The CTAE Connector

From the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education

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September 2022 • Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Workforce

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Charting a Course to Student Success!

On August 4th, the Career, Technical and Adult Education team welcomed almost 200 teachers to the 2022-2023 school year! For the first time since 2019, we had the opportunity to meet face-to-face to celebrate the accomplishments of the previous year and to set the stage for CTAE student success as we continue to chart a course focused on educating and certifying workforce-ready graduates.


We are ready to support more than 36,000 students currently enrolled in 246 CTE courses throughout Pasco County. More than 30 new CTAE teachers have joined us, either in established programs of study or as inaugural staff members at the brand-new Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. We continue to partner with school-based administrative teams and industry partners to ensure that standards-based teaching and learning is infused with real-world relevance. It is an exciting time to be a part of career, technical and adult education!


As always, we are "Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Workforce" and we appreciate your support of our students and schools!


Please feel free to contact us at 813-794-2204, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @PascoCTE!


Stay safe, keep it simple and be well,

Lori Romano, Ph.D.

Director, Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education

2021-2022 In Review

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Wendell Krinn Technical High School Achieves National Certification

Wendell Krinn Technical High School (KTECH) has been recognized as a Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School by Magnet Schools of America (MSA). Nationally certified magnet schools provide high-quality, innovative educational options to families and students that promote choice, diversity, and academic excellence.


The national certification process is based on the Magnet School Standards of Excellence and the five pillars of magnet schools (diversity; innovative curriculum and professional development; academic excellence; high quality instructional systems; and, family and community partnerships). These pillars and standards define the essential elements and characteristics of high-quality magnet programs.


To become nationally certified, MSA member schools submitted a detailed application and participated in a rigorous evaluation conducted by MSA. The application process required schools to submit evidence demonstrating how they met each of the multiple indicators included in the Standards of Excellence. This included providing specific examples of how the school was promoting school diversity, closing the achievement gap, integrating a theme-based curriculum throughout the school, and encouraging parent and community involvement.


Nationally, there are currently less than 60 schools that uphold these Standards of Excellence.


- Pasco County Schools

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CTAE In The News

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CTE Business Partner Recognized by FLDOE

Congratulations to Ironworkers 397 on receiving the 2022 FLDOE Commissioner’s Business Recognition award! Keven Barber attended the August 2nd School Board meeting to accept this honor. The Business Recognition Award recognizes industry partners who demonstrate outstanding commitment to students by encouraging positive change and implementing bold, innovative approaches to improve academic achievement, while forging strong community involvement in Florida school districts to promote student success. Thank you, Ironworkers 397!


Pictured: Superintendent Kurt Browning, Keven Barber, CTAE Program Specialist Jen Batchelor, and School Board Chair Cynthia Armstrong


Photo credit: Andy Dunn, Pasco County Schools

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Fivay High School JROTC Recognizes Police Memorial Week

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We want to hear from you!

• Please share information about your program that you would like considered for the CTAE 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.

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FFA Steers Join the Barns at Zephyrhills High School

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River Ridge High School Teacher Shares the Spotlight at Governor's Press Conference.

On August 16th, River Ridge High School hosted Governor DeSantis, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., Superintendent Browning, Sheriff Nocco and other distinguished members of the community for a press conference announcing new initiatives to recruit teachers. Russell Vashon, from RRHS' New Teacher Academy, shared his journey to becoming an educator. He served in the Navy, worked in finance, and then became a teacher. Thank you for your service, Mr. Vashon, and for continuing to inspire the desire to teach!


Pictured below: Superintendent Browning; Mr. Vashon; Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Diaz and other special guests


Photo credit: River Ridge High School

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Fivay High Chefs Treat Staff to Culinary Confections!

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Land O' Lakes High Student Wins Top Honors

LOLHS student Ananya Potluri was recognized by the school board for winning 1st place in Health Informatics at the HOSA International Leadership Conference. She was recognized for this achievement at the August 2nd School Board meeting.


- photo by Andy Dunn, Pasco County Schools

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Cypress Creek High Brings Home Public Service Awards

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