Parents/Legal Guardians:
This form certifies that I have had the opportunity to read the Pontotoc Career Center
Handbook.
Student's Name
Grade
Address
City
Zip
______________________
Phone
__________________________________
Student Signature
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature
The Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technology Center regularly publishes individual and
group photographs of students and classroom information in our monthly newsletter, the
Ridge Runner. Please inform the school if you do not want pictures of your child in area
newspapers and publications.
Parents/Legal Guardians:
User Agreement and Parent Permission Form
As a user of the Pontotoc County Schools computer network, I hereby agree to comply
with the rules stated in the Student Acceptable Use Policy.
Student Signature
As the parent or legal guardian of the minor student signing above, I grant permission for
my son or daughter to access networked computer services such as electronic mail and
the Internet. I understand that individuals and families may be held liable for violations.
I understand that some materials on the Internet may be objectionable, but I accept
responsibility for guidance of Internet use – setting and conveying standards for my
daughter or son to follow when selecting, sharing, or exploring information and media.
Parent Signature
Date
Name of Student
School
Grade
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Homeroom
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Mr. Phil Ryan
Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technology Center Director
We have a growing and progressive school system in which most high school students
from Pontotoc City, North Pontotoc, and South Pontotoc can carefully plan schedules to
include career and technology training courses. Pontotoc is considered to have a
comprehensive career and technology training system. For the 2011-2012 school year
you will have eleven courses of study from which to choose. These courses of study are
described in detail in this handbook.
Career and technology students need to be well prepared with basic academic skills in
order to succeed in the courses offered. Carefully review the courses offered, as several
have required prerequisite courses. Employees today are seeking people with skills and
training specific to the job requirements. Today, and in the future, employees will need
to be flexible and to possess language, science, and mathematical skills if they are to be
successful in the work force.
If you need additional help in selecting a course of study, our counselor and staff are
willing and ready to assist you. Call and make an appointment.
Amy Collins, Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technology Center Counselor
As a school counselor I work with students individually, in small groups, or as an entire
class. When meeting with students I try to help them to understand and deal with social,
behavioral, and personal problems. I mostly emphasize preventive and developmental
counseling to enhance students' personal, social, and academic growth and to provide
students with the life skills needed to deal with problems before they worsen. Many times
I plan for special services, including alcohol and drug prevention programs and conflict
resolution classes.
As the counselor at the Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technology Center I work with
students regarding college majors, admission requirements, entrance exams, financial aid,
trade or technical schools, and apprenticeship programs. Students need to develop job
search skills, such as resume writing and interviewing techniques.
I am available to consult and collaborate with parents, teachers, school administrators to
implement strategies to help students succeed.
If I can be of service to you please do not hesitate to come by my office or call me if
needed. You can also email me at acollins@pcsd.k12.ms.us.
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Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technology Center Faculty
Phil Ryan, Director
Amy Collins, Counselor
Billy Joe Bray, Automotive Service I
Roger Dillard, Construction I
Shelly Varnon, Health Sciences I
Mark Freeman, Drafting
Patricia Holcomb, Student Services
Jeff Gooch, Introduction to Welding
Doug Gentry, Engineering I
Jerri Montgomery, Allied Health 2
Charlene Key, GED
Barry Reeder, Furniture and Upholstery
Brian Warren, Electrical and Instrumentation
Paula Whitlock, Business and Computer Technology
Beth McCuller, Business and Marketing Fundamentals
Staff
Dale Faulk, Custodian
Leslie Timmons, Secretary
Tim Conlee, Custodian
Amanda Bray, Secretary
Sonnie Williams, District Messenger
Advisory Council Members
Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technology Center:
Allen Roye, Pontotoc Springs
Harry Patterson, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Lena Chewe
Brett Coker, B&C Performance
Donald Roye, Brick Mason
Mike Hall
Tony Tice, ICC Vocational Director
Roy Cresap, MS Construction Education Foundation
Roger White
Pontotoc County School District Administration
Kenneth Roye - Pontotoc County School District Superintendent
Dr. Lynnice Carter- Assistant Superintendent
Mrs. Angie Quinn – Curriculum Testing and ELL
Mr. Steve Carr – Maintenance Supervisor
Pontotoc County School Board of Trustees
Allen Roye
Randy Tutor
Cathy McCoy
Rodney Robbins
Danny Robbins
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PRCTC Rules and Procedures:
All rules, regulations, and procedures in the district handbook will be adhered to on the
Career Center Campus.
Only a parent or legal guardian may sign a student out at the Career Center.
