CTE NEWS

On Wednesday June 8th, Central High School held it's annual Senior Awards to honor our upcoming graduates who have earned awards, scholarships, and other merits.

Central CTE wants to congratulate the following seniors who achieved their CTE Program Completer Chord by earning three (3) or more credits in a CTE Program of Study:

• Agriculture:

  • • Julietta Alarcon

    • Juan Ayon

    • Damian Bonacci

    • Chase Brinton

    • Evan Burton

    • Brandon Najar Alvarez

    • Gabriel Cirino

    • Justin Garcia Murillo

    • Carlos Rodarte

    • Erik Sanchez Sanchez

    • Trinity Thompson

    • Ryley Urenda

    • Hunter Holt

    • Kyia Hutcheson

    • Austin Kirk

    • Manuel Vela

    • Trista Wallace

    • Paublo Prado Garcia

• Digital Arts:

  • • Josiah Sage

    • Ely Vinyard

    • Katelyn Lofte

    • Lynn Pippin

    • Kate Butler

• Business & Finance:

  • • Jose Ayon Olerva

    • Berean Jones

    • Malachi McCormick

    • Josiah Sage

    • Megan Stanley

    • Kate Butler

    • Erik Sanchez Sanchez

    • Cecilia Espericueta

• Theater Tech & Performing Arts:

  • • Jocie Dunmire

    • Lucia Bacio

    • Ryann Stevens

    • Lizbeth Rosales Paredes

The Greenhouse Revitalization Project (GRP) has been in full swing this spring, with Ag teachers, Lynn Thomas and Abby Chase, leading the charge to allow their students to get Work-Based Learning through the project.

Students in our Ag CTE pathway have been busy this past quarter with demolition of the old structure, and recycling of reusable materials. Our welding and fabrication students have then constructed and erected the fencing that will protect and give a quality visual aesthetic to the new greenhouse facility.

To date, the GRP group generated the following funds to help support the project:

• ODE Revitalization Grant: $124,992

• Spirit Mountain Community Fund Grant: $100,000

• High School Success Funds: $50,000

• Pathway Funding: $14,908

• In-Kind Donations: $8,028.59

• National & Central FFA Alumni Grants: $7,000

• Portland Trailblazers Take it to the Court Grant: $5,000

• NWCFS Grant: $5,000

• Grossman & Weston Gravel Donation: $3,500

• KeyLine Construction Donation: $2,000

Central CTE wants to again thank all those who have helped get this project off the ground. From teachers, to administration, to students, to district employees, to our business partners, and community grant coordinators, we thank you. Without your assistance and support we would not be able to provide the inclusive and accessible, industry standard capstone project for our agricultural students.

More to come!

On Tuesday May 24, 10 students from Central HS were able to visit Knife River's new training facility in Albany, Oregon.

The new training facility sits on 270 acres and includes an 80,000 square foot dome, with a dirt arena and concrete viewing platform. The training facility also holds class and conference rooms, and the site includes a simulated city for training students.

Panther students learned about how to get a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), got to explore and operate heavy machinery, worked together in teams to complete a bridge project, received a catered lunch, and heard a presentation about "Life at Knife."

Central High School wants to thank Kris Latimer from Knife River for setting up this field trip and allowing Panther students to learn about great careers in the trades.

This year students in our Thespian troupe and in our Textiles Craft classes, under the guidance of CTE Teacher Wendy Boyack, worked with materials to make blankets for Catholic Charities. All of the fabric and batting were donated to the Theatre Department.

The project was designed to help students in our Performing Arts & Technical Theater Program of Study learn how to use a sewing machine and to give back to the community.

Students learned about which fabrics were the best fabrics to use in the project through a fabric study, how to design the quilts, how to effectively cut them out, how to effectively use a sewing machine, and how to bind the quilts.

Throughout the entire year, the Thespians and the CTE classes were able to create and donate nearly 100 quilts. These quilts have been and will be distributed to families in need in the Salem area.

Central CTE wants to thank our donors and students for helping to support families in need.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their CTE teachers as Student of the Month for their respective CTE Program of Study:

• Agriculture: Cameron Smith

• Digital Arts: Katelyin Lofte

• Business & Finance: Emily Newbeck

• Technical Theater: Jazlyn Larkin

CTE teachers want to thank these students for their hard work, dedication and positive display of employability skills in their CTE Programs.

