STUDENT HANDBOOK
2015-2016
1607 E. DOWLING ST.
KENDALLVILLE, IN 46755
888-349-0250 TOLL FREE
260-349-0250
260-349-0240 FAX
www.impactinstitute.net
INTRODUCTION
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
Congratulations on having chosen a program in Career and Technical Education as a part of your high
school education. Our programs are geared toward providing you with relevant skills and knowledge
that will best prepare you for a wide array of options for your future.
Your training will provide you with the necessary skills to become employed in an entry-level position of
your chosen occupation, or you will gain competency in the skills of the occupation to receive
consideration for advanced standing if you choose to attend a state-supported technical college or
university. Enrollment in Career and Technical Education programs may also prepare you for other
future occupational choices such as military careers or apprenticeship programs.
This handbook is prepared to assist you in your successful completion of the Career and Technical
Education Program and to make the transition from high school to employment or post-secondary
education a planned and prepared procedure.
Your program instructor will discuss the contents of this handbook at the beginning of the school year
and answer any questions you may have.
We wish you success as you progress through your occupational preparation. We are here to assist you
in any way that we can and look forward to sharing in your education.
Jim Walmsley
Vocational Coordinator
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
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Program Instructors have been hired based upon successful previous employment in the area
they are teaching. They are required to continue their education to remain current on changes
in the occupation and the workplace.
The Curriculum has been reviewed by an advisory committee consisting of local business and
industry representatives. This ensures that you are receiving relevant instruction to prepare you
for the occupation.
The Equipment in each program is modern and mirrors that used by area employers. We
attempt to upgrade our equipment as changes occur in the occupation.
Your high school guidance counselor and the program instructor will assist you with
employment opportunities upon graduation and/or will help you enroll in further education
beyond high school.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU
The Career and Technical Education program operates under conditions similar to the employment
community. We expect you to develop occupational skills and job habits that are acceptable to area
employers. Our basic expectations include:
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Putting forth your best effort to learn the skills being taught. This includes a serious attitude
toward instructional demonstrations, book assignments, lab assignments, classroom speakers
and field trips.
Obey all rules established by each Career and Technical Education program and your high
school.
Develop a pattern of good attendance.
Learn to work in teams with other classmates to solve problems related to instructional
concepts.
Discuss with your program instructor any concerns you have related to your enrollment in the
program. Often, small items can be resolved before becoming large problems.
GRADE REPORTING
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
IMPACT Institute programs utilize a competency-based curriculum. This type of instruction utilizes
continuous instruction and evaluation throughout the duration of the program. Evaluation of students
will be done through various evaluation instruments developed by the instructor. Possible methods
include hands-on demonstrations, oral testing, written testing, theory, skill attainment, etc.…
Each home school establishes midterm and final grade schedules. Below are the IMPACT Institute
grading scales. (Cosmetology’s is slightly different as required by state regulations).
All Programs except Cosmetology
Cosmetology (As required by state regulations)
A+: 100
A: 97-99
A-: 95-96
B+: 92-94
B: 89-91
B-: 87-88
C+: 84-86
C: 80-83
C-: 78-79
D+: 75-77
D: 72-74
D-: 70-71
F: 69 and below
A+: 100
A: 95-99
A-: 94
B+: 93
B: 89-92
B-: 88
C+: 87
C: 83-86
C-: 82
D+: 81
D: 76-80
D-: 75
F: 74 and below
DUAL CREDIT
Students enrolled in most IMPACT Institute programs have the opportunity to earn dual credits from
post-secondary institutions. Students in programs where credits are available are eligible to receive
credits, however; they are not guaranteed to be awarded. This is based on passing grades and
assessments as required by the institution. Students need to see their instructor for complete
information. Once obtaining these credits, students are able to acquire official transcripts through the
institution where credits were issued. IMPACT Institute does not have access to these transcripts.
TRANSPORTATION TO PROGRAMS
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
Transportation to Vocational Programs located at another school or site (satellite programs) may be
provided by the local school corporation. In some school systems, the student provides transportation.
In either case, students MUST have permission, granted by their high school principal and their
parents, to provide their own transportation. Please see your high school counselor or administrator
concerning any transportation questions.
Students who are given permission to drive to the program site must abide by the following rules:
A. The vehicle is to be parked in an area designated by the program instructor.
B. The students will not occupy the vehicle during normal class times, including class breaks.
C. The vehicle will be driven in a safe, sensible manner while on school property.
VIOLATIONS OF THE ABOVE RULES COULD RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES TO THE
PROGRAM.
ATTENDANCE/WEATHER RELATED ISSUES
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION APPLIES TO ALL VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS LOCATED IN KENDALLVILLE,
LAGRANGE, ANGOLA AND DEKALB COUNTY:
Auto Body Collision Repair
CAD Drafting
Cosmetology
Culinary Arts
Interactive Media
Marine Mechanics
Welding
Automotive Technology
Construction Trades (Noble and DeKalb)
Criminal Justice (Noble and Steuben)
Health Occupations Education
Primary Health Care
Precision Machining
Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC
SCHOOL DELAYS/CANCELLATIONS
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
During periods of the year, weather related conditions might alter the normal operating schedule.
