the new student as they begin their high school careers. Student Services staff guide students through all four years of their time at Nashoba Tech, starting first thing Freshman year; assisting in everything from initial career testing, through course selection, up to college and career planning Junior and Senior years.

NCTI POST GRADUATESStudents who are recent high school graduates and reside in-district may apply to enter a Nashoba Career Technical Institute program as a Post Graduate student, space permitting. Students are enrolled full-time in a technical program as a Certificate course, in the process gaining valuable job skills and preparing to test for any industry certifications or licenses associated with the course of study.

Completion of the program earns the Post Grad a Tech-nical Certificate, which demonstrates their proficiency in the core skills of that career field. Admission to the program requires an application, recommendations, an essay, and an interview with the Admissiona com-mittee. All Post Graduate programs are tuition free for in-district students.

www.nashobatech.netNashoba Tech’s website has everything you might want: applications and documents, event calendars, photos and video, news, and any information you need to decide if technical education is right for you.

Nashoba Tech’s commitment to core academics is second to none. As a re-sult of this dedication to academic rigor, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has ranked Nashoba Tech a Level 1 School (the top rank on the scale) for four years in a row; based on our students’ performance on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assess-ment System (MCAS). Additionally, for the past two years Nashoba Tech has had the maximum number of students allowed by state guidelines receiving the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship, which grants the stu-dent a full-tuition scholarship to any state college or university.

Both college prep- and honors-level courses follow rigorous curricula, and are taught by skilled and dedicated professionals. As a Model Tech-nology School, each classroom is equipped with tools like electronic SmartBoards, and lessons regularly involve the use of digital resources like iPads, Google Classroom, and Chromebooks individually issued to students as part of the one student to one computer initiative.

Since reports continue to indicate that good language and communica-tion skills are vital for securing and maintaining employment in virtually every field, every Nashoba Tech student is placed on an individualized, four-year writing plan starting their Freshman year.

ADVANCED PLACEMENTAt the upper grade levels, Nashoba Tech offers an impressive range of Advanced Placement classes, ten in total, in all core academic subjects: English Language and Composition, English Literature, American Gov-ernment, U.S. History, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Program-ming, and Physics.

ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION

Nashoba Valley Technical High School maintains the highest commitment to comprehensive and rigorous academic instruction—at all levels. As a Model Technology School, Nashoba Tech provides all of its students with the most ad-vanced curriculum and educational technologies available, with SmartBoards in every classroom and frequent use of iPads and other devices for instruction. Additionally, starting in 2015, all incoming students will each be issued a personal Chromebook to use for both class- and home-work.

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ARTICULATION AGREEMENTSArticulation Agreements are arrangements between Nashoba Tech’s technical programs and post-secondary colleges and training programs. These post-secondary institutions award credit or advanced placement to students who graduate from a technical program based on their high school coursework. Additionally, there are Statewide Articulation Agreements with the Community College system and for Apprentice-ship Training. Each program’s specific Articulation Agreements are listed at the end of the course description in that section of this booklet.

DUAL ENROLLMENTFor Juniors and Seniors who meet district and state requirements, the Dual Enrollment program is an excellent way to get a jump-start on high-er education. The program allows students to attend Middlesex Commu-nity College, Mt. Wachusett Community College, University of Massachu-setts at Lowell, or Fitchburg State University on a full time basis—in place of attending their high school classes.

The college courses count towards both the student’s high school diplo-ma and an Associates Degree, with the possibility of earning both simul-taneously. This offers many advantages to students looking to get ahead on future education and employment.

MUSIC & THE ARTSStudents benefit from education in the Arts in numerous ways; including an increased ability to evaluate and judge new information, stronger creativity “outisde-the-box” think-ing skills, and greater depth and range in expressing their thoughts.

Nearly 10 years ago, Nashoba Tech became the first Technical School in the state to require a course in Music, and since then enrollment in Music classes, as well as Band and Cho-rus, has grown to impressive proportions. Each year these groups hold Spring and Winter concerts that are open to the public—as well as coordinate with the Drama Club to put on a musical stage performance.

To further expand artistic opportunities for students, Nashoba Tech created the new Art & Dance Center; a thoroughly modern studio space for a wide variety of cre-ative endeavors. The recently completed project, which completely rennovated on old campus outbuilding, currently houses Art and Dance elective classes for Nashoba Tech students. In addition to these new classes the Center will be used to host arts-related extracurricular programs and events, such as recitals and art shows, in order to expand opportunities for Nashoba Tech students to showcase their talent and hard work.

These College-Board approved classes are college-level and end with students taking the related Advanced Placement Exam. Over 90% of US colleges award credit, advanced course placement, or both to high-scor-ing students.