Why do school plant sales matter??

Well, first and foremost, beautiful flowers and other starts...

But we think it's a lot more than that.

The National FFA Organization's motto is, "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve." Throughout the nation, thousands of youths gather in classrooms to live out that motto every day.

Agriculture educators, advisors, and community members work with these young people to instill, prosper, and promote the values this country was founded on: hard work, dedication, and community. Together, we honor both the heritage and future of agriculture in our communities and country.

Not only does greenhouse work give these young people the opportunity to literally get their hands dirty, it also provides them with the chance to learn real world skills.

They learn real-life, applicable business management skills. They also learn how to keep records, make strategic decisions, and work together. At the end of the season, they learn how to organize and run an event that makes a profit. That profit is then put towards next year's goals and used to help fund the chapter's various activities.

These activities allow the members to grow, learn, explore, travel, and ignite passions. They are able to bond with each other, network with professionals all over the country, start businesses, and apply their real world skills.

On top of all that... These youth learn the value of community.

They see and feel the impact of their community embracing them - and grow their desire to give back. Every day, FFA members throughout the country find ways to give back to their community. Food drives, fundraisers, volunteer activities, and so much more. They understand what a community can do when people care.

What more could we ask for?

So, you see, a green house sale is a great opportunity to grab your sprouts for the season... Maybe a few hanging baskets for your mom as a Mother's Day gift.

But to your average ag student and FFA member... It means so much more.

We look forward to seeing you in our greenhouse at the Central Plant Sale on April 28, 29, and 30th.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) recently held their state convention in Portland, OR, and Central HS took four students to compete in this three day competition and conference

Three of our students qualified for the National Convention in Chicago by being in the top 4 of each category:

• Josiah Sage - 1st Place State Champion in Networking Infrastructures (also 6th in Accounting 2)

• Della Gratsinger - 2nd Place in Business Concepts

• Faith Fitts - 2nd Place in Help Desk

• Sophie Bliss - competed at State level in Impromptu Speaking and Personal Finance

In addition to their great performances, they also learned the basics of golf at Top Golf (an important aspect in the business world), learned how to tip at a restaurant, learned to ride the Max public transit, participated in various workshops, overcame nerves, gained confidence, and met students from all over the state.

Great work to these students, and a special thanks to their club advisor, Jill Love.

On Wednesday April 13, FFA students from Central HS successfully competed in their District competition at the Gate Community Center.

As a team, the Panthers finished 2nd in Floriculture, with the following indivdual awards:

• 1st Place = Carlos Rodarte

• 7th Place = Justina Shepard

• 8th Place = Abigail Steckle

• 9th Place = Cassie Ainsworth

Central also finished 2nd as a team in Vet Science, with the following individual awards:

• 3rd Place = Carlos Rodarte

• 5th Place = Tatum Hutcheson

Congratulations to these students, and a special thanks to their club advisors, Lynn Thomas and Abby Chase.

Central CTE was recently notified that they have been awarded the Trail Blazers Foundation Grant for 2022.

The awarded amount of $10,000 will support CTE by helping to fund the Greenhouse Revitalization Project and support our Future Business Leaders of America programming.

"We are very excited to continue the 'Take it To the Court for Education' program and directly support so many students, teachers and families," said Annie Klug, Trail Blazers Foundation Executive Director.

"From new athletic equipment to robotics programming, these grants will positively impact kids and families from underserved and marginalized communities throughout Rip City while helping build a better future for all."

CHS was one of 18 schools to be awarded. The grant application launched in January with more than 240 schools, from 30-plus counties, submitting applications.

Special thanks goes out to Jill Love, Abby Chase & Lynn Thomas for their vital roles in helping to earn this grant for Central CTE.

On Wednesday March 2, 21 Panther students were able to visit Western Oregon University for their annual Criminal Justice Careers Day.

Students were able to explore fields of law enforcement, corrections, parole and probation, community crime prevention, and other criminal justice professions.

The presentations included an exploration of WOU's Criminal Justice programs, as well as a panel of criminal justice professionals who shared about their respective careers in the field.

Students received a free lunch and were able to ask questions of the panel, in addition to listening to presentations from current WOU criminal justice students and staff.

