AUTO SHOP PROGRAM SEEKS SPONSORS.

Byline: Joanne Crawford Education

Rosamond High School's automotive technology program is looking for sponsors and donations as well as volunteers for an educational advisory board.

The auto shop program provides basic automotive knowledge and skills instruction to beginning male and female students in Auto Shop I, director Charles Gordon said.

Advanced students receive training and certification through the district's Regional Occupational Program, which prepares them for jobs in the community, he said.

The students involved in the program at both levels also have the option to join Rosamond High's nonprofit automotive club.

Participants in the organization conduct fund-raising activities such as the annual car and motorcycle show held in May at the school, Gordon said.

About 20 out of about 100 automotive students are active club members, he said.

In 1999, Gordon began expanding his basic program by introducing a heavier technological dimension to his courses which, of course, calls for more money to upgrade computers, he said.

Monetary donations are always welcome to support upcoming events such as next year's car show and to purchase needed computer equipment and tools for students.

Checks made payable to the Rosamond High School Auto Shop Club can be sent in care of Charles Gordon at Rosamond High School, 2925 Rosamond Blvd., Rosamond, CA 93560.

The program is also always in need of ongoing business sponsors and donated cars and automotive tools in good condition.

In addition, Gordon needs volunteers interested in education to become part of the Regional Occupational Advisory Committee, he said.

The group helps develop and define the auto shop training curriculum, Gordon said.

``We meet two to three times a year in the evening after work hours,'' Gordon said. ``We feed them here at the cafeteria . . . then we will move the meeting to the auto shop after introductions . . . They review my course outline and the projects that are being done in the class and they make recommendations regarding improving given areas such as lesson plans . . . tools, equipment. They help to guide us along the road to meet what the community feels the needs are for this program. They would be doing a service to the community.''

It is not necessary, however, for committee members to live in the community of Rosamond, nor do they need to be familiar with automotive technology, Gordon said.

``At first, I wanted to narrow it down to people who were in the trade,'' Gordon said. ``But I found that some of the people who have nothing to do with automotive (repair) are very innovative and they take an objective viewpoint which helps me make better decisions.''

For more information about the Rosamond High School technology program, contact Gordon at [phone].

THE LANCASTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BAND and ``Daydreamers'' choir continue to seek donations and sponsorships for upcoming performances.

For more information, contact Principal Anne Hurd at [phone].