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News Releases

Up to the minute articles touting our latest accomplishments.

Keep up on the latest Polaris news! Check out our Polaris news release archive.

Recent News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COMMUNITY INVITED TO ATTEND POLARIS OPEN HOUSE

Event to Showcase Polaris Career-Technical Programs

December 15, 2002


Middleburg Heights, OH – Prospective high school and adult education students, local families and community members are invited to attend the annual Polaris Community Open House on Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.  During this event, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Polaris career-technical programs, tour state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, meet with instructors and experience the future of career-technical education.  Polaris high school, satellite and adult education staff will be on hand to answer all program related questions, walk prospective students through the financial aid process (for adult education students) and help visitors find their way around the building.
 
For students considering Polaris in the future, this is a great opportunity to bring family members to the campus for the first time.  This is also another visitation opportunity for high school sophomores who couldn’t attend the November Registration Night event or those who simply wish to visit again.  Prospective adult students are encouraged to attend to start the registration process for winter/spring 2023.  The general public is also invited to tour Polaris’s newly renovated building (completed in the fall of 2019).  The event will also feature FREE refreshments.
 
Polaris offers a wide variety of career-technical programs that serve middle school, high school and adult students.  Middle and high school programs serve residents from the Berea, Brooklyn, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Strongsville City School Districts.  Adult education programs attract students from throughout Northeast Ohio.
 
Polaris is located at 7285 Old Oak Boulevard in Middleburg Heights.  For additional information, visit www.polaris.edu/events or call (440) 891-7600.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS, PARENTS INVITED TO

POLARIS REGISTRATION NIGHT

Event Showcases Polaris Career-Technical Programs, Enrollment Process

 

October 28, 2002

Middleburg Heights, OH – Prospective Polaris students and parents are invited to attend the Polaris Registration Night on Thursday, November 18, 2021, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.  During this event, visitors will have the opportunity to:

  • Get all their Polaris enrollment-related questions answered
  • Meet with Polaris instructors
  • Tour new program labs and classrooms
  • Enjoy free refreshments
  • Take home free gifts for attending AND enrolling
  • Earn five points toward their Polaris high school enrollment application, just for attending

 
Polaris offers a wide variety of career-technical programs that serve middle school, high school and adult students.   Programs serve residents from the Berea, Brooklyn, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and Strongsville City School Districts.
 
If interested in enrolling now for next school year, sophomores can apply online at www.polaris.edu/register.  Students who submit an online application prior to or during Registration Night will receive a FREE gift.

Representatives from the Polaris Adult Education Department will also be on hand to provide information on their many adult education programs and services.
 
Polaris is located at 7285 Old Oak Boulevard in Middleburg Heights.  For additional information, visit www.polaris.edu, email ccrisler@polaris.edu or call (440) 891-7732.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POLARIS CAREER CENTER PRESENTS SOUTHWEST GENERAL HEALTH CENTER WITH FIRST-EVER OUTSTANDING PARTNERSHIP AWARD

October 12, 2022

Middleburg Heights, OH – Last night, Polaris presented Southwest General Health Center (SWGHC) with the first-ever Outstanding Partnership Award during its bi-annual Associate School Boards Dinner.  This new award honors outstanding partners that go above and beyond to support Polaris programs and provide unique opportunities for students.
 
This was a milestone year for Polaris and Southwest General.  For the first time ever, SWGHC hired Polaris student interns into their Middleburg Heights campus.  In fact, it was the first time they had ever allowed student interns under the age of 18.  This past summer, 13 Polaris students representing three programs, Pre-Nursing, EMT/Fire Training and Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, participated in a six-week internship.  These real-world experiences gave the students access to many departments within the Southwest campus including the emergency room, surgery, wound care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, catheterization lab, critical care unit and facility maintenance departments.
 
“We’re thrilled that Southwest hired our students.  They were able to provide true real-world learning experiences for our interns.  We are thankful for this opportunity and excited about what the future holds,” says Robert Timmons, Polaris Superintendent.
 
Bill Young, President & CEO of Southwest General Health Center, along with Joni Edwards, Vice President, Human Resources, Alex Morris, Division Leader HVAC, and Sharon Paizs-Wilk, Director of Nursing Professional Practice, were on hand to receive the award.  Each were instrumental in making this new partnership a possibility.
 
Some of the students who participated have already been offered positions at Southwest.  This is just the beginning as both institutions are committed to continuing the internship program into next summer and beyond.
 
