A message from Career Academy Principal, Mrs. Katie Towler
We are almost to the half way mark. It is hard to believe. As a building we have remained focused on doing what we can to support students in math and literacy by embedding practice into our career and technical education (CTE) curriculum. It has not been easy, but we all know it is what is best for kids. Because of this work we believe students will see more success as they work not only in their CTE classes, but also in their core classes back at their traditional schools.
This month we are highlighting our Computer Science and Information Technology pathway. Whether building apps to meet client needs or exploring cybersecurity, computer science engages students in interdisciplinary activities. Students in the Computer Science pathway will build knowledge and expertise in computer science, while also developing essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance.
Information technology refers to the preparation of students to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, health care, schools, and other kinds of organizations. IT professionals select and integrate hardware and software products with organizational needs and infrastructure. They install, customize and maintain those applications, thereby providing a secure and effective environment that supports the activities of the organization’s computer users.
Computer Science and Information Technology are in-demand career fields which hold the potential for a very lucrative and diverse job experience. Whether you want to stay local or travel internationally, this may be the path for you.
With the month of December only having 15 school days it is important that students are here everyday and working hard. Second semester will end shortly after we return from winter break. If you have questions or concerns about your students progress please do n hesitate to contact us.
Best,
Katie Towler
A message from Career Academy Guidance Counselor, Mr. Jeff Lucas
WITCC Transfer Credits: As we get closer to the end of semester one and many seniors have narrowed their college choices down, it’s a good time to check on what transferrable WITCC courses you have taken and could take during your final high school semester. Colleges have transfer credit links at their websites that will show what WITCC credits will transfer in as and how they can be applied towards your associate degree at another community college or to your bachelor’s degree at a 4 year college/universities. The web site transferology.com is another useful tool for finding out how WITCC credits may transfer to other post-secondary schools. If you have questions about how your WITCC credits will transfer or are interested in taking WITCC courses next semester see Mr. Lucas or Mrs. Grau at the Career Academy.
Last Dollar Scholarship: The Last Dollar Scholarship is available to students who will be attending an Iowa Community College to study in a high demand area. The Last Dollar Scholarship will cover any remaining tuition and fees that are not covered by federal and state grants. For more information on the Last Dollar Scholarship, check the following link: https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/LastDollar.
Scholarship Opportunities: The Test and College Prep course has spent time recently discussing financial aid and scholarships. Below are a few sites we have explored and created accounts. Students don’t forget to check out scholarships in the your Canvas account by logging in to the district advisory course.
https://www.anthonyoneal.com/resources/
https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/ScholarshipsAndGrants
Thanks,
Jeff Lucas
Career Academy Pathway of the Month - Computer Science/IT, Mrs. Mary Hunt and Mr. Brian Hill
Computer Science Essentials is the introductory course in the computer science pathway. Students will experience the major topics, big ideas, and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. This course will empower students to develop computational thinking skills while building confidence that prepares them to advance to Computer Science Principles and Computer Science A. The students are currently trying to solve the problem of pollution and more specifically, littering in our community. Some of the students are creating apps for use with the elementary students on how to recycle.
The second course in the computer science pathway is AP Computer Science Principles. Students work in teams to develop computational thinking and solve problems. Structured activities progress to open-ended projects and problems that require planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. There are five primary course objectives.
· To develop problem solving and computational thinking skills
· To generate excitement about the field of computing
· To introduce computational tools that foster creativity
· To build awareness of career opportunities in all fields for people with computational skills
· To consider issues raised by the present and future societal impact of computing
These students have finished units with Scratch and MIT App Inventor. They are currently coding using Python.
AP Computer Science A is the third course and the students code in Java using BlueJ and Android Studiio. Students collaborate to create original solutions to problems of their own choosing by designing and implementing user interfaces and Web-based databases, as well as creating a game for their friends or an app to serve a real need in the their community. Students have completed activities with weather, sci-fi names, a synthesizer, Chabots, media library and a college app.
The students are enjoying the fourth course in the computer science pathway, Cybersecurity. Whether seeking a career in the growing field of cybersecurity or learning to defend their own personal data or a company’s data, students in Cybersecurity establish an ethical code of conduct while learning to defend data in today’s complex cyberworld. They are learning about careers and various jobs that will be available to them in the future.
It Essentials is a WITCC College Now course. This course covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software. Fundamentals covered include computer technology, networking, security and communication skills. This is a combined lecture and lab course designed for students seeking career-orientated, entry-level hardware and software positions.
Another WITCC College Now course that is taught at the Career Academy is Fundamentals of Network Security. This course is a combined lab and lecture course designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of network security principles and implementation. Students learn the technologies and principles involved in creating a secure computer networking environment. Students learn about authentication, types of attacks and malicious code, threats and countermeasures for e-mail, web applications, remote access, file and print services, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, physical security concepts, security policies, disaster recovery, and computer forensics.
Let's Talk
An engaged community makes our District stronger. That is why we have made it easy for you to connect with us whenever it is convenient for you. We encourage you to take advantage of Let’s Talk!, our 24/7 online submission site. Reach out with your ideas, questions, concerns, and praise. To make a submission, please visit http://www.siouxcityschools.org/lets-talk/.
Communication and Preparedness
Student and staff safety is of paramount importance in the Sioux City Community School District. For this reason, the District exercises a host of crisis prevention and planning tactics. Should an emergency occur, the school notifies you through our Blackboard phone system. In an emergency, the system calls every phone number associated with your child in order to reach you. The message will give you details about the emergency and provide directions on when/where to pick up your child if the normal school day is altered. Learn more about school safety.
Focus 2022 Strategic Plan
Sioux City Career Academy
Principal: Katie Towler
Website: https://www.siouxcityschools.org/sioux-city-career-academy/
Location: 627 4th Street, Sioux City, IA, USA
Phone: 712-279-6668
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiouxCityCareerAcademy/
Twitter: @SCCareerAcademy
