The CTAE Connector

As we embark on a new school year, we are excited to welcome students, educators, and families back to the classroom! This is not just a time for learning, but also for collaboration and innovation. Together, with our business partners, educators, and families, we aim to create enriching experiences that support academic success and personal growth.

September celebrated Workforce Development Month, emphasizing the critical role of Career and Technical education (CTE) in preparing individuals for the modern job market. CTE programs offer hands-on training and practical skills in various fields, from healthcare to information technology, ensuring that students and workers are equipped with the competencies needed for high-demand careers. This month highlighted the collaboration between educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to create pathways that lead to meaningful employment and career advancement. By focusing on workforce development and CTE, we can build a more skilled, adaptable, and resilient workforce that meets the evolving needs of our economy.

Let’s work hand-in-hand to inspire the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and creators. Here's to a year filled with new opportunities and shared success!

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

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is a nearly 1,000 bed not-for-profit private, teaching hospital that cares for people across West Central Florida. The Tampa General healthcare system stretches from the main hospital in downtown Tampa to Spring Hill. Tampa General Hospital promotes academic progress for Pasco County students through financial support and hands-on learning experiences.

This year, Tampa General Hospital became a CTE sponsor for the 2024-2025 school year. Along with the sponsorship, they helped kick-off our Welcome Back event for our teachers by bringing gifts for our staff.

In attendance was Angelique McCormick, Director of Volunteer Services and Student Affiliations. She also brought a special guest, Belle, the Chief Smiles Officer, to our event.

Thank you to Tampa General Hospital for your continued support of our Programs and staff!

Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Florida Healthcare has proudly partnered with the Pasco County Education Foundation and Pasco County Schools to enhance the district’s health science academies. This collaboration will provide $20,000 annually for three years, totaling $60,000, to fund clinical learning opportunities and essential resources for students pursuing careers in healthcare.

On Wednesday, September 11, students in the Patient Care Technician program at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and industry knowledge. The event was attended by members of the HCA team, Career and Technical Education (CTE) District Staff, and Superintendent Kurt Browning.

During the demonstration, students showcased a variety of competencies, including patient care techniques, medical procedures, and the use of healthcare technology. This hands-on experience is crucial for preparing students for real-world healthcare environments and ensuring they are well-equipped to meet industry standards.

The partnership aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, providing students with the resources and support needed to succeed in their future careers. By investing in these programs, HCA Florida Healthcare is helping to cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring a robust and skilled workforce for the future.

Get ready for a delicious treat! The Land O’ Lakes High School Academy of Culinary Arts is excited to announce its 14th Annual Bake Sale. From October 28th to November 8th, you can place your orders on Rycor or in person at the Lakeview Cafe from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We accept credit card, cash, and check payments.

Mark your calendars for pick-up dates: November 20th to 22nd, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Lakeview Cafe. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy some delightful baked goods while supporting our talented culinary students. The deadline to order is November 8th. See you there!

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 November 9, 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 New River Elementary School for providing this unique and engaging experience to their students in September.

Submitted by Taylor Constantino

Pasco EDC's Annual Awards is regarded as Pasco County's premier business event, attracting hundreds of business and community leaders from around Tampa Bay, including many elected officials. The highlight of each year’s event is the Annual Industry Awards honoring Pasco County companies which have exhibited major economic and community impact.

Over 60 students from Pasco County Schools participated in this year's Summer Trades Program sponsored and coordinated by CareerSource Pasco-Hernando.

Three programs took place at our local Pasco County Schools from June 10th through June 27th. During those three weeks, 19 students participated in the Health Careers program at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, 18 students participated in the Construction Careers program at KRAI, and 25 students participated in the Criminal Justice/Public Safety program at Fivay H.S. taught by our very own, Mr. Denis Riel.

Students received real-world, hands-on experiences exposing them to the many opportunities within each field. Our medical students learned basic lifesaving skills and medical procedures from Nurse Educators from BayCare Health. Construction students learned from industry experts how to enter the field and the many trades they can explore. Public Safety students were able to visit the Pasco Sheriff's Innovation Center, the Pasco County Courthouse, and learn from the Pasco Sheriff's Defensive Tactics Team.

