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Adult Education, ELL, EWD

MPTC Training Helps Local ELL Program

specialty

Moraine Park Technical College, in partnership with the Specialty Cheese Co., worked to develop a training to benefit employees. Harley Lemkuil, Training Specialist at Specialty Cheese identified a need for English Language Learning (ELL) classes and began seeking out options in 2019. 

“At Specialty Cheese, we treat language skills like any other skill that an employee may possess,” Lemkuil said. “We know that language can be a barrier to personal growth- and lack of personal growth affects company growth. We want our employees to succeed and helping them to build English speaking skills is one way to do that.” 

Lemkuil worked directly with supervisors to identify employees whose English skills were at a point where they could communicate at work but in a limited fashion. Employees could participate if they wished, but the training was not mandated. Once participants were identified, they assessed everyone by asking a series of questions and ensuring that participants were comfortable through the process. Lemkuil then took the data he gathered from employees and worked with Moraine Park’s Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) department to develop an ELL training plan.  

“Moraine Park helped provide good insight into the different learning styles and were very flexible with the training during the Pandemic,” Lemkuil said. “We initially planned for the training to be in-person, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted that possibility. Moraine Park was able to seamlessly transition the learning material to be done over zoom meetings.” 

As with many industries, the transition to an online platform offered some valuable learning opportunities for the organization as well.  

“The online format made it more difficult than usual to keep the employees engaged with grammar material,” he said. “Jennifer Elliot, the Moraine Park ELL instructor, made some innovative changes such as finding a printed publication that included the employees, to heighten engagement. Through that, we learned that the more personal the material, the more likely the students are to engage and practice their grammar skills.” 

The goal of providing this round of training was to help employees who wanted to grow their language skills. For this reason, Lemkuil relied on anecdotal feedback from the employee participants to access effectiveness, rather than testing each participant. However, he is hoping that future ELL programming will include a more subjective analysis of the program.  

Lemkuil is looking at program growth the same way he approached the start of this training- slow, thoughtful, and taking into consideration the needs of employees.  

“It’s very important to not only have the commitment of your employees but to also create an environment where the employees are free to practice their skills,” Lemkuil said. “This is a crucial step in getting the learning process. If an employee uses new grammar topics and is made to feel embarrassed by native English speakers, that employee isn’t going to want to practice their skills ever again.” 

By creating an atmosphere that fosters growth and inclusivity, Lemkuil is opening the doors of possibility for his employees.  

“In the coming years, Specialty Cheese would like to provide this opportunity to all employees who are interested in learning English,” he said. “The goal is to provide a more convenient class location which helps improve attendance to the program. It’s an ambitious goal, but we are confident that this continued training will be a benefit all around.” 

For more information, visit morainepark.edu/training. 

March 4, 2021by Kristina Haensgen
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Business

Moraine Park Degree Prepares Students for Work from Home Careers

work from home

Moraine Park’s Virtual Assistant program is working to help fill the increased need for remote workers. This technical diploma program is offered online and provides the tools and skills needed to excel in a work-from-home career. 

This program, formerly the Office Assistant program, was modified last year before COVID-19, to address the increased virtual needs all around. 

“There was an increased need for virtual careers well before COVID-19,” Amy Harmsen, an instructor at Moraine Park, said. “Now with the changes that resulted from the pandemic, I feel this program will help many individuals find employment options that work for their new reality.” 

The Virtual Assistant program is a one-year program and opens the doors of opportunity in many areas. 

“The Virtual Assistant program prepares you to work in just about any industry,” Harmsen said. “Fields such as healthcare, insurance, information technology, hospitality, retail, and more, need virtual support. This program is also a stepping stone for the Administrative Coordinator two year associate degree.” 

Students in this program learn a broad range of skills that will help address the needs of local businesses.

“This degree isn’t just for virtual careers. It helps to prepare business professionals all around,” she said. “Our students leave this program prepared to be problem solvers and flexible, and they have the tools needed to adapt to changing needs.” 