No student is allowed to drive to the Career Center during school hours 8:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. Monday through Friday.
Upon completion of a course, students will receive Carnegie Units toward graduation.
Itawamba Community College and Northeast Community College grant advanced
placement credit for selected courses in vocational and technical education programs
based upon educational experiences at the high school level. Please see the counselor for
further information.
Guidelines for Enrollment in Programs:
It is our belief and guideline of practice that a student should be enrolled in a vocational
class that is considered to be the class that best fits the needs of the student. It is our
belief and guideline of practice that all three high schools should complete the
preregistration process before final enrollment of a student is determined. Therefore, we
do not have total proposed enrollment data until all high schools have preregistered and
sent us proposed rosters.
Sometimes, programmatic problems prompt us to encourage students to choose a secondchoice program. A common programmatic problem is the enrollment preregistration of
too many students in an instructional program.
Upon completion of the preregistration process at each high school, our tentative
vocational class enrollment rosters are formulated. At this point, we sometimes discover
that preregistration of too many students exists in certain vocational classes. Therefore,
the number of students preregistered must be reduced.
Factors which influence our determination of a class having too many students
preregistered include the following case scenarios:
1) A class may have equipment or space limitations (i.e., a computer training
class might have 20 student computer work stations and more than 20 students
have preregistered for that class)
2) The nature of a class may dictate, due to potential hazards involved in the
instruction, that we establish a maximum number of students that an instructor
can safely supervise. Our enrollment of more than this maximum number could
create unsafe conditions (i.e., when a shop class is the type of class in which this
determination is typically made).
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Organizations:
Skills USA, FBLA, HOSA, DECA, and TSA are clubs that students of
various programs may join. State winners in these organizations receive $2520 scholarships to
ICC upon enrollment in a technical program. Ask the guidance counselor for further information
about these clubs.
Construction I, Drafting, Automotive Service I, Introduction to Welding and Furniture students
may be a member of the Skills USA Career Club.
Business and Computer Technology students may be a member of the Future Business Leaders of
America Club.
Business and Marketing Fundamentals students may become a member of DECA - An
Association of Marketing Students.
Engineering I students may become a member of the Technology Student Association Club.
Allied Health students may join the Health Occupations Students of America Club.
Automotive Service /Automotives II
Automotive Service Technician is a pathway for students in the Transportation career
cluster. This curriculum emphasizes industry-based content with time being allocated
between lecture and lab activities. Safety is an integral part of every course and
activity. The content is aligned with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE) standards to ensure that programs can be recommended for certification by the
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
Automotive
Range of Education--High School diploma; two year community college degree/intensive
apprenticeship training. Because of the high interest in this program, an 80 average in the
previous year’s English, math and science courses, along with school records and an
interview, will determine acceptance into the Automotive Technology program.
Lab Fees - $12.00
Proof of health insurance is required. Automotive Service I and II--Two periods, two
credits per year.
Automotives Service Craft Committee:
Rodney Franklin
Wesley Bray, Pro-cision Collision, Pontotoc
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Health Sciences I
Health Sciences is a pathway of courses for students in the Health Sciences career
cluster. The Health Sciences pathway includes classroom and hands-on experiences
that provide students with an overview of the health-care field as outlined in the States’
Career Clusters Health Science Cluster and the National Consortium on Health Science
and Technology Education as well as begin to prepare students for careers in
occupations predicted to have a high number of available jobs in the next 10 years
including nurses, nurse aides, practical nurses, and home health aides.
Allied Health 2
Health Occupations career cluster include classroom and clinical experiences in the
broad areas of dentistry, medicine, nursing and related health. Examples of health care
workers are office workers, dental assistants, dietetics, laboratory technicians,
veterinarian work, x-ray technology, nursing, physical therapy, and health related
personnel. Classroom work as well as laboratory work is required in this course.
Students will spend time in clinical settings with the hospital, local dentists, doctors and
other health care areas.
Range of Education- High School diploma, two to four year post-secondary degree, and
graduate degree.
Academic Needs- Courses in Biology, Advanced Biology, Chemistry and Algebra I are
particularly helpful.
Lab Fees Year I - $55.00
Year II - $60.00
Proof of health insurance is required.
Health Sciences I and Allied Health 2 -Two periods, two credits per year.
Note: Allied Health may be counted as one science credit and one Health Credit.