Please use the following guidelines or consult your home school with weather related questions.
Please note: IMPACT Institute delays or cancellations are not typically part of announcements made via
media outlets. On days East Noble is scheduled to be out of school, Impact delays and/or cancellations
will be posted with multiple media outlets including channels 15 and 21. Please follow the directions
below.
IF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL is canceled for the day because of weather conditions, you should NOT attend
the Vocational Program. IF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL is on a TWO-HOUR DELAY, you should NOT attend the
MORNING Vocational Program.
LISTEN TO THE RADIO AND/OR TELEVISION ON MORNINGS WHEN WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE
QUESTIONABLE AND ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR HOME SCHOOL IF YOU HAVE WEATHER RELATED
QUESTIONS.
IF EAST NOBLE SCHOOLS CLOSE because of weather related conditions, students should NOT attend any
programs located in Kendallville: Auto Body Collision Repair, Automotive Technology, CAD Drafting,
Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Primary Health Care, HOE-NOBLE,
Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC, Precision Machining, Marine Mechanics and Welding. However, if East
Noble Schools have a scheduled delay for teacher training/in-service, students should attend vocational
classes as normal. If East Noble Delays due to weather, AM students should not attend the programs
listed above.
IF PRAIRIE HEIGHTS SCHOOLS CLOSE because of weather related conditions, students should NOT
attend any programs located in LaGrange or Angola (HOE LaGrange / CJ Steuben). However, if Prairie
Heights Schools have a scheduled delay for teacher training/in-service, students should attend
vocational classes as normal. If Prairie Heights Delays due to weather, AM students should not attend
the program listed above.
IF LAKELAND SCHOOLS CLOSE OR DELAY: because of weather related conditions, students should NOT
attend the program located in LaGrange: HOE LaGrange.
IF ANGOLA SCHOOLS CLOSE OR DELAY: because of weather related conditions, students should NOT
attend the program located in Angola: Steuben Criminal Justice.
ATTENDANCE/NON-WEATHER RELATED ISSUES
At Impact Institute, the expectation is that students attend all classes when the Vocational Program is in
session regardless of sending school calendar. All students will receive the Impact Institute calendar at
the beginning of the school year outlining in-services and breaks. Also, located at the end of this
handbook is a listing of dates for closings, open houses, in-service days, etc. These dates may be subject
to change throughout the year.
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
Daily communication will be maintained with high schools to report absent students. Students found to
be truant from the Career and Technical Education Program will be disciplined by their home high
school. Excessive tardiness and/or absenteeism will be discussed with the administrators at the high
school. AREA EMPLOYERS EXPECT GOOD ATTENDANCE AT WORK-SO DO WE! The Career and Technical
Education Program is an excellent opportunity to establish habits of good attendance.
VIOLATION OF RULES
Each Career and Technical Education Program instructor has established a set of rules for the operation
of his/her class. This may include items such as lab cleanliness, putting tools away and completion of
assignments. Each instructor will administer disciplinary actions concerning violations of class rules and
procedures. Continued violations of program rules will be discussed with the student’s high school
administration.
The high school will be notified IMMEDIATELY of the following suspected or confirmed violations.
Confirmed violations of any of the following will result in Impact Institutes recommendation for
immediate removal from program participation to the student’s high school:
A. The sale, consumption, or possession of alcohol, marijuana, stimulate, intoxicants, narcotics,
depressants or hallucinogens of any kind which represent to be, or look like, or provides similar
effects as one of the above.
B. Possession of any weapon or look alike on school grounds.
C. Vandalism of the Vocational facility and/or equipment, including theft. Impact Institute reserves
the right to immediately remove any student caught stealing from Impact property, students, or
staff.
D. Habitual violations of Impact Institutes rules and regulations.
E. Fighting and/or horseplay that puts student’s safety in an immediate dangerous or harmful
situation.
Other behaviors that disrupt the school day may also be reported to high school administration. The
following are examples:
A. Fighting and/or horseplay
B. The sale, possession or use of tobacco or tobacco products or look alike. Look alike product
examples are (but not limited to) E-Cigarettes, Vape Pens, etc.
C. Leaving the Vocational Program without permission-truancy.
D. Insubordination, profanity, bullying, obscene or degrading language or gestures to any fellow
students, guests of Impact Institute, or staff members.
E. Excessive tardiness or absenteeism
F. Other behaviors that would disrupt from a normal school day or learning environment.
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROCEDURES
Vocational Labs and equipment are well maintained and guarded to prevent accidental injury. Students
are also provided safety instruction on each piece of equipment and are observed by the instructor on
the initial use. Occasionally, accidents may occur or carelessness by the student will result in injury.
We have adopted the following procedures in case of injury:
A. Each program will maintain a student emergency record file indicating the parent’s request for
medical providers
B. In the event of a serious injury, which requires immediate medical attention, the student will be
transported to the nearest health facility (of the parents request) by the local ambulance
provider. THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY OF SUCH ACTION.
