The long awaited mock trial 3
Students in criminal justice 2 have been asking all year to have a third mock trial in class. That time has now arrived! They will prepare their parts and perform the trial this Friday. As always, it will be an excellent show and a hotly contested event.
ARCHIVED WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
CST Students Experience education outside the classroom!
On the field trip to Topgolf, students immersed themselves in a unique blend of fun and learning. This was perfect for our aspiring IT professionals to experience this outing and a hands-on lesson in the behind-the-scenes technology operations of Topgolf and the customer experience—all while swinging clubs and scoring points.
SHOWCASING STUDENT SKILLS, GIVING BACK, & Competitions!
ACE Students have been busy this spring showcasing our skills in a variety of ways! We have hosted events for our Preschool students, participated in competitions, and led opportunities for community stakeholders to learn about our content areas. From HCPS Henrico21 to the Annual Henrico Education Foundation Gala to ACE@HS Beautification Day and the State SkillsUSA Competition - it's been a busy spring!
BUILDING TOWERS TO WITHSTAND EARTHQUAKES
High Tech Academy second-year students designed and built balsawood towers to withstand a major earthquake. Each student's tower was unique and featured multiple floors and triangular truss designs. The towers were tested on a mini shake table that mimicked an earthquake of increasing intensity up to a 12 on the Moment Magnitude Scale for 3 solid minutes. The Moment Magnitude Scale (MMS) is a logarithmic scale that replaced the Richter Scale because it better captures the overall strength of an earthquake. Most students' designs successfully outlasted the simulated earthquake, even with multiple weight masses placed on each floor to model furniture, walls, and people inside the structure.
Cybersecurity: How do you know you Understand It?
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever before. Amidst the escalating threats of cyber attacks, the CompTIA Security+ certification stands as a beacon of assurance. This certification validates an individual's expertise in foundational cybersecurity skills, making them an invaluable asset to any organization. By obtaining the CompTIA Security+ certification, professionals demonstrate their proficiency in identifying security vulnerabilities, implementing appropriate solutions, and maintaining secure networks. Moreover, this certification is globally recognized, opening doors to a wide array of career opportunities in the cybersecurity field. In essence, investing in the CompTIA Security+ certification not only enhances one's skills but also solidifies their commitment to safeguarding digital assets in an increasingly interconnected world.
Students have been working diligently to secure their understanding of the objective's in order to pass the CompTIA Security+ Certification
police weapons
Students in criminal justice 1 are learning about the weapons and tools police officers carry. They became familiar with the taser, pepper spray, and firearms.
Exploring Future Pathways: A College Adventure at University of Richmond!
Hey tech enthusiasts! Imagine this: Senior Computer Systems Technology students embarking on a thrilling journey to the University of Richmond's School of Professional and Continuing Studies. This adventure is packed with tasty food, breathtaking views, and valuable insights into future career pathways!
First stop, Heilman Hall for a scrumptious lunch to refuel. Then, a stroll through the vibrant campus, soaking in the atmosphere.
Next, a visit to the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS). Here, students discovered career pathways from dual enrollment to earning degrees. They also learned about the costs and benefits of their educational journey.
In essence, this adventure was about empowering students to chart their course towards a bright future. So here's to seizing opportunities, embracing new horizons, and paving the way to success – one college visit at a time!
Proud ACE@HS Accomplishments
Our Grand Reopening was an excellent showcase of our new building and programs in February. Students have been competing in SkillsUSA and TSA District competitions this past month and many are advancing to states in April/May! We've had a few Teacher Challenges during planning time to keep the fun going and last month was a paper football challenge. Carpentry and CAD students have almost completed their CASA Playhouse Design/Build and it's looking awesome!
The CIA Triad: The Cornerstones of Cybersecuirty
In the realm of cybersecurity, the CIA triad plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of information systems. This triad consists of three core principles: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Confidentiality ensures that data is only accessible to authorized individuals, protecting it from unauthorized access. Integrity focuses on maintaining the accuracy and trustworthiness of data, preventing unauthorized alterations. Availability ensures that data and resources are accessible when needed, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
By understanding and implementing the CIA triad, organizations can establish a strong foundation for safeguarding their digital assets against various threats.
Traffic crash investigation
Students in criminal justice 2 are learning how to investigate and document traffic crashes. Students have learned how to properly document and reconstruct crashes to use in court proceedings.
Cst students Preparing To show off their skills at the Career Rodeo.
This past week our senior Computer Systems Technology students had the exciting opportunity to showcase their outstanding IT skills to potential employers. The Career Rodeo provided a platform for our students to demonstrate their proficiency in various aspects of information technology, troubleshooting hardware and software, virtualization, and networking. They received feedback, made connections, and explored potential internship or employment opportunities.
ACE@HS PROUD
We've had an amazing start to the 2024 year with students getting rave reviews from business partners at the Career Skills Rodeo, all programs are now moved into their newly renovated space, and one of our very own, Mrs. Brown, was identified by NBC12 for an Acts of Kindness award!
CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
High Tech Academy students were given a unique real-world engineering opportunity to create a holiday tree that was put on public display. Students used the Engineering Design Process to research, design, and then construct the tree. Just like true engineering tasks, the students had many limitations including only using items they brought or could salvage from other classes. Other ACE programs that contributed materials and their expertise in cutting wood and metal included carpentry, electricity, and HVAC classes.
