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Atascadero Unified highlights FFA, CTE partnerships and honors staff who saved choking student
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Bennett praised student success at the California Mid-State Fair and CTE industry partnerships, announced district town halls, and recognized two employees, Kyler and Vanessa, for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking first-grade student.
Superintendent Dr. Bennett used the board meeting to highlight student success at the California Mid-State Fair, praise career technical education partnerships and announce upcoming district town-hall meetings, then recognized two employees who intervened when a first-grade student choked.
Dr. Bennett, superintendent, told trustees the district’s FFA and industrial arts students had “amazing” results at the fair and called the district’s CTE and industry partnership program “the best kept secret.” He said cabinet members attended a CTE industry partner dinner and that he wants to showcase the programs more widely.
“He it's the best kept secret, and it really shouldn't be,” Dr. Bennett said of the CTE program, praising faculty, staff and community partners for supporting students.
Principal Sarah Betts addressed the board to explain why the district was honoring two employees. On Sept. 23, a first-grade student choked during lunch; Betts said Kyler and Vanessa responded without hesitation and performed the Heimlich maneuver.
“Without hesitation, without fear, but with a very calm presence, both Kyler and Vanessa jumped in,” Betts said. She told the board the pair “did the right thing” and the district presented awards and took a photo with them.
Students and staff also reported successes from the California Mid-State Fair, including livestock and industrial-arts awards. Student presenters from the Fine Arts Academy invited board members to judge a pumpkin-decorating and carving contest on Oct. 31.
Dr. Bennett said he has begun a program of town-hall visits to every school site “to introduce myself and meet our families,” and named San Gabriel and Santa Margarita as early stops. He asked trustees and community members to attend so he can “listen and learn” from families and staff.
The superintendent closed by thanking teachers and staff for their work supporting student programs and student safety.
