LEINITIA ROBINSON – LucieLink

HCA Assistant Chief Nursing Officer visits FPWA

April 14, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Assistant Chief Nursing Officer Lex Lalicon from HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital recently visited the Nursing Assistant program students at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The W.E.S.T. Prep Magnet (FPWA). The event featured an engaging and informative discussion on setting goals, career paths, and options in the nursing and healthcare industry. Topics covered included planning for post-high school graduation, transitioning to college, and pursuing a career in healthcare. Students learned about the opportunities and benefits of nursing, current employment demands within the healthcare sector, and tuition reimbursement or scholarships available to HCA employees. Additionally, students gained insights into various departments and … Read More

Nursing Assistant Students Experience Simulated Hospital

April 14, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from St. Lucie West Centennial High School (Mrs. Ciufo and Mrs. DeJesus’ classes) and Fort Pierce Westwood Academy (Mr. Burchell’s classes) recently attended a special event at Indian River State College’s School of Nursing. Fifty students, who have either earned or are working towards their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) industry certification, were invited to participate in a simulated learning day alongside college nursing program professors. The event included a comprehensive college tour, hands-on learning experiences in classroom and hospital simulation rooms, detailed information about the nursing programs offered at the college, admission requirements, available scholarships, and a question-and-answer session. … Read More

Career & Technical Education Entrepreneurship Showcase

April 7, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department recently hosted middle and high school students from across St. Lucie Public Schools for the CTE Entrepreneurship Showcase. Supported by business alliances, the event featured awards provided by sponsors. Students not only competed but also had the opportunity to network with post-secondary education leaders, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. The focus leading up to and during the showcase was on infusing lessons centered on entrepreneurship, innovation, and providing mentors to support students in developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Winners of the Event: New Food Truck Concept (High School) 1st Place: Treasure Coast High School (Jayanna G., … Read More

SLPS Celebrates Career & Technical Education Month

March 10, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Throughout February, St. Lucie Public Schools proudly celebrated Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. This initiative highlights the importance of K-8, Middle, and High School CTE programs and courses in preparing students for success in furthering their education and careers after high school graduation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ashley Capital for generously sponsoring the CTE shirts, to Xello for professional learning day prizes, and to Certiport for providing ear pod cases. Their support plays a crucial role in celebrating CTE. A special thank you goes out to all the dedicated Career and Technical Education teachers and administrators, supporting … Read More

Training Day for Fort Pierce Central’s EMR Students

March 3, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from Mrs. Applebee’s Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program at Fort Pierce Central High School recently participated in a training day with the St. Lucie County Fire Department. This invaluable experience provided students with the opportunity to complete a variety of educational and simulated training. The training day was packed with a variety of educational activities, including HIPAA Training, CPR/AED skills, a Fire Station Tour, and a Flight Rescue Team presentation. This hands-on experience not only enhanced the students’ practical skills but also inspired many to continue their education in nursing, emergency medical services, therapy, and fire. The collaboration between … Read More

Chart Your Course: Marine & Maritime Career Expo

March 3, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie Public School students recently had the unique opportunity to participate in the Chart Your Course: Marine & Maritime Career Expo. This exciting event was hosted by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation in collaboration with the Career & Technical Education department of St. Lucie Public Schools. It was designed to introduce 8th graders and high school students to the numerous career opportunities within the marine and maritime industries as part of the district’s “Classrooms to Career” initiative. The expo featured a diverse array of industry and business professionals, and post-secondary institutions. A wealth of knowledge through hands-on demonstrations … Read More

Becoming a Physician with HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital

February 17, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The St. Lucie Public Schools Office of Teaching and Learning, in collaboration with the Curriculum and Career & Technical Education (CTE) departments, recently hosted the “Becoming a Physician” event with HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital. Over 200 Fort Pierce Central High School students from the classes of Mrs. Applebee (CTE teacher), Ms. Charles (CTE teacher), Mrs. Thawley (CTE teacher), and Mrs. Friedberg (Science teacher) registered for this informative event. Special guest presenters from HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital included Drs. Matese, Cardriche, Rhim, Munkres, and Williams. These esteemed professionals shared valuable insights into career opportunities within the medical field and … Read More

