New RCHS CTE Courses added
Spring Semester 2026!
Embedded Files
Carpentry I
Carpentry I
Carpentry I has hit the ground running this semester under the guidance of Mr. Jim Waters, a VA Class A Contractor. Students are already deeply engaged in learning how to design a storage shed for RCHS. On Friday, January 9, Dr. Robin Bolt, RCPS Executive Director of Administrative Services, visited the class to share her vision for the shed, which the students will construct on the existing piers from a previous storage trailer. Using Dr. Bolt’s input, Mr. Waters skillfully guided students through the design process, providing real-world insight and hands-on learning. With more than 45 years of experience in design, construction, and real estate, Mr. Waters also serves as President of Stillwaters Construction, bringing invaluable expertise to the classroom.
Photos by Holly Jenkins
Public Safety I
Public Safety I
On Tuesday, January 6th, the new RCHS Public Safety class kicked off with introductions from our local law enforcement officers, who will serve as rotating instructors, along with Ms. Michele Fincham, who will provide additional support. Sheriff Connie Compton, Major Cody Dodson, Captain Jim Jones, Lieutenant Chris Garcia, Sergeant Matthew Bennett, Deputy Crystal Jenkins, Captain Janie Jenkins, and Jennifer Woodward each addressed the students, sharing insights into their respective roles and responsibilities within law enforcement.
In addition to law enforcement, the course will cover other public safety fields in corrections, communications, fire, and first aid/CPR. Later in the semester, Wayne Dodson and John F. Pearre will share their expertise in fire and rescue with the students. Other guest speakers will include probation officers, judges, and lawyers to provide students with insight into multiple public safety career opportunities.
Public Safety introduces students to foundational knowledge and real-world skills required for careers in criminal justice, emergency response, firefighting, and emergency communications (including 911/dispatch). Students will explore legal and ethical principles, public safety structures, safety protocols, emergency medical procedures, fire science, communication techniques, and the role of public safety professionals in community protection. Instruction includes virtual labs, scenario-based activities, and supervised experiences that support college and career readiness. The course is designed to prepare students to complete the necessary requirements to earn the Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC) Examination industry credential.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Rappahannock County Sheriff's Office and all our local public safety heroes for sharing their valuable time and expertise to make this course possible for RCHS students.
Photos by Holly Jenkins
'Tis the Season for CTE Industry Certifications!
Congratulations Students and our Amazing CTE Teachers!
Life Planning
Workplace Readiness Skills Certification Exam
CTE Life Planning Instructor :
Ms. Ashley Burgiss
Astrid Barrientos (not pictured)
Bentley Brown
Zachary Dayton
Marley Dunn
Amada Galardo (not pictured)
Jaidin Goessl
June Gregg
Morgan Greene (not pictured)
Joshua Hasse
Colt Helbock
Wyatt Jenkins
Che Moraria (not pictured)
Reed Morey
Mariah Phillips (not pictured)
Dorothy Reder
Emily Scheulen
Hailey Voorhies
Emily Wines
Piper Witt (not pictured)
Introduction to Hospitality
and Tourism
AHLEI (American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute) Guest Service Professional Certification Exam
CTE FACS Teacher: Ms. Ashley Burgiss
Astrid Barrientos
Amada Gallardo
Morgan Greene (pictured)
Melina Grunow (pictured)
Che Moraira
Aaron Oakes
Piper Witt
Small Engine Repair I
Small Engine Repair I
Principles of Small Engine Technology Certification Examination: Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) (administered by CEV Multimedia (iCEV)
CTE Small Engine Repair I Instructor: Mr. Chris King
Colt Barron
Tanner Gerndt
Landon Graves
Joshua Hasse
Shane Hawkins
Winston McKee
Logan McMillan
Lilyanne Newton
Abbigayle Nicholas
Alexys Pearre
Carolyn Robey
Isabelle Robey
George Saulsbury
Clark Snead
Hunter Streightiff
Micah Volmrich
Welding III/DE
Welding III/DE
American Welding Society Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Certification Exam
CTE Welding Instructor: Mr. Rich Hogan
Christopher Fielding
Logan McMillan
Clark Snead
Jason Streagle
Introduction to Health and Medical Science
Introduction to Health and Medical Science
National Health Science Assessment
CTE Health Science Instructor: Mrs. Courtney Atkins
Chloe Banks
Daniel Bayly
Tanner Gerndt
Dorothy Reder
Floriculture
Floriculture
BASF Plant Science Certification Exam
