The COSSA Compass

The inaugural SOAR Awards ceremony took place on December 17, 2024. These awards recognize character traits that align with key qualities essential for success in various career paths. SOAR stands for Skilled, Optimistic, Adaptable, and Reliable.

During the ceremony, four students from the morning session and four from the afternoon session received awards, with one winner selected for each category. Nominations were based on students' demonstrated attributes, and a committee determined the final recipients. Moving forward, SOAR Awards will be presented quarterly to students who exemplify excellence in each category.

COSSA continues to produce successful and innovative young people who are prepared to meet the challenges of the future. Through dedication, hard work, and the development of key skills, our students are not only excelling in their academic pursuits but are also equipped to lead and contribute meaningfully to both local and global communities.

Morning CRTEC Winners

• Skilled: Samantha Pope – Automotive
• Optimistic: Christopher Hernandez – Automotive
• Adaptable: Ryker Layne – Building Trades
• Reliable: Chase Morris – Diesel

Afternoon CRTEC Winners

• Skilled: William Hernandez – Automotive
• Optimistic: Mark Jackson – EMT
• Adaptable: Gabe Alvarez – Welding
• Reliable: Ivy Lamb – Law Enforcement

The COSSA Academy student council continues to make waves with their "Cruisers Rollin" store, a dynamic initiative tied to the RISE character program. This student-run operation is much more than just a store—it's a hub of recognition, celebration, and excitement within the school community.

Through the store, students are rewarded for their achievements, fostering a culture of positivity and pride in living out the RISE character values. From creatively curated merchandise to engaging promotions, the store has not only been a financial success but also a powerful driver of school spirit.

By giving students ownership of the store, the council is learning valuable entrepreneurial skills like budgeting, marketing, and customer service, while also bringing an infectious sense of fun and energy to the building. The initiative has become a cornerstone of student engagement, creating a lively environment that motivates participation and strengthens the sense of community.

The "Cruisers Rollin" store truly exemplifies the spirit of teamwork, innovation, and celebration, serving as a reminder that hard work and character are always worth recognizing—and that a little fun along the way makes all the difference!

COSSA Academy and CRTEC staff came together for a heartwarming "Merry & Bright" professional development event to kick off the holiday break. Departing from traditional training sessions, the event embraced the spirit of the season with a delightful waffle potluck and a lively gift exchange that sparked smiles and laughter.

The highlight of the event was an inspiring speech delivered toward the end, which celebrated the team's incredible achievements and the strong bonds that have been built over time. The message emphasized the importance of unity, resilience, and collaboration as key to finishing the year on a high note.

The atmosphere was filled with joy, camaraderie, and renewed motivation. The event served as a perfect close to the year, leaving everyone with a sense of pride in their shared accomplishments and an uplifting vision for the months ahead. It was a beautiful reminder of the strength of the community and the exciting possibilities of what’s to come

On Wednesday, December 18th, COSSA staff from all districts came together to celebrate the end of the first semester and enjoy each other's company before the holiday break. The party featured a "Little Red Truck" theme, with Sara Hodges creating a heartwarming video that highlighted many COSSA staff members to narrate the story. The event also included a raffle for handcrafted Little Red Trucks made by the CRTEC Building Trades program. Adding to the festivities, the CRTEC Culinary program prepared a delicious feast for everyone to share.

Welcome back to the second semester of school! As we embark on this new chapter, I am excited to have each of you—Special Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and COSSA Academy staff—back to continue the incredible work you do every day for our students. Together, we can foster a positive and inclusive working environment where collaboration, respect, and innovation thrive. Let’s prioritize open communication, celebrate successes big and small, and support one another as we navigate challenges and opportunities. Your dedication and expertise are essential to creating an enriching educational experience for every student, and we can look forward to a semester filled with growth, inspiration, and success!

• Parma 9th and 10th grade tour - January 7th at CRTEC
• TSA Pre-tests - January 9th for CTE students
• Picture Retakes, January 16th - COSSA Academy
• Academy and CRTEC Teacher's In-service, January 24th