The CTAE Connector

As we continue through the school year, there are great things happening in CTE!

• The entire month of February was CTE Month which we celebrated as a district by highlighting different programs through social media, having teachers incorporate CTE Month within their lessons, and ended the month by selecting the CTE Teacher of the Year. We had many participate and love that so many people in our district and community see the importance of Career and Technical Education as much as we do!
• This is the time of year that our district gives our students opportunities to further explore their options after high school. Marchman Technical College held its Tech Connect for students in our high schools who may be interested in extending their education in one of their credentialed programs. We also held a virtual College and Career Fair where students and parents had the opportunity to select sessions on topics around college and career choices for future endeavors.
• Creative Confection Competition, our school's culinary programs opportunity to compete against one another, was held this month and was a success! We had some highly talented students, and the competition was fierce, but we could only have one team come up on top!

As always, we are "Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Workforce" and we appreciate your support of 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

We are thrilled to announce and extend our heartfelt congratulations to Chad Mallo, who has been awarded the prestigious title of CTE Teacher of the Year!

Chad Mallo exemplifies excellence in teaching and embodies the spirit of Career and Technical Education (CTE) through his dedication, passion, and innovative instructional practices. His unwavering commitment to student success and his tireless efforts to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals are truly commendable.

This is well-deserved recognition is a testament to Chad Mallo's outstanding contributions to our school community and the broader field of CTE. We are incredibly proud to have him as a valued member of our team, and we are grateful for his invaluable contributions to our students' educational journey.

Please join us in congratulating Chad Mallo on his remarkable achievement!

On January 31st, Pasco High School hosted a Curriculum Night to showcase their CTE course offerings to incoming 9th graders. Students and families were encouraged to attend to learn more about the CTE programs at Pasco High School.

Pasco High School Pirates take pride in their current course offerings. You will find Agriculture, Business, Electricity, Vet Technician, and their newest course, Patient Care Technician!

Submitted by Mignon Edwards

Business Partners,

We cordially invite you to participate in our Beyond Career & Tech Expo! This event promises to be an enriching experience for students as they explore diverse career pathways beyond academia.

Featuring an interactive expo showcasing local businesses and organizations, students will have the chance to network with professionals and delve into various industries. Save the date: April 16, 2024, at Hudson High School, and April 23, 2024, at Zephyrhills High School.

Interested in getting involved? There are multiple opportunities such as booth participation, sponsorship, and workshop facilitation. For more details or to register, use the provided link or scan the QR code in the flyer. Alternatively, reach out to Jennifer Batchelor at jbatchel@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Your participation will make a significant impact on shaping the future careers of our students. We can't wait to have you at our event!

Beyond Career & Tech Expo Registration 2024

What an incredible day it was as our community came together to embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration at Pasco's renowned Technical High Schools: Angeline Academy of Innovation, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, and Wendell Krinn Technical High School. Community Day provided us with a firsthand look into the future of education and the boundless opportunities available to our students in the realm of career and technical education.

Led by the passionate principals of each school, we were treated to comprehensive tours that unveiled the innovative learning environments and groundbreaking programs that define these institutions. These schools left us in awe with their cutting-edge facilities and diverse range of technical programs. From patient care, welding, HVAC, diesel technology, automotive, and building trades to biomedical, cybersecurity, graphic design, computer science, robotics and engineering, entrepreneurship, and more students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's competitive workforce.

By forging partnerships with local businesses and engaging students in hands-on experiences, the schools are cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to make an impact in their chosen fields. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. By continuing to support and invest in career and technical education, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community for generations to come.

Submitted by Jesy Rodriguez

Scan the QR code below to sign up for Community Day on April 8, 2024.

On February 6th and 8th, Marchman Technical College hosted their annual "Tech Connect" event that provided Pasco County seniors the opportunity to explore CTE programs and careers. Students watched demonstrations and were provided with information about CTE programs offered at both Marchman Technical College and Pasco Hernando State College.