For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or (440) 891-7609.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POLARIS CAREER CENTER ADMINISTRATOR WINS NATIONAL AWARD

August 11,  2022

Middleburg Heights, OH – Diane Xander, Executive Director of Innovation & Career Development at Polaris Career Center, has been named an Outstanding Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Administrator of the Year for 2022-2023.  She is one of only 11 high school administrators from across the United States to be honored this year.  This award recognizes outstanding administrators who exhibit exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact in a PLTW school or district.  As a recipient of this award, she is now eligible to be honored as the 2022-2023 National PLTW Administrator of the Year, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
Project Lead the Way provides innovative learning experiences for PreK-12 students and teachers by creating an engaging, hands-on classroom environment that empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills.  Nationwide, PLTW creates pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science that engage students in hands-on activities, projects and problems; empower them to solve real-world challenges; and inspire them to reimagine how they see themselves.  Polaris Career Center PLTW satellite programs serve middle and high school students in the Berea, Brooklyn, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Strongsville City School Districts.  Programs include PLTW Gateway in the middle schools and Biomedical Science and Engineering in the high schools.
 
To be considered for this award, nominees must demonstrate their commitment to reaching more students and teachers and creating a notable impact on their lives through Project Lead the Way programs that align with the following criteria:

  • Impact on the lives of students - Empowering students to develop key transferrable skills for college and career success and implementing and supporting PLTW programs and curriculum
  • Expansion of access for students – Increases student access and opportunity to PLTW programs across diverse populations, promotes PLTW to the school community and engages the PLTW network at all levels (local, state and national)
  • Impact on teaching and school/district environment – Demonstrates leadership within the classroom, school district, local community of educators and the PLTW network; creates an inclusive working environment; supports the use of innovative hands-on methods and tools to engage students and connect learning to the real-world; and actively pursues and encourages professional development opportunities.

 
For the past eight years, Xander has led the development and expansion of Polaris’s satellite programs.  She has implemented programming in every middle and high school Polaris serves.  Under her leadership, these programs have expanded to provide STEM education to nearly 4,000 students.
 
For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or (440 891-7609.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POLARIS CAREER CENTER RECEIVES SEVENTH STRAIGHT AUDITOR OF STATE AWARD

July 27, 2022

Middleburg Heights, OH – A recent Polaris financial audit has returned a clean audit report from the Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber.  As a result, Polaris Career Center has earned the Ohio Auditor of State Award for the seventh year in a row.
 
The Auditor of State’s office presents awards to public entities that meet specific criteria during their financial audit.  Eligible organizations that receive the award must meet the following benchmarks of a “clean” audit report:

  • The entity must file financial reports with the Auditor of State’s office by the statutory due date, without extension, via the Hinkle System on the GAAP accounting basis;
  • The audit report does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance (Single Audit) findings, or questioned costs;
  • The entity’s management letter contains no comments related to:
 
  • Ethics referrals
  • Questioned costs less than the threshold per the Uniform Guidance
  • Lack of timely report submission
  • Bank reconciliation issues
  • Failure to obtain a timely Single Audit in accordance with Uniform Guidance
  • Findings for recovery less than $500
  • Public meetings or public records issues
  • The entity has no other financial or other concerns

 
Residents and taxpayers are invited to visit www.polaris.edu/financials to access the most up-to-date Polaris fiscal information.  For additional details, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or (440) 891-7609.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POLARIS CAREER CENTER COLLEGE & CAREER COORDINATOR
RECEIVES STATEWIDE HONOR

July 26, 2022

Middleburg Heights, OH – Each year, the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) honors outstanding educators from across the state who excel in their areas of expertise.  Ohio ACTE’s mission is to advocate for career-technical and adult education (CTE) in Ohio and offer educators key information, representation and resources they need to provide outstanding educational opportunities for students of all ages and abilities.
 
This week, Jamie Bollinger, Polaris Career Center College & Career Coordinator, was officially named the 2022 recipient of the Ohio ACTE Career Guidance Award.  She was recognized at the Annual Ohio ACTE Innovation & Impact Conference in Columbus and was honored for going above and beyond to ensure Polaris students are on the right path to capitalize on their Polaris experience.  From navigating the complex world of college credits to helping students complete the college application process, Bollinger takes an individualized approach to help students succeed.  Visit http://www.ohioacte.org/awards to view Bollinger’s award submission and the other statewide award winners.
 
