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Spearfish students showcase new CTE programs in hands-on presentations
Summary
High school CTE instructors and students described progress in Building Trades, Automotive and Health Sciences programs and highlighted student work, clinical experiences and competitions.
Spearfish School District 40-2 instructors and students presented updates on career and technical education programs at the March 10 board meeting, describing hands-on projects, competitions and clinical experiences that administrators say are preparing students for both work and further education.
The district’s CTE staff introduced the Building Trades program, Automotive program, and Health Sciences/CNA offerings and brought students to describe their classroom and lab experiences. Mackenzie Lee, a CTE staff member, and Mr. Easton, the Building Trades instructor, said the Building Trades students have been working on a practice house and have completed siding, window installation and insulation; remaining tasks include sheetrock and appliance installation. Student Heath Brownell said inspections for mechanical, framing, electrical and plumbing have passed so far.
Chantelle Folcup, identified in the meeting as the automotive instructor, described the program’s units on basic vehicle maintenance, tire and wheel service, alignments and plans to add brake, steering and suspension coursework next year. Folcup said about 13 students participate in an auto club and the program is adding competitive events within SkillsUSA; four students were entered in an automotive technology service, maintenance and light repair competition this year. Two students who spoke described applying classroom skills to real vehicles and troubleshooting repairs.
In Health Sciences, Mackenzie Lee outlined coursework in medical history, aging and family dynamics, empathy in health care and a community shadowing component. The CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) class has completed book work in the first semester and moved to clinicals in the second; student Ava said the in-person clinicals and guest speakers (EMTs, nursing faculty and medical students) gave her practical exposure and motivated career interest.
Board members and staff thanked the students and instructors and recognized the programs’ role in workforce preparation and postsecondary readiness. No formal board action was taken on the CTE presentations; they were presented as informational items.
Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the CTE informational item on the March 10 agenda.
