Bucks County School of Beauty Culture inc. Blog

Private Tutorials

2012-02-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

The school offers private tutorials that professionals use to refresh themselves on any topic. Until we gain additional experience with the new testing service we are uncomfortable with those that want to use the tutorial as a kit packing, state broad prep session. So, for the time being we are going to discontinue the tutorials for state board prep. This service will probably resume by the end of August 2011.

Special Administrator

2012-02-07T11:21:00.002-05:00

The Beauty Schools in Pennsylvania have been given a very special gift. Kelly Diller is the Administrator for the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. She has a proven track record that shows she is willing to "go the extra mile" to aid and assist schools. If you every get the chance to meeet her, please give her a mighty "thank you".

Hair Extention Program

2011-10-12T12:46:00.000-04:00

Our more experienced students requested we duplicate the advanced program on hair extensions that were being held at about the same time they started school last year. We contacted the independent organization we have hosted in the past. The school is allowing Academy Pro Hair Extensions, from Deep River, Connecticut the use of a classroom to offer their unique systems of hair extensions. They will be here on Monday, November 7th at 1pm, to do a free hands on demonstration. Then they will return on Monday, November 21 at 9am, to do a full day certification program. More information is available by calling Academy Pro directly at: 888 805-6979.

guest speaker

2011-09-30T11:48:00.002-04:00

Greg Crompton from TD Bank is going to do a 1/2 hour presentation at 9:15 on Monday Oct 24.
Presentation is titled: Banking 101 - The Small Business Loan Process - anyone is welcome to attend, but please call ahead of time to confirm his visit

Fall 2011 Programs

2011-09-09T14:24:00.000-04:00

The daytime fall programs are filling on schedule as usual. Fundamentals of Non-Hair services preceding Electrolysis begins September 19. The Hairdressing course begins October 17 and the Esthetics program begins November 14. We only accept 18 students in each of our programs and 14 in Esthetics. Contact the office at 215 322-0667 if you are interested in getting registered to have one of the remaining seats.

Beauty School Graduate Becomes Writter

2011-08-12T13:25:00.004-04:00

Our Graduate, Marlene Soifer has written a book called "Poetry Plus". She will be doing a book signing Saturday, September 24 at 1pm. The event is at the Jenkintown Library. Information about her book and Marlene is at: https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=90489 We are proud of all our graduates and especially those that have added to their vocational field of experience with other creative outlets. GO Marlene!!!

Fall 2011 Programs

2011-08-02T13:12:00.002-04:00

Our next hairdressing course begins October 17. We only accept 18 students in the program. Class is filling quickly and you may want to tour the facility and/or get registered to guarantee yourself a seat if you are interested in that program.. Start dates for our other job skill are available at:n http://www.bcsbc.com/what-we-teach/start-dates.html

New PA State Licensing Exam

2011-06-22T12:25:00.002-04:00

As of July 1, 2011, The Pennsylvania State Baord of Cosmetology wil be using Pearson/Vue as the contracted third party testing service. The changover of testing services is resulting is some really big changes to the testing process. The challange schools have is being able to get information about what is to be expected during the testing process. Unfortunately, our numerous phone calls to the new test administrator has resulted in NO returned calls. We have to prepare our graduates and soon to be graduates with insight into what they can expect when they take the test. We can not effectively do this without some type of dialoge with the test servicer. Our school and all other schools are not getting the information they need to write the procedures and policies to take the test. There is always a learning curve when a new testing servicer starts testing and experienced schools are used to this as being part of the ongoing changes that effect our indukstry. In the past there has been the opportunity for the administration and staff of schools to attend preparitory programs throughout the state. At this point schools have been offered 1 prep session and given very short notice. I understand the preparitory session digressed to the point of extreme frustration to the small sampling of schools able to attend. I supposed this will all work out, eventually, but how many students will attemp to take the test and fail, befor the schools are instructed and the multitude of questions answered to assit in the preparing for what is already a high anxiety part of a graduated life.

