Tag: #BuildAFuture

Thankful for CTE (Career and Technical Education)

December 2, 2024 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie West Centennial High School Culinary Arts students invited Northport K8 Culinary Arts 8th graders to collaborate on a Thankful for CTE (Career and Technical Education) event at Centennial High. Their plan was to work together in the Centennial High School Culinary Arts’ commercial kitchen. The instructors, Chef Chris Balachak at St. Lucie West Centennial and Chef Tiffany Tredor at Northport K8 created a plan for their culinary students to work together. Principals Mr. Rustay and Ms. Popwell supported the event which had the middle schoolers collaborating with high school mentors to create a Thanksgiving-style meal that included dishes … 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

Culinary Arts Cooks at Derby Day

May 13, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Culinary Arts students from Northport K8, Port St. Lucie High School, and St. Lucie West Centennial High cooked up a storm at the Derby Day celebration at Monarch Country Club. Students cooked Kentucky Derby-themed recipes including Port St. Lucie High School’s Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons, Louisville Chicken Sliders, and Shrimp on Savory Grits Cake, St. Lucie West Centennial’s Chilled Tomato Shooter Gazpacho, Pork Sliders with Chow-Chow & Apricot Jam served in a Brown Butter & Caramelized Onion Biscuit, Mint Julep Almond Vanilla Cupcake With Blackberries and Bruleed Bananas, and Northport’s Chicken and Waffles bites, Deviled Eggs, Cucumber Canapés, Rosewater/Cardamom cupcakes, … Read More

Westwood FFA Parliamentary Procedure at Board Meeting

April 15, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy students and FFA members Lilly Revels, Berkley Barnes, Elizabeth Rufo, Jayden Weil, Alyssa Coppock, and Laila Chastine presented Parliamentary Procedure at the monthly School Board Meeting. Westwood’s proud Principal Alfonso, Assistant Principal Gordon, and Agriscience Instructor Jenna Blakenbaker cheered them on as well as St. Lucie Public Schools Career and Technical Education CTE Director Aliesha Seitz.

Westwood FFA Horse Judging Competes

April 8, 2024 By Dana Caputo

The Fort Pierce Westwood Academy FFA Horse Judging team competed at the University of Florida FFA State Horse Judging contest against the best horse judging teams in the State of Florida. They had to pass the preliminary online test and be a top 15 team at the State Fair to be eligible to even compete at the State contest. Westwood’s team placed 6th in the state with 3 freshman and only one veteran judger. Wow! Team members consist of Zoey Thomaselli, Abigail Brickley, Madison Curtis and Adrianna Spotts. Congratulations!

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

Outboard Marine Service Technology Virtual Field Trip

February 19, 2024 By Dana Caputo

St Lucie Public Schools middle school students participated in a Virtual Field Trip to St. Lucie West Centennial High’s Outboard Marine Service Technology Program. The middle schoolers were able to see hands-on activities on electrical troubleshooting, engine mechanics troubleshooting, and marine service lab activities, and ask questions. Big thanks to Mr. Bob Kachanis Outboard Marine Service Instructor, his students, the St. Lucie Public Schools Media Services team for recording, St. Lucie West K8, Southern Oaks Middle, Oak Hammock K8, Dan McCarty Middle, and Allapattah Flats K8 for a great field trip!

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

Port St. Lucie Culinary Arts Cooks Jamaica-Me-Crazy

January 22, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Culinary Arts students in Chef Roland Foerster’s classes cook and serve tasty Jamaica-Me-Crazy lunches. Students learned Jamaican cuisine recipes and cooked up entrée choices such as Stewed Oxtail, Curry Goat, Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pulled Pork served with Pigeon Peas, Butterbeans, Rice, and Johnnycakes. Delicious!

Marine Service Gets on Board at the Boat Show

January 22, 2024 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie Public School Outboard Marine Service Program students attended the Boat Show in Stuart. Students met with employers from the local marine industry and visited boats docked at the show. Students heard about career opportunities in various areas of the marine industry as well as the increase in marine jobs in St. Lucie and Martin counties. It was a great day for the students. Big thanks to Robb Abbott at Oceanwide Electronics, Jill Marasa at Ashley Capital, and Justin Beard at Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast MIATC for planning this day for students.

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

Sunshine Kitchen Cook-off

October 30, 2023 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie Public School Culinary Programs competed at the Sunshine Kitchen in Fort Pierce.  Five outstanding high school culinary students along with an Indian River State Culinary Institute student formed teams and competed at the Sunshine Kitchen Cook-off. Judges included Chef Mike Febre, True Roots Catering, Guytano D’Anna, Bonefish Macs, Leslie Moyers, Sunshine Kitchen, Jacques Larson, Cathy Townsend, St. Lucie County Commissioner.  The winning team was Aristhene Thelisnort, Fort Pierce Central High and Justin Stolaj, Indian River State Culinary Institute each winning a $1,500 scholarship.  Big thanks to Gina McCants, St. Lucie County Tcerda Research Park, Chef Deb Midkiff, IRSC Culinary Institute, … 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

Port St. Lucie High School’s Technical Design Students Meet Architects

October 23, 2023 By Dana Caputo

Students in Mr. Picchiarini’s Technical Design class met Guest Speaker, Carlos Luis Flores Blancaneaux RA, Project Manager at Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. The students were engaged in seeing designs turn into buildings. Aline Mar, Architectural Designer at Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. is an alumnus of Treasure Coast High School and spoke about courses to take, the challenges of the job, studying overseas, and loving architecture.    

Justice Jam! Indian River State College and Criminal Justice Students

October 23, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Indian River State College presented Justice Jam! for Criminal Justice students from Fort Pierce Central, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, St. Lucie West Centennial, and Treasure Coast High Schools.  The Career and Technical Education department assisted the Indian River State College Criminal Justice department in getting over 100 students to IRSC for this event.  The Justice Jam was unique as the lead hosts were Mr. Dewey (Indian River State College and SLPS Criminal Justice Advisory Board Member) and Captain Milo Thornton (Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, IRSC Board of Directors appointed by Governor DeSantis, IRSC Alumni, Fort Pierce Westwood Alumni) and … Read More