The CTAE Connector

As we reflect on the past month, October brought significant challenges to our community due to severe hurricanes. These natural disasters tested our resilience, but the unwavering support from our business partners, dedicated staff, and resilient students has been truly remarkable. Your collective efforts have not only helped us navigate these difficult times but have also strengthened our sense of community and solidarity. The tremendous outpouring of assistance and collaboration has been inspiring, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your incredible contributions and commitment.

Looking ahead, November is an exciting time for us as we celebrate Career Awareness Month. We have an abundance of field trips scheduled, providing our students with invaluable opportunities to experience career and technical education in real-world environments. These experiences are designed to spark their interest in future careers and help them envision their potential paths.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a critical component of our educational strategy in Career and Technical Education. It bridges the gap between classroom instruction and practical application, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. This approach not only enhances their technical skills but also develops essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. By immersing students in real-world settings, we prepare them to meet the demands of the workforce and inspire them to pursue their passions with confidence.

We are grateful for the continued support and collaboration from all our partners. Together, we are shaping the future of our students and empowering them to achieve their dreams. Your involvement is crucial in providing these enriching experiences, and we look forward to working together to create more opportunities for our students.

Each and every day, we are "Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Workforce," and we can only do this with your support and dedication to our students and schools!

Please feel free to contact us at 813-794-2204 and follow Pasco County Schools!

Stay safe, keep it simple, and be well,

Lori Romano, Ph.D.

Director, Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education

Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, is dedicated to serving its members and the local community with a wide range of financial services. From savings and checking accounts to credit cards, consumer loans, and mortgages, Suncoast offers comprehensive solutions to meet your financial needs.

Suncoast Credit Union is a committed Business Partner to Pasco County Schools' CTE Department. Thank you, Suncoast, for your continued support of Career and Technical Education.

We are thrilled to announce that AmSkills, a dedicated supporter of our Advanced Manufacturing Programs at Anclote High School and Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, is hosting a Community Block Party on December 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This exciting event is open to the public and will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including robotic dog demonstrations, laser cutting, tours of the training center, 3-D printing, and career exploration opportunities.

Join us at 4606 Darlington Road, Holiday, FL 34690 for a day of fun and learning. For more information, contact AmSkills at 727-301-1282 or visit www.AmSkills.org.

The Pasco County Cattlewomen are excited to host their annual Burger Bash event on November 20 at 6:00 PM. This highly anticipated event provides a fantastic platform for high school culinary students to showcase their culinary skills and creativity. Participants will have the opportunity to prepare and present their best burger creations, competing for top honors and recognition. It’s a wonderful evening of delicious food, community spirit, and celebration of young culinary talent. Don’t miss out on this flavorful event!

For more information, please contact the Pasco County CattleWomen at pascocountycattlewomen@yahoo.com

The Innovation Station (previously STEM Bus) is Pasco County School’s mobile career-connected STEM experience that exposes students and community members of all ages to STEM and CTE Education. Our Innovation Station is equipped with Stem Pilot Edustations that allow students a simulated flight experience, as well as STEM challenges that are aligned with elementary and middle school Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This opportunity has been instrumental in fostering teamwork skills and revealing potential career pathways for students' future endeavors.

Thank you to Cotee River Elementary for providing this unique and engaging experience to their students in October.

Submitted by Taylor Constantino

Pasco County CTE has gratefully received substantial donations from TouchPoint Medical, including mobile workstations, digital check-in systems, and table/phone mounts. These items have been meticulously packaged, labeled, and distributed to eight schools with Patient Care Technician, Nursing Assistant, and Biomedical programs. Additionally, these resources will support the School Support Personnel nursing team. TouchPoint Medical remains dedicated to fostering the development of the future healthcare workforce.

Thank you, TouchPoint Medical, for this tremendous donation and continued support of Pasco County Schools.

Submitted by Siddhesh Muley

Pasco County Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department prides itself on the Work-Based Learning options available to all students. Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an interaction with industry or community professionals in real workplace settings, or simulated environments at an educational institution that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required of a given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction. Work-Based Learning is broken down into three separate areas- Career Awareness, Career Exploration, and Work-Based Learning.

• Career Awareness begins as early as elementary school. Elementary students are exposed to career exploration through Guest Speakers, Great American Teach In, and Career Fairs.
• Career Exploration begins in middle school where students are given the opportunity to attend Business and Industry Tours and Field Trips.
• Work-Based Learning is implemented through a more hands on approach. Students in Secondary and Post-Secondary programs participate in Internships, OJT, Simulated Learning, and more.

For more information regarding Work-Based Learning, please reach out to Angel Hernandez at ahernand@pasco.k12.fl.us.