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Technical Programs are where students gain valuable career-relat-ed knowledge and skills that will set them apart from graduates of traditional high schools in the eyes of both colleges and potential employers. Recent surveys have found that many employers consider technically educated high school graduates to possess superior job skills and discipline than even college graduates.

Nashoba Tech’s programs are taught by instructors who have numer-ous years of experience working in their fields and are dedicated to passing their knowledge on to their students. The facilities and equipment utilized by each program are state-of-the art, and each program’s curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current industry standards.

In addition to program-specific skills, Technical Programs instruct students in safety, employability, entrepreneurship, and other vital work-related skills like budgeting and communication.

SCHEDULE & PROGRAM SELECTIONStudents’ schedules alternate between a week of academic instruction and a week of technical instruction. This allows Technical Programs to of-fer truly in-depth instruction and undertake more complex assignments and projects—while operating in a more workplace-like environment.

At the start of their Freshman year, students explore each of the 19 tech-nical programs for one day. Following this, the student explores six of those programs for one week each. The six programs are selected based on a combination of the student’s preferences, parental input, and the

TECHNICALEDUCATION

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COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONThe Cooperative Education Program allows qualified Junior and Se-nior students to advance their technical education while working in a paying job for an industry employer. This arrangement gains the stu-dent valuable work experience and industry connections—in addition to pay—while meeting the requirements for the student to earn their technical certificate upon graduation.

Students work for their cooperative employer during their week of technical instruction, while attending Nashoba Tech during their academic week to keep up with their core course requirements for graduation.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATESDepending on the profession, industry-recognized licenses and cer-tificates are either required or very helpful for securing employment. Each of Nashoba Tech’s Technical Programs prepare students to meet the requirements for various accreditations that are relevant to that field, and in many cases offer the tests as part of the program. Grad-uation from a program does not automatically confer these creden-tials; the students bear responsibility for passing the necessary tests.

ADVISORY BOARDSEach technical program is supported by an Advisory Board comprised of industry professionals and em-ployers, post-secondary institutions, representatives of unions and professional organizations, parents and students, and community leaders. These boards meet twice a year and review the program’s curric-ulum, facilities, and equipment to make sure that students’ learning is directly relevant to the current professional business environment.

Additionally, the Advisory Boards serve as a means for Technical Instructors and students to develop and maintain contacts for professional networking, and helps develop cooperative learning opportuni-ties for students.

results of career testing, which all Nashoba Tech students undergo at the start of Freshman year. Following that, the students are placed into their full-time technical program based on those same considerations. Acceptance into the Engineering Academy is also based on additional considerations.

A Note About LicensesOn each Technical Program page the licenses and certificates that are tied into each program are listed after the course description. These credentials are not automatically granted with completion of the techni-cal program’s graduation requirements, and require passage of specified assessments.

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Between body repairs and custom body work, Americans spent $36 bil-lion on their cars in 2013. Moving forward, the US Department of Labor believes that “job opportunities should be very good for jobseekers with industry certification and formal training in automotive body repair and refinishing and in collision repair.”

The Nashoba Tech Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing Program is specifically designed to provide that “formal training,” and offer a direct route to vital industry certifications. This National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified program utilizes the most current, industry-standard equipment and facilities. These include the cutting-edge, environmentally friendly Waterbourne paint system—which is very quickly becoming the standard in the industry and a huge plus to many employers.

In addition to learning the essential technical and business skills of the auto repair industry, students will also learn the customization and af-ter-market aspects of the business. This more creative aspect of the field is a growing and increasingly lucrative part of the auto body industry, which has gained a great deal of media exposure lately.

The program has articulation agreements with the New England Institute of Technology, Ohio Technical College, and New Hampshire Community Technical College.

AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION REPAIR & REFINISHING

Students in the Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing program practice their skills on actual vehicles brought in by private customers, as well as fleet vehicles from various state and municipal agencies—including the Massachusetts State Police. The program’s equipment and facilities are the same as those found in modern repair and customization shops, so students are prepared for the modern work space from the get-go.

• CPR• National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)• OSHA 10 (General Industry)

LICENSE & ACCREDITATION PREPARATION

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There are over 265 million motor vehicles in the United States alone, and these vehicles become more technically sophisticated and complex by the year. Every one of these machines requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs, and the demand for skilled professionals to do this work is very high.

At Nashoba Tech, Automotive Technology students learn their skills in a National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and Au-tomotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified program and gain experience using state-of-the-art test and repair equipment. They put these skills to use working on the vehicles of actual customers in a professional repair shop setting, while learning the business side of their trade.

