William J. Dean Technical High School
Pathways to Your Future
Colleges where Dean students
have been accepted:
American International College
Baran Institute of Technology
Companies where Dean graduates
have worked:
Advance Manufacturing
American Dream Modular Homes
Bay Path College
Associated Electro Mechanics
Bay State College
Baystate Medical Center
Fisher College
Hampshire College
City Machine Corporation
G&H Landscaping
Holyoke Community College
Gerry Rome Nissan
Johnson & Wales University
Healy and Associates General Contractors
Mount Holyoke College
New England Institute of Technology
Northeastern University
Norwich University
Ohio Technical College
Our Lady of the Elms
Porter Chester Institute
Springfield College
Springfield Technical Community College
Temple University
University of Hartford
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Holyoke Fire Department
Holyoke Gas & Electric
Holyoke Geriatric Authority
Holyoke Health Care Center
Holyoke Hospital
Holyoke Mall at Ingleside
Holyoke Medical Center
Holyoke Police Department
Holyoke Public School Department
Home Depot
InterDesign, Inc.
Just Rite Auto Trim
King Ward
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Leduc Sheet Metal
Western New England College
MAACO Auto Body
Westfield State College
Mercy Hospital
Mengal DaFonte Auto Body
Mount St. Vincent Nursing Home
Mulino’s Restaurant
Safarik Landscaping
Signature Engraving Systems
SJM Metal Company
The Label Group
Universal Plastics
Valley Etching Engraving & Design
Van Pak Trucking
Air Force Junior ROTC Food Drive, November 2011
DEAN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL . HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS
William J. Dean Technical High School, 1045 Main Street, Holyoke MA 01045
Guidance Office: 413.534.2071
Thank you for considering Dean Technical High School!
Dean Technical High School has a proud tradition that dates back to 1914. Our school
has provided a quality technical education to its students and a skilled workforce to the
community of Holyoke for 100 years. Twelve different technical programs and a quality
academic program offer the skills and knowledge you need to participate in today’s
highly competitive job market.
This booklet introduces you to the opportunities at Dean for building skills, exploring
careers and linking your shop program to your academic studies. In addition, we have a
variety of extra-curricular activities and other programs that help you balance out your
studies, explore your interests and meet new people.
Holyoke students apply for admission through their Grade 8 school counselor. Parents
and guardians may obtain more information through the Dean Tech Guidance Office. The
Guidance Office is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm.
DeanTechPride.org
1
A proud tradition since 1914...
The Dean Experience
Prepare for a career or college. Graduate with a high school diploma—and training in a trade.
Our History
The Holyoke Vocational School officially opened its doors
in 1914. However, vocational training had been provided
to students unofficially in the basement of Holyoke High
School since 1912. The day division of the new vocational
school found a home in the Holyoke High School Annex.
Classes included woodworking, machine shop, fire fighting,
paper making and practical arts such as home nursing. The
school grew rapidly and two divisions were established. The
first division was dedicated to rehabilitating returning World
War I veterans. The second division served students 14-16
years of age who were employed full-time in the community.
By the 1920’s, the city engineer found that the existing
High School annex building was unable to sustain the
weight of the machinery. A new location was sought and in
1930, a property was bought on the corner of Beech and
Pine Streets. The new vocational school was completed by
Works Project Administration (WPA) workers in 1931.
Our Vision
The vision of William J. Dean Technical
High School is to provide our students
with relevant and rigorous academic and
technical skills and competencies, so they
are successful and competitive in the 21st
century workforce. Upon graduation, our
students will be prepared for employment,
military service or to continue their postsecondary education.
