During the month of February, Pelahatchie High School along with the career and technical community takes time to honor CTE (Career and Technical Educational) programs. Career and technical education plays a vital role in college and career readiness for our students and their future. Pelahatchie High School takes pride in offering valuable CTE programs such as Computer Science, Ag & Natural Resources, Health Science, Family & Consumer Science, and Engineering.
Computer Science (taught by Kessie Key and Luke Cotnam): Exposure to computer science begins in our elementary school with Mrs. Rebecca Nelson (STEM). As our students move into junior high (7th and 8th grades), Mrs. Key and Coach Cotnam work alongside them showing them the effectiveness of critical thinking and problem-solving in real-world situations with a focus on computers and technology. We deep dive and learn where computer science is used in their field of interest and how these core concepts of computer science can provide insight into a field of opportunity they may not have considered. Computer Science is also taught in a high school elective we offer, Exploring Computer Science. Students learn a more scoped focus of computer science concepts such as Web Design, Programming, Computing and Data Analysis, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and E-Textiles. For many of our students, this is an opportunity again to explore career fields they may not have ever considered prior to being exposed.
Ag & Natural Resources (Bob Robinson): This is one of our oldest onsite CTE Programs at PHS. This program has provided ample opportunities for our students to gain hands-on learning experiences and enhanced community involvement. The Ag program at PHS has attracted students from the community because we offer hands-on learning and experiences that may otherwise be missed. The students in this program learn concepts like plant care, welding, tool identification, farm life, career exploration, critical thinking, communication and public speaking, and so much more. Mr. Bob Robinson has also successfully operated our school's FFA program for many years. Our FFA students range from 11 years old to seniors in high school. These students plan, prepare, and compete in areas such as creed speaking, officer opening/closing speaking, national creed speaking, tool identification, and welding.
Health Science Academy (Elizabeth Luker): One of the newer academies at PHS has offered a promising future for so many of our students. This pathway prepares our students to become a nurse (RN or specialized), health data management technician, physician, or over 170 other medical related fields. The Health Science Academy has offered the opportunity for our students to gain insight and understanding of the real world expectations of these jobs. Students learn what a day in the life of, as well as a career in the life of, these careers may look like. Our Health Science Academy has been led by medical professionals that have transitioned to the education setting. Mrs. Elizabeth Luker, a certified Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse with a focus in brain and spinal injury patients is currently leading our Health Science Academy. Mrs. Luker is bringing real world experience to teach and guide our students into their future career paths.
Family & Consumer Sciences, Resource Management, Health, Family Dynamics (Mandy Herrington): Students learn concepts that focus on family and home life concepts. The objectives covered in these classes are important to student function in everyday life as a young adult. Students learn how to cook, how to handle financing (including wedding and household budgets), how to handle an infant, as well as how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students also learn about valuable real-world concepts such as the stock market, money management, and operating a bank account. Students who participated in the stock market game competition last year placed highest in the state on various teams.
Engineering (Nikki Nutt): Engineering is one of the newest CTE pathways on the PHS campus. Mrs. Nutt provides teaching and learning opportunities in the fields of applied science and mathematics, engineering, computer science/information technology, and engineering technology. This course creates an atmosphere of innovation and exploration while learning the importance of the engineering design process, critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and trial and error of production. Students within this course are also offered the opportunity to join our TSA student organization which is also new to our campus. The growth and possibilities within this pathway are abundant in the career and technical education field.
Each of these pathways provides exposure for our students that could change their future life course. Career and technical education is a powerful way of reminding students that their successful future is our goal, whether they plan to attend college, attend trade school, join the military, or go straight to the workforce. Pelahatchie High School’s vision is our driving force to ensure every student is safe, supported, and successful. In the realm of CTE here on campus, we pride ourselves on the experiences we offer our students. Those experiences would not be possible without the outpouring of support from our community members and business partners.
During the fall and spring semesters, our CTE department invites local businesses and community members to come together and discuss ways to improve our educational and real-world experiences for our students. The spring CTE community meeting will be held on February 21, 2024, at 7:45 am. If you would like more information on our CTE programs or have an interest in attending our next meeting, please contact our CTE Department Chair, Kessie Key at 601-854-8135 or [email protected].
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