Graduates of the program will be certified by NATEF (upon passing the exam) and will be ready to satisfy an intense need for well-educated and technically trained people. They can then put their specialized knowl-edge and skills into practice in a wide variety of work environments, and be ready for success from the start.

Graduates who desire further training can take advantage of the pro-gram’s Articulation Agreements with Benjamin Franklin Institute of Tech-nology, Central Maine Community College, the New England Institute of Technology, New Hampshire Community Technical College, University of Northwestern Ohio, Universal Technical Institute, and a statewide Articu-lation Agreement with all Massachusetts Community Colleges.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Using the most up-to-date diagnostic and repair equipment, students in the Automotive

Technology program learn through detailed lessons and work on actual vehicles from

customers, as well as Nashoba Tech’s own fleet of vehicles.

• CPR• National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)• OSHA 10 (General Industry)


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In the Banking, Marketing and Retail Program, students sharpen their analytical skills, develop their creative potential and gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this exciting field.

Students learn the business of selling. They build a solid foundation for a future in retail management, marketing communications, finance and business management through training in advertising, consumer rela-tions, accounting, business law, management, economics and entrepre-neurship.

Lowell Five’s Westford branch office is located on-campus at Nashoba Val-ley Technical High School where students learn the business of electronic accounting in banking. Working side-by-side with Lowell Five profes-sionals, students engage in actual banking transactions every day using computerized work stations. They also gain valuable experience in mer-chandising, sales and promotions while working in the school’s Viking Village Mall gift shop.

Graduates will be well-prepared to continue their education at two-year and four-year schools or to pursue a career in retail sales, customer ser-vice or as a bank teller.

BANKING, MARKETING & RETAIL

• CPR• National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) Financial Literacy Certificate• National Retail Federation Foundation (NRFF) Customer Service Certificate• OSHA 10 (General Industry)

In addition to their regular technical instruction, Banking, Marketing & Retail students gain practical business experience through time spent working in Nashoba Tech’s own store, the Viking Village Mall, and Lowell Five’s full- service branch in the school’s main building.


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The skilled trades have been quietly enjoying a renaissance in this coun-try, attracting renewed public appreciation for their quality and crafts-manship as well as a new generation of workers eager for the hands-on satisfaction of creating work that is meant to last generations. Ask any graduate of Nashoba Valley Technical High School’s Carpentry Pro-gram and they’ll acknowledge a real sense of achievement being able to participate in something they’ve created or helped build.

Students in this program learn both construction and finish cabinetry, working with the latest machinery and tools on a variety of building projects across a multitude of settings—often going out into the community to work on public service projects for our Dis-trict towns.

This program has a post-secondary Articulation Agreement with Central Maine Community College and state-level agreements with three prominent apprenticeship programs: the Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund, the Construction Craft Laborers Ap-prenticeship Program, and the Eastern Massachusetts Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund.

CARPENTRY

Carpentry students are thoroughly trained in both the craft and business aspects of their pro-fession—including planning, budgeting, commu-

nication, and marketing that will eqip them for success in the world of working professionals.

• CPR• OSHA 30 (Construction)


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Cosmetology was recently named by Money magazine as one of the 50 “hottest” field, in terms of career prospects. It is, however, a field that requires highly specialized training (like how to safely mix hair treatment chemicals) in order to earn a professional license. The cost of private preparation for this career field is usually quite high, with accredited programs in this region charging the average student any-where from $10,000 to $20,000.

The Cosmetology Program at Nashoba Tech offers the same quality ed-ucation to its students, preparing them for success in all aspects of the field. Students learn the theory and practice of hairstyling, makeup, nail care and enhancement, skin treatments, and other skills that will be in high demand in this growing field. Whether they want to own a salon, or provide hair and makeup services to the booming media production industry, or anything else in the field, Nashoba Tech’s Cosmetology Pro-gram sets its students up to succeed—providing valuable training hours that are required to qualify to take the professional exam.

In Cosmo Cuts, a professionally styled salon which is part of our Viking Village Mall, students interact with real customers as part of their class-room training. In addition to providing the cosmetology services, the students learn to handle the everyday aspects of operating a business; including appointment scheduling, transactions, inventory supervi-sion, and customer service.

COSMETOLOGY

• CPR• Massachusetts State Board Cosmetology Operator’s License• OSHA 10 (General Industry)

The Cosmetology program at Nashoba Tech trains students in all aspects of this growing field, both practical and business-related. The program is specifically designed to provide the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to successfully take the Massachusetts state licensing exam.


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Taught by consummate professionals in our newly equipped state-of-the-art kitchen, students will cultivate their skills using a wide range of com-mercial equipment. They’ll go beyond learning the techniques of basic food service preparation and on to mastering presentation, staff man-agement, and developing a strong sense of timing and proportion. As students progress through the program, they’ll put this knowledge into practice by catering outside events for community and official functions. Students will also plan and execute menus in The Elegant Chef, Nashoba Tech’s own busy restaurant, which is open to the public four days a week.

