February 5th 2025
Today, our freshman students at Edison Career & Technology High School had the incredible opportunity to participate in a large group assembly with guest speakers from EvolvOptic, a leading optical manufacturing company based in Rochester, NY. As a technical and CTE-focused high school, this event was a significant milestone, exposing our students to real-world industry insights and future career opportunities.
About EvolvOptic
Formerly known as Advanced Glass Industries (AGI), EvolvOptic has been a trusted name in optical component manufacturing for over 75 years. The company is at the forefront of the rapidly evolving optics industry, continuously growing its capabilities and expanding its production capacity. With an experienced team dedicated to innovation and high-quality component manufacturing, EvolvOptic remains a key player in shaping the future of optical technology.
Why This Matters
The assembly provided students with an inside look at the exciting world of optics manufacturing, a crucial industry in Rochester’s high-tech sector. Our freshmen had the chance to hear firsthand about the career pathways, cutting-edge advancements, and the skills needed to succeed in this growing field. Events like these align with our mission at Edison Tech—to connect students with real-world career possibilities and industry professionals.
We extend our gratitude to EvolvOptic for their time, expertise, and commitment to inspiring the next generation of technical professionals. We look forward to continued partnerships that provide our students with valuable learning experiences and career exploration opportunities.
February 4th 2025
On Tuesday, February 4th, Edison Career & Technology High School hosted All Things College & Career Day, an all-day event dedicated to helping our seniors prepare for life after high school. The event was well-attended and incredibly impactful, providing students with personalized guidance on their next steps, whether heading to college, pursuing trade programs, or entering the workforce.
In Room 1B5, our dedicated school counselors worked one-on-one with students, offering support in:
✅ College Applications – Helping students complete and submit their applications.
✅ Financial Aid & Scholarships – Providing guidance on FAFSA, grants, and scholarship opportunities.
✅ Career Planning – Assisting students with exploring post-secondary career options and next steps.
With Chromebooks in hand, students took full advantage of this valuable opportunity, asking important questions and receiving expert advice tailored to their individual goals. Events like this are a testament to our commitment to student success—ensuring every Edison senior is prepared and confident in their next steps.
A huge thank you to our school counselors for their hard work and dedication in making this event a success. The future is bright for our Edison seniors!
#EdisonTech #CollegeAndCareerReady #SeniorSuccess #FutureReady #CTE #PostSecondaryPlanning
February 5th & 6th 2025
🔎 Edison Students Gain Real-World Experience on Job Shadow Day! 👏
Edison Career & Technology High School students recently participated in Job Shadow Day, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of industries! This opportunity allowed them to explore career paths, connect with professionals, and see firsthand what it takes to succeed in different fields.
🌟 Participating Students & Host Locations:
💼 Business & Communications
Isaiah Andrews – The Tax Experience LLC
Phoebe King – City of Rochester Communications
💇♀️ Beauty & Cosmetology
Kristina Arroyo – Continental School of Beauty
Jade Ingram – Continental School of Beauty
Adiel Moreno – Continental School of Beauty
🔧 Skilled Trades & Technical Careers
Delvion Bell – Local 13 Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Service Techs. / JATC Electricians
Tajiere Carter – Local 13 Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Service Techs.
Brianna Gonzalez – Local 13 Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Service Techs.
Deandre Morgan – Local 13 Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Service Techs. / Mindex
Noh'zead Ross – Local 13 Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Service Techs.
Dontae Strong – Local 13 Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Service Techs.
Carlos Gonzalez – JATC Electricians
⚾ Sports & Entertainment
Marquaijah Johnson – Rochester Red Wings
Tyzier Tisdale – Rochester Red Wings
🏥 Healthcare & Senior Care
Nyasia McFarland – St. Ann’s
A'Zariah Williams – St. Ann’s
📚 Education & Public Services
Leannah Cummings – Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
Luis De Jesus – Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
Jacob Santiago – Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
💻 Technology & Engineering
Charles Albright – Mindex
Ridha Khazaal – Mindex
Robert Mitchell – Mindex
🎨 Creative & Arts
Patience Hall – Flower City Arts Center
Jade Ingram – Dot Connection
📡 Telecommunications
Zoeliz Balleste – Spectrum
👏 A huge thank you to our host businesses and organizations for opening their doors and providing our students with invaluable learning experiences!
This hands-on experience is a key part of preparing our students for successful careers. We can’t wait to see what’s next for these future professionals!
#EdisonCTE #JobShadowDay #FutureReady #CareerExploration #RealWorldLearning
Media Links:
-RCSD Website: Click Here
-WHEC Channel 10 News: Click Here
-WHAM Channel 13 News: Click Here
February 12th 2025
Edison Tech Freshmen to Attend Second Industry Presentation with EvolvOptic
📢 Exciting News for Our 9th Grade Academy & P-TECH Students!