Four Loko

2011-02-02T14:26:00.003-05:00

Our guest speaker, Monday Jan, 31 was Dave Failko from the Council of South East Pennsylvania. This council is a combination of the Bucks County Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and other similar organizations from the 5 county metro Phila area. The presentation was eye opening as it discussed Caffeine and Alcohol as separate issues that affect out culture. Each substance has its own challenges. The combined new product creates a new set of issues concerning substance abuse. Many students did not realize the amount of alcohol that was in a 23.5 oz can was equal to a six pack of beer. Alcohol is a depressant. Drinking a six quickly can put a drunk on most persons. The problem is the caffeine keeps them alert, so a person is more likely to attempt to drive than with just consuming alcohol. Upper Southampton Police Chief Ron McPherson was instrumental in setting up the speaker for the school. Additionally he sent Officer Scott Irvin to provide support and real testimony for Dave's presentation.

Beauty is Recession Proof

2011-01-25T09:02:00.000-05:00

USA TODAY's reporting on "The changing face of American jobs" highlighted important points about today's job market:
•The jobs that people fear losing tend to be those that can easily be sent offshore.
•Career paths with high growth prospects tend to be "hands-on" jobs.
•It is still the American Dream to own a business.
Around the nation, these points are causing many to look beyond the "beauty school drop-out" image portrayed in the classic movie Grease. Careers in beauty are typically among the last to be affected by an economic downturn and the first to emerge. In bad times, people still want to look good in order to find, or keep, a job. And until someone can get a facial on the Internet or a haircut from a call center, these jobs won't be outsourced. Finally, few careers offer the life/work balance that careers in beauty represent.
Perhaps it takes an ugly job market to see the beauty available to those who pursue cosmetology, skin care and other beauty careers.
Jim Cox, executive director; American Association of Cosmetology Schools
Scottsdale, Ariz.

Facebook Comment from a Graduate

2011-01-14T12:09:00.000-05:00

Rachel (Rendelman) Johnson LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! What a GREAT education you gave me! 16 years later, as a cosmetology instructor myself, I STILL use the fundamentals I learned from you to help me create my lesson plans! LOVE YOU WALLINS!

GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT ANYONE?

2010-12-03T12:27:00.001-05:00

In October, The Chronicle of Higher Education reported that over 5,000 janitors in the US have doctoral degrees according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

They further reported that over 17 million American college grads are currently doing jobs that could be performed with a high school diploma or less.

They include 317,000 waiters and waitresses, 80,000 bartenders and 18,000 parking attendants.

Many of these workers also acquired an average of $30,000 in student loans, according to The Chronicle.

The author, Richard Vedder, questioned the return on investment (ROI) for these graduates and suggested that a more efficient or effective way to attain job skills more directly is to attend "a trade school, community college or an apprenticeship program."

Free Hair Extension Demonstration

2010-11-09T14:48:00.003-05:00

Our very own graduate, Connie Courtleigh is now employed as a trainer for AcademyPro www.academyprohair.com hair extensions. She will be doing a free demonstration on Hair Extensions for the students, graduates and any interested professionals. The Free Demo is at 9am on Monday, November 15 and is the introduction to a certification seminar being held on November 29. Class size is limited so call 215 322-0667 for reserved seating. Additonal information is available directly through AcademyPro at 1 888 805-6979

Flu Vs. H1N1

2010-11-08T12:42:00.000-05:00

The link below provides information on the differences of symptoms of the common flu and the H1N1 Flu. (Adobe reader is required to view this file)

flusymptoms.pdf

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T12:56:00.000-04:00

The students, if they choose to, come in costume and bring in their favorite appetizers and snacks to the annual Halloween party. The School buys a pizza lunch. Everyone has a great time.