The Summer Trades Program provides hourly compensation to all the student participants with additional attendance incentives of up to an additional $300 dollars.

This program is offered and coordinated every summer with the help of our school-based Career Specialists, CTE Instructors, and School Counselors informing and recruiting students. We look forward to what next summer will bring.

Submitted by Jen Batchelor

The CTAE Department’s “Welcome Back” event was an exhilarating start to the new school year! Pasco’s dedicated CTAE teachers reunited with colleagues, diving into a day packed with professional development focused on student engagement and work-based learning. The excitement was evident as teachers collaborated in their PLC groups, sharing innovative ideas and strategies. Adding to the buzz, teachers had the fantastic opportunity to collaborate with business partners, forging valuable connections for the year ahead. This event set the stage for an inspiring and productive school year, leaving everyone energized and ready to make a difference!

In this ESOL class activity, students collaborated in small groups to enhance their reading, speaking, and listening skills through a structured exploration of a U.S. history article. The process began with each group identifying new vocabulary words from the text, which they added to their vocabulary notebooks to build their language skills. Following this, they read the article and completed a comprehension exercise to ensure understanding. Next, the groups selected five to six key facts from the story and brainstormed creative ways to illustrate these on a poster. This visual representation not only helped them consolidate their understanding but also served as a tool for their final step: preparing and practicing an oral presentation to share their poster and findings with the class. Through this activity, students actively engaged in reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and oral communication, thereby strengthening their overall language proficiency. In addition, such activity helped them feel more comfortable when having to speak to others in their community.​

Submitted by Tania Vega

Dr. Lori Romano, Director of CTAE, and Deedra Mitchell, Senior Supervisor of CTE, love to stop by and see our teachers and the facilities! This past month, they visited Thomas E. Weightman Middle School to see the progress of the new barn currently being built by our district's Maintenance department. As a bonus, they were able to see the goats and feed them a quick snack.

While on site, they also visited Ms. Smithwick's classroom and HAD to take a photo with her as she was wearing her District CTAE "Hiking New Trails" t-shirt! They also were so happy to see Ms. Smithwick had her Work-Based Learning Continuum poster hanging proudly in her classroom. #CTAEProud

Submitted by Deedra Mitchell

High School Juniors recently competed in a design contest to create a new folder for MTC to use in the 2025-2026 school year. Kim Dunn (Admissions Advisor) and Elicia Nystrum (Data Entry)

were the students client for the project. These Juniors begin this school year after having Commercial Art for 50 mins a day in the past two years and are just starting their first lengthier OCP (Occupational Completion Point) having them in class for 2.5 hours a day. Currently narrowed down to five designs, these students impressed our faculty and admin with their variety of design ideas. It's exciting to witness how a good foundation of basic design skills start to come together for the success of students and their final deliverable pieces!

If you have a project you think would benefit the students please contact Linda Bourne @ Lbourne@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Submitted by Linda Bourne

Students from Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation’s Digital Media Program participated in STAND’s Clear the Air Vaping Prevention Contest. The contest aimed to create a public service announcement educating peers, schools, families, and community members about the dangers of vaping. These students, Cecilia Caroppoli, Isabella Valentin, and Jenna Backus, produced a video taking a stand against vaping. Recently, they were notified that they won the contest and were invited to showcase their video at the Pasco ASAP (Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention) Conference. The video will also be broadcast on TV and social media platforms.

Submitted by Stephanie Bertig

Angeline Academy of Innovation's Entrepreneurship Academy students participated in a Mock Interview. Mr. Chad Mallo invited the following industry experts: Pasco County Schools HR Department, Achieva Credit Union, Publix, and McDonald's.

Our students prepared for the Mock Interview by going back to the basics: firm hand shake, eye contact, asking relevant questions, and researching the companies. This was an amazing event and I want to thank our industry experts for giving up their time to help our students practice how to interview. I want to also thank Angeline Academy's Administration Team, Arrow Media, and Teresa Nissen with CTE.