The school was hard hit by the depression and came under
fire from labor union representatives, who complained
that students were not well prepared for jobs. World War II
re-energized the vocational school with the need for skilled
workers. The school trained nearly 5,000 workers for the
war effort, a third of which were women. At one point
during the war, the vocational school operated 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
In 1962, an addition was built to accommodate the growing
number of students. In 1977, the name of the school was
changed to William J. Dean Vocational-Technical High
School, in honor of its director, who had led the school for
the previous 30 years. “Vocational” was dropped from the
name when the school moved to its present location in
1989. Regardless of name, the school has remained true to
its proud tradition of service and commitment to its students
and the community of Holyoke.
2
Freshman class orientation, 2011
DEAN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL . HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS
Vocational Program
Student Expectations
Students spend their first year at Dean exploring the vocational paths that
we offer. Over the course of your freshman year, you will rotate through
each of the technical programs (shops). At the end of your freshman year,
you will be placed in one of the programs. Shop assignments are based on:
To make life easier for parents and
students, Dean has a dress code
that we expect all students to follow.
Students and families will receive an
information sheet with details about
clothing colors and styles. Skirts
and shorts must be knee length
and fit appropriately. Shirts must be
tucked in and shoes must have a
closed toe. There may also be dress
requirements for specific shops.
•
•
•
•
Your top choices
Your performance and aptitude in the different shops
Number of applicants for each shop
Attendance, disciplinary records, and grades are also considered
After you are assigned to a shop, you will work in that program, building
and deepening your skills each year until you graduate. There are also
opportunities for co-ops, internships and other work experiences outside
of school to prepare you further for employment or further training after
high school.
Academic Program
Our academic program prepares our students for success in their chosen
career path, for continuing their studies in either a 2 year or a 4 year
college program, and for passing the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive
Assessment System).
The required academic core includes 4 years of English, 3 years of
mathematics, three years of science, and 3 years of social studies,
including one semester of United States History. Four years of physical
education are also required. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who failed
the MCAS receive additional academic support through classes that
reinforce their learning of math and English through shop-related materials
and concepts. Our classes support English language learners.
We expect students to do all
assigned homework. Homework is
a part of every course at Dean and
assignments are included in class
grades.
Tutoring
If students are having trouble with
any part of their studies (concepts
covered in class, homework
assignments, studying for tests) we
encourage them to take advantage
of our after school tutoring program.
The program is staffed by certified
teachers and instructors and is
available after school Monday
through Thursday.
Dean Technical High School students
are getting hands-on experience and
mentoring from the contractors, architects,
and tradespeople involved in designing
and constructing a multi-million dollar
supercomputer center in Holyoke through
a program created by Turner Construction,
the project’s contractor. YouthForce 2020
students work directly with Turner professionals
involved with construction of the Green High
Performance Computing Center project, a
ten megawatt supercomputer center for a
consortium of five universities.
A group of Dean students attended the top-off ceremonies for Holyoke’s new Green Computing Center, Fall 2011.
DeanTechPride.org
3
Activities & Vocational Shops
Air Force Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC)
The AFJROTC program provides citizenship training
and an aerospace science program for Dean Technical
High School students. Enrollment is open to all young
people in grades above 9th grade who are United
States citizens. Cadets receive credit toward high
school graduation by successfully passing AFJROTC
classes.
Students may take classes in the history of aviation,
cultural studies, the science of flight, space exploration,
astronomy, survival and management, as well as
leadership education. Students learn about the defense
structure of the United States and current Air Force
issues and are introduced to Air Force organizational
structure, uniform wear, military customs and
courtesies, flag etiquette, citizenship in the United
States, first aid, health and wellness, fitness, individual
self-control, basic drill and ceremonies, effective
communications, critical thinking and learning,
leadership preparation, personal awareness, exploring
options and charting a path to a career, personal
budget and financial planning, decision making,
problem solving, human relations and life skills.
Clubs and Other Activities
Chess Club
After School Programs
Reading Club
Athletic Tutoring
MCAS Connections
Student Council
National Honor Society
Student Support Organizations
Golden Hawks Athletic Teams
Career
preparation...
