CTC Career Talk

Thank you to all of our students and families for attending our Back-to-School Night on August 19—it was a great turnout!

We’ve had an incredible start to the school year. The positive energy from both students and staff has been truly exciting, and it’s a joy to come to school each day. I look forward to continuing to connect with everyone and seeing the amazing work our students are doing in their classes.

Starting in November through February, CTC will once again offer student shadow opportunities for FCPS high school students currently in grades 9–11 to visit our school who are interested in applying to attend CTC in SY26. Shadowing is mandatory for applying to any program offered at CTC. Students may shadow and apply for up to two different CTC programs. Students are encouraged to select programs to shadow by talking with their high school counselor or by checking out the programs page on our CTC web site. Students may shadow and apply at any time during that period. Shadowing and applications will be accepted after February only for programs that have open seats.

As we continue to strive toward career success for all, our hope is to always keep you informed of what we value at the FCPS Career and Technology Center.

Thank you for entrusting your child’s learning to us.

Sincerely,

Michael Concepcion - Principal

26 Career Programs for FCPS Students in Grades 10-12

• Teachers from CTC programs will talk to students & parents/guardians about various career programs.
• Check out our new Dental Assisting Program.
• Staff will discuss the curriculum, student activities, post high school employment and education.
• Students will demonstrate activities.
• Alumni, businesses, and colleges will be present.
• Additional information sessions offered for Multilingual Language (ML) students and families (with interpreters): 5:30 – 6:00 PM & 7:15 – 7:45 PM

Many programs offer college credits, dual enrollment, industry certification/license.

Enjoy fun activities for all ages.

Learn about potential careers.

Students: Find out how to jump start your future at CTC!

A special thank you to, the CTC Criminal Justice and Homeland Security program, SkillsUSA officer, Michelle Osae Addo, Mr. Duman and Mr. Zucco, for conducting a beautiful ceremony in remembrance of September 11th. Click HERE to view a video of the ceremony, courtesy of the CTC TV/Multimedia program.

Mrs. Hayden's, first year, AoHP Medical Assisting students have been studying the integumentary system and how it relates to health. Students determined the surface area of skin and analyzed how it can relate to a person's health. They learned about the rule of 9's in determining the percentage of the body that is burned and associated health concerns. Students ended the unit by creating wounds in a scenario where a young woman had been been in a car accident and then described the phases of healing that the wound would go through.

Designated by presidential proclamation, this is a time to celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic Americans and the many contributions they have made to American culture:

"The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period."

--The Library of Congress-hosted website, www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov.

September 15 is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days September 16 and 18, respectively, and Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza is October 12.

CTC students participated in the annual SkillsUSA Fall Kickoff at the FCC Auditorium on Thursday, 9/5. SkillsUSA is based on a framework that encompasses personal, technical, and workplace skills. It supports our CTC school culture in developing accountable, professional, positive, and supportive members of society. Every student at CTC is a SkillsUSA member.

As part of the kickoff, our programs participated in the annual Minute-To-Win-It Cup Stacking Challenge where 2 students from each program competed to see which program reigns supreme and wins the coveted trophy for the year. This year’s winners are: AM and PM – Mr. Crum's HVAC/Plumbing program. Mr. Duman and Mr. Zucco from Criminal Justice/Homeland Security won the teacher bracket. Students should be on the lookout for opportunities to engage in fun and exciting SkillsUSA activities and events throughout the year!

For those of you who haven’t met me yet, my name is Ms. Brenna Edmonds. I am the CTC Career Coach. I am here to help guide you on your journey to discovering your passions and future career paths. Whether you are exploring new interests, developing skills, or planning for life after high school, I am here to help! My office is in the media center next to the copy room, feel free to come see me, email me at brenna.edmonds@fcps.org or fill out the interest form and I will reach out to you to set up a time to meet on Schoology.

If you are a woman in a trades program and would like to join the community of 14 others at CTC please fill out this form. We are forming a community to create a positive environment, network with the community, and learn more leadership, trade, and professional skills. If you have any questions, please come see me in the media center or email me at brenna.edmonds@fcps.org.

Phones have become a constant part of our lives and can be a source of connection, creativity, and yes… distraction. Here are some tips for using devices in a healthy and responsible way…

TIPS FOR STUDENTS

Texting:

• Be careful. Assume that even private texts can become public.
• Be respectful. Both to those you are texting and to those around you. If you are in a social setting be mindful of spending all your time texting others instead of interacting with the people in front of you.

Calling:

• Verify the caller. Don’t respond to numbers that you don’t know.
• Do your best to always answer (or at least respond) when it is a parent or caregiver calling.

Taking pictures and videos:

• Ask permission before you take a picture or video of someone and definitely ask before you post something about someone else.
• Don’t publicly embarrass or shame people. Be kind.

Posting:

• Think before you post. Your social media activity is your digital footprint and how people will perceive you - make it a good one that reflects you well!
• Be safe. Sharing private information and using location services can come with risks.

School:

• Be respectful of the expectations of your school, teachers, coaches, etc. for device use.

TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

• Find time for face-to-face conversations. Put phones down during key conversation times like mealtimes, car rides, waiting for an appointment, etc. Taking advantage of those small opportunities to connect without the distraction of a device can be powerful.
• Model the behavior you want to see. Avoid texting in the car. Consider describing your phone use (“I’m looking up directions”) so that children understand why you need to be on your phone at that time. If you need to respond to a message or call during a conversation, be sure to excuse yourself and explain that it is urgent in order to model respect for the in-person conversation.
• Charge phones and devices in a common area overnight to provide a break and prioritize rest.
• Consider all the reasons we use phones and devices… to communicate, for entertainment, to reduce stress, to avoid uncomfortable interactions. Talking openly with your child to understand what drives their phone use helps to set up boundaries together for safe and healthy usage.

Adapted from “Cellphones and Devices: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers”, Common Sense Media April 26, 2024 https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/cellphones-and-devices-a-guide-for-parents-and-caregivers

The Frederick County Career and Technology Center (CTC) is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) school. Our programs and classes combine academic knowledge with technical skills to prepare students for in-demand and high-skilled jobs. CTC provides students with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications and licenses, acquire college credit, and gain valuable work experience. CTC is one of many treasures in Frederick County. It is not only a place of great education and opportunities but also a place of camaraderie and nostalgia.

Want to know more about CTC? Click the links below:

CTC Programs

FAQ's about CTC

What is shadowing?

How do I apply to CTC?

Dual Enrollment Information Sheet

Address: 7922 Opossumtown Pike Frederick, MD 21702

Phone: 227-203-3650

Fax: 227-203-3651

Website: http://education.fcps.org/ctc

Facebook: Frederick County Career & Tech Center

X (formerly Twitter): @FrederickCTC, @CTCPrincipal

Instagram: @fcps_ctc, @ctc_principal