Helendale School District
Career Technical Education
ACE High School
"The Academy of Careers and Exploration exists to prepare every student to learn and work in the 21st century. At the heart of this mission is our belief that all students can learn, a belief that is coupled with our commitment to high standards of learning that we expect all students to achieve."
"Our mission is to cultivate the full potential of young leaders as we propel ethical, career ready individuals into the community."
The ACE CTE program supports our mission statements by preparing students for careers within the public safety sector. Our programs in Fire Science, Emergency Medicine, and Criminal Justice teach students necessary technical skills in the classroom and provide real world experience with industry partners. In addition to technical skills and experience, students are taught communication, responsibility, and other personal skills needed in all aspects of life.
1-Year Goal:
Our immediate goal is to secure the necessary administrative resources, funding, and institutional support to drive the growth and expansion of our program. This foundational phase will enable us to enhance our offerings and better serve our students’ educational and career aspirations. Additionally, we are pursuing certification through the Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN), a distinguished credential that will reinforce our program’s credibility and align us with national standards for excellence in public safety education.
3-Year Goal:
Over the next three years, our focus will shift towards strengthening our network of local industry partners and fostering ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders in the community. By expanding our connections with local businesses, public safety organizations, and community leaders, we aim to provide our students with increased access to internships, mentorships, and real-world learning opportunities. These partnerships will play a crucial role in enhancing our students’ practical knowledge, occupational readiness, and professional development.
Long-Term Goal:
Our long-term vision is to establish our program as a model Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. By achieving this, we aim to set the standard for excellence in career-focused education, serving as an exemplary program that other institutions can look to for guidance in developing effective CTE pathways. Our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and industry alignment will drive us toward this ultimate goal, providing a sustainable, impactful program for generations to come.
The current student/instructor ratio appropriate for teaching occupational skills
The current student/instructor ratio appropriate for teaching occupational skills
A chart might be best
Class schedule
Number of students enrolled in each class
Number of students with an IEP, 504 and/or ESL
Number of instructors (include resource teachers)
The program is promoted within the school campus, the Helendale School District website, and to prospective students via posters and announcements.
Marketing Plan
Our marketing plan is to reach those who are outside the school district and to utilize and promote our social media(s). We have also done events outside our district such as our Tunnels to Towers fundraiser that we partnered with the Victor Valley Fire Academy to raise money for families affected by 9/11, and our Pediatric Cancer Awareness month fundraiser/collection event that we partnered up with Loma-Linda Pediatric hospital to gift the children with new toys and art supplies.
Advocation and Collaboration
While our courses are for high school only, we advocate to our middle school student body as well as those who are currently in high school. We do this via our schools PA system and our numerous fundraisers and events.
We work with our administration, counseling, and other staff to ensure our fundraisers and events are properly advertised by giving notice, getting approval, pushing advertisements, and collection.
Our website and social media accounts are current, maintained, and updated. We post approximately once a week on our various social media. Our posts include reminders for class registration, community service opportunities, and other notifications for students and CTE members.
Social Media
Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@acectso
Instagram - @acehscte
FaceBook- https://www.facebook.com/ACEHSEMS
Our school counselors play a vital role in supporting the Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher (M. Dickinson) and the programs I teach to ensure students are well-prepared for both academic and career success. Their collaboration with me enhances student engagement, career planning, and alignment with industry standards. Here are several key ways our counselors work with me:
Academic and Career Advising: Counselors help students understand the benefits of CTE pathways by providing guidance on the various career and academic options available within each program. They assist students in choosing courses aligned with their interests, abilities, and career goals, helping them understand how CTE pathways can lead to both college and career opportunities.
Pathway Promotion and Enrollment: Counselors play a role in promoting CTE programs to students and parents, highlighting the hands-on learning and career-readiness aspects of CTE. They actively support enrollment by guiding students through pathway prerequisites and sequences, ensuring students can complete the program within their high school years.
Scheduling and Sequencing Support: Working closely with me, counselors ensure that students can complete all required courses within a pathway. They help manage scheduling conflicts, prerequisites, and course sequences to keep students on track for certification and program completion.
Individualized Student Planning: Counselors contribute to individualized education plans (IEPs) and career plans, especially for students interested in CTE programs. They collaborate with me to assess each student’s needs, strengths, and career interests, creating tailored education plans that align with CTE offerings.
Promoting Industry Certifications and Articulation with local Colleges: Counselors help students understand the value of industry certifications and, atriculation with Victor Valley College and Barstow Community College allowing students to earn college credit. They work with me to identify eligible students and ensure that they are aware of these opportunities, enhancing post-graduation employability and educational advancement.
Monitoring Student Progress: By working with me, counselors monitor students’ academic progress, attendance, and engagement within CTE programs. This allows them to intervene early if students need additional support, ensuring they stay on track for graduation and program completion.
Parent and Community Engagement: Counselors help bridge communication between me, students, parents, and community stakeholders.
Social and Emotional Support: Recognizing that some CTE fields require unique interpersonal skills and emotional resilience, counselors work with me to offer students guidance on soft skills, professional etiquette, and emotional preparedness for industry demands. This holistic support helps students build both technical and interpersonal skills essential for success in the workplace.
Through this collaborative approach, the counselors and I build comprehensive support systems that guide students through their high school education and prepare them for meaningful careers and further education.
Budgeting
CTE Instructor and ACE administration keep track of whole program budget
Career Technical Student Organization Treasurers keep track of budget for SkillsUSA and other CTSO's
Equipment Allocation and Expenditure Procedure
Student Officers or CTE Instructor identify needed equipment, resupply, or other program expenditures.
Expenditure and Order Form filled out and turned in to ASB or School secretary.
ASB evaluates and approves form. School secretary completes purchase order and other paperwork through school administration.
Equipment is shipped to CTE classes.