The tree was publicly displayed in Richmond's Main Street Station during December for their Christmas Under the Clocktower community event. The ornaments on the tree were made by elementary school students and represent what they want to be when they grow up!
Inspiring Cybersecurity in Future Students
We had the most amazing time hosting a group of elementary school students for a field trip here at ACE. We wanted to give them a taste of the exciting world of IT and cybersecurity in order to spark their interest in potentially pursuing careers in this field.
The kids were absolutely thrilled to learn about the importance of cybersecurity and how it impacts our daily lives. We showed them some cool demonstrations and interactive activities that really got their minds buzzing with curiosity. It was so rewarding to see their eyes light up with excitement as they realized the potential for a future in cybersecurity. We hope that this experience will inspire them to consider this rewarding and in-demand career path. We can't wait to continue fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals!
Combating domestic violence
Criminal justice students in year two are learning how to handle domestic disturbance calls. Students showed mastery of handling the call safely, preparing the proper documents, and arresting the primary aggressor.
Configuring Wireless Networks and Devices
Computer Systems Technology II students have been diving into the world of configuring wireless networks and devices.
They are getting hands-on experience with setting up Wi-Fi networks, understanding different security protocols, connecting devices, and troubleshooting common issues that pop up with wireless connections. It's all about getting them familiar and comfortable working in a world that continuously increases the need to be connected.
Designing, Moving, & Visits
Our Trades classes are moving in soon to the Hudson Gym now that the renovation is almost complete. Classes, like motorsports, are busying designing new items for their lab now that their new equipment is arriving (fabrication will begin soon!). Plus, we've started hosting elementary school career visits to help them explore their future!
CREATIVE ENGINEERING
Second-year High Tech Academy students met the challenge of designing a vehicle powered by a single mousetrap. They used the Engineering Design Process to plan and create a vehicle that was both functional and unique. One student's car used gears to make better use of the mousetrap and traveled over 50 feet!
First-year students finished a unit on electric cars, and even built their own! Check this video out.
Exploiting Mobile DEvices
Mobile security is crucial in today's digital world. It's not just about protecting your personal information, but also guarding against cyber threats.
In a recent classroom lab, we disassembled and reassembled a laptop, learning firsthand how vulnerable our devices can be if not properly secured. Just like a laptop, our mobile phones hold a treasure trove of sensitive data. So, let's not forget to prioritize mobile security, whether it's setting strong passwords, keeping software up to date, or using reputable antivirus apps.
Stay safe out there, folks!
FOrensics
First year criminal justice students are learning how to collect latent fingerprints as shown on the card in the picture.
Second year students are learning how to properly sketch a crime scene. This is important in order to reconstruct the event later in court.
Computer Systems Technology
Our second year CST students are getting a chance to get some hands on experience learning about the components of a a large server. As part of this lab students disassembled and reassembled servers in small teams and also performed routine maintenance.
Our Impact
This month we've started our student organization club meetings for TSA, SkillsUSA, & Educators Rising. Our Trades program was thanked for participating in the CASA Home for Good Playground Project. We had Open House for future ACE centers and visted with hundreds of families. Our Hudson Gym Renovation is coming along and we are excited to move in later this winter. Finally, Staff enjoyed a fun pumpkin structure challenge to put their engineering skills to the test!
EXPLORING THE ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS
In High Tech Academy students have been learning all about the Engineering Design Process and how to apply it when solving a problem. As part of the process, students define the challenge and then research other people's solutions. This gives them a good starting point for their final plan.
The student's task was to work in small groups to design a device that could protect an egg from a 14-foot drop onto a concrete floor. One of the challenges they faced was finding materials they could use because they had many constraints - no packing material, no parachutes, no balloons, no liquids, no food, no straws, etc. They were also required to build the device so that you could get the egg into and out of it for testing.
About half of the groups were successful, but the most important part of the project was using the Engineering Design Process to solve the problem.
Securing Physical Computer Devices: A Crucial Step in Cybersecurity
When it comes to cybersecurity, most people focus on software solutions such as firewalls, antivirus programs, and encryption. While these are essential, it is equally important to secure the physical computer devices themselves, including desktops, laptops, and smartphones.
Recently, we practiced the assembly and disassembly of the physical machine. This allowed students to become familiar with the ports and connectors, as well as the potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited, resulting in the exposure of data to unauthorized individuals.
Criminal justice
Second year criminal justice students learned about searching in several different aspects. This week, they learned how to search arrestees, complete search warrant affidavits, and conduct building searches.
Computer Systems Technology
Our first year CST students are getting off to great start with learning the basics of assembling and disassembling computers. They are also being exposed to the rigorous but foundation level content that supports what they have been able to do in the lab.
Engineering Design
High Tech Academy students are getting familiar with their dual enrollment courses in math and physics. We are also exploring the Engineering Design Process with challenge activities.
Success is always underconstuction
Our theme this year at the ACE Center is 'The road to success is always under construction.' We are excited to be in our newly renovated space with a new front entrance (shown below). Some trades programs, like Carpentry below are still using the Oak building to host classes until their new space in the Hudson Gym is ready sometime this winter.
Our spaces are already making the news for the innovative approach we take in Career and Technical Education. Check out the visitors we had this past week visiting and interviewing our recent graduates who got their start thanks to ACE opportunities and amazing teachers!