Gainful Employment - From PAPSA's President

2010-09-17T11:18:00.003-04:00

For the past two months, PAPSA has focused almost exclusively on the Gainful Employment (GE) proposed regulations. There was an overwhelming response against GE, with over 82,000 comments sent to USDE. Besides students, faculty and staff, there were also hundreds of letters from state and Federal lawmakers in opposition; plus hundreds of letters from chambers of commerce, WIBs, employers, law firms and local elected officials (mayors, county commissioners and others). While there were many form letters, I was impressed by the quality and thoughtfulness of many comments. Despite that, the USDE still appears determined to implement this regulation in some form. We are hoping to see some further modification and clarification, or at best a complete halt to the rule.
In reading some of the comments that came across my desk, I took notice of the arguments against the reg that were put forward. To my mind, they showed the rule to be confusing, arbitrary in measurement, lacking proper data, illegal and a disaster to our country as we try to remain competitive with the rest of the world.
I want to thank everyone for a tremendous effort! There are just too many people to thank individually. Suffice it to say that this was an impressive group effort and is a testament to our abilities on behalf of our students.
I firmly believe this is not over yet. Lawsuits are in the works. Legislation to stop the funding for GE implementation is being discussed and a changeover in Congress in November could shift the balance of power in our favor.
For now, we will see what is proposed by USDE on November 1.
- Nancy Decker
President of the Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators (PAPSA)

Fall Programs

2010-09-17T09:25:00.001-04:00

The two day programs starting on October 11 are almost full. There are 13 of the 14 seats taken for the Skin Care (Eshtetics) program and 16 of the 18 for the Hairdressing Program. Other Start dates are available by slicking on the following link: http://www.bcsbc.com/startdates.html

First Time Appointments

2010-09-09T10:52:00.002-04:00

For the first time ever, the school's daytime hair clinic has become Appointment Based. The daytime hairdressing clinic has operated without appointments since the school opened in 1974. Until recently the school accepted clients on a walk in basis tuesday thru friday from 9am till 11:30 am for all chemical services and up to 1pm for all other services. The school still will accept clients without appoinments but on a limited basis and around the preffered appointments. Appointments are available by calling 215 322-0667.

Obama's Crusade Against Profits

2010-07-08T11:57:00.000-04:00

Is the Obama administration saying eduction is very important but doing the opposite?? Read the attached article showing a frightening course of action that may seriously effect your education. Obamaâ€™s Crusade Against Profits

Photos

2010-05-03T11:38:00.007-04:00

How to Choose a Beauty School

2010-03-03T09:55:00.001-05:00

There are many determining factors that should be included in choosing the right Beauty School. Many are frequently overlooked or ignored by the potential student. It has been a source of great mystery that many shoppers will read the labels in detail while food shopping or do extensive internet research on products they want to purchase but that same individual will sign up at the first beauty school they visit because it was advertised on the television or is close to their home. The following information has been compiled to assist in establishing a qualitative measurement of possible schools thereby rendering a better chance of a positive educational outcome and experience in general.First check to insure the school is legal and meets industry standards. Typically most states have a licensing body that allow schools to operate. Some States use their Department of Education and some have separate State Boards of Cosmetology that sanction the facility as a legal entity to teach in the State. Information on State Boards and Licensing can be found at: http://www.bcsbc.com/stateboards.html Additionally a school should be recognized by an Accreditation Agency or Commission. The commission used by most Beauty School is the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences also know as NACCAS. See: http://www.naccas.org Accreditation is an institutional pass/fail process. Accreditation is a test of many standards that assures a degree of effectiveness but should not be construed to say "top quality". Additionally, schools that offer Associate Degree programs have an additional level of oversight that other schools do not. In Pennsylvania see: http://www.pde.state.pa.us/The programs offered at Beauty Schools should be based on the students objectives. Schools that offer programs to specifically meet the job training requirements of the profession usually are much more successful than an institution that focuses and uses State Licensing as the final objective. Frequently the title of the programs will indicate the focus of the school. The title "Cosmetology" is not a job skill. There is no act of cosmetologing a person and people cannot be cosmetologied, so it is not a title that reflects job skills but the name of the State Board that issues licenses. Programs titled Hairdressing, Esthetics, Electrolysis or Nails demonstrate the schools commitment to focusing on teaching the Job Skills as opposed to just having graduates able to pass a state exam. Remember being allowed to do something does not mean being good at it. EX: There are many people that have drivers licenses that are not great drivers. Make sure your school is focused on Job Skills not just Licensing.Schools that have high enrollment numbers are less desirable than a school that limits the number of students in the classroom. Erik W. Robelen wrote in a new ASCD Infobrief , Reducing Class Size "[Among those benefits are] increased student achievement, fewer discipline referrals, more personalized attention to students, higher teacher morale, and more time for teachers to focus on instruction rather than on classroom management" http://www.education-world.com/a_admin/admin/admin091.shtml. The limits should reflect the needs of the instructional staff and not be chosen due to state limits on the number of students allowed in each class. Supervising and teaching physical job skills is diminished in environments that allow 20 to 25 students in the classroom. It is my opinion, though not a main stream idea in most beauty schools, that an instructor can only teach intensive hands on skills with 14 to 18 students in a class.Schools should be able to show prospective a schedule of when the programs and courses begin. If a school starts the first Monday of any month, new students would enter a classroom with an established group. Consider being in a course that takes 3 months and on the first Monday of the second month a new group of students walks into the same classroom and the first Monday of the third month another group of students walks into the same classroom. Instruction of Multi Level classrooms usually at least has the different level groups starting at the same time. See Fulfilling Dreams In Adult Education: Managing The Multi-Level Classroom by Rebecca J. Haley, http://www.cluteinstitute-onlinejournals.com/PDFs/913.pdf It is a good shopping exercise to find a school that completes entire courses or phases of the program before starting another new class.Every Accredited School that accepts Financial Aid for student payments must have a campus crime and security report available to potential students. If you have even mild concerns about the neighborhood ask to see their Crime and Security report/statistics or go to: http://ope.ed.gov/security/GetOneInstitutionData.aspxSome schools offer students peripheral benefits such as a student computer terminal with access to the internet. This is useful to the student population as a research tool and to use for writing resume’s and other projects. Additionally an organized library www.bcsbc.com/library.htm that allows students and /or graduates to borrow materials is very helpful for maintaining an up to date educational program.