Automotive Collision Repair
Certifications and career opportunities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ASE certification
NATEF
Collision repair technician
Painting and refinishing
Service writer
Shop foreperson
Body shop manager or owner/operator
I-Car trained technician
The Automotive Collision Repair program provides
basic instruction in the concepts of estimating
and repairing collision body damage.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Frame inspection and repair
Metal welding and cutting
Body surface preparation
Metal finishing and body painting
Panel alignment and repair
Spray painting
Detailing
Baseball: Boys Varsity
Basketball: Varsity and Junior Varsity
Football: Varsity and Junior Varsity
Softball: Girls Varsity
Volleyball: Boys Varsity
Girls Varsity and Junior Varsity
Wrestling: Varsity
4
DEAN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL . HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS
Automotive Technology
Diesel Technology
Certifications and career opportunities:
•
•
•
•
•
ASE certification
NATEF
Dealership training
Technician
Parts department
worker or manager
•
•
•
•
Shop foreperson
Service manager
Diesel technician
Marine technician
Dean Tech offers an Automotive Technology program
for cars, and a Diesel Technology program for trucks
and other diesel-powered equipment. Students
in both programs are taught similar skills, but the
programs use different equipment for training.
Students are introduced to the field of automotive
repair and various career options in the automotive
industry. Opportunities to service and repair vehicles
owned by the city and its residents allow students to
learn through hands-on work. The Diesel Technology
aspect of the course focuses on all phases of repair
work on diesel engines used to power buses, trucks,
construction machinery, and similar equipment.
You will learn how to diagnose and repair:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Engine cooling systems
Fuel systems
Ignition systems
Starting and generator systems
Suspension systems
Brakes and anti-lock brake systems
Air conditioning and heating
Emission controls
Hydraulics
On-board diagnostics
Cylinder heads and valves
Engine blocks
Clutches and transmissions
Cooling systems
Exhaust systems
Fuel systems
Lubrication systems
DeanTechPride.org
Carpentry
Certifications and career opportunities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Finish carpenter
Framing carpenter
Dry wall installer
Construction inspector
Contractor
Estimator
The Carpentry program gives students an
understanding of both residential and commercial
construction, and the relationship of carpentry to
other segments of the construction industry. Students
build projects and become familiar with the tools and
machines of the carpentry trade.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Framing
Dry wall installation framing
Door frame and trim framing
Steel wall framing
Floor preparation
Mill work
Window installation
Roofing
Cabinet making
Corner molding
Cove and crown molding
Baseboard molding
5
Computer Technology
and Data Communications
Cosmetology
Certifications and career opportunities:
Certifications and career opportunities:
• A+ certified technician
• Net+ certified technician
• Microsoft Office user specialist
The Computer Technology and Data Communications
program prepares students in the core areas of
software applications, computer troubleshooting
and maintenance, web design, multimedia creation,
network administration and installation.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
Operating systems
Trouble shooting and maintenance
Web design
Fiber optics
Networking
6
•
•
•
•
•
•
Massachusetts Cosmetology License
Cosmetician
Make-up artist
Salon manager
Manicurist
Platform artist
The Cosmetology program gives students experience in
a variety of professional care treatments including hair
beautification and skin care. The program emphasizes
scientific knowledge related to anatomy and
hygiene, and provides instruction in small business
management, record keeping, and customer relations.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wet and thermal hair styling
Blow dry styling
Permanent hair waving
Facial treatment
Manicuring
Hair coloring and shaping
Hair/scalp treatment
DEAN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL . HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS
Culinary Arts
Electricity
Certifications and career opportunities:
Certifications and career opportunities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
American Culinary Program Federation
Certified Dining Room Associate
Serve Safe Sanitation Baker
Baker
Chef
Assistant cook
Sous chef
Wait staff
The Culinary Arts program teaches the basics of
culinary arts including the study of cooking, pastry
preparation, restaurant management, and dining
room services. All students receive training in
sanitation and the safe handling of food. Program
participants gain hands-on experience in The
Apprentice Restaurant, a full-service restaurant
open to the public and run by the Culinary Arts