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Pontotoc Ridge Career & Technology Center
Health Sciences Admissions Policy
The health care field is an ever growing and expanding field. The postsecondary and
collegiate programs are very competitive. As an introductory health care program the
Allied Health Program at PRC TC can only accommodate a limited number of students to
provide the best learning opportunity. Health Sciences can accept 45 students and Allied
Health II can accept 30 students. Because of the number of applications exceeds the
number of open spaces in each class, an updated policy has been recommended to insure
a fair and balanced application process.
First year Student Admission
 The student must be enrolled at Pontotoc, North, or South Pontotoc High Schools.
The student must complete and submit an application package. This includes an
application form, questionnaire form and an interest evaluation form. These
forms should be completed properly—informative, well-written, and descriptive.
 The student must have 80 or higher in biology to be considered.
 Selection Criteria—The Admissions Committee evaluates the completed
applications using a rating scale of __140____ possible points. A value is
assigned to each admission criterion according to the charts that follow. A
student must achieve at least __100____ points to be considered, then each will be
accepted upon the highest number of points.
o Application & Interview
 Completes application
10 points
 Completes interest evaluation form 10 points
 Attends interview
10 points
o Attendance: Points derived from the total of absences from the previous
full year and to-date for the current school year from the local school
record.
 Number of Absences
 0-2
20 points
 3-5
15 points
 6-8
10 points
 9-11
5 points
o Disciplinary Reports: Points derived from the total of disciplinary reports
from the previous full year and to-date for the current school year from the
local school record.
 Number of Disciplinary Reports
 0-1 infractions
20 points
8



2-3 infractions
4-5 infractions
5-6 infractions
15 points
10 points
5 points
o Academic Record: Points derived from the previous full year grades and
grades to date for the current school year in English and Social Studies.
Points derived from previous years transcript/report card for Biology I and
Algebra I.
 Biology I
 Grade Averages
 95-100
30 points
 90-94
25 points
 85-89
20 points
 80-84
15 points


Algebra I
 Grade Averages
 95-100
 90-94
 85-89
 80-84
20 points
15 points
10 points
5 points
English/Social Studies
 Grade Averages
 95-100
 90-94
 85-89
 80-84
20 points
15 points
10 points
5 points
Health Services Craft Committee:
Mrs. Cindy Farris, Public Health Environmentalist
Mr. Andy Tutor, Physical Therapy of Pontotoc
Mr. Mark Romano, Chiropractor
Mrs. Sonya Holcomb, School Nurse
Mr. Ken Clowers, Pharmacist
James Randle, Montgomery Drugs
Darla Heath, Director of Education, Pontotoc Health Services
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BCT
Business Computer Technology is a two year program. Students will gain more
advanced competencies related to Keyboarding, Operating Systems, Word Processing,
Database, Spreadsheet, Desktop Publishing, Communications, Filing, Financial
Applications, including Automated Accounting, Telecommunications, and application
skills in a Windows based environment.
Range of Education--High School diploma; one to four years of post-secondary training
for entry into business and office occupations and the computer field.
Academic Needs--Courses in English, Foreign Language, Advanced Mathematics, and
Computer Literacy will prove helpful in the field of business.
Lab Fees - $20
Business Computer Technology I and II--Two periods, two credits per year.
Prerequisite: STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to complete a higher-level computer class
beyond Computer Discovery to increase keyboarding skills or demonstrate
keyboarding proficiency.
BCT Craft Committee:
Ms. Tracy Robinson, Pontotoc Circuit Clerk
Mr. Kim Chrestman, Chickasaw County Schools
Mr. Chuck Howell, P.E.P.A, General Manager
Mrs. Teresa McCarver, Ole Miss Help Desk Supervisor
Mrs. Beverly Anderson, Pontotoc City Schools, Business Manager,
Dan Owens, Human Resource Officer, Ashley
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Business and Marketing Fundamentals/ Marketing Management II
The Marketing pathway provides instruction in marketing skills and related sales
operations in retailing, as well as 70 hours of applied economics instruction. Courses in
the program provide a foundation of skills and knowledge related to basic principles of
marketing and related economic fundamentals, management, merchandising,
communications and career development, human relations, ethics and etiquette.
Instruction is also provided on specialized topics related to fashion, international
marketing, e-commerce, entrepreneurship, financial marketing/stock market, sports,
special events and entertainment marketing, and hospitality and tourism marketing.
Range of Education--High School diploma; two to four year post-secondary degrees
available.
Business and Marketing Fundamentals -- Two periods, two credits per year.
