PCS CTE Connections Fall 2023
Fall 2023 Week of November 6th - November 10th
CTE Director's Message
2023 - 2024 school year is all about taking Pender County Schools CTE to the next level. Our theme for this year is "Level UP". We plan to level up in impact, student success and community economic mobility. We have an amazing staff, programs, students and plans in place for this upcoming school year.
We are down to the final weeks of the Fall Semester of the 2023 - 2024 school year. We are continuing to engage our students in unique experiential learning activities that are preparing our students for their futures. These activities are helping to equip our students with the tools to be enrolled, enlisted or employed upon graduation.
There are 20 instructional days left in the Fall semester.
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End of Course state assessments, credentials, and performance based measurements are amongst us as we approach the end of the semester. I am hopeful that the engaging instruction, industry exposure, and field experiences we have provided this semester have fully prepared our students to be successful in mastering CTE content and reaching our goals listed below.
There is a local proficiency goal of 70% pass rate on CTE state assessments, 85% of offered credentials earned, 90% pass rate on Performance Based Measurement modules, and 75% credential attainment rate. Below you will find the data profile we are using this semester to gather Fall proficiency data.
Lets FINISH STRONG!
Remember that this week is National Career Development Month Spirit Week
Please encourage your staff, students, faculty and community members to participate in the Pender County Schools CTE National Career Development Month SPIRIT WEEK!
Monday, November 13th: YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT DAY! - Wear Bright Clothes and Sunglasses.
Tuesday, November 14th: FUTURE COLLEGE SHIRT DAY! - Wear your future college shirt!
Wednesday, November 15th: PROFESSIONAL DAY - Dress for a job interview!
Thursday, November 16th: DRESS LIKE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER DAY!
Friday, November 17th: DRESS FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER DAY!
Please send photos of school or individual participation to dominique_bates@pender.k12.nc.us
Huge thank you to all CTE teachers, leadership and staff for all that you do for our students daily!
Topsail High School Culinary Arts Class Gets Lesson in Cookie Science
Culinary Arts Course:
This course is designed to introduce students to the hospitality and foodservice industry by learning about components of professional practice and building basic knowledge and skills in food preparation, food manager, baking, and food service operations. The introduction includes students learning food safety, breakfast cookery, salads and sandwiches, quick breads and cookies, and dining room service. Art, English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies are reinforced
Topsail High School Public Safety Teacher Luke Smith Chosen for Teacher of the Month for the Month of October
Cape Fear Middle School Business Teacher Chosen as CTE Teacher of the Month for the Month of October
Mr. Altergott is a valuable asset to Pender County Schools CTE. He is a magnificent teacher who consistently engages his students and equips them with tools to become Enrolled, Enlisted or Employed upon graduation.
Per Mr. Simmons Cape Fear Middle School Principal:
"Mr. Altergott has come in and done an incredible job. He has attended district pd, out of district pd, brought back ideas and incorporated them in the classroom. Mr. Altergott is providing opportunities for our students to learn about various careers and pathways that our students can pursue. His teaching style provides for an inviting and safe classroom that all of our students can enjoy. Mr. Altergott has been a wonderful asset for Cape Fear Middle School staff and students. "
Topsail High School CTE Programs and CTE Students making a HUGE difference in the community with Greater Topsail Community Gardens Initiative Led by CDC Siobhan Fargo
Bob Fankboner
NOV 09, 2023
HAMPSTEAD, NC - Pender County Schools is thrilled to highlight an extraordinary initiative that underscores the outstanding contributions of Topsail High School students within our Pender County community. This year, Topsail High School has taken a leading role in a remarkable project partnered by the Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island and the Surf City Rotary Club - the Greater Topsail Area Community Garden. This project not only showcases the spirit of unity and community service but also demonstrates the power of youth involvement in creating positive change.
It all began with a simple conversation among former Club Secretary Cathi Litcher, Treasurer Kimberly Patrizi, and then-President Nicki Swafford. Swafford's suggestion of starting a community garden for "Share the Table," a local organization committed to "neighbors feeding neighbors," was met with an enthusiastic "Yes" from Litcher and Patrizi.