Students also work in the Institutional Foods kitchen, learning how to use and maintain commercial cooking equipment while planning and preparing large, banquet-style meals. Lunch for the entire student body and staff of the school is prepared on a daily basis, and food for school functions and events is provided by this valuable part of the Culinary Arts Program. Students also learn ordering and inventory of ingredients and supplies and many other business aspects of the culinary trades.

The Culinary Arts Program maintains Articulation Agreements with Central Maine Community College, North Shore Community College, Johnson & Wales University, Middlesex Community College, Newbury College, and a statewide Articulation Agreement with all Massachusetts community colleges.

CULINARY ARTS• CPR• National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certification• American Culinary Foundation (ACF)• OSHA 10 (General Industry)

In the Culinary Arts Program’s fully modern kitchens, modeling both institutional and fine

dining settings, students receive superior training in both the creative and practical aspects

of their chosen field. Our Viking Village Mall restaurant, The Elegant Chef Bistro, is staffed by students who get experience working in a

professional dining environment.


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Good oral health has become an essential factor in America’s public health agenda. With this recognition, the role that dental healthcare as-sistants provide has grown in importance.

Job opportunities are increasing and the responsibilities of the dental assistant are highly regarded. Students in the Dental Assisting Program at Nashoba Valley Technical High School acquire a wide range of clinical and administrative skills and will be ready to rise to the challenges pre-sented to them in both private and group practices.

Working on behalf of the patient as well as the dentist, the Dental Assis-tant plays an instrumental role in helping to assure a high level of profes-sional excellence in oral health care delivery. From exposing radiographs and polishing teeth to managing infection control procedures and sched-uling appointments, the varied activities of a dental assistant make for an interesting and rewarding career.

The Dental Assisting Program has articulation agreements with both Northern Essex Community College and Middlesex Community College.

DENTAL ASSISTING

“When I applied to the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy there were 5,700 applicants, and they only accepted 30. They told me they accepted me because of my technical education...”

Jennifer BatesDental Assisting Graduate (Class of 2005)

• CPR• First Aid• Dental Assistant National Board Certification: Infection Control (DANBIN)• Dental Assistant National Board Certification: Radiation Health & Safety

(DANBRA)


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Learning to use modern design and layout technology to put solid de-sign traditions and theories into practice is the task of graphic designers and artists. As the advance of technology has pushed back the boundary of what is possible, the creative designer has had to be proficient with a wide array of tools and technologies; from hardware such as computers, scanners, and digital cameras to industry-standard Adobe® software in-cluding Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash and Dreamweaver.

Graduates of the Design and Visual Communications Program are ready for college or art school, as well as a wide variety of job opportunities in design, printing, web design and animation, commercial illustration and many others. All graduates leave the program with a portfolio of work suitable for college and job interviews, Adobe® software certification, and knowledge of how various design and graphic businesses operate.

The Design & Visual Communications Program currently maintains post-secondary Articulation Agreements with the Boston University Cen-ter for Digital Imaging, Central Maine Community College, the New En-gland Institute of Art, and a statewide agreement with all Massachusetts Community Colleges.

DESIGN & VISUALCOMMUNICATIONS

Students in the Design & Visual Communications program combine traditional design techniques

and principles with modern creative software and equipment. This combination allows our

students to be ready for technological changes to the graphic arts field, while maintaining a strong core of creativity

and design fundamentals.

• CPR• Adobe Certified Associate: Dreamweaver, Flash, InDesign, Illustrator,

Photoshop• OSHA 10 (General Industry)


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Early Childhood Education students will learn child growth and devel-opment, and how to incorporate materials and activities that are devel-opmental level and interest appropriate. They will understand the basic responsibilities of child care, the importance of communication skills, and the need to project a professional attitude.

Students will gain an understanding of prenatal care, birth, and developmental milestones in the early years of life. Areas that are addressed include: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development; an overview of the major theorists and theories in ECE; writing and implementing basic lesson plans; emergent curriculum; observation as an assessment tool; and different types of ECE programs. Students will also develop an understanding of industry pro-fessional organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NEAYC) and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

There are post-secondary articulation agreements between the program and Middlesex Community College, Mount Wachusett Community Col-lege, Quinsigamond Community College, Mass Bay College, Northern Essex Community College, and Bay Path College.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

• CPR• First Aid• OSHA 10 (General Industry)• Office for Child Care Services: Infant/Toddler Teacher Certification and

Pre-School Teacher Certification• National Early Childhood Education Certification• Child Development Associate Credential• Car Seat Training

The demand for skilled and dependable care providers and educators for small children continues to grow at a tremendous rate. More and more families are depending on outside help in these areas, and graduates of the Early Childhood Education program have both the knowledge and hands-on skill to succeed in this growing field.