Business and Marketing Fundamentals Craft Committee:
Ronda McCarter, Bancorp South Bank
Jeff McCalab, Mid South Auto
Danny Robbins, North Ms Central Vac
Leah Mitchell, Premier Design Jewelry
Ashley Weaver, Pure Bliss
Stephanie Moody-Coomer Bobby King and Associates
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Construction I
This is an instructional pathway that prepares students for employment or continued
education in the occupations of carpentry. The curriculum framework for this program
was developed in partnership with the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation
(MCEF). MCEF is the accredited sponsor for the National Center for construction
Education and Research (NCCER).
Building Trades II
Students are taught blueprint reading, measuring, layout tools, and are taught the use of
different types of power tools. Basic electricity, plumbing and masonry are also taught.
Advanced students become involved in cabinet working, housing estimating, advanced
stages of electricity and actual house construction.
Range of Education--High School diploma; two or four years of post-secondary training.
Academic Needs--Courses in Advanced Mathematics, Computer Literacy, Physics, and
Mechanical Drawing would be extremely beneficial.
Lab Fees - $15.00
Proof of health insurance is required.
Building Trades I and II -- Two periods, two credits per year
Construction I Craft Committee:
Curt Thompson, Peeples Plumbing and Electrical
Mike Peeples, Peeples Building Materials
Ben Russell, Local Contractor
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Drafting and Design
Drafting & Design is a two-year course which teaches technical knowledge
and develops manual skills in the use of drafting for industrial, manufacturing, and
construction use. Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) is emphasized which will enable
students to design on a computer, as well as on drafting boards. The students start with
rough sketches and carry these to a finished design. ICC has many of these students who
are seeking more training and experience enrolled annually in post-secondary education.
Range of Education--High School diploma; two to four year post-secondary.
Academic Needs--Courses in Algebra, Physical Science, and Geometry would be
beneficial in drafting and design.
Lab Fees - $12.00
Drafting & Design I and II--Two periods, two credits per year.
Drafting and Design Craft Committee:
Harold Hughes, Hughes Signs
Benton Berryman, Drafting Instructor, ICC
Larry McCord, McCord Drafting
Mark Gregory, Pontotoc Springs
Harold Dendy, Drafting Instructor, ICC
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Furniture and Manufacturing
Students are prepared for entry level employment in an upholstery related
industry. The student will receive training and experience in all phases of
upholstery skills. Scholarships are available for further education.
Range of Education--High School diploma; one to four years post-secondary degree.
Academic Needs--Courses in Algebra I, Geometry, and Physical Science would be
helpful in this program.
Lab Fees - $15.00
Proof of health insurance is required
Furniture Manufacturing/Upholstery I and II—Two periods, two credits per year.
Furniture Manufacturing Craft Committee:
Tommy Cobb, Poly Mill, Ashley
Phil Stokes, Product Development, Ashley
Dan Owen, Ashley
Mike Hall, Ashley
Ken Pruitt, Furniture Manufacturing Association
Gary Toney
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Electrical and Instrumentation I
Electrical and Instrumentation I includes orientation and leadership; basic safety; math,
measuring tools, and instruments; blueprints; hand and power tools; introduction to
industrial maintenance; and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. Safety is
emphasized in each unit and every activity.
Industrial Maintenance II
Industrial Maintenance is a continuation of basic skills with the emphasis on industrial
maintenance. Topics include employability skills, safety, gaskets, packing, pumps,
drivers, valves, lubrication, test equipment, material handling, national electrical code,
conductor termination, hydraulics and pneumatics. This course should be taken after the
student has successfully passed Industrial Maintenance I.
Range of Education- High School diploma, two or four year degree in a community or
senior college.
Academic Needs-- Courses in Algebra I, Biology, Advanced Biology, Chemistry, and
Geometry would be helpful in this program.
Lab Fees –$15.00
Proof of health insurance is required.
I and II -- Two periods, two credits per year.
Electrical and Instrumentation Craft Committee:
Jerry McKay
Mike Westmoreland
David Bradshaw
Glen Shick
Gene Ward
Kevin Little
Kurt Thompson
Caleb Owens
Heath Westmoreland
Walter Chittom
Tracy Davis
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Introduction to Welding
Welding is an instructional pathway that prepares students for employment or continued
education in occupations found in the welding profession. Students who successfully
complete the welding curriculum may gain employment in a variety of businesses
throughout Mississippi including ship building, petroleum pipelines, automotive
manufacturing, and other metal fabrication companies. The courses in this program
prepare the student for an exciting career working with various types of fusion welding
techniques. Both theoretical learning and activity-based learning are provided for
students who wish to develop and enhance their competencies and skills. The student
will also be introduced to automated welding processes like robotic welding and
frictional stir welding. The pathway emphasizes the techniques and tools used in a
multitude of welding applications. Training on state-of-the-art equipment, like that found
in metal fabrication businesses throughout the world, is an essential part of this program
therefore equipment used in the courses is the same equipment found in the global
work place.
