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Email: sachi.edson@austinisd.org
Website: https://cliftoncds.austinschools.org/
Location: 1519 Coronado Hills Drive, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: (512) 414-3614
Facebook: facebook.com/CliftonCDSAustin
Twitter: @cliftoncds
Ag Mech (Welding)
First-year students in Ag Mech (Welding) passed their oxy-fuel cutting skills test in December and are beginning stick welding/SMAW (shielded metal arc welding) this semester. Before the break, they also took a quick detour from metal to experiment with Lichtenberg figures in wood. Our second and third-year students completed a large offset smoker on commission and delivered it to a happy customer!
Culinary Arts
Our Culinary Arts students prepared seven successful Friday luncheons over the fall semester and incorporated Clifton-grown ingredients into several meals. In December, our second and third-year students hosted a guest speaker from the Escoffier School of Culinary Arts who talked about life after high school. These students will be submitting their entries into the preserved foods and baked goods categories of the Travis County Youth Show this month. *Best of Luck*
Early Learning
At the end of last semester, our Early Learning students hosted their second No Place for Hate assembly to discuss cyberbullying. Before the break, first-year students completed a unit on the different components and considerations that go into planning a daycare or PreK classroom, and, in January, they will be diving into the stages of child development. Second and third-year students are taking more initiative at internship and practicing positive redirection when responding to toddler behaviors.
Health Science
First-year students in Health Science completed a safety unit before the break, which included personal protective equipment, fire safety, and body mechanics. Second and third-year students are excited to begin their internships and hospital rotations this semester, gaining vital first-hand experience. Several students will also be participating in the upcoming Future Premed Summit at the University of Texas.
Hospitality
Our Hospitality students decorated, baked, and performed front-of-house duties (greeting customers, taking payment, expediting curbside orders, waiting on customers in the dining room, etc.) for seven successful Friday luncheons last semester. In November, our second and third-year students hosted a guest speaker from Fairmont Austin to learn more about roles within a hotel. In December, the program was also asked to decorate for a district-wide principals' meeting.
Plant Science
Our first-year students in Plant Science learned all about propagation last grading period (i.e., making more plants out of other plants). All students helped manage a very successful Winter Poinsettia Sale! Our second and third-year students took over orders this year, responding to customer emails, confirming orders, and scheduling pick up. Before the break, our students also partnered with PEAS and the Urban Forestry Grant for lessons in caring for 42 new trees across our campus.
Career Prep
Our 12th-grade students in Career Prep are solidifying plans for life after Clifton and taking steps toward reaching those goals. That means submitting job applications, taking the TSI, getting their state IDs and driver's licenses, learning to navigate public transportation, etc. There are more site visits and guest speakers scheduled for January with students exploring trade-oriented careers at TECO, touring ACC Highland, and learning about affordable housing options in Austin. We're also excited to welcome back a Clifton alum to discuss his own postsecondary transition.
Transition
During this past grading period, students in our Transition Program continued internships at Dollar Tree & Walmart along with other community excursions. In the classroom, they focused on identifying their SPIN: strengths, preferences, interests & needs. This self-awareness serves as the foundation for self-advocacy, which is critical throughout the transition to adulthood. In January, students will begin Student-to-Industry Connection, which will focus on interviewing, resume-writing, and professionalism.
Laundry
Our laundry services have picked up across the district, and Clifton is washing/delivering linens in record volumes. In the spring semester, we hope to recruit additional student employees for a weekly shift. These students will have the opportunity to become vendors with the district and earn piece-rate compensation.
We are also hiring a teaching assistant for our laundry program. Anyone who is interested can complete an application HERE.