SGA Boys Basketball Joins Forces with IRSC Men’s Basketball

February 3, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The Samuel S. Gaines Academy of Emerging Technologies (SGA) Boys’ Basketball Team, led by Head Coach Cliff Robinson, recently experienced the red-carpet treatment courtesy of the Indian River State College (IRSC) Men’s Basketball Team. The SGA student-athletes were immersed in a day filled with college and athletic insights, campus tours, and the thrilling opportunity to witness the IRSC Men’s Basketball Team in action during a collegiate game. This collaboration marks the beginning of a promising partnership between the two programs, aimed at fostering a positive alliance and expanding opportunities for student-athletes within St. Lucie County. Special thanks to Mr. Keith … Read More

Clerk of Courts Career Exploration Day

February 3, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from the Criminal Justice programs at Fort Pierce Central High School (teacher: Mr. Neal Wilder), Fort Pierce Westwood Academy (teacher: Ms. Mildred Brown), St. Lucie West Centennial High School (teacher: Mrs. Angela Baumgarten), and Treasure Coast High School (teachers: Mrs. Nerieda Cintron-McCray and Mr. Diego Rios) participated in a Clerk of Courts’ Career Exploration Day. This event was hosted by Michelle R. Miller, Clerk & Comptroller of St. Lucie County. All 135 students enjoyed a variety of activities, including a presentation by a K-9 handler, a courtroom tour, guest speakers, forensic evidence analysis by investigators, a drone demonstration, and … Read More

Florida International University Hosts Biomedical Research Internship Program for SLPS Students

August 5, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Florida International University (FIU) recently organized a prestigious summer internship program, specifically tailored for students from St. Lucie County. Thirteen exceptional students were selected to participate in this enriching opportunity. The internship spanned five weeks and focused on biomedical research training at FIU’s Center for Translational Sciences (CTS). From June 3rd to July 5th, these students delved into various areas, including biosciences, biomedicine, and data science. Through hands-on experience, they honed essential research techniques, developed scientific reading and writing skills, and learned how to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. During their internship, students collaborated closely with FIU … Read More

Chart Your Course: Maritime & Marine Career Expo

February 26, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie Public School students (middle and high school students) participated in the Chart Your Course: Maritime & Marine Career Expo. This event was hosted by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation in partnership with the Career & Technical Education department (St. Lucie Public Schools). This career expo provided opportunities for students to learn about various career pathways available to them in St. Lucie County. Local Maritime and Marine business representatives provided information on skills and education needed for various career options, along with guided knowledge on obtaining career goals. The day afforded each student the time to explore post-secondary … Read More

Career & Technical Education Entrepreneurship Mentors, #CTEmonth

February 19, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Career & Technical Education (CTE) teacher, Mrs. Jasmine Shepherd, lead teacher for the Sports, Recreation & Marketing program at Port St. Lucie High School, is strengthening her students’ connection to community and business experts. Mrs. Lisa Cobb (Executive Director – Youth Empowered to Prosper) and Mr. Jordan Harold (Founder & Entrepreneur of Black Chain, a bitcoin company) were guest speakers for Mrs. Shepherd’s students and are now serving as mentors. Later this month, Mrs. Sheena Heppern of REAS Marketing, will be a guest speaker. Mrs. Shepherd’s students are preparing for the CTE Entrepreneurship Showcase coming up in April 2024. The CTE office has worked … Read More

TCHS Engineering & Manufacturing PreApprenticeship to Apprenticeship Connection

February 5, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Treasure Coast High School’s (TCHS) Engineering and Manufacturing program students learned about Apprenticeship opportunities available to them after high school graduation. Students in the program were then able to register for one of two available pre-apprenticeships (Welding or Industrial manufacturing) while enrolled in the program at TCHS. Thank you to Ms. Colleen Gill (CareerSource Research Coast – Apprenticeship Navigator) for presenting to Mr. Phil DePuy’s students. (Photos courtesy of Mr. DePuy) #CTEmonth

Criminal Justice Collaboration with Clerk of the Circuit Courts & Comptroller, Michelle R. Miller