This year’s students have had to make some significant adjustments to their meeting and event planning class, which is usually centered around planning the in-person Portfolio Showcase event for the College. Instead, they are moving forward with the same event- except it will be delivered as a virtual event this year which provides a great opportunity for deeper learning.

“This class is getting real-world experience on how to be flexible and learn as they go,” Harmsen said. “I’m proud of their professional solutions. They will be entering the workforce at the end of this semester, and I am confident that they are prepared for what may lie ahead in their careers.” 

Moraine Park’s Virtual Assistant program is the only program of its kind offered in the state, and its virtual classroom setting offers an ideal learning environment for busy schedules. 

“If you’re interested in finding a career that offers the work from home flexibility or if you simply want to advance your skillset- this program is a great option,” Harmsen said. “This program can help prepare you for an assistant role. Employers can utilize this program to prepare employees and provide them with opportunities for growth and advancement internally.” 

For more information on Moraine Park’s Virtual Assistant program, visit morainepark.edu/virtual-assistant.

March 1, 2021by Kristina Haensgen
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Community Engagement, Culinary & Foods

Moraine Park Student, Cortland Henning, Hosts Deliberative Dialogue

cortland

Moraine Park student, Cortland Henning of Fond du Lac, recently executed a project for his Newman Civic Fellow national membership that displayed great strength, leadership and encouraged unity among community members. The Newman Civic Fellowship, part of the College’s membership with Campus Compact, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth. As part of this role, Henning was required to complete a community project. 

“The purpose of the project is to encourage civic engagement,” Henning said. “I had three topics to choose from and being passionate about politics and the future of our country, it made sense to select a project that aligned.” 

Henning’s project, called A House Divided, was staged as a deliberative dialogue, and centered around the topic “What would we have to give up to get the political system we want?” 

“The purpose of a deliberative dialogue is to offer a safe and open environment for conversations, like this, to happen,” Henning said. “To achieve this, I set ground rules so that all participants were heard equally, there was no bullying or domination during the conversation, and there was respect all around- regardless of differing opinions.” 

Participants were encouraged to bring forward their thoughts, feelings, and personal life experiences that helped shape their political beliefs. Discussion topics around requiring more accurate, respectful discussion in the media and online, and reforming politics and government to encourage compromise, among others, were discussed at length. 

“It’s clear our country is currently divided,” Henning said. “However, this project opened my eyes to our many commonalities. We are more alike than what we are led to believe right now.” 

Henning’s project was presented to student peers, a community group, and a group of educators, in three separate sessions. In total, he had over 50 participants, and each conversation was civil, respectful, and provided a wealth of insight. 

“I hope that participants walked away with a greater understanding of each other and our role in shaping our government,” Henning said. “I know I’m guilty of making assumptions and jumping to conclusions- this project has helped me to slow down, listen, try to understand, and if not- find peace in the ability to disagree. I am, by far, a better citizen because of what I learned through this process.” 

As a result of this project, Henning has paved the way for future deliberative conversations. 

“MPTC is interested in convening other conversations and civil dialogues around controversial topics,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. “We acknowledge everyone’s first amendment rights to be heard and to share knowledge in a format that broadens our understanding of various local, regional, national or global issues and concerns in a civil way.  We are exploring opportunities and topics to host such sessions in virtual and face-to-face formats in the future.”

Henning is also part of Moraine Park’s Promise program and is scheduled to graduate with his associate degree in Culinary Arts this May. He is currently employed at a local country club and has goals to be an executive chef. 

“Moraine Park has opened up so many doors of opportunity for me,” he said. “I look forward to continuing my civic work within my community as an MPTC alumnus.”

For more information on the work of Moraine Park students, visit morainepark.edu.

February 26, 2021by Kristina Haensgen
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College Communications

2021 Commencement Updates

Top of graduate caps with bows and glittered messages

Hello Soon-to-be-Grads!

Believe it or not, we are about 3 months away from the end of our semester and our annual commencement ceremony. 