The event was organized by CHS College & Career Coordinator, Marco Aguirre, and chaperoned by graduation coach, Maria Martinez, Social Studies teacher, Mike Thissel, and CTE Coordinator, Jeff Centoni.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their CTE teachers as Student of the Month for their respective CTE Program of Study:

• Agriculture: Ryley Urenda

• Digital Arts: Brenda Herrera Salas

• Business & Finance: Amanda Amaral Rosales

• Technical Theater: Norah Steed

CTE teachers want to thank these students for their hard work, dedication and positive display of employability skills in their CTE Programs.

Girls Who Code is a free virtual summer programs that teaches the computer science skills that students need to make an impact in their community while preparing for a career in tech.

Participants will get exposure to tech jobs, meet women in tech careers, and join a supportive sisterhood.

Students may choose from a 2-week immersion program or a 6-week self-paced experience that will allow you to meet other students and learn in the style that works best for you!

All high school students who identify as girls or non-binary can apply, and no prior computer science experience is required.

Applications are due Friday March 18!

Click Here to Register

The Indy Idea Hub and Willamette Workforce Partnership have developed a virtual work experience program for Polk County residents ages 16 and up.

This program will give participants the opportunity to learn about digital marketing, IT support, or office management and administration skills by completing online, self-paced courses.

They'll also have the opportunity to apply new skills and knowledge by working with local businesses and organizations while learning about their industries and related career pathways.

Trainees will be paid $13.50/hr and receive a laptop upon completion of the program.

Please contact jenny.ma@ruralinnovation.us if you have any questions or would like to learn more.

Panther students will now have more options in CTE, as we look to not only build more Programs of Study, but also add more Pathways to each program.

For the 2022/23 school year, CHS students will now have access to the following Pathways:

• Marketing

• Criminal Justice

• Health Sciences

• Journalism

Introductory courses will be offered in each of these programs, and intermediate coursework will also be offered in marketing, criminal justice, and health sciences.

Talk with your school counselor about how to sign up for these new Pathway options.

Video created & edited by CHS CTE student: Josiah Sage

On February 15, Central CTE was notified that they were one of 54 projects in Oregon to receive the ODE CTE Revitalization Grant for 2021-23.

This grant, worth $124,992, will be utilized as part of our Ag Program of Study's Greenhouse Revitalization Project, which aims to update to industry standard our capstone facility for this pathway, as well as provide access to all students seeking high-wage, high-demand careers in agribusiness and technology.

A special thanks goes out to our community and business partners who have assisted us in this project:

• • Alex Paraskevas - SEDCOR

  • Shawn Irvine - City of Independence

  • Suzy Weston - Grossman & Weston Gravel

  • Caitlyn Cautz - CHS FFA Alumni

  • Tim Ray - Chemeketa Community College

  • Wayne Parrish - Key Line Construction

We still have a funding gap on the project, but hope to secure future capital resources through a few other grants we have applied for, as well as continued partnerships with local business and industry partners.

Stay tuned for updates on this project!

CHS Performing Arts is back and proud to present an in-person live theater production of the Disney favorite, The Little Mermaid.

Led by CTE teachers Wendy Boyack and Jeff Witt, a cast of 68 students and 18 crew, including 17 current CTE students, will be performing this adaptation of the Disney favorite on the following dates:

• • March 3-4: 7pm

  • March 5: 2pm & 7pm

  • March 9-11: 7pm

  • March 12: 2pm & 7pm

Tickets can be purchased at the door, or online at: chsperformingarts.net

On February 17-18, 36 students from CHS's Agriculture Program of Study completed a ten-hour course that culminated in them passing assessments that led to their OSHA 10 certification.

OSHA 10 is a training that teaches basic safety and health information to entry-level workers in construction and general industry.

It is part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program, which explains serious workplace hazards, workers' rights, employer responsibilities and how to file an OSHA complaint.

Congratulations to these students who earned this life-time certification.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their CTE teachers as Student of the Month for their respective CTE Program of Study:

• Agriculture: Cassandra Ainsworth

• Digital Arts: Student on "Do Not Publish" List

• Business & Finance: Liam Oliveras-Fults

• Technical Theater: Katherine Blackman

CTE teachers want to thank these students for their hard work, dedication and positive display of employability skills in their CTE Programs.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) recently released their graduation data for the 2020-21 school year, and CTE continues to soar when looking at four-year graduation rates.

