Eastern to Hold Open House

Students and parents will get a chance to see what happens at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology this Sunday, March 3 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Representatives from Eastern will tell students how they can earn college credits while still in high school through its dual enrollment and articulation agreements, and enjoy hands-on learning in the process.

College and military representatives will be on hand, and guests will be treated to food from Eastern’s culinary arts students.

According to its preliminary budget, the Upper Dublin School District will pay about $515,100 to the vocational school for the 2013-14 school year; the district sends roughly 32 students, and that equates to about $16,000 per student. Upper Dublin School Board member Art Levinowitz said at a recent meeting that the district is paying less to Eastern this year because the district is sending fewer students. The district will pay about $600,000 to Eastern for the current 2012-13 year.

Superintendent Michael Pladus said that Eastern may be one of the best vocational schools in the state, but did call it “expensive” for a half-day program.   

Eastern’s half-day programs for 11^th and 12^th grade students include:

• Allied Health 
• Automotive Technology
• Collision Repair Technology
• Commercial Art
• Computer Network Administration
• Construction Technology
• Cosmetology
• Culinary Arts
• Electrical Technology
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
• Office Management
• Protective Services and
• Welding Technology.

The event will also showcase emergency vehicles, including two SWAT vehicles, a patrol car, and a bike unit from Abington Police Department, as well as a fire truck from Upper Moreland.