Metal Trades II
This program gives the student the basic knowledge and skills of two trades:
Combination of Welding and Machinist,. A lathe has been added to our program to insure
the very latest in operation for those interested in this aspect of the course. Students gain
insight into the broader range of occupational requirements than they could acquire in
training for a single trade.
Range of Education--High School diploma; post-secondary institutions such as
vocational-technical schools and community colleges.
Academic Needs--Courses in Blueprint Reading, Shop Mathematics, Mechanical
Drawing, Physics, and Chemistry are helpful.
Lab Fees - $12.00
Proof of health insurance is required.
Introduction to Welding--Two periods, two credits per year.
Introduction to Welding Craft Committee:
Johnny Crawford, Cooper Tire
David Hendricks, Sheet Metal Worker
Mike Spears, Fabricating Shop
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Engineering I
Engineering is a pathway in pre-engineering for high school students. The purpose of
the program is to provide students with expanded knowledge of the use of technological
skills and to enable them to solve problems by applying knowledge in a technological
context. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences
related to the application of engineering concepts in the workplace. Students will
develop academic and technical skills, 21st century skills, and human relations
competencies that accompany technical skills for job success and lifelong learning.
Students who complete the program will be better prepared to enter and succeed in
engineering programs offered by Mississippi community and junior colleges and
institutions of higher learning.
Tech App II
Technology Applications is a course designed to be academically challenging for
students planning technical career. TA is based on what technicians must know and be
trained to do in today’s high tech world. This course was developed after listening to
what industrial and business employers, teachers, technicians, and technical trainers had
to say about preparing technicians.
Range of Education--High School diploma; two to four years of post-secondary training
are needed for advanced technical areas.
Academic Needs--Courses in Algebra I and II, Geometry, Physics will prove to be
helpful in this program.
Some subjects taught in Engineering are Lasers, Fluid Systems, Mechanical Systems,
CNC, CAD, Electronics, Electricity and Robotics.
Note—One unit of credit toward graduation.
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all 10th, 11th and 12th grade students.
Lab Fees - $15.00
Engineering I-Two periods, two credits per year. Engineering may be counted as one
science credit.
Engineering I Craft Committee:
Ronnie Bell, Three Rivers Planning and Development District
Joey Jennings, Hickory Springs
Wayne Stokes, Pontotoc County Board of Supervisors
David Swanson, SPARC Advisor, South Pontotoc Schools
Barry Emison, ICC Instructor
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Career Pathway Experience Course
Career Pathway Experience (CPE) is the new name for Cooperative Education. CPE
provides students the opportunity to take knowledge and skills learned in the pathway
classroom and to apply and test that learning in the workplace. The CPE course will
foster self-directed learning, strengthen the development or core academic skills through
application in authentic situations, allow students to explore options, enhance
communication skills, leadership and problem solving and contribute to community
economic development. CPE will increase student engagement, strengthen achievement,
and transition youth from school to college or the workforce.
The goal of the Career Pathway Experience is to provide occupation-specific training for
secondary students in high school who have a clearly defined career objective. The
program provides work-sited learning related to the occupational program of study.
Enrollment priority in the program is given to(1) students who have completed a pathway
or occupational program, (2) students not enrolled in an occupational training program
but have a clearly defined occupational objective as a junior, and (3) students who are
enrolled in an occupational training program if scheduling permits. The capstone student
must be employed in the area of his or her career training. The “capstone” (enrolling
students who have received 2 prior years of secondary career skill training) serves as the
model for operation of CPE and the most complete career and technical training
available. A student may be enrolled in a CTE course and CPE simultaneously if
scheduling permits. This is called dual enrollment, A senior enrolled in the second year
of a CTE program and CPE will be reported as a capstone student, Thus, CPRE becomes
the finishing phase of secondary career and technical training.
The CPE program is a joint effort of the school, business and industry, and the
community, Program success depends upon their mutual support.
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Student Services
Student Services will identify students according to individual needs. The Counselor,
Student Services personnel and individual teachers will arrive at a consensus as to best
meet the needs of the individual students identified as belonging to the Student Services
group.
Student Services Advisory/Craft Committee:
Audrey Kinard
Teresa Moore
Kay Tackitt
Susan Feather
Sherry Bell
Christy Paul
Charlene Key
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Notes:
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