On February 12th, all 9th Grade Academy and 9th Grade P-TECH students will have another incredible opportunity to engage with EvolvOptic, a leading optical manufacturing company in Rochester, NY. This presentation will take place in the Edison auditorium from 8:45 - 10:00 AM and will provide students with a deeper look into the world of optics manufacturing and career pathways in this high-tech industry.
🔎 About EvolvOptic
Formerly known as Advanced Glass Industries (AGI), EvolvOptic has over 75 years of experience in optical component manufacturing. As a key player in Rochester’s thriving optics industry, the company continues to expand its production capabilities while shaping the future of optical technology.
💡 Why This Matters
This presentation aligns with Edison Tech’s mission to connect students with real-world industry professionals and expose them to career opportunities in technical fields. Our freshmen will gain valuable insight into:
✔️ The latest advancements in optics manufacturing
✔️ Skills and education needed for careers in the field
✔️ Career pathways within EvolvOptic and the broader optics industry
🔬 Building the Future of Tech Careers
We are thrilled to welcome EvolvOptic back for another engaging session and look forward to strengthening this partnership. Thank you to EvolvOptic for investing in the future of our students!
#EdisonCTE #FutureReady #EvolvOptic #STEMCareers #CareerExploration #CTEWorks
Website Link: Evolvoptic.com
February 2025
📢 Empowering Students for Success!
Throughout February, Edison Tech seniors in the Construction & Design pathway are engaging in a Junior Achievement Career & Financial Management collaboration. This program connects students with real-world financial literacy, career readiness, and business education, helping them build essential skills for life beyond high school.
💡 About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement (JA) is a national organization dedicated to preparing young people for the future by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Their programs focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and career readiness, helping students develop the knowledge and confidence to achieve their dreams.
🛠 Why This Matters
✔️ Students gain hands-on insights into budgeting, investing, and career planning
✔️ Industry experts provide guidance on navigating financial decisions
✔️ Seniors learn how to connect education with real-world career goals
👏 A big thank you to Junior Achievement for providing our students with this valuable opportunity!
#EdisonCTE #FutureReady #CareerSuccess #FinancialLiteracy #ConstructionAndDesign
Website: Click Here
February 2025
📢 Industry Experts Share Insights on Architecture & Engineering
On [Event Date], Edison Tech juniors and seniors in the Construction & Design pathway had the privilege of hearing from Kathryn Simplicio of Passero Associates, a leading architecture and engineering firm. The session provided students with a firsthand look at careers in structural design, civil engineering, and construction planning.
🏗 About Passero Associates
With over 50 years of experience, Passero Associates specializes in engineering, architecture, surveying, and planning. Their expert team delivers innovative and sustainable solutions for projects across the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest.
🔍 Key Takeaways from the Guest Speaker:
✔️ Career paths in engineering, architecture, and design
✔️ The role of technology and sustainability in modern construction
✔️ Industry insights from a leading professional in the field
🙏 We appreciate Passero Associates for investing in our students' futures!
#EdisonCTE #PasseroAssociates #Architecture #Engineering #CareerExploration
February 2025
📢 Exploring Careers in Architecture & Engineering
Edison Tech juniors and seniors in the Construction & Design pathway recently welcomed Michael Short, AJ Gartland, and Tyler Gage from Popli Design Group (PDG) for an insightful guest speaker session. These experienced professionals shared valuable industry knowledge, giving students a deeper understanding of engineering, architecture, and project management.
🏗 About Popli Design Group
Founded in 1982, PDG is a full-service architecture and engineering firm with expertise in transportation, commercial, industrial, and government projects. As a minority-owned business (MBE), they have been a trusted partner for over 40 years, providing innovative solutions in structural, environmental, and civil engineering.
🔍 What Students Learned:
✔️ How architects and engineers collaborate on major projects
✔️ Career opportunities in design, planning, and construction
✔️ The importance of problem-solving and innovation in the industry
👏 A huge thank you to Popli Design Group for inspiring our students!
#EdisonCTE #PopliDesignGroup #Architecture #Engineering #BuildingTheFuture
February 2025 ET News
In this edition of ET News, we cover exciting career exploration opportunities, insights from district leaders, and ways parents are getting involved in student success.
🔹 Spotlight Interview: Commissioner Camille Simmons
DJ Jackson sits down with newly appointed Rochester City School Board President Camille Simmons to discuss her journey into leadership, her passion for youth mentorship, and her vision for the district. She shares how her personal experiences shaped her commitment to education and the importance of governance in improving schools.
🔹 Career Exploration: Hands-On Learning
Students had the chance to step into the workforce by visiting local businesses and industries. From the Mayor’s Office to Channel 13 News, seniors explored 16 different career clusters, gaining valuable insights into potential future careers.
🔹 The Future of Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Sheldon Cox, Executive Director of Career & Technical Education, discusses how CTE programs are evolving to prepare students for high-demand industries. He emphasizes the importance of early career exposure, innovative programs like robotics and drones, and the district’s commitment to ensuring students graduate with skills for success.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our interview with President Simmons next month, where we dive deeper into her goals for Rochester schools!