For the state of Oregon as a whole, the four-year graduation rate was 80.63%

At Central High School the rate was 86.70%, which a great testament to the work our entire staff - teachers, counselors, instructional assistants, grad coaches, administrators, program coordinators, and more - have completed in challenging times.

When looking at CTE graduation rates, however, the numbers continue to impress. For students who have taken just a minimum of one (1) CTE course, the graduation rate jumps to 92.22%.

And for those students who complete an entire Program of Study (3.0 credits), the numbers jump even higher to above 95%!

CTE works! A special thank you goes out to our amazing CTE teachers who connect students' futures with the classroom each day, and our administrative team who continue to support the growth and development of these programs.

February marks the time of the year to start to prepare for 2022/23 school year. That means forecasting, and there are plenty of options within CTE to help Panther students find purposeful credits that can lead to:

• Industry Certifications

• College Credit

• Work-Based Learning

• Internships

• Employability Skill Development

Students will have opportunities within their PSP advisory classes to hear about the options available to them, and will forecast for their 2022/23 classes on February 24-25 in their respective advisory classes.

If students have questions, they should refer to this website (see the "Forecasting" tab), the online curriculum guide, and/or their school counselor.

Remember that tomorrow's success starts today...where will your educational journey take you?

The Central High School FFA chapter, along with other schools in the lower Willamette FFA district, have been busy collecting and packaging food for those in need, through the Food for All program.

The program, now in its 23 year, and started by then Perrydale Ag teacher Kirk Hutchinson, delivers fruits and vegetables to local food banks that serve families in the Willamette Valley and central Oregon coast.

Starting December 7th, Panther students and staff have assisted the Central FFA chapter with packaging of food items for the program, which delivered over 190 tons of fresh produce to 8,000 families last year.

Special thanks to all the students, staff, and local businesses that have contributed to this program to help those in need.

NOTE: Extra food items are free to the community and may be picked up at anytime in the East Parking lot underneath the overhang.

Are you interested in a career in teaching?

Start your teaching degree with a free class, Foundations of Education, specifically designed for high school students.

Course Dates: Jan. 15 - March 15

Course Times: Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm (Zoom + Outside Coursework)

Registration Deadline: Dec. 8

Cost: Free!!!

This class transfers to every university in Oregon, and will help you chart your pathway into the teaching field.

To get started contact Vania Fenner at CCC:

• maria.vania.fenner@chemeketa.edu

• 503.399.5236

Students can also see Mr. Centoni at CHS for more details:

• Room 214

• jcentoni@central.k12.or.us

Join us for a fun, wreath making class, led by Central FFA members and advisors.

Open to all ages, AND no experience required.

This class will be held on Tuesday December 7th @ 6pm.

Location will be the CHS Agriculture Compound.

Cost: $25

Pre-registration required AND spaces are limited to the first 20 sign ups:

Registration Form

Please direct questions to Lynn Thomas or Mrs. Chase:

lthomas@central.k12.or.us

achase@central.k12.or.us

Good news for students interested in a career as a Firefighter: Fire Science Club is tentatively returning in January 2022.

Teaming with Polk County Fire District No. 1, students will engage in a 6-month curriculum to prepare them for a future career in firefighting and medical response.

This club is open to junior and senior students at CHS.

Please see Mr. Centoni in room 214 if you have any questions.

jcentoni@central.k12.or.us

This past week, 1st graders at Independence, Monmouth and Ash Creek Elementary Schools were treated to a pumpkin patch "field trip" at their respective schools.

Students from Central High School's FFA program delivered the pumpkins and gave a quick lesson before elementary students were allowed to pick out their pumpkins to take home.

This is the second year in a row that Central FFA, under the leadership of CTE Agricultural teachers, Lynn Thomas and Abby Chase, have helped to bring a little Fall joy to elementary school students in our district.

Special thanks also to Don & Jo Ann Beal from Beal Pumpkin Patch (and Christmas Tree Farm) for their continued support of Central FFA.

Are you interested in a career in the field of horticulture? Then come to our next Career Talk, where we'll get to hear from Betsey Miller, Instructor, Ecampus & Research Assistant at OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences.

She will be here to discuss different career opportunities in this area, as well as her work to reduce the use of pesticides in fruit & nut crops.

This event will take place on Monday Oct. 25th at 4pm in the College & Career Center (room #114)

Stop by and hear more about the options available to you for YOUR future!

