With the logistics and distribution sector booming in the Mobile area, we are stepping up to meet the challenge of filling growing workforce needs with a new Distribution and Logistics Academy, aided by partnerships with APM Terminals, The Port of Mobile, South Alabama Logistics Park and the Mobile Chamber.

Students will be introduced to the logistics field, learn industry-specific skills and processes, and study global logistics and supply chain management. Students can earn two certifications – Certified Logistics Associate and Certified Logistics Technician – that will position them to take advantage of the opportunities available locally in the industry at a time of unprecedented growth.

The teacher, Mr. Stringer, comes from the industry with experience as a logistics operator. He realizes the impact the Logistics Academy can have on a student's life. The Career Academies of MCPSS Summer Internship Program introduced him to the industry when he interned after his senior year. That internship led to a full-time career and a position as a logistics operator, which provided him the experience for the position as the Logistics Academy instructor.

The students' first assignment is to grasp the basic concept of logistics and create a concise yet effective definition of logistics and an explanation as to why it's important in our area, so they can explain it to peers, teachers, friends and family, and community. While many people see and interact with logistics-related positions often, they aren't quite sure what logistics entails and careers related to the Logistics Academy.

This year starts our new Dance Pathway in the Fine Arts Academy. Ms. Brooke McDonald is in the instructor, and she says, "I am using this year to get to know the students and their dance abilities." All students in the Dance Pathway will be taking Introduction to Dance, but Ms. McDonald expects to add level classes next year and also have an audition for a dance company. Ms. McDonald's main focus is modern, ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. They will have an annual dance showcase and participate in community activities.

The Raider Team competed in the ARGO Challenge at University of West Florida on September 16, 2023. They competed against 32 JROTC programs from all branches of service and dominated them all. The competition consisted of the Army Combat Fitness Test, 1-Mile run with equipment, HMMV Push, Tire flips, 150lb dead lifts, 165 lbs. Litter Carry, and finishing off with Tug- A- War.

Students in the Engineering Academy have been busy with new projects. The Civil Engineering class is Building model homes and buildings based off chosen architectural style.

Robotics students are creating "silly walks" robots as an introduction to coding for Artificial Intelligence.

Senior students in Ms. Hovell's Health Science internship class have been working in the healthcare lab to learn required skills that will be tested on the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam later this year. So far, students have learned and practiced the following skills in the healthcare lab:

• Handwashing
• Obtaining/Documenting Pulse
• Obtaining/Documenting Respirations
• Ambulating a patient using a gait belt
• Mouth Care
• Mouth & Denture Care
• Transferring a patient from the bed to a wheelchair
• Placing a patient in a side-lying position
• Emptying/Measuring/Documenting contents of a catheter bag
• Catheter Care

Throughout the year, students will practice skills to mastery, and they will have the opportunity to take the CNA exam before graduation. Over the past 10 years, the program has a 100% certification rate for students who have taken the CNA exam.

The Dental Services students in Ms. Sheffield's classes have been learning dental techniques through hands-on projects, such as learning to make temporary crowns. The dental lab has supplies and equipment to help students learn and practice skills that will prepare them for internships and entry level positions in dental offices. Through the projects, Mrs. Sheffield teaches students not only the correct techniques but also the proper safety procedures required for anyone in the dental field.

The Choral department is performing a decades concert: "Musing from the Last 50 Years" on Tuesday, October 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Theodore auditorium. A few songs in the concert are "Somebody to Love" by Queen, "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper, "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay, and "Easy on Me" by Adele. Tickets are $3 and will be sold at the door. It's sure to be a night of fun music that will take you back in time.