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Growth in the electrical services industry is being driven by technologi-cal advances, the need to update existing buildings, more sophisticated internal electrical wiring and control systems to accommodate data, In-ternet and telecommunications systems, and new codes for power and life safety.

Students in the Electrical Technology Program at Nashoba Valley Techni-cal High School will be ready to take on all these challenges and more. Hours earned in class are credited toward the Massachusetts licensing re-quirements. Our program offers a reliable and thorough training ground for employment in the electrical industry, and we have an excellent repu-tation with local industries looking for skilled professionals.

Graduates from the Electrical Technology Program will have 1500 hours of practical experience and 300 hours of code and theory work to apply towards their professional licenses. This is in addition to the licenses that they will qualify for during their time in the program. The Electrical Tech-nology Program also has an articulation agreement with the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.

ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY

Much of the infrastructure of the modern world—from electrical grids to data networks—depends on skilled electrical technicians who can create

and maintain it. Despite the growth of wire-less technologies, the wired world is still the

foundation of modern life; and Nashoba Tech’s Electrical Technology graduates have the skills

needed to make it in that world.

• CPR• OSHA 30 (Construction)


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Numerous official studies and reports have identified STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) related careers as being the most competitive and in-demand fields of the near- to mid-future. Entry to these professions requires a strong academic background in science and mathematics—as well as a mind trained for analysis, problem-solv-ing, and design. Nashoba Tech’s unique Engineering Academy is a pro-gram that is specifically constructed to be the ideal springboard into the leading edge of a high-tech future; one which has been awarded nearly $500,000.00 in state grants aimed at advancing STEM education.

Structured on the nationally recognized Project Lead the Way framework, the Engineering Academy operates on an independent schedule and curriculum structure designed to maximize the integration of academic knowledge and technical skills. Freshman students explore the Academy as they do any other program; however, students with interest in the pro-gram face an additional, more comprehensive, level of evaluation than with other technical programs, including required Advanced Placement courses.

Freshmen and Sophomore students take a common set of foundational courses centered around core mathematic, scientific, design, and engi-neering concepts. In the Junior year, students can choose to specialize in a more focused branch of engineering: Aerospace, Bio-technology, Civil, Geophysical, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural, Telecommunications, as well as the fields of Electronics and Robotics.

Academically, the Engineering Academy operates on a more dedicated track than the general school. Starting in the Sophomore year, students selected for the program follow the Engineering track—which integrates the academic and technical courses throughout both weeks of instruc-

ENGINEERING ACADEMY

Engineering Academy students prepare for careers in the various branches of engineering: Aerospace Engineering, Bio-Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geophysical and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, and Architecture or Telecommunications Engineering, Electronics, and Robotics.

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tion. Core subjects are taught by instructors dedicated to the program, with curricula fine-tuned to offer best advantage to the engineering student’s skill set. Beginning in Sophomore year, courses in Science are AP level and culminate in taking the corresponding AP Exams. AP level English classes in Junior and Senior year, as well as AP Math courses in Senior year, are also required.

Students in the Engineering Academy get to apply their skills beyond the classroom in many ways. They form the core of Nashoba Tech’s FIRST Ro-botics team, which in 2011 won the Rookie All-Star award and advanced to the national competition. They also engage in partnership projects with institutions like UMass Lowell and Boston College’s Educational Seismology Project, located at the Weston Observatory.

In addition to Articulation Agreements with all Massachusetts commu-nity colleges and the New England Institute of Technology, many promi-nent colleges throughout the country recognize and offer course credits to graduates of Project Lead the Way programs like the Engineering Acad-emy: Arkansas Tech University, Dunwoody Institute of Technology, Indian University, Iowa State University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Min-nesota State University, Northern Illinois University, Oregon Institute of Technology, San Diego State University, St. Cloud University, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, University of New Haven, University of Northern Iowa, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

ENGINEERING ACADEMY

• Autodesk Inventor Certified Associate• Autodesk Revit Certified Associate• CPR• FANUC Operator Certificate• OSHA 10 (General Industry)

According to the US Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration and

Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in STEM related fields is almost half that of

non-STEM related occupations. Additionally, those wages tend to be 30% higher per hour

than the non-STEM worker’s.


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Due to an aging population, the need for health care workers is going to grow ever more intense for the forseeable future. Skilled professionals in this field can expect excellent job security and compensation for the forseeable future.