Any seniors that were interested in applying were invited back to learn more at the annual "Sneak Peak" open house. The Sneak Peek was held on February 29th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Submitted by Kim Dunn

Over Winter Break, some of Kirkland’s dedicated students participated in CLEMCO.AV's ‘Living the Dream’ Audio-Visual Leadership Academy. To provide them with real-world experience and resources to succeed in the Live Event Production Industry, they were guided in audio-visual logistics and technology, fireside chats with industry experts, production planning and set up—including the clear-cut execution of the City of Tampa’s MLK Parade Foundation Gala. These students are now certified Stagehands after course completion and can work live events in the future! We’re glad to support them in their endeavors and watch their dreams become reality.

“This Academy was built to become a platform—to have our ceiling be their floor, and help students transform their dreams into reality."

Clem Harrod, Academy Creator and Business Owner

Submitted by Stephanie Bertig

Accounting and Business Law students from J.W. Mitchell High School recently took a field trip to the Tampa Premium Outlets. These students had the privilege of touring the Outlets and interacting in a Q&A session with Chris Durant, the General Manager. The final event of the field trip was a scavenger hunt around the Outlets. Even the Store Managers participated in the fun!

Submitted by Jennifer Biedler

The Patient Care Technician students at Marchman Technical College have been gaining valuable experiences as they continue to build their knowledge in their chosen pathway. The Spring 2024 Patient Care Technicians have been working hard to master the skills needed to obtain their first seven certifications in the program. Certified Nursing License, here they come!

Submitted by Laura Norrie

Wildcat Scholars had the opportunity to collaborate, fabricate, and thrive while working diligently to earn their Digital Tools certifications. With the Fall semester behind us, these Wildcats are determined to dive deeper into more career readiness opportunities this Spring.

Students participated in team building activities, which tested their Cybersecurity knowledge and skills.

Submitted by Jenna Eyers

The Mustang's NJROTC unit had the pleasure of competing in several competitions that tested their strength and resilience.

On January 20th, these Cadets placed 1st of 19 NJROTC units at the Lake Howell High School competition.

On February 3rd, these Cadets placed 2nd of 10 units at the University of South Florida competition.

Cheer on these Mustangs as they compete for the State Championship on March 2nd at Lake Mary High School!

Submitted by Freddie Jones

On Saturday, January 20, the Criminal Justice Academy at Cypress Creek High School hosted the Central Region Florida Public Service Association (FPSA) competition. We saw 50+ high school students from Central Florida High Schools compete. Awards were 1st place through 5th place ribbons for Traffic Stops, High-risk Traffic Stops, DUI Traffic Stops, Evidence Packaging, Extemporaneous Speaking, Prepared Speaking, Public Information Officer, and Obstacle Course. The Criminal Justice Academies took the 911 Exam and Criminal Justice Exams. The Fire Fighter Academies took the Fire Exam, Search and Rescue, Firefighter Physical Agility, Fire Fighter Skills, Bunker Gear Race, and EMR Competition.

The statewide competitions for our Criminal Justice and Fire Academies will occur in Orlando in April 2024. During these competitions, students learn, grow, and become the change-makers of tomorrow. From fostering a deep understanding of the criminal justice system to instilling a sense of public service and integrity, these academies equip students with the tools they need to make a positive difference in our community.

Submitted by William Elders

Justin Starling (class of 2017) & Christian Starling (class of 2018) both went through Pasco County Schools from prekindergarten until graduating from Fivay High School. They both participated in Fivay's Criminal Justice Program and are currently working as corrections officers for Pasco County. They were able to make connections with industry partners while in high school and felt extremely prepared for their careers from their experiences in the CTE program.

Jim Kelly (class of 2018) also graduated from Fivay High School and completed the Criminal Justice program. His experience solidified his chosen pathway into law enforcement and he is currently a deputy with the Hernando County Sheriff's Department.

Submitted by Jen Batchelor on behalf of Andrea Gartland

• Please 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 you can email Deedra Mitchell (dcopelan@pasco.k12.fl.us) with news and photos you would like to share to celebrate, promote and acknowledge the great accomplishments going on in and around our district's CTE programs.

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/