If you have any questions, please see Ms. Taylor Lane in the College & Career Center, or send an email:

tlane@central.k12.or.us

Are you interested in a career in the field of forestry? Then come to our next Career Talk, where we'll get to hear from Shannon Harwood, Manager of Student Engagement from OSU's College of Forestry.

She will be here to discuss different career opportunities in this area.

This event will take place on Monday Oct. 18th at 4pm in the College & Career Center (room #114)

Stop by and hear more about the options available to you for YOUR future!

If you have any questions, please see Ms. Taylor Lane in the College & Career Center, or send an email:

tlane@central.k12.or.us

On Thursday October 15, students in the Health Occupations Club got to hear from our own school nurse, Angela Billman.

Students were able to listen to a presentation that focused on career planning, how to pivot to new pathways within one's career journey, and how education plays a role in this process.

Students also were able to ask questions about Nurse Billman's daily duties, work environment, and how to best take steps to reach one's goal of becoming a nurse.

Thanks again to Nurse Billman for volunteering her time for this presentation.

Health Occupations Club meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month at lunch in Mrs. Granum's classroom (#109).

Join us for a fun, fall pumpkin centerpiece arrangement class, led by Central FFA members and advisors.

Open to all ages, AND no experience required.

This class will be held on Thursday Oct. 21st @ 6pm.

Location will by the CHS Agriculture Compound.

Cost: $25

Pre-registration required AND spaces are limited to the first 20 sign ups:

https://tinyurl.com/CentralFFAClass

Please direct questions to Lynn Thomas or Mrs. Chase:

lthomas@central.k12.or.us

achase@central.k12.or.us

Professor Vaughn Walton from Oregon State University will be coming to our school to talk about his career as an entomologist. Entomologists study bugs and Professor Walton has an agricultural focus in his studies.

This event will take place on Monday Oct. 11th at 4pm in the College & Career Center (room #114)

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the field of STEM or Agriculture, this event is for you!

If you have any questions, please see Ms. Taylor Lane in the College & Career Center, or send an email:

tlane@central.k12.or.us

We are hosting a financial aid night on Thursday, September 30, at 6 pm in the CHS auditorium.

Financial aid representatives from Western Oregon University will be here to explain the financial aid process and answer student/parent questions.

There will also be a Spanish session held in the library.

Additionally, we will be hosting various colleges during PSP in the college and career center throughout September and October. Please check out the full list of visiting colleges on our College & Career Center website.

Good news for students interested in careers within the health care and medical field: Health Occupations Club is returning for the 2021/22 school year.

The first meeting will be Thursday, September 30 @ Lunch in Room #109

Please see Mrs. Granum in Room #109 or Mr. Centoni in Room #214 for more information.

Central FFA not only placed 1st in District FFA Rituals competition, but EVERY officer/participant earned the "Outstanding Officer" award for their role in the rituals contest!

The rituals contest is the official opening and closing ceremonies of an FFA event, meeting, or convention. Each office is stationed at a symbolic place or symbol of our organization.

The following students earned awards:

• President - Carlos Rodarte

• Co-Vice Presidents - Cassie Ainsworth, Melissa Diaz

• Secretary - Hannah Snair

• Treasurer - Jocelyn Castillo

• Reporter - Matilda Miller

• Sentinel - Landon Anderson

• Historian - Damian Bonacci

Congratulations to Central FFA!

The Gate will be hosting two (2) automotive clubs beginning the end of this month:

• The Beginner's Automotive Club will start Tuesday, September 21.

• The Advanced Automotive Club will begin Thursday, September 23.

Both these clubs operate from 4-5pm, and run for 10 weeks.

There is NO COST!

Students may check in with Mr. Centoni in room 214 at CHS for more information.

Registration Links:

• Beginner's Class

• Advanced Class

Central High School students will now have the opportunity to receive OSHA & WISH certification in forklift operation. Central School District recently purchased a new forklift for the Agriculture Program of Study, and Mrs. Thomas & Mrs. Chase were certified as authorized instructors.

Agriculture students may also receive their OSHA 10 certification, an important requirement for many industries partners.

The annual FFA Plant Sale at CHS concluded on April 30th, with the FFA Alumni raising over $8,000 to support student learning in agricultural sciences in our community.

Hanging baskets, bedding annuals, tomatoes and house plants were made available to the public.

Thank you to our community and industry partners for supporting this great event. See you next Spring!