Students in the Health Assisting Program will be ready to work in a vari-ety of settings, including community hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, and ambulance services.

Students who have graduated from the Health Assisting Program have gone on to study at two and four year college nursing programs, physical therapy programs, and phlebotomy programs. Others have continued their careers in health care as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) in long term care facilities, hospitals, and doctors’ offices.

In addition to numerous certification opportunities, Health Assisting graduates can take advantage of the Articulation Agreement with Mid-dlesex Community College for post-secondary course credits.

HEALTH ASSISTING

Future health-care professionals of all kinds get to develop strong foundational knowledge and skills in the Health Assisting program at Nashoba Tech. Between classroom instruction and on-site clinical visits to area health care facilities, students have a wide exposure to both the book and bedside aspects of their chosen field.

• Alzheimer’s Care Provider• Babysitting• Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)• CPR• First Aid• Home Feeder• Home Health Aid (HHA)• OSHA 10 (General Industry)


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With business becoming more global by the day, business travel is more essential now than ever before. Hotels, both as lodgings and event loca-tions, are vital to this aspect of modern business and require people with the right kind of skills to help them run effectively. Handling room book-ings, event planning, and general services well and efficiently are key to hotels’ success, and people with those skills will always be in demand.

In the Hotel Restaurant Management Program students will receive hands-on experience in booking space availability, banquet menu plan-ning, room design, set-up, and function billing. Students will acquire training in the areas of hotel room reservations and front desk duties, including night audit. Students will also be responsible for the front of the house operations of the school restaurant, the Elegant Chef, as well as running all on- and off-premises catering.

Students in this program will have the opportunity to become certified in ServeSafe and earn a 10-hour OSHA card. With advanced training, students will have the opportunity to pursue careers at world-class hotel chains around the world, posh resorts, cruise ships, and spas. The skills they gain in the Hotel Restaurant Management Program are the starting point for an exciting and global career field.

The Hotel Restaurant Management Program maintains articulation agreements with Newbury College and a statewide agreement with all Massachusetts community colleges.

HOTEL/RESTAURANTMANAGEMENT• CPR

• ServSafe• OSHA 10 (General Industry)

Handling the fast-paced and complex tasks asso-ciated with managing the operation of

hotels and restaurants takes knowledge, skill, and training. Hotel/Restaurant Management

students tackle these, and other, tasks as part of their course work; and get to practice what they

learn in the school’s restaurant, The Elegant Chef.


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The machine tool industry is at the heart of our mechanized world, and the Machine Tool Technology Program at Nashoba Tech is designed to prepare the next generation for the challenges this vital industry faces.

Complex and sophisticated parts that would take weeks and months to design, engineer, draw and produce now take a matter of hours using sophisticated new technologies. Today, it’s not just about large industry firms looking at product line output; it’s about small shops realizing the need to bring all processes up to speed.

Graduates of this program will be well ahead of the competition; wheth-er they want to find employment as a skilled machinist or technician right away or continue their training. Those looking to advance their edu-cation or pursue specialized training can take advantage of the program’s post-secondary Articulation Agreements with Central Maine Community College, New Hampshire Community Technical College, and a statewide articulation agreement with all Massachusetts community colleges.

MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY

• CPR• National Institude for Metal Working Skills (NIMS)• OSHA 10 (General Industry)

The technical sophistication of the machine tool industry has increased dramatically in recent years, requiring machinists to possess a highly technical skill set in order to achieve success.


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Demand for plumbers in all areas of installation and service is expected to remain high. Even when construction activity drops, main-tenance and replacement of existing systems provide plenty of employ-ment opportunities.

At Nashoba Valley Technical High School, students entering this disci-pline will become knowledgeable in all aspects of Massachusetts plumb-ing code and gas fuel code. Students will be ready to work with a variety of tools to repair and install water, waste, drainage and gas systems in all types of buildings from homes to power plants.

In addition, with energy demand at its peak, alternative means of gener-ating hot water by solar and geothermal methods are of utmost impor-tance. The Nashoba Valley Technical High School plumbing department has incorporated an alternative energy program that is designed to train our students in high tech thermal solar energy systems with knowledge of all necessary components. This training allows our students to be bet-ter prepared for future high tech employment.

Graduates of the Plumbing/Heating Program will have 1500 hours of practical experience and 300 hours of code and theory work to apply to-wards their professional plumbing licenses.

PLUMBING/HEATING• CPR• OSHA 30 (Construction)

Students in the Plumbing/Heating program get to develop their skills in both Nashoba Tech’s

on-site facilities and on projects in the community. In addition to hands-on skills,

students in the program study plumbing code in preparation for their professional licenses.


