Cascadia Tech News
June 3, 2020
From our Director
We are doing great things a Cascadia Tech Academy!
-Joan Huston, Director
Important Dates
Seniors – Thursday, June 4
Juniors – Friday, June 12
Click here for the schedule and detailed information.
Orientation for the 2020-2021 school year:
Click here to view the schedule for the virtual orientations.
Students on a wait list are encouraged to attend.
An in person orientation is planned for the third week of August. Please visit www.cascadiatech.org for updates.
Summer School Update:
We have been approved to offer several online summer school courses.
June 22-July 10 with no school on July 3.
Click here for class offerings, important information and the link to apply.
Distinguished Graduates
GAC Scholarship Winners
embracing continuous learning
Diesel Technology & Fashion Design
Adapting to distance learning, Ike Shoup is rebuilding his 1981 VW Diesel pickup using skills he has gained attending Diesel Technology. His classroom has just moved from the school’s shop to his garage!
Instructor, Mike Taylor shares that teachers are currently tasked with modifying curriculum to be completed in the home environment. These changes can be a challenge for most Career & Technical Education courses, which are heavily shop or project based. He proudly commented that Ike is thriving in this setting. Not only does he complete the written and traditional textbook assignments, he is using his home shop to put the information into a practical application. Ike said, “Distance learning has given me time to work on personal projects related to the Diesel industry and practice postmortem maintenance, like how I am rebuilding my truck.”
Ike will be graduating this month. He reflected on what his most enjoyable memories while attending Cascadia Tech by stating, “I enjoyed the hands-on work. My favorite project was getting the Louisville (Ford Truck) running, working on the Cummins. It made me feel accomplished.” He plans to continue his education and work experience this fall by securing a Diesel technician apprentice position. “Cascadia Tech has helped me prepare for my future by giving me the skills and understanding of the technology that I can apply in the field of Diesel Technology.”
Fashion Design students have stepped up to the challenges of distance learning. Research shows equity is of paramount importance when the classroom is in the student’s home. A sewing machine is a must in the fashion industry. Cascadia Tech made sure each student had one to use - by hand delivering machines if needed.
Croquis sketches, scissors, pins or dreaming of models walking the runway in their own collection, students have been enthusiastically designing and sewing a variety of projects. Kim Forbes shared, “All my students possess various levels of creativity and sewing ability and have shown their individual drive and desire to create! Even with the challenges of working with my minimal assistance via video tutorials, conferencing and e-mail.”
In addition to improving sewing skills, students are sharing insights into their personal growth. Margret Dezellem shared, “Building, creating, making things makes me come alive. I have learned that I really, really need goals and to be stressed to feel normal." Classmate Bailey Mae Goins said, "I have learned that I can be adaptive during challenging situations. [I want to] do research and learn more about options that can help me reach my goals." Hayley Courtney continued with, "I learned that I can rely on myself to get things done...I could start working harder on things I'm passionate about." Their instructor is impressed and proud of how hard the students have worked and pushed through the difficulty of self-motivation that distance learning can present. “These students have proven their grit and their passion through their art!” stated Forbes.