Standard 1

Organization and Administration

Standard

Buhach Colony High School’s Public Safety Program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and rigorous foundation in the field of public safety and its related disciplines. The program’s curriculum is intentionally aligned with clearly defined learning objectives to ensure students develop the critical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies necessary to pursue a variety of career pathways, including military service, law enforcement, corrections, probation, and other public service professions.

Through hands-on learning experiences, scenario-based training, and career-focused instruction, students gain exposure to criminal investigations, law enforcement procedures, interview techniques, ethical decision-making, and leadership development.

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to explore military opportunities, enter the workforce with industry-relevant skills, or pursue higher education in criminal justice, public safety, or federal law enforcement fields to support long-term career advancement.

Program Goals

1-Year Goal

During the first year, the primary goal is to successfully implement structured work-based learning opportunities through partnerships with Merced College and the Merced County Sheriff’s Office. Students will participate in internships and hands-on experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world law enforcement practices. Establishing these placements will create a strong, sustainable foundation for the pathway and ensure students gain meaningful exposure to career environments early in the program.

3-Year Goal

Within three years, the program will expand student engagement in regular work details and active participation in community events. Students will consistently support public safety initiatives, assist with community-based activities, and represent the program at local events. These experiences will strengthen professional skills, deepen community partnerships, and increase the visibility and credibility of the pathway.

Long-Term Goal

The long-term goal is to establish a high-quality, industry-aligned program that fully prepares students for postsecondary education, advanced training, and careers in law enforcement and public safety. The pathway will foster strong technical skills, ethical decision-making, leadership development, and career readiness.

Over time, the program’s student organization/club will grow, become self-sustaining, and transition to a student-led model where members take ownership of events, mentoring, recruitment, and community involvement. The ultimate measure of success will be graduates who are confident, career-ready, and prepared to lead in their communities.

Para-Program Goals

The Public Safety Pathway at Buhach Colony High School aligns with the mission and vision of our district and school by fostering a culture of academic excellence, integrity, and community engagement. Our program provides a comprehensive learning environment where students develop essential character traits such as accountability, respect, collaboration, discipline, and leadership.
Through rigorous coursework, hands-on experiences, and real-world applications, students are prepared for success in college, career, and life. The pathway emphasizes meaningful partnerships with families, community organizations, and public safety agencies to ensure students are supported both in and beyond the classroom while building a strong foundation for future achievement.

Students working at the AT&T Pro Am

Student being recognized by USP Atwater

Rosters

2025-2026 Classes

First Period: Criminal Justice (31 Students)

Second Period: Prep Period

Third Period: Criminal Investigations (25 Students)

Fourth Period: Intro to Public Safety (34 Students)

Fifth Period: Intro to Public Safety (35 Students)

Sixth Period: Intro to Public Safety (32 Students)

Seventh Period: Intro to Public Safety (29 Students)

Number of Instructors: 1

IEP & 504 students thrive in CTE (Identities Confidential)

Marketing

BCHS promotes CTE Public Safety through our Instagram @bchs.public.safety and throughout campus with our club.

Collaboration

Our school counselors play a critical role in supporting the success and growth of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Buhach Colony High School. Collaboration between counselors and pathway instructors is essential to maintaining the integrity, equity, and effectiveness of the Public Service Law Enforcement pathway.

In a strong CTE model, counselors are more than schedulers — they are strategic partners in:

Student recruitment
Appropriate placement
Retention and program completion
Equity and access
Postsecondary and career planning

When counselors fully understand the expectations, rigor, and career opportunities within the Law Enforcement pathway, they can:

Guide motivated and career-focused students into the program
Prevent misplacement that may impact student success
Promote the pathway to underrepresented student groups
Help students understand long-term career implications early

Accurate information and strong collaboration lead to better enrollment decisions, stronger student commitment, and higher program completion rates.

Accountability

The CTE instructor and administration keep track of the whole program budget. Funding for the program is determined by the Associate Principal in charge of overseeing CTE at Buhach Colony High School. The district supports industry-standard equipment, and the budget varies from year to year depending on needs.

Equipment Allocation and Expenditure Procedure:

CTE instructors receive input from our advisory board to help identify needed equipment, resupply, or other program expenditures.

Appropriate vendors provide quotes, which are then forwarded to the Associate Principal.

A purchase request is then sent to the District CTE administrator for approval.

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