February 5, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from the Criminal Justice programs (Career & Technical Education) participated in a special session hosted by St. Lucie County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Michelle R. Miller. This session included multiple presentations from the St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office, IT department, Detention staff, Probation & Parole officers, court staff, and more! Students were then provided an opportunity to tour the Courthouse and sit in on a live trial. Thank you to Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Michelle R. Miller and her team. Together, they put a meaningful presentation and provided career exploration opportunities for St. Lucie … Read More

Preapprenticeship Opportunities at TCHS – Engineering/Manufacturing

January 2, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Mr. Phil DePuy’s students from Treasure Coast High School (Engineering and Manufacturing programs) were afforded an opportunity to participate in a presentation hosted by Colleen Gill (Apprenticeship Navigator) from CareerSource Research Coast. Students learned about apprenticeship opportunities available to them after high school along with education and career options for those wanting to pursue a career in the industrial manufacturing industry. Mr. DePuy offers the pre-apprenticeship program for students enrolled in his program at TCHS. Ms. Colleen Gill is also an Engineering/Manufacturing Advisory Board Member.

CTE High School Nursing Assistant Students Participate in Skills Lab and Tour at IRSC School of Nursing

November 13, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

CTE high school students from Fort Pierce Central High School, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, Port St. Lucie High School, and St. Lucie West Centennial High School participated in a School of Nursing Day at Indian River State College. The high school students are a part of their high school’s Nursing Assistant program at their respective school. Students participated in a campus tour, simulated wound care lab, IRSC and School of Nursing informational session, and opportunity to view current nursing students in action in the new simulated hospital at the IRSC Pruitt Campus. Thank you to IRSC’s staff and College of Nursing … Read More

Middle School CTE Students Connects With IRSC Health Science and Nursing Programs

November 13, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

CTE Middle School students from Dan McCarty Middle School and Northport K-8 were participants in a guest speaker presentation for IRSC’s Health Science and Nursing programs. Thank you to IRSC Deans Dr. Anne Hubbard (Health Science) and Dr. Patricia Gagliano (Nursing) and their team for the presentation, Mr. Kevin Fess (Northport K-8) and Ms. Nadjhla Gracia (Dan McCarty Middle School) for opening their classroom for this opportunity. Students in both sessions were able to get hands-on demonstrations and college information. Hands-on demonstrations included the use of personal protective equipment, using a stethoscope, and a simulated phlebotomy arm for students to … Read More

Pathways to Becoming a Physician or Scientist

November 6, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The Pathways to Becoming a Physician or Scientist event was held at Lincoln Park Academy and live-streamed for students at the other high schools. Students from high school CTE and science classes from all over St. Lucie Public Schools participated as either live or as virtual audience members for the event.  Additionally, middle school students within the Allied Health program at LPA also joined. This event was co-hosted by the Career & Technical Education (CTE) and the Science Curriculum departments.  This session focused on opportunities in the medical and science fields.  The purpose of this session was to have students learn … Read More

Middle School Students Virtual Field Trip to Agriscience & Veterinarian Technician Programs at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy

October 23, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) department hosted virtual field trips as a platform to connect students to opportunities within SLPS high schools and increase awareness of college and career pathways. Middle school students within the district and their teachers went on a virtual field trip to Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The WEST Prep Magnet. The students learned about the career opportunities and pathways available to them including Animal Science, Agriculture Mechanics, and Veterinarian Assistant. Each program engaged students with virtual demonstrations, classroom and lab tours, and a question-and-answer segment with students in the program. A special thank you to … Read More

Career & Technical Education Teachers Completed Professional Learning with Advisory Board, Business Alliances

October 23, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers from multiple programs completed a day of learning with industry and post-secondary institutions for knowledge on industry and workforce updates. These CTE educators were able to tour the facilities, gain knowledge on the newest state-of-the-art technologies, and learn about what is needed for students to be both career and college ready. Professional learning took place at Indian River State College (hosted by Natalia Chekhovskaya, Executive Director of Advance Manufacturing) for applied robotics, engineering, manufacturing, industrial biotechnology, agriculture mechanics, outboard marine, and technical design educators from St. Lucie Public Schools. HCA Healthcare Physician Offices hosted … Read More