News and Communications for St. Lucie Public Schools
Constructing the small room helped students in the Building Construction Technologies program at Port St. Lucie High School marry the theoretical to the practical. After learning about safety and the names and proper use of tools, students go on to learn the basics of framing, electrical, drywall installation, repair, and finishing in residential buildings. Students are also introduced to the basics of plumbing and HVAC.
Students in the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair program at Fort Pierce Central High School went on a Field Trip to the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Motorcycle Mechanic Institute (MMI) locations in Orlando. The students toured the automotive, marine, diesel, and motorcycle programs. They showed genuine interest, asked many questions, and a couple of students plan to enroll in the automotive program.
Port St Lucie High School’s Skilled Trades Advisory Board Meetings are now being held virtually. Teachers, school administrators, guidance counselors, district support personnel, and representatives from the Treasure Coast Builders Association met via Microsoft Teams on October 19, 2020 to continue the important collaboration between the St Lucie County School District and industry. The goal remains to ensure our Career and Technical Education students are college and career ready upon graduation.
Bruce Gardner, the Building Construction teacher at Port St Lucie High, is demonstrating welding to his students with the Miller AugmentedArc VR/AR welding kit. For beginner to advanced-level welding students, the AugmentedArc system simulates multiple welding processes (MIG, TIG and Stick), blending real-world and computer-generated images into a unique, augmented reality environment.
On Thursday October 8th, 2020, Brian Brown, Automotive instructor at Port St Lucie High School was recognized at the Treasure Coast Builders Association’s St Lucie Chapter chapter monthly meeting. Mr. Brown gave a brief overview of his program and areas of emphasis. In the photo (left to right) are Brian Brown, Douglas Harvey and Keron Belgraves.
Bruce Gardner, the Building Construction Technologies teacher at Port St Lucie High School, was invited to speak at the Treasure Coast Builder’s Association’s (TCBA) monthly meeting. The 8:00 AM meeting was held at the St. Lucie Trail Golf Club in St Lucie West. Mr. Gardner spoke about what he is doing to prepare students to enter the workforce and for careers in the Skilled Trades industry. His lab is equipped with “trainers” for Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Drywall installation and Repair and household Electrical. Attendees were impressed to learn that soon, his program will have a 3D printer and Laser Cutter/Engraver. … Read More
Julio Vazquez and Dan Kroger of the Florida Masonry Apprentice and Education Foundation demonstrated to students how to lay block, apply mortar and build walls. All students were engaged and excited for the hands-on experience.
Port St. Lucie High School’s Automotive students toured the St. Lucie Battery and Tire facility on Orange Ave in Fort Pierce. Featured in the photograph is Jeff Deans sharing his expertise with the students.
St. Lucie Public Schools recently highlighted a new Outboard Marine Technology Program at St. Lucie West Centennial High School. Nearly 100 freshmen at the school were introduced to the program which launches in August 2019. Dana Caputo and Keron Belgraves of the Career and Technical Education department spoke about the practical elements of the course. On display were a boat and trailer, pneumatic and battery operated tools, electrical tester and snap electrical circuit trainers. Jill Marasa of the Economic Development Council and Justin Beard of Derecktor Shipyards added to the sense of excitement when they spoke of the job opportunities … Read More
Faculty, staff, students and invited guests were witnesses to an event dubbed the CO2 Races at Port St. Lucie High School. Students in Mr. John Picchiarini’s class designed the cars using AutoCAD 2018. The designs were then 3D printed on site. Two by two, the cars were lined up at the starting line and powered along fishing lines by CO2 cartridges.
Students in the Carpentry and Drafting Programs at Port St. Lucie High School were provided an overview of constructing a home from land prep to closing. The students were educated by Joe Stein and Richard Bukowski, both construction managers from GL Homes. Joel Dramis, Building Code Administrator for the City of Port St Lucie, provided expertise on the permitting process while Jim Brann of the Porch Factory talked about the traits he desires in employees, as well as scholarships provided by the Treasure Coast Business Association.