Dear CTE teachers, coordinators, and administrators,
Thanks to all of you who helped bring awareness of CTE your communities. DPI did our part, too! The DPI and State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly toured six CTE programs around the state and saw some amazing work. She started at the Beloit School District. Check out the kickoff video below:
National CTE Month Visit - Beloit Memorial High School: Innovative Education
The tour continued at Elkhorn Area School District, where Assistant State Superintendent Paul Manriquez had the chance to watch culinary arts students whip up some homemade mac and cheese (see right). He also got to see a fully equipped auto body shop and was introduced to TopFlight, a leadership program that teaches students the benefits of teamwork and delegation.
At the Suring Public School District, the tour started at the Suring Market and Agriculture Center (SMAC), a one-of-a-kind education center giving students hands-on education in areas of agriculture, horticulture, and more. Opened about a year ago, SMAC houses a school/community store, a greenhouse, and a classroom. The tour took Dr. Underly to the trout tanks where a curious group of fourth-graders got to learn about raising fish in a tank (see left) and where ag students raise lettuce hydroponically. Wood and metal shops were also on the tour. Suring's CTE program has grown leaps and bounds!
and Dr. Jill Underly
(right)with Holmen
students in front
of the Maroon Mug
Next stop: The School District of Holmen, where the highlights included the Maroon Mug, a school store run by Holmen's business students and students with disabilities (see right). Dr. Underly also got a tour by a Youth Apprentice, Nick, of his employer, Midwest Millwork & Casework.
Dr. Underly then made a stop at Northwestern High School in the School District of Maple. The school's Tiger Manufacturing is a standout CTE opportunity for Northwestern students (see left). The school also shared their Patient Care Pathway, Education and Training Pathway, and their Culinary Arts Pathway. For a small school, they are really punching above their weight!
The DPI's last visit was the of D.C. Everest Area School District. “Impressive” is an understatement for their CTE program. Not only do they offer automotive (see right), culinary, and woods classes, but so much more. They have a hydroponic greenhouse to incorporate fresh vegetables into their school lunches. Students partner with Habitat for Humanity to build an entire house for a family in need. They offer kids the “Teachers Change Lives” program where students are introduced to the teaching profession through hands-on, in-classroom skill building.
"An investment in career and technical education is an investment in our future workforce and our local communities," Dr. Underly said. "Every student in Wisconsin deserves access to these opportunities, no matter where they live."