American Assoc asks Steve to Speak

2009-12-04T13:56:00.004-05:00

Steve Wallin, director of the school , was a special quest speaker at the annual convention of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. The association is a national group with almost all the schools in the United States and the territories as members. He was asked to speak on the topic of how beauty schools can become degree granting. There are apparently no other Schools in the United States that have an Associate Degree (ast) in the program area of Cosmetology. The 50 minute presentation was well received by all in attendance and stimulated a multitude of questions for the audience. Additionally, Steve fielded questions from a group that stayed after the presentation was over. FYI - Steve took the following day off and he and his wife traveled from Phoenix to Sedona Arizona to see the magnificent "RED ROCKS". If you ever get the opportunity to see this amazing part of the world don't miss it.

Haloween Party 2009 Pictures

2009-11-20T12:57:00.013-05:00

The Bucks County School of Beauty Culture 2009 Halloween Party

IS it itme yet

Pile it on

Smile

Courtney & Brittney

Christin

Carol, Kim & Ariella

Carol, Christin, Carol. & Anne

Carol, Bianca & Courtney

Carol and Kim

Bianca, Danielle & Brittney

Amanda and Anne

Clinic Service Announcment UPGrade

2009-08-27T13:26:00.002-04:00

Many clients have requested being informed of the schools clinic Super Specials via email so we have invested in the programming to make that happen. In the future we will no longer be sending out paper flyers in the mail announcing our Super Specials. We will be sending email blasts so our clinic customers know about the fantastic deals that happen periodically. If you are interested in getting on the email notification list go to: http://www.bcsbc.com/publicservices.html and complete the very short form.

Nice note from a graduate

2009-06-01T10:38:00.000-04:00

Hello to all, I don't know if you will remember me, graduated in 07/89, I came upon the site while in process of transferring my license to the State of Virginia where I now reside. Can't tell you how nice it was to see Carol's smiling face on the site. I wonder where Steve and Wendy are ? I often think of the school and the training I received. Over the years of "working in the indusrty" I have had the up close and personal experience to see many people entering the field with out the proper training or fundamentals required to launch a successful career. Many methods learned at BCSBC, have stood the test of time affording me the opportunity for advancement. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Frances Wolfson