The COSSA Compass
September
Mr. Sather instructs students in his Automotive Technology classroom.
CRTEC Intro Auto/Diesel🚘
Students from Wilder and the Academy will learn from Mr. Montana in the CRTEC Intro program at the COSSA campus in the morning. Mr. Montana will spend the rest of his day at Parma, Notus, and Marsing schools.
Diesel Technology🚜
Students from the Diesel program getting ready to diagnose the CRTEC ambulance with the assistance from Mr. Beaudoin.
Highlighting Automotive/Diesel Technology
The CRTEC Automotive and Diesel programs have gone through changes for the 2024-2025 school year. This year added two new instructors to assist in bringing the Automotive and Diesel programs into the 21st century. The lineup includes Michael Sather, Garth Beaudoin and John Montana, a long time employee of COSSA.
Our new Automotive technology instructor Michael Sather started with CRTEC in the middle of last year. Mr. Sather is an ASE certified automotive technician who has experience working in the automotive, diesel, electronics and aviation fields. He previously served as an instructor at Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie, Wyoming teaching engine management systems I and II as well as chassis. Mr. Sather received his bachelor’s degree in aviation business management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He went on to earn his master’s degree in business administration from the State University of New York. He specializes in electrical and computer diagnostics and has been working with administration to modernize the automotive program. Mr. Sather hopes to upgrade the automotive program with the capabilities and equipment found at the top post secondary automotive programs. Sather says, “If I can get these students prepared for careers right out of high school, they can enter the workforce without massive debt.” Mr. Sather has integrated entrepreneurship into his capstone course to help inspiring students prepare to start their own automotive repair businesses.
The Diesel program added Garth Beaudoin, a certified ASE Master Automotive/Diesel Technician with over 25 years of expertise in diagnosing and repairing diverse vehicle systems, including diesel engines. He recently started his career with CRTEC after serving as shop foreman for Country Repair in Nampa, Idaho. Mr. Beaudoin led diagnostic efforts, supervising technicians and ensuring high-quality service in his role. Garth is excited to impart his enthusiasm for all things diesel and automotive related to the students of CRTEC. Garth’s goals for his program are centered on providing students with ample opportunities for hand-on learning through lab activities, real-world projects, and simulated work environments. Garth is an avid runner and enjoys backpacking in the Sawtooth mountains with his youngest son.
CRTEC added Intro to Auto/Diesel programs out in the districts last year and recently started a class in the Notus School district. The instructor for those classes is Mr. Montana a long time employee of 26 years with COSSA. Mr. Montana started as a diesel mechanic in 1979. He is an ASE Master Certified technician and brings decades of experience to the program. His efforts in the districts will help strengthen the Automotive/Diesel programs and ensure students going on to Level II. John enjoys restoring 1972 Chevrolet pickup trucks, camping and spending time with his family.
COSSA Academy Cruisers - "Cruisin News"
Trivia Challenge 🏆
Mr. Amos and Ms. Peterson directs the weekly advisory challenge.
Ultimate Throwing Challenge 🏈
Mr. Ramirez lines students up to start the challenge.
One of our goals this year is to improve our school culture and climate through positive recognition. The Academy will focus on cultivating some fun and energy through advisory challenges. During the week, advisory classes plan challenges for the other advisories and compete on Thursday. The challenges thus far have been tremendous fun, and students have competed in push-up competitions, video-game trivia, basketball, an ultimate throwing contest, and Marvel trivia. Academy students set the norms such as 'good sportsmanship' and, of course, ‘no cheating.’
COSSA Academy is implementing a character program called RISE (resilient, innovative, supportive, and ethical) with unique recognition cards that can be completed and dropped into a locked box in our appreciation station area. These cards also give students discounts on our upcoming "Cruisers Rollin Store," which will be available during the advisory challenges on Thursdays. We will keep these slips posted, and at the halfway point of each quarter, we will recognize four students in an assembly who exemplify those traits.
The Academy had a promising start to the school year. The staff has committed to nurturing a positive and supportive environment, and we are excited to see the growth of positivity in our school community. Remember, we are all on a journey to RISE. Accelerate to Great!
Out in the Districts - "Buzzworthy Briefs"
Heather
Morgan and Kathryn
Tennie
Student creations
Melissa, Terry and Valerie
Payton
Lyndi and Kelcey
September Upcoming Events
Activities at the COSSA campus
- Friday School, September 6th, 2024
- Parent-Teacher conferences, September 12, 2024 - 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Picture Day, September 19, 2024
- Academy and CRTEC Teacher's In-service, September 20, 2024
- Special Education in-service, September 27, 2024