Nate Rinda, director of technology at Carbon Career & Technical Institute, told the Joint Operating Committee that the school can participate in esports on a national level.

“I got CCTI registered into the North America Scholastic Esports Federation. That puts us on a national level for the competitions,” Rinda said.

The esports federation says its mission is “to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life.”

Rinda said the school is ready to with Powerschool, and that it opened for students and parents on Aug. 31.

Michele Klock, Cooperative Education Coordinator and coordinator for the School Improvement Projects, told the committee about her job with CCTI.

“As coop coordinator, I work as a liaison between our local employers and our technical instructors to create entry-level positions in their respective fields,” she said. “Students continue to learn in their technical setting, but they do it on the job while getting paid.”

Klock, who also teaches, said she assists students and parents in putting together the paperwork that is needed, arranging for clearances from the employers. She also visits the students on the job at least once per month to make sure the student is doing well and discuss any needs or concerns. She also monitors the students’ attendance at work.

“I go out and inspect the work sites to make sure they meet all required safety regulations, and make sure they are following all state and federal labor requirements,” Klock said.

Last year, 34 students participated in the program.

There were 29 employers from Carbon, Schuylkill, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton and Lehigh counties.

As School Improvement Coordinator, Klock coordinates the transition team. Last year, the team identified 26 students with academic, attendance, or behavioral issues.

Klock also coordinates tutoring. Last year, the team helped 83 students in math, science, and English tutoring. The tutoring program is paid for by Perkins funding.

“Our Extra Help Program is Mondays and Thursdays after school. (Last year) we assisted 93 students, and coordinated transportation for that as well as teacher coverage.”