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With computers and networking being the core of the modern economy, the demand for skilled digital professionals is expected to be very high for many years to come. The Programming and Web Development Program prepares students to navigate and create the infrastructure of the rich data and media landscape of the future.

In Programming and Web Development students analyze script, write code, and design software using the latest programming languages. They will also learn how to install, customize, and link existing software into existing and custom networks—as well as maintain and upgrade those networks.

Skill at website design, development, and maintenance is integrated into the curriculum, with students gaining proficiency with the Adobe® suite of web authoring applications. Graduates of the program will possess the skills nec-essary to either start a career or gain a head-start on higher education. Recent-ly, students of the program have held co-operative placement employment with companies such as IBM and Juniper Systems.

Programming & Web Development graduates can take advantage of post-secondary Articulation Agreements with Ben Franklin Institute of Tech-nology, Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts, New England In-stitute of Art, and a statewide agreement with all Massachusetts community colleges.

PROGRAMMING & WEB DEVELOPMENT

• CPR• Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3)• Microsoft Office User Certification (MOUS)• Microsoft Specialist Certification (MOS)• OSHA 10 (General Industry)

Programming & Web Development students study and practice a wide range of skills that will help them become the in-demand computer professionals of tomorrow. Coding, website development, software installation and customization, and network set-up and maintenance are all vital skills for these students—and will set them up for successful careers in the future.


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By producing actual television cablecast materials, including a two hour live daily news/talk program, students learn video production, scriptwriting, field and live studio production and remote news gathering on state-of-the-art equipment in a modern studio facility and editing lab.

In addition to television production, students study all aspects of technical theatre. Students create stage sets and backdrops; design lighting and sound layouts; and produce and direct performances in the school’s new 475-seat Performing Arts Center.

Students have won numerous state and national awards, participated in a variety of competitive internships and upon graduation are well-prepared to explore and expand the power and potential of the profession through career opportunities and further education.

Post-secondary articulation agreements are maintained between the pro-gram and the Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts, as well as Mount Wachusett Community College.

TV & MEDIA PRODUCTION/ THEATRE ARTS

The technology boom has led to an enormous demand for media content—and the skilled professionals who write, produce, edit, and

broadcast it. The TV & Media Production/Theatre Arts program at Nashoba Tech has the

instructors and facilities necessary to ensure that its students are well prepared to compete

in this competitive field.

• Adobe Certified Expert: Premiere• AVID Media Composer Certified User• CPR• Final Cut Pro X Associate User• OSHA 10 (General Industry)


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VETERINARYASSISTING

There is a growing need for trained veterinary assistants and technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there is well above average growth and a need for high quality care of companion animals. Addition-ally, Massachusetts is among the top paying states for veterinary assis-tants and technician in the country.

Students in the Veterinary Assisting program will learn valuable skills and knowledge of applied animal science and specialized training in animal health, care, and management. They will then be able to further their training or find employment in a variety of related industries such as veterinary offices, research and academic institutions, laboratories, public health organizations, and zoos.

Students will master essential skills for veterinary assistants. Their train-ing will include office and hospital procedures, communication and client relations, pharmacy and pharmacology, examination room proce-dures, small and large animal nursing, surgical preparation and assist-ing, laboratory procedures, and radiology and ultrasound imaging.

Students put theory into practice in our onsite veterinary clinic run by our business partner MSPCA Angell Memorial Hospital. Through partner-ships with local farms and veterinary offices students will have the op-portunity to work with horses and large animals as well as more complex surgical procedures in an animal hospital setting.

• CPR• OSHA 10 (General Industry)• NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Certification (anticipated 2018)


Students in the Veterinary Assisting program learn both the theory and practice of animal care, suitable for both clinical and laboratory settings. Below we see a student in the program practicing the measurement of a horse’s vital signs during a class field trip to Little Brook Farm in Carlisle, Massachusetts.

Nashoba Tech firmly believes that participation in athletic activities helps develop strong character traits, as well as physical ones. To that end the school offers a wide range of interscholastic programs throughout the year. To ensure that every student with an interest in athletics can pursue it, Nashoba Tech charges no user fees for participation, and maintains a strict no-cut policy regarding team membership.

The athletic facilities at Nashoba Tech are second-to-none, thanks to a recently completed $3 million expansion and renovation project. This added an all-purpose turf field for football, lacrosse and soccer, around which are a state-of-the-art track, new lighting, new bleachers, and a new press box. Rehabilitation of the original baseball field and construction of a new practice field, softball field, and tennis courts were included in the project, creating the Nashoba Valley Technical High School Athletic Complex. The school’s main gymnasium has also been totally renovated.