With a generous land donation from Cathi Litcher and her husband, the idea took root and blossomed, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Topsail High School students and staff. The students, in particular, have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
Siobhan Fargo, Topsail High School's career and technical education coordinator, played a significant role in connecting the project with student interns and various school groups. The horticulture students and Future Farmers of America helped plan and plant the garden, the woodworking class was instrumental in building raised beds, picnic tables, and benches, and the National Honors Society students joined the Key Club in volunteering to work in the garden.
This project has not only brought students from different backgrounds together but has also encouraged their active involvement in shaping their community. It is a testament to the commitment of Topsail High School students in giving back to the community and addressing important issues like food insecurity.
Moreover, the project has inspired students to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to enhance the garden's impact. Students have expressed a strong sense of purpose and personal growth through their involvement in the project. Their contributions go beyond the garden and extend to educational opportunities, leadership development, and creating a lasting community investment.
In addition to providing physical support for the garden, Topsail High School students have also demonstrated their commitment to the project's longevity and the betterment of the community. Their enthusiasm and dedication serve as an example of the positive impact that young individuals can have when given the opportunity to make a difference.
Middle School Career Exploration at Burgaw Middle School
Students in Ms. Newton's 8th grade social studies classes explored careers in Major Clarity this week. They did simulations for different career areas and investigated specific jobs to find out how much education is required, average pay, typical job duties, and how to connect careers to high school electives.
FLIPGRID FRIDAY - What are your Career Aspirations? What do you want to be when you grow up?
The link will be open throughout the month of November. IF you can participate with us, please do! Click the link below to participate. Check out some of our videos below.
November is National Career Development Month
All across the country, National Career Development Month in November signals a time for students and employees to focus on their future career choices. No matter their age, students in every classroom have an opportunity to explore careers. With every experience, they come closer to discovering a career choice that they will excel at for years to come. And like many of us, it will take several careers to shape the students of today into the professionals of tomorrow.
Below you will find a calendar of events that include Career Video Links, a Flip Grid Activity, and NCDM Spirit Week details. It is our goal in PCS Career and Technical Education that our students are enrolled, enlisted or employed upon graduation. In order to make this happen we need your help exposing our students to careers, allowing them to explore career choices, and creating opportunities for students to experience careers. By doing so, we are all encompassing our Pender County Schools motto "Classroom to Careers".
National Career Development Month Spirit Week - November 13th - 17th
Monday, November 13th: YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT DAY! - Wear Bright Clothes and Sunglasses.
Tuesday, November 14th: FUTURE COLLEGE SHIRT DAY! - Wear your future college shirt!
Wednesday, November 15th: PROFESSIONAL DAY - Dress for a job interview!
Thursday, November 16th: DRESS LIKE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER DAY!
Friday, November 17th: DRESS FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER DAY!
Please send photos of school or individual participation to dominique_bates@pender.k12.nc.us
Upcoming Events
Portrait of a Graduate
Portrait of a Graduate
An initiative led by the N.C Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to define the skills and mindsets students need for success after high school has been unfolding since March. Now, with the help of 1,200 North Carolinians across the state, this grassroots-informed Portrait of a Graduate has been finalized.
Revealed October 18th the result of that effort – known as the Portrait of a Graduate – aims to ensure that North Carolina students are well equipped for the broadest range of postsecondary opportunities. Aligning with State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Catherine Truitt’s 2022 focus on the “Year of the Workforce,” the Portrait can be adopted by schools and districts to better prepare the state’s 1.5 million students for civic life, career or college.
As determined by the design teams that were part of the initiative, the statewide Portrait identifies seven competencies that students should possess upon graduation from high school to help them thrive in the 21st century.
These include:
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Empathy
- Learner’s Mindset
- Personal Responsibility
My Future NC Data
PCS CTE's vision of ensuring that students are enrolled, enlisted or employed are aligned with My Future NC and House Bill 664. To ensure that the state remains economically competitive, the state shall ensure that by the year 2030, 2 million 16 to 24 year olds will have earned a recognized industry credential or post-secondary degree.
The data in the report below:
•Highlights county and regional performance on key indicators
•Lists specific opportunities for improvement that will ultimately lead to increased attainment
•Facilitates decision-making on LOCAL priorities
•Uses data to identify three actionable opportunity areas to improve future attainment outcomes
Contact Information Below
Email: dominique_bates@pender.k12.nc.us
Location: 925 Penderlea Highway, Burgaw, NC, USA
Phone: 704-918-3245