• Please share information about your program that you would like considered for the CTE monthly newsletter (photos, awards, events, certifications, etc.).

• Don't forget that you can email Pam Willoughby (pwilloug@pasco.k12.fl.us) with news and photos you want posted on our social media platforms at any time throughout the month.

READY, SET, GO! is not only the annual strategic planning theme of Richard Hayes (Chief Executive Officer and managing partner of Digital Lightbridge®) but also the career starting line for MTC Commercial Art student Rebekah Baker. Rebekah has raced into a paid internship offered by longtime MTC advisory board member Rich Hayes at his strategic marketing solutions company, Digital Lightbridge.

As a graphic artist intern, she was welcomed to their team and immersed quickly into their culture. Surrounded by technology including four monitors, an iMac with magic mouse and keyboard makes up her workstation. Rebekah says, "My mentor and Creative Director, Chris Whitten, gives excellent instructions. I'm grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to learning from his over fifteen years at Digital Lightbridge." Her first day's activities included social media posts and document editing. Way to "run the race", Bekah!

We appreciate the partnership between MTC, Commercial Art, and Digital Lightbridge. This student's future and our MTC Commercial Art community collaboration are going full speed ahead.

- submitted by Linda Bourne

Special thanks to the Pasco Education Foundation for their donation of wikki sticks, canvas totes to decorate, and positive-thought stickers so 150 students from Thomas E. Weightman Middle School could make individual "calming kits" to take home over winter break. The kits included resources for students to develop more life skills.

- submitted by Jenna Eyers

In our "Little Gator Preschool", Land O' Lakes High School Early Childhood Education students work closely with preschoolers, using hands-on activities and a variety of projects. They understand that children learn best in an active environment that is designed to match their level of development. Students work hard to create lesson plans and developmentally age-appropriate activities for our preschoolers.

- submitted by Fatima Bichoutar

Wiregrass Ranch High School has added a fourth patient bed to its lab. The expansion will allow more Nursing Assistant students to practice what they are learning in the classroom.

- submitted by Dr. Lynn Deitrick

Land O' Lakes High School Culinary Arts students capped off the first semester with our annual Gingerbread Houses! The students make their own templates and designs. They get to design their houses however they would like and we have a great time seeing what they come up with every year.

Sometimes the Florida humidity doesn't cooperate, and this year was no exception, but these kids were SO proud and they did a great job!

- submitted by Chef Jeremy Blythe

Wiregrass Ranch High School culinary seniors recently visited the Green Door on 8th restaurant in Dade City. Chef/Owner Greg Fowler showed us around his culinary empire and provided some "New American Eatery" treats. Students enjoyed Green Door's twist on BBQ brisket, smoked chicken wings and shrimp and grits. We are also hoping to collaborate with them to start an internship/externship program with Wiregrass Ranch in the near future.

- submitted by Chef Wilson Rodriguez

Isabel Amortegui and Gabriela Chabollas received Excellence Awards for November and December. Leticia Rodriguez earned the Most Improved Award and Ren Chang was awarded with Best Actor for his portrayal of Scrooge in our drama production.

One of our program's goals is to help students transition to a post-secondary career, technical program, or to gainful employment. My adult learners presented their own job expo as students shared about their dream jobs. Faculty and staff from Pasco Adult joined in with the fun event. Also, the Adult ESOL program hosted two former ELL's who came to speak to the current students about their careers with Florida Blue. We celebrated this event at Pasco District Park. Then, in December, we toured Marchman Technical College and experienced their winter fest. It was an educational and enjoyable time for all.

Students showed off their acting skills as Ms. Sandy's classes performed an original production of "Scrooge". Included are pictures of the actors in full costume as Scrooge, Present Teacher, Past Teacher, and Future Teacher. The dramedy was complete with festive songs and music. On Dec. 17th, Adult ESOL held its 2nd annual Holiday Bazaar which included handmade decorations and candles, delicious baked goods, elegant jewelry, and beautiful floral arrangements. Finally, our classes participated in the high school's Angel Tree program. Included is a picture of 4 of Santa's elves delivering the special gifts to the adopted students.

- submitted by Rebecca Sandy, ESOL Instructor

Pasco Adult Education @Wesley Chapel