Here is a glimpse into what’s happening in the CTE programs at WMS and WHS:
Joe Bosch’s WMS Horticulture class has planted over 300 blueberry cuttings that are growing strong. They are 90% done designing and building their own hydroponics garden. This will produce over 100 plants that will be producing vegetables all winter. Joe has been in contact with WSU and will be getting a grant to start a community garden on campus. The class has received a grant and is designing the landscaping for their outdoor lunch room. Next week the class will be going to Holland Bulb Farm to help plant bulbs and see how a commercial flower grower works. They have received hundreds of fuchsia plants as a donation and the class has invited a grower into the classroom to teach them the care and propagation of these plants.
In Wayne Miller’s classes, the beginning metal shop students have been learning to braze (lap joints, butt joints, lap joints) and the advanced metals students have been designing projects. One project is the desk another project is a front bumper for a truck. The auto shop students have been working on motors and vehicles (oil changes, lube joints, check tires, remove tires from rims).
Rose Ruff’s Marketing and FBLA students have started a custom apparel business where students will run their own apparel store. They can create and design t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, and crew necks. It’s up to students to find clients, advertise, process orders, design and create shirts for students, staff, and community members.
Nalean Warndahl’s HOSA is just getting started. They have yet to hold their first meeting and start talking about dues. They have a blood drive scheduled for Oct. for the students to use some of their new found knowledge of medical procedures.
Britt Jud’s LEGO Team had a scrimmage against 5 other schools Saturday, November 5th. It was a great opportunity for the students to run through the presentation on White Nose Syndrome and test the Robot in a real competition atmosphere. They did great with 2nd place finishes in Both Core Values and The Presentation. Our Robot programming proved accurate on a less than an ideal surface. I think they are really bringing the pieces together now as we race toward the December 3rd Competition at Caitlin Gable School in Portland.
Kim Miller’s Early Childhood students are preparing the room for their little preschoolers. Today they met Teacher Jen and learned about ways to work with their preschoolers and what to expect.
Culinary students have completed food safety and are in the process of taking the food handler test online. They have just started knife skills. SkillsUSA had an overwhelming turn out to their first meeting, 44 students have said they want to join. Mrs. Miller is currently serving on the State SkillsUSA board and is the South West Washington Co Coordinator. Off to a busy year already!
Mike Lindsay’s first semester of Intro to Computer Science is off and running. Our computer scientist volunteers are doing an amazing job. Students are getting acquainted with SNAP! - which is the language they are programming in? They have completed a few small labs focused on understanding the basics of SNAP! and have just started their first project titled "Animated Storytelling". For this project, the students animate and tell a story or nursery rhyme using SNAP!.
Mary Ellen Vetter’s FFA is starting off the year strong. Their membership is increasing, and they are in the process of planning the year's events. They will be attending a floral competition Sept. 29th in Portland and are planning on helping at Make a Difference Day this year.