Submitted by Chad Mallo

Seventy-two students have achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully completing the Everfi Venture: Entrepreneurial Expedition and earning their certification. This accomplishment signifies their mastery of essential entrepreneurial skills such as budgeting, marketing, and business planning. The certification not only validates their competence but also enhances their academic and professional portfolios. Through interactive simulations and real-world applications, these students have gained invaluable experience, preparing them for future opportunities and instilling a strong entrepreneurial mindset. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, setting a solid foundation for their future endeavors.

Submitted by Jennifer Schweigert

The River Ridge High School Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA) Chapter made significant strides in the second semester. The Tampa Bay Times interviewed members to share their ideas about the future of Florida education. A partnership with Annett Bus Company led to additional support from The University of South Florida and Saint Leo University. This provided $500 to help with transportation costs. This initiative highlighted the value of building relationships. One of the chapter’s most notable achievements this semester was that 27 seniors signed contracts with Pasco County Schools, securing future teaching positions after college graduation.

The New Teacher Academy students at River Ridge High School had the privilege to learn the power of Technology Tools with the help from Stephanie Hodges, from Pasco County Schools' Office of Technology and Information Services. By becoming proficient in these technology tools and teaching techniques, these students will strengthen their ability and confidence in the classroom, career, and life!

Submitted by Beth Hess

The Human Growth and Development classes spent an enriching day at the Environmental Marine Center (EMC). During their visit, students explored innovative teaching methods and interactive activities designed to engage and inspire future educators. They participated in hands-on workshops, observed marine life, and discussed environmental conservation. This immersive experience not only broadened their understanding of educational techniques but also highlighted the importance of sustainability in teaching. It was a day filled with learning, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Submitted by Beth Hess

In their Principles of Engineering class, students at Angeline Academy of Innovation

collaborated to design and construct a tractor. They didn’t stop at just building it; they also programmed the tractor to operate efficiently. This hands-on project not only enhanced their technical skills but also fostered teamwork and problem-solving abilities. It’s a fantastic example of practical learning in action!

Submitted by Loc Hoang

We are thrilled to announce that Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation recently hosted its first successful HOSA blood drive, collecting an impressive 34 units of blood. This incredible effort has the potential to save 102 lives!

A big thank you goes out to our dedicated Patient Care Tech and HOSA students who played a crucial role in assisting throughout the event. Your hard work and commitment made this life-saving initiative possible.

Submitted by Jacqueline Tellez

We are thrilled to announce that Advent Health has graciously donated scrubs to the Health Science students at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. This generous contribution will greatly enhance our students’ learning experience, providing them with the necessary attire to engage in hands-on medical training. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Advent Health for their unwavering support and commitment to our Health Science programs. Your partnership is invaluable in helping us prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Submitted by Jacqueline Tellez

Exciting times are ahead for the seniors at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation's Patient Care Technician students as they embark on their final clinical rotations. This pivotal phase in their education allows them to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and hard work, and we look forward to seeing them thrive in their clinical environments. Best of luck to all our seniors as they take this significant step towards their future careers in healthcare!

Submitted by Jacqueline Tellez

Fred K. Marchman Technical College is thrilled to announce that Arwen Arriaga secured first place in the high school cosmetology competition at the prestigious National SkillsUSA Championships, held in Atlanta this past June. This remarkable achievement highlights our students' and educators' exceptional skills and dedication in preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Arwen's victory was in the cosmetology category, which featured rigorous assessments of her technical skills and creative flair. It is a testament to her hard work and the high standards upheld by Marchman Technical College.

Additionally, Aliannah Lippard placed 11th in Post-Secondary Cosmetology; and Lesamarie Clary placed 4th in Early Childhood Education.

Submitted by Tonia Shook

The J.W. Mitchell High School Navy JROTC paid a heartfelt tribute to the victims of September 11th today. Let us never forget and always remember their legacy and the resilience of our nation.

Behind the doors of JROTC, cadets learn about space, leadership, management, drill, and physical training. Cadets participate in community service, setting a goal of 4000 hours a year. The JROTC Cadets started volunteering early this year, working early voting August 20 at the Government Center in NPR and learning to be better citizens.

Submitted by Beth Hess

Our Diesel Program students are getting hands-on experience as they learn to mount and dismount truck tires. This essential skill is a key part of their training, preparing them for real-world challenges in the diesel industry.

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.