Members of the Colonial Athletic League Division III, the Nashoba Tech Vikings compete under state MIAA guidelines. After high school, many Nashoba Tech student athletes continue to compete at the collegiate level. Recent Viking athletes have gone on to play at Franklin Pierce University, Nichols College, Philadelphia University, Salem State, and the University of Massachusetts—just to name a few.

BaseballBasketball (Boys & Girls Varsity)Basketball (Boys & Girls JV)CheerleadingCross CountryFootballGolf

Ice HockeyLacrosse (Boys & Girls Varsity)Soccer (Boys & Girls Varsity)SoftballTennisTrack & FieldVolleyball

ATHLETICPROGRAMS

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Our students have widely varied interests, and Nashoba Tech’s offering of extracurricular clubs and activities reflects that. Meeting throughout the year, clubs operate under the direction of a Faculty Advisor and engage in related activities both in the school and in our district communities.

Clubs like Band/Chorus and Drama put on perfomances throughout the year; including an annual mucical stage production in Nashoba Tech’s state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center. Competitive clubs like FIRST Ro-botics, Skills USA, and Mock Trial participate in interscholastic and region-al contests against teams from other schools. Other clubs offer students an opportunity to develop skills, assist in the operation and governance of the school, and many other fun and productive activities.

Students are welcome to propose new, school-appropriate clubs, which will be considered for implementation following an administrative re-view of the proposal.

EXTRACURRICULARCLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Astronomy ClubBand/ChorusCommunity Service ClubComputer/Web Design ClubDECADiversity ClubDrama ClubFIRST RoboticsHorticulture ClubGLBTQAJunior MentorsMath League

Mock Trial TeamNational Honor SocietyNational Technical Honor SocietyRecycling ClubSADDSchool NewspaperSki/Snowboard ClubSkills U.S.A.Student CouncilStudent GovernmentYear Book Committee

Community service has a profound impact on a young person’s develop-ment. While the primary motivation for doing service is helping others, young students often get more than they give: personal satisfaction, re-spect, recognition, an appreciation for the value of serving others. The ex-perience of performing public service serves students well as they move beyond high school to the world of college and work.

Our students learn that they can make valuable contributions to the towns they live and work in; both as members of the Nashoba Valley Technical High School community and as individuals. Through their technical programs and club activities, Nashoba Tech students regularly attend and volunteer at events throughout our member towns; from our Health Assisting program offering free blood pressure screenings at lo-cal road races, to our Band/Chorus Club performing at area senior living communities, to the construction trade programs assisting in community building projects.

In addition to school- and program-related activities, students are inde-pendently responsible for completing five hours of community service per year enrolled at Nashoba Tech. These hours of service are a require-ment for graduation, which emphasizes the importance of using one’s time and skills to make positive contributions to society.

Nashoba Valley Technical High School is an Equal Opportunity Em-ployer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination. Nashoba Valley Technical High School adheres to the principle that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its educational facilities, activities and employment without regard to race, color, sexual orien-tation or gender identity, creed, national origin, sex, age or handicap.

Further, Nashoba Valley Technical High School does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, or handicap in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971, Chapter 766 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or other federal, state or local laws or executive orders. Inquiries related to all compliance issues in regard to EEO, Title VI, or Title IX may be directed to the office of the Superintendent at 100 Littleton Road, Westford, MA 01886 (978-692-4711).

If you would like this view book and any other information translated into another language please call the Student Services Department at 978-692-4711 x 1123.

Nashoba Valley Technical High School100 Littleton RoadWestford, MA 01886

978.692.4711www.nashobatech.net

©2015Nashoba Valley Technical High School

Dr. Judith Klimkiewicz, Superintendent

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Automotive Collision Repair & RefinishingAutomotive TechnologyBanking, Marketing & RetailCarpentryCosmetologyCulinary ArtsDental AssistingDesign and Visual CommunicationsEarly Childhood Education and CareElectrical TechnologyEngineering Academy (Biotechnology, Engineering, Electronics/Robotics)Health AssistingHotel Restaurant ManagementMachine Tool TechnologyPlumbing and HeatingProgramming and Web DevelopmentTV & Media Production/Theatre Arts Veterinary Assisting

Nashoba Valley Technical High School100 Littleton Road | Westford, MA 01886978.692.4711 | www.nashobatech.net

Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Nashoba Valley Technical High School provides students with a rigorous and comprehensive academic education while also developing a strong set of career-focused technical knowledge and skills. Technical high school education has repeatedly been shown to produce students who are well prepared to move directly into the job market or continue their training and education.

This book produced by the Nashoba Valley Technical High School Design & Visual Communications program.

EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION

20 TECHNICAL PROGRAMS

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PROVIDING EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR OVER …p1cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers... · 100 Littleton Road | Westford, MA 01886 | 978.692.4711 | nashobatech.net