C. In the event of a minor injury, which is determined by the program instructor or administration
to require medical attention, the parent/guardian will be informed and expected to provide the
necessary procedures for medical service.
D. Students enrolled in IMPACT Institute Career and Technical Education programs are subject to
drug testing if they are injured OR cause injury to another student or instructor during the
course of the program. The IMPACT Institute will pay drug-testing fees.
STUDENTS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN’S HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY.
FEES AND OTHER PAYMENTS
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
1. Some Vocational Programs require the purchase of personal tools and safety equipment. The
payments for such items must be paid (if purchased through the program) before the student is
issued the said items.
2. Students must pay for personal project materials prior to moving the project from the
Vocational facility.
INTERNET USAGE
IMPACT Institute provides student access to the Internet. Use of the Internet enables students to
explore thousands of databases and other resources to enhance his/her knowledge and experience.
Students utilizing the IMPACT Institute Internet capabilities must first have permission and must be
supervised by a IMPACT Institute Instructor. Students must have signed the Acceptable Usage Policy
and it is on file in order to use IMPACT Institute computers.
IMPACT INSTITUTE WEBSITE AND GMAIL
IMPACT Institute maintains a website to inform and promote Career and Technical Education in the four
county area. Pictures of students may be used to showcase the various vocational programs and
demonstrate accomplishments of students. Every effort will be made to protect the privacy of the
students. Permission to use student pictures must be on file with the IMPACT Institute office. Students
will also have access to Google Applications, which include: email, calendaring, site access and creation
and much more.
ADDITIONAL SCHOOL YEAR INFORMATION
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
Below is a list of scheduled activities that may be useful for you to remember throughout the year.
Please note that dates are subject to change.
August 18: First Student Day
September 7: Labor Day, No School
October 16: Teacher Professional Development Day (No School)
November 5: Program Open House (Classes run as normal)
November 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday Break, No School
December 21-January 1: Holiday Break, No School
February 15: Snow Make-Up Day
March 25: Good Friday (No School)
March 28-April 1: Spring Break (No School)
May 25: Last Student Day (Pending any Cancellations)
Welcome to IMPACT Institute and we hope you enjoy your Vocational experience!
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
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Auto Body Collision Repair, Jose Gallo, Instructor
1102 Dowling St., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)349-1965
Automotive Technology, Mike Prater & Terry Helm, Instructors
580 Fairview Blvd., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)343-2560
CAD Drafting, Jennifer Garman, Instructor
580 Fairview Blvd., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)343-2171
Construction Trades, Chris Weber and Aaron Fedorow, Instructors
1607 Dowling St., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)242-7581
Cosmetology, Wendi Sell, Instructor
580 Fairview Blvd., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)343-2169
Criminal Justice, Mark Farren, Instructor
580 Fairview Blvd., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)343-2170
Criminal Justice-Steuben, Kevin Jones, Instructor
202 W. Gilmore St., Angola, IN 46703, (260)349-5223
Culinary Arts, Peter Tzeschlock & Dave Hettler, Instructors
580 Fairview Blvd., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)343-2167
Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC, Don Polly, Instructor
892 Dowling St., Kendallville, IN 46755 (260)466-2430
Interactive Media, Jeannette Rinard, Instructor
221 Angling Rd., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)347-2822
Primary Health Care (CNA), Terri Maggert, Instructor
Lutheran Life Villages, Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)564-0382
Primary Health Care (Medical Assisting), Abby Pfafman, Instructor
620 Sawyer Rd., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)336-2387
Health Occupations Education
Linda Tilghman, Instructor
Parkview Noble Hospital, Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)349-8130
Kelly Graden, Instructor
Parkview LaGrange Hospital, LaGrange, IN 46761, (260)349-2538
Lisa Price, Instructor
DeKalb Health, Auburn, IN 46706, (812)340-5775
Precision Machining, Jason Thomas, Instructor
892 Dowling St., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)343-2566
Marine Mechanics, Ryan Ramsay, Instructor
221 Angling Rd., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)347-2822
Welding, Rex Rawles & Chris Morr, Instructors
892 Dowling St., Kendallville, IN 46755, (260)343-2566 or (260)343-2567
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.
Administrative Staff
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Jim Walmsley, Vocational Director, jwalmsley@impactinstitute.net
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Jon Everingham, Assistant Vocational Director, jeveringham@impactinstitute.net
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Stephanie Ross, Adult Education Coordinator, sross@impactinstitute.net
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Andrea Haskins, Vocational Administrative Assistant, ahaskins@impactinstitute.net
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Penny Alwine, Treasurer, palwine@impactinstitute.net
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Jodi Brayton, Administrative Assistant to Director, jbrayton@impactinstitute.net
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Angi Deetz, ABE/GED Administrative Assistant, adeetz@impactinstitute.net
Administrative Office Telephone: 260-349-0250
Administrative Office Toll-Free: 888-349-0250
Administrative Office Fax: 260-349-0240
Address: 1607 E. Dowling St., Kendallville, IN 46755
The IMPACT Institute has a policy of providing equal opportunity. All courses are open to all students regardless of race, color, gender,
disabilities or national origin including limited English proficiency.