department.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Main entrée preparation
Sauce and gravy preparation
Menu planning
Garnish and plate decoration
Soup and stock preparation
Baking of pastries, cakes and confections
Cake decorating
DeanTechPride.org
•
•
•
•
•
•
Residential electrician
Industrial electrician
Power line worker
Power plant technician
Electronic technician
Electrical engineer
The Electricity program trains students to work with
circuits and piping, including instruction in such skills
as blueprint reading, pipe bending, residential and
commercial wiring, electrical safety, and grounding
and electrical services. Students are trained to work at
the intermediate level in the electrical field.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Residential wiring
Commercial wiring
Motors: theory and application
Distribution system transformers
Test equipment application
Lighting and luminaries
Electrical code
Print reading
7
Graphic Communications
Health Service Assistant
Certifications and career opportunities:
Certifications and career opportunities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
PrintEd/Printing Industry of America
Graphic designer
Print shop owner
Layout artist
Ad salesperson
Screen printer
T-shirt designer
Estimator
The Graphic Communications program provides
students with theory and practical experience needed
to turn ideas into designs that convey a message.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer-based layout
Silkscreen printing
Digital imaging
Offset printing
Finishing and binding
Digital camera operation
8
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Home Health Aide (HHA)
Child care worker
Medical technician
Nursing home worker
Home health aide
Physical therapy assistant
The Health Service Assistant program teaches students
the fundamentals of health through study of anatomy
and physiology, nursing, medical terminology, and early
childhood development. Students gain experience in
both the classroom lab as well as clinical practice.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Administering comfort measures
Monitoring vital signs
Implementing safety measures
Administering personal hygiene
Assisting with nutritional needs
Proper use of body mechanics
Stress management
DEAN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL . HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS
Machine Technology
Metal Fabrication and Welding
Certifications and career opportunities:
Certifications and career opportunities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
National Institute of Metal Working Skills
Machine operator
Machine tool sales
CNC operator
Gage or instrument maker
Machine set-up worker
Maintenance machinist
Programmer
Inspector
Mechanical technician
The Machine Technology program gives students the
knowledge they need to be able to work with a variety
of tools to create machined parts from different
materials. Program participants gain knowledge of the
working properties of metals and materials as well as
training in other required elements of the field.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
Reading blueprints
Using computerized lathes, saws, drill presses
and wire discharge machines
Using surface, tool and cutting grinders
Making measurements
Milling
DeanTechPride.org
•
•
•
•
•
AWS
Working machine operator
Iron worker
Welder
Boilermaker
The Metal Fabrication and Welding program trains
students for intermediate level employment in sheet
metal and welding trades. Participants gain such
skills as blueprint reading, machine setup and
operation, and fabrication, and develop a working
knowledge of sheet metal procedures in areas such
as welding and cutting.
Skills you will learn:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Plasma arc cutting
Sheet metal layout and fabrication
Pipe welding
Gas tungsten arc welding
Oxyacetylene cutting, welding and torch brazing
Sheet metal basics
Gas metal arc welding
Testing procedures
9
William J. Dean Technical High School
1045 Main Street
Holyoke, MA 01045
Guidance Office: 413.534.2071
DeanTechPride.org
Air Force Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC),
Fall 2011 Veteran’s Day Parade
Inside:
The Dean Experience...................................2
Activities, AFJROTC....................................4
Automotive Collision Repair....................4
Automotive Technology..............................5
Winter 2012 Dinner Dance
Carpentry..........................................................5
Computer Technology
and Data Communications....................... 6
Cosmetology................................................... 6
Culinary Arts...................................................7
Diesel Technology.........................................5
Electricity..........................................................7
Graphic Communications..........................8
Health Service Assistant............................8
Machine Technology................................... 9
Metal Fabrication and Welding.............. 9
Diesel Technology program