As expected, the College has had to implement changes and make hard decisions to allow for an in-person event to be executed safely.  

As previously announced, we are planning for a limited-access in-person 2021 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 22, at 10 a.m. While we are thrilled to make plans for an in-person celebration, the event will undoubtedly look different.  

Important details to note:   

  • Commencement will be held at the Radisson Conference Center, 625 W. Rolling Meadows Dr., Fond du Lac.  
  • To abide by local and state guidelines and to maintain appropriate distancing, guests will not be permitted into the conference center— only graduates and Moraine Park staff executing the ceremony will be permitted into the event space.  
  • Family and friends will be able to view the ceremony live. An invite with the event link will be coming soon.  
  • Graduate candidates must RSVP to the event. Students who are applying to earn a Technical Diploma or Associate Degree must apply for graduation by March 15 to participate in the ceremony.  
    • When applying for graduation, participation in the ceremony must be indicated on the form.  
    • College officials will monitor the participation numbers and adjust the ceremony as needed to follow appropriate safety guidelines.  
    • If you already applied, and would like to change your RSVP response, email hclark4@morainepark.edu by March 15. 
  • Face coverings and temperature checks are required to enter the facility.  
  • More details can be found online at MystudentMPTC. 

Please know the final details will ultimately depend on the status of COVID-19 and the recommendations from our local and state public health departments as commencement day nears. We will plan to connect with graduation applicants by early April with additional details and decisions. 

In the meantime, reach out to Heather Clark at hclark4@morainepark.edu with any questions regarding the 2021 commencement ceremony.  

February 23, 2021by Kristina Haensgen
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Community Engagement, Health Careers & Wellness

Moraine Park Nursing Students Help Distribute COVID-19 Vaccine

female nursing student in scrubs with stethoscope around her neck.

Moraine Park Technical College nursing students will be assisting Dodge County Public Health and Advocate Aurora Health to administer the COVID-19 vaccination to eligible individuals. 

“Our nursing students have experience in helping to distribute vaccines,” Heidi Martin, Moraine Park nursing instructor, said. “We have worked with Dodge County for the past two years, helping at their flu shot clinics for students in grades K-12. We have a great relationship with the County Public Health Nurses and our local healthcare facilities, and currently, they really need our help.”

The Moraine Park nursing students participating are doing so on a volunteer basis. Their volunteer time will count toward community impact requirements at the College.  

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our nursing students to give back to the community,” Martin said. “They have the skills needed to truly impact the health of our families, neighbors and friends. My students are excited to be an active part in helping to decrease the severity of this pandemic and ultimately save lives.”

Moraine Park continuously looks for ways to offer hands-on opportunities for students in our local communities. 

For information regarding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and distribution, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health at dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19.

For more information, visit morainepark.edu. 

**Photo is not from current vaccine event, and was taken pre-COVID-19.

February 17, 2021by Kristina Haensgen
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College Communications

TKC Postponed Until 2022

tkx

Moraine Park Technical College has made the difficult decision to postpone Tech Knowledge College (TKC) until 2022. The COVID-19 situation is still very fluid, and the safety and well being of our entire communities remain a top priority.

We appreciate the continued community support around this great summer camp opportunity, and stay tuned for information on TKC 2022.

Sign up for our newsletter at morainepark.edu/tkc to receive information on TKC.

February 16, 2021by Kristina Haensgen
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Health Careers & Wellness, Student Life

West Bend Nurses gets Creative to Wish Seniors a Happy Valentine’s Day

SNA

Wednesday, Feb 10th the West Bend Student Nursing Association (SNA) group put their books away for an hour or so to be creative and add a little cheer to the residents at Cedar Community in West Bend. 

Using stamps, ink, scissors and colored pencils they created valentine cards for residents.  Some of these cards were attached to personal care items.

  The cards and the small gifts were given to the Cedar Community Activities department and distributed to the to residents. 

For more information, visit morainepark.edu.