For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or call (440 891-7609.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POLARIS ADULT OPEN HOUSE PROVIDES PREVIEW OF UPCOMING CLASSES

Event features teacher meet-and-greet, tours and introduction to new program options

July 5, 2022

Middleburg Heights, OH – Now more than ever, job seekers need the right skills to stay ahead of the competition.  Polaris Career Center’s 14 Adult Job & Career Training Programs help get students on the fast track to exciting new careers.  High school seniors, recent graduates and adults who are exploring job training and career opportunities are invited to attend the Polaris Adult Job and Career Training Program Open House at Polaris on Thursday, August 4, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  During this event, attendees can explore adult job and career training program opportunities and learn more about financial aid options, the tuition payment plan and federal student loans that are available to qualified applicants.

Visitors are encouraged to tour the newly renovated labs and classrooms and participate in program demonstrations.  In addition, Polaris instructors will be available to answer specific program and career related questions.
 
 
Featured programs will include the following:

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Building Maintenance
  • Cardiographic Technician
  • Cosmetology Academy
  • Dental Assisting
  • Early Child Care Education/Child Development Associate (CDA)
  • Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
  • Manicurist
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Phlebotomy Certification
  • Police Academy
  • Precision/CNC Machine Technology
  • Welding

 
Many popular programs fill up quickly so interested students are encouraged to attend the open house to begin the enrollment process.  Admission is FREE.  For additional details or to arrange a personal tour, call Theresa at 440-891-7697, email tliska@polaris.edu or visit www.polaris.edu/openhouse.
 
All attendees must park in the side parking lot and enter through the atrium.  Polaris is located at 7285 Old Oak Boulevard in Middleburg Heights.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POLARIS CAREER CENTER ADULT POLICE ACADEMY TO RECEIVE OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL STAR ACADEMY DESIGNATION

 

June 10, 2022

Middleburg Heights, OH – The Polaris Career Center Adult Police Academy, established in 2002, has a long history of excellence.  Since its founding, the academy has trained and placed hundreds of graduates into countless police departments and law enforcement agencies throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond.  Recognized for its commitment to quality training and instruction, the academy has been awarded the Ohio Attorney General STAR Academy designation.  Created in 2021, this award recognizes Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC)-approved police academies that go above and beyond the minimum requirements to ensure that cadets receive the best possible training.  Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will formally present the Polaris Police Academy with this award next Tuesday, June 14, at 2:30 p.m. in the Polaris Career Center commons.
 
“We’re proud to receive this award.  The STAR Academy designation is an endorsement of the excellent training and instruction our teachers provide.  We’re committed to raising the bar to ensure our cadets are well-prepared for the law enforcement field,” says Polaris Police Academy Commander, Mr. Ernie Oergel.  “We’re honored to be recognized by Attorney General Dave Yost,” he adds.
 
The OPOTC approves training academies throughout Ohio and requires 737 total hours of instruction and training.  The Polaris program is 800 hours.  Academies recognized by the STAR program are required to meet at least 13 specific criteria.  Some of those measures include the following:

  • Conduct periodic physical fitness standard assessments to gauge cadets’ progress and ability to pass the final physical assessment at the 50th percentile or better.
  • Offer additional certification training including the proper use of tasers, O.C. spray and collapsible batons.
  • Conduct periodic assessments to gauge cadets’ retention of student performance objectives.
  • Eighty-five percent of cadets eligible to take the State Certification Exam pass it.
  • Eighty-five percent of cadets who attempt the final physical fitness assessment pass at the 50th percentile rate or better.
  • The academy offers cadet training that is not part of, or is above and beyond, the OPOTC curriculum including communication skills, community relations, de-escalation techniques, etc.
  • Academy actively assists students in job placement including resume writing and application and interview preparation.
  • At least eighty percent of the academy’s cadets are commissioned within one year of completing the state certification exam.

 
These measures help ensure officers are better prepared and ready to serve and protect their communities.  As part of the application process, the Polaris Police Academy conducted a comprehensive review of its policies and methods to ensure they met and exceeded Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy standards.
 
Polaris is located at 7285 Old Oak Boulevard in Middleburg Heights.  For additional information, contact Doug Miller at dmiller@polaris.edu or call (440 891-7609.
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Keep up on the latest Polaris news! Check out our Polaris news release archive.

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