The ABE/GED students conducted an engaging survey to find out how many siblings each student has. We compiled the data into a frequency chart, which provided a clear visual representation of our findings. The students then applied their math skills to calculate the mean, median, mode, and range of the data. This hands-on activity not only enhanced their understanding of statistical concepts but also fostered a fun and collaborative learning environment.

Submitted by Thomas Moschner

The Veterinary Assisting classes participated in the first ever Zephyrhills High School Future Farmers Association (FFA) dog show! Our dedicated students worked tirelessly all week, mastering the AKC registered dog breeds, selecting their favorite breed, and crafting a life-size, realistic model that showcased the breed’s characteristics. Their hard work and creativity truly shone through, and we couldn’t be more inspired by their outstanding efforts!

A special thank you goes out to our volunteer judges, Dr. Yokof, Mr. Smith, and Ms. Reynolds, for their invaluable support and expertise.

Congratulations to all the students for their remarkable achievements!

Just a few weeks ago, we were bracing ourselves for Hurricane Milton, unaware of the extent of the impact it would have on our community. The storm left us with barn roofs torn off, animals needing relocation, and the arduous task of carrying water back and forth. The challenges seemed endless.

Throughout this ordeal, we witnessed the unwavering dedication of the Zephyrhills Police Department and Pasco County Fire Rescue. These hardworking men and women were on the front lines, directing traffic, blocking streets, and ensuring the safety of our community. The constant sound of sirens from firetrucks and ambulances was a testament to the relentless efforts of our emergency responders, rushing to aid those in need.

Everywhere we turned, we saw the aftermath of the storm—downed trees, flooded streets, and damaged homes. The Zephyrhills City Crew tirelessly cut trees, cleared debris, pumped out water, and assessed the damage to help restore normalcy.

Zephyrhills High School FFA members took a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all these incredible individuals. Their hard work and dedication are nothing short of heroic.

We also extended a huge shout-out to the linemen who worked around the clock to restore power. Their efforts were crucial in helping our community recover.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the recovery efforts. Your resilience and commitment were truly inspiring.

Submitted by Leanne John

Zephyrhills FFA students participated in the FFA National Days of Service at White River Park in Indianapolis. They worked diligently to give back to the community that supports National FFA, demonstrating their commitment to service and community engagement.

Submitted by Leanne John

We are thrilled to announce that our Zephyrhills Jr. Chapter made history yesterday by walking the National Stage in just its second year to receive the prestigious National 3 Star Chapter award! This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of our young leaders.

Special recognition goes to Jace, our Vice President, and Abby, our Reporter, who proudly took the stage to accept the award. Jace had the distinct honor of placing the year tag on our plaque, marking this incredible milestone.

Congratulations to the entire Zephyrhills Jr. Chapter for this outstanding accomplishment!

Submitted by Leanne John

HVAC/R students have been learning all about electricity, electrical components used in HVAC/R and how they work. Once they complete each circuit on the board they get to move to split systems to test components and troubleshoot problems.

Submitted by Valerie Jimenez

Angeline Academy of Innovation students had an amazing opportunity to visit Amskills with a focus on Manufacturing Month. Students learned about STEM-related Careers & Apprenticeship Opportunities and how those opportunities mirror our pathways. Our students were able to see a variety of advanced equipment and learn how they may be used in careers related to our pathway programs.
Thank you, Amskills and Angeline Academy of Innovation Administration, for creating these opportunities for our students.

Submitted by Chad Mallo

Students enrolled in the Legal Aspects of Business course are currently studying Torts. To enhance their learning experience, the Tort Tracker game was developed using Co-Pilot. This interactive game involves students moving around the board by answering scenario-based law case questions and tort-related information, primarily focusing on vocabulary and fundamental facts. Each team comprises players and a “judge” who verifies the accuracy of the answers. The game has been met with enthusiasm, with students frequently expressing their enjoyment, saying, “We should play games every day.” If you have not yet utilized Co-Pilot for classroom assistance, it is highly recommended to explore its benefits.

Submitted by Karen Jakich

Ladarius, a guest speaker from Full Sail College, spoke to our class and presented on the business aspects of the recording, film, television, video game, and sports industries. Students learned about monetizing emotional connections and were challenged to create a new revenue source for a popular music festival, presenting their ideas in a business proposal infographic. The presentation was highly engaging and well-received by the students.

Submitted by Jennifer Biedler

This Halloween season, our entrepreneurship students delved into the eerie world of ghost brands—companies that have vanished into the shadows or are teetering on the edge of oblivion. As part of a pre-Halloween activity, they unearthed the stories behind these spectral businesses, learning valuable lessons from their rise and fall. From once-thriving enterprises to brands that barely left a mark, these ghostly tales provided a hauntingly insightful look into the pitfalls and challenges of the business world.

Submitted by Jennifer Schweigert

In the Introduction to Engineering class, students applied the engineering design process to create projects. One group designed a bottle car powered by a propeller, while another built a catapult to launch bean bags and measure distances.