February 15, 2021by Kristina Haensgen
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Student Life

Spring 2021 Student Senate Leadership

logo

Introducing our spring 2021 Student Senate leadership! There is a Student Senate group on each campus- and they provide individualized attention to campus issues and activities. Representatives include at-large members and representatives from each campus club.

Students are welcome and encouraged to join the group- as an added bonus, lunch is provided at the meetings!

Fond du Lac

fdl
Left to right: Gretchen Kirchberg, Willy Millard, Ashley Lambert

President

Willy Millard of Fond du Lac-Cosmetology program

Vice President

Ashley Lambert of Fond du Lac-Graphic Communications

Secretary

Gretchen Kirchberg of Columbus-Mechanical Design Technology program

Beaver Dam

Left to right: Avery Armga, Dylan Jordan, and Seth Woodke.

President

Dylan Jordan of Woodruff – Electrical Power Distribution program

Vice President

Avery Armga of Waupun- Electrical Power Distribution program

Secretary

Seth Woodke of Cascade- Electrical Power Distribution program

West Bend

Left to right: Alan Bago, Haley VanRaden, Brent Fassbender

President

Haley Van Raden of West Bend- IT program

Vice President

Alan Bago of Milwaukee- IT Software program

Secretary

Brent Fassbender of Fredonia- Human Resources program

morainepark.edu/student-life

January 29, 2021by Kristina Haensgen
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Achievement, Student Life

MPTC Student Earns Emerging Leader Award

barbara turner

Congratulations to Barbara Turner, of Beaver Dam, on earning the first Emerging Leader award from the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes a high school or post-secondary student in Beaver Dam who demonstrates strong character, leadership, and community service.
FYI- She served over 200 hours at the Chamber- helping the Executive Directory tremendously during COVID-19!! Barbara was also recognized virtually by Congressman Glenn Grothman.

“Whether at the College or the Chamber, Barbara consistently demonstrates that she is a committed, dependable, hard-working individual with a high degree of integrity. She brings a positive attitude and a natural curiosity to plan, learn and do – no matter what the task or project. She has a tenacious gift to persevere and a real desire to make a difference in this community. Barbara has a proven track record for success and has demonstrated her commitment to lifelong learning and volunteerism,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said.

Here are the comments shared by the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce at the virtual annual meeting:

“Tracy Probst, Executive Director for the Beaver Dam Chamber, started just as COVID-19 was hitting Wisconsin and the safer at home order went into place. The board soon realized we would not be able to have the regular events that help fund the operations of the chamber and unfortunately had to lay off the Chamber assistant indefinitely.

Through a conversation Tracy had with Mary Vogl Rauscher, an instructor at Moraine Park, Barbara Turner, stepped forward and offered to help over the summer. Barbara spent over 200 hours at the Chamber, helping Tracy update records in the database and cover when she needed to be out of the office.

Barbara is currently a full-time student in the Leadership Development program at Moraine Park Technical College. She has received an associate degree in supervisory management and is currently pursuing a second degree in business analytics. Barbara is very involved in her school and community and served as the 2019-20 MPTC District Student Ambassador for the Wisconsin Technical College. As MPTC’s ambassador, she was actively highlighting technical college education through public awareness efforts and legislative advocacy – instilling pride in technical education among students, graduates, and the community.

Barbara is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Academic Honor Society, the MPTC student government, and serves as President of the student chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Barbara Turner moved to Beaver Dam from Israel, where she served in the Israeli Army.

She completed 224 hours of service learning from the Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce this summer and has earned the prestigious MPTC President’s Award for Community Impact. It is our understanding that this might be the record in volunteer hours at MPTC.

Barb has inspired our Chamber Board to create the Emerging Leader award, which will recognize high-school or post-secondary students for their volunteer work and leadership at work, school, or a non-profit organization in Beaver Dam.”

We are proud of you, Barbara! Keep up the good work!

January 28, 2021by Kristina Haensgen
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