NHS Power Tech Facility Gets A Facelift

By Susan Coney

After more than 30 years of continual use the Newtown High School Auto Power Tech facility is finally getting a much needed facelift. The makeover, which will provide the existing facility with a fresh coat of paint, new shelving and storage, and an update of the existing technical equipment, is largely due to Assistant Superintendent Alice Jackson’s keen interest in the program.

Ms Jackson said, “We are working on a new curriculum for the program and will be getting new cabinets and modern emissions testing equipment. It is one of my little pet projects to see that it happens.” The assistant superintendent went on to say that there is a real need for this type of program and that it is beneficial to most all students to learn the skills offered in the course.

“With this program physics, chemistry, math, reading, and writing skills are incorporated as part of the curriculum. It is important in that it makes our students marketable in terms of part time or future work opportunities,” she remarked.

Longtime auto shop teacher Greg O’Loskey recalled, “When I walked into the high school there was nothing. I built the program. It has had its ups and downs and while a lot of shops in other schools are gone, we have been experiencing an increase in the number of students wanting to take the course.” Mr O’Loskey went on to say that Ms Jackson was instrumental in the renovation of the curriculum and the new updated facility.

“She seems to recognize the need for this type of program. We’ve really been lucky. She has gotten us a new emissions analyzer and she is providing us with much needed sturdy storage that can be securely locked.” Mr O’Loskey also credited School Career Coordinator Peg Ragaini with getting grant money to help in funding the improvements.

Mr O’Loskey and Newtown Middle School technical teacher Don Ramsey have worked side-by-side to revamp the curriculum and update the program. Mr Ramsey said, “Ms Jackson promotes the idea of working and sharing between teachers. Greg and I are the only ones with similar teaching positions in the system. Greg is a phenomenal person. It has been very good sharing experience for both of us. Sometimes tech ed teachers are in isolation. We have established a link and have input back and forth and it better prepares us to meet the needs of our students.”

Mr O’Loskey said that it was a tremendous feat on the part of himself, Don Ramsey, and the custodians to move all the equipment out so that the room could be renovated. “We are talking about some serious custodial work here with over 30 years of accumulated equipment. Of course Dominick Posca [buildings and ground supervisor] oversees the entire project,” Mr O’Loskey said.

The walls received a fresh coat of light-colored paint, the ceiling has been treated with a protective surface, and the floors have been coated with a special epoxy. The shelves are in route and the emissions equipment has been ordered. Final preparations are underway so that the room will be completed before classes resume in late August and be ready to provide Newtown students with an updated curriculum and facility to better enhance their learning.