Learning the engineering design process is crucial as it teaches students critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. It equips them with the skills to tackle real-world challenges systematically and innovatively, preparing them for future engineering endeavors.

Submitted by Loc Hoang

Our middle school students are taking to the skies through Rushe's aviation program. By mastering the basics of flight, they are laying a strong foundation for future success in the aviation industry. Understanding these fundamentals is essential, as it prepares them for advanced studies and careers in this exciting field.

Submitted by William McCallum

Our dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students have been hard at work, making a significant impact on the health and well-being of our local school communities. Prior to participating in the health screening events, these students underwent comprehensive training on the school health screening process. This training equipped them with the skills needed to perform vision and hearing screenings using Instaline vision equipment and Audiometer hearing screeners. Additionally, they utilized stadiometers and scales to measure height and weight for Body Mass Index (BMI) evaluations.

To date, our Zephyrhills High School CNA students have successfully assisted in health screenings at seven different schools: Woodland Elementary, Raymond B. Stewart Middle, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Innovation Preparatory Academy, Pasco Elementary, Chester Taylor Elementary, and Centennial Elementary. Their contributions have been invaluable in ensuring that students receive the necessary health evaluations.

Looking ahead, our CNA students will continue to support school nurses in additional health screenings throughout November. Their ongoing commitment and hard work are a testament to their dedication to the health and well-being of our community.

We are incredibly proud of our CNA students for their outstanding efforts and the positive impact they are making. Keep up the great work!

Submitted by Jama Karl

Land O’ Lakes High School recently organized an enriching field trip for its culinary students to delve into the world of Spanish cuisine. The students had the unique opportunity to work alongside fellow culinary enthusiasts from Keiser University. During this immersive Work-Based Learning (WBL) experience, they not only honed their culinary skills but also engaged in collaborative learning and hands-on practice in professional kitchens. This trip provided a valuable glimpse into post-secondary culinary arts, fostering both education and inspiration among the participants.

Submitted by Jessica Cooper

The cadets of AFJROTC Unit FL-953 at River Ridge High School supported sheltering efforts at the school for Pasco County residents impacted by both hurricanes Helene and Milton. During Hurricane Helene, 38 cadets provided 932 hours of support to approximately 200 individuals. Even more impressively impactful, during Hurricane Milton 1,575 hours of support were delivered by 40 cadets to more than 1,700 displaced residents.

Submitted by Daniel Thompson

Fivay High School's Academy of Fire Science students recently toured the Pasco County Fire Rescue Training Center and Fire Station 20. Captain Spooner and Captain Crima provided valuable insights and answered numerous questions. Students were particularly impressed by the Tucker Tower and expressed their hopes of training there as future firefighters. The Station 20 crew paused their lunch to offer advice and encouragement. We are grateful for their professionalism and support. Thank you for organizing this successful field trip and please extend our appreciation to your staff and the Station 20-B shift crew.

Submitted by Steven Smith

Fivay High School Fire Science Academy received a generous donation of a chainsaw, chain oil, and roof deck screws from the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in New Port Richey. This community support allows our students to learn/perform the techniques of vertical ventilation on our firehouse ground-level roof prop. Students will be closely supervised, with safety as a priority, as they cut ventilation holes in the roof decking to allow smoke and heat to escape a structure. This allows firefighters to control the fire flow path, create a tenable atmosphere, and improve visibility to interior fire crews. Lowe’s Home Improvement in New Port Richey has been a huge support to our program over the past few years and they are committed to any future needs for our program. Thank you, Lowe’s, for your continued support of our students in the Fivay High School Fire Academy!

Submitted by Steven Smith

On October 5th, three students from Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation’s Welding Program competed in the Sparks and Smoke Welding Scholarship Competition at Central Maintenance and Welding (CMW). After a safety briefing, they received blueprints for a fire ring with a swing-over grill attachment. Each team used identical tools and materials, and had the same amount of time to complete the project. Students were graded on their individual welds and the overall team project.

Matthew Gallo, Lorenzo Dormani, and Emma Schrecengost represented Kirkland Ranch and took home 7th place out of 22 teams. Congratulations KRAI Welding!

Submitted by George Sybert

To share information about your program that you would like considered for the CTAE monthly newsletter (photos, awards, events, certifications, etc), please use our monthly CTAE MachForm or email Taylor Constantino (taconsta@pasco.k12.fl.us).

Email: lmromano@pasco.k12.fl.us
Website: http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/
Location: 7227 Land O' Lakes Boulevard, Land O Lakes, FL, USA
Phone: 813-794-2204
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pascoschools/

If you are interested in becoming a CTAE Business Partner for the 2024-2025 School Year, please submit your information through this Mach Form.