CTE Floriculture Teacher: Mrs. Sarah Moore
Ronin Rhodes
Lorelei Critzer
Alaynna Compton
Makenzie Eisenmann
Antonio Flores-Pilkington
Equine Science I
Equine Science I
Equine Science Certification Exam (YouScience)
CTE Equine Science I Instructor: Mrs. Michele Fincham
Brooke Crutcher
Maria Frelk
Molly Griffith
Adrianna Jackson
Taylor Pullen (not pictured)
Hunter Settle
Equine Science Advanced
Equine Science Advanced
National Horse Judging Team Coaches’ Association (NHJTCA) Equine Management & Evaluation Certification
CTE Equine Science Advanced Instructor:
Mrs. Michele Fincham
Abbigayle Nichloas
Veterinary Science I
Veterinary Science I
Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification Exam (ICEV)
CTE Veterinary Science I Instructor: Mrs. Michele Fincham
Alannah Blackman Batzel
Chloe Banks
Sydney Clem
Wyatt Creel-Sieber
Riley Garrido
Breanna Gilmore
Faith Harrison
Lilyanne Newton
Bryna Rinehart
Carolyn Robey
Isabelle Robey
Mckenna Sherry
Hailey Valle
Jayden Whitt
🌟 Congratulations to Isabelle Robey on earning 4th place in the Small Engine Repair competition at the Northern Area FFA Conference! 🚜🔧 This was Isabelle’s very first time competing, and she represented us with incredible skill and determination 👏 A special thank you goes to Mr. Chris King, who serves as our Assistant Supervisor/Mechanic for RCPS Transportation and teaches Small Engine Repair and Technology at RCHS, for his outstanding coaching and for inspiring students to discover their passions.
As Isabelle shared: “I think motors is probably my passion in FFA, and without him (Chris King) I wouldn’t have found that out.” 💙💛
We are so proud of you, Isabelle! 🌟
Rappahannock County FFA wrapped up the 99th Virginia FFA Convention with major honors and proud hearts!!
Here’s what we brought home:
✅100% Membership
🏅Gold Rated Public Relations
⭐Superior Chapter
🥈Silver Rated National Chapter Award
🥈Silver Scrapbook Award
🥈Emma Arnold placed 2nd in the Agriculture Education CDE!
The Veterinary Science team placed top 10 in the state, with Emma Arnold placing 4th highest individual!!
The Hipplogy team placed top 10 in the state!
We’re so proud of our chapter and everything we’ve achieved! The future’s looking bright!
💙💛
Congrats to Our Future Educators
Congrats to Our Future Educators
We're excited to announce the latest inductees into our Future Educators Academy (FEA) at RCHS! FEA is a fantastic college partnership lab school designed to help rising juniors who dream of becoming elementary and special education teachers. After completing their two-year associate degree at Germanna Community College, our FEA students can seamlessly transfer to one of our partner institutions. This means they can earn their bachelor’s degree and teaching license just two years after graduating from high school—what an amazing journey ahead! Congratulations to these future superheroes!
The Profile of a Graduate team hosted a Career Expo for juniors and seniors on April 24th. Twenty-three businesses participated in this event and offered a variety of jobs and career opportunities for the students. With completed generic job applications in hand, the students visited the various businesses to learn more about local job openings and possible career paths. Students were encouraged to visit all booths to learn about opportunities and engage in networking opportunities. The students who visited at least 20 booths had their names entered in a raffle to win a gift card. Additionally, they had other opportunities to have their name entered into a prize drawing based on their professionalism and asking thoughtful, insightful questions.
Thank you to all the businesses and organizations for making this event a success. This year’s participants included Blue Ridge Job Corps, Dark Horse Irish Pub, Dynalectric, Fauquier County Government & Public Schools, Fauquier County Government, Gray Ghost Vineyards, Holder Construction Company, The Inn at Little Washington, Jellystone Park- Luray, Northern VA 4-H, Off the Grid, Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, Rappahannock County Fire and Rescue, Rappahannock County Public Schools, Roman’s Hair Empire & Beauty Academy, Sperryville Volunteer Rescue Squad, US Airforce, Valley Health, VAMAC, Inc., VDOT, Virginia State Police, Walmart-Warrenton, and Yukon’s Treats, LLC.
Photos and write-up by Holly Jenkins
Course Scheduling
Course Scheduling
It's that time to look ahead to next school year and start thinking about what CTE elective you might be interested in adding to your schedule requests. In addition to the general program of study, available on the RCHS website, there is a Career and Technical Education catalog of anticipated course offerings.
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