CATEC Newsletter
November 2020
2020-2021 School Year Information
Director's Message
I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday! As we wrap up November, I am impressed by the efforts of our students and teachers and look forward to seeing our students in the building beginning the week of December 7th.
We sent out a mailing to high school students last week. Each student received a large envelop to include a CATEC COVID-19 Screening Tool and a Reopening Information Letter, which includes personalized information, the student’s class day, the student’s entrance point into the building, and the student’s means of transportation to school.
Student who have not yet completed and returned the Beginning of the Year information were provided a physical copy to complete along with an important Director’s Message stating: “This MUST be completed before students can work in the lab. Please fill out and return to CATEC. Students may return it on their first day of class. Please call CATEC at (434) 973-4461 with questions or concerns.” Students who do not submit this Beginning of Year form may not be allowed to complete labs.
Our teachers, staff, Assistant Principal Mr. Smith, and I are very much looking forward to having students back in our building safely. We have spent countless hours focusing on mitigation strategies, making the safety of everyone in our community a top priority. Please continue to monitor your email, our Website, and social media for updates as information evolves.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Carter
Important Form:
Auto Body Repair Paint Booth
Culinary Arts Student, Dartangan, and Chef Preparing Treats
Adult Education Nurse Assisting Students Participate in Clinicals at Commmonwealth Senior Living
School Counseling
Career Development & Workplace Readiness
In Career Development this month, students continued learning about today's workplace by looking at which generations of adults are working, what thoughts and behaviors affect the diverse workforce, and what role students play in that diversity.
This month, programs focused on the following VA Workplace Readiness Skills: #4 Integrity and #10 Teamwork.
Automotive Body Repair
Building Trades
Cosmetology I and II
Culinary Arts I and II
Electricity
Emergency Medical Technician
In November, students learned a few skills using the toolkits CATEC provided. They filmed themselves performing skills such as splinting, applying a sling, and measuring blood pressure and pulse rates. The skills they are doing currently will support them in coming back to the classroom in early December. EMT students are also currently working on completing independent study courses through FEMA, which provides them with credentials through that agency to add to their resumes. A reminder to students that the Return to CATEC videos must be viewed, and Skills Lab Policy must be signed and submitted on Schoology before they will be permitted to participate in skills labs.
Fire Science
Nurse Assistant
Veterinary Science
Academic Courses: English 11, English 12/Government, & Personal Finance/Economics
English 12/Government students learned all about the election process in the U.S. in Unit 2. They also focused heavily on evaluating bias in the media (especially with the election happening). Students practiced finding different types of bias in print and video. Students completed the KQED Youth Media Challenge, which asked them to create an argument around an issue that affects them. They could share that argument in a podcast, selfie video, or narrated slideshow. Students are encouraged to submit their final product to the challenge. In December, students will start unit 3, which will focus on the judicial branch and the Supreme Court of the US.
Personal Finance/Economics students demonstrated how to determine and set a personal budget, how to create long and short term SMART financial goals, and how to select and manage a checking account. They discussed "the checker gets what the checker checks" concept in that you have to frequently check your accounts so you know what money is there and you don't overspend, thus avoiding those pesky overdraft fees. In December, students will review savings accounts as one financial vehicle to make students money "work for them" by earning interest. One of the savings concepts they will discuss is to always "pay yourself first" by allocating a portion of your paycheck to a savings account that you deem "off limits."
Adult Education and Apprenticeship Programs
Visit www.catec.org or call us at 434-973-4461 for inquiries.