PHS CTE: Students Step Up

​Scenario: An athlete at Patriot High School has a bleeding wound. 

PHS 2.JPGOutcome: “Instead of me taking care of that wound, one of my students will step up and say 'I want to take care of that.' And then they do," said Cynthia Cuccio, a patient care/sports medicine teacher at PHS. “They know exactly what to do and how to handle the situation.  That makes me proud every time."

At Patriot, Career Technical Education (CTE) students learn reliability, dedication and hard work – among other soft skills – along with academic and technical expertise, teachers said. “I love to see a spark in a student's eye when they find something they are naturally talented at and are excited to learn more," said Raquel Pabst, who teaches professional sales at PHS. 

Program Overview 

Patriot offers CTE courses in computer science, construction, graphic design, patient care, professional sales and marketing, and public safety/law enforcement. CTE facilities that support student learning include a student store, a crime lab, computer labs, a construction shop, a kinesiology lab/trainer's room and more. Damien Hernandez, PHS principal, said that often, CTE keeps students connected to the campus, which in turn helps them thrive academically.  

What's New 

Recent additions to Patriot's CTE portfolio include computer science, construction, and law enforcement: 
  • “The lab for our newest career pathway, residential and commercial construction, was completed over the summer and students are able to use brand new tools and equipment," Principal Hernandez said. And the course is popular, said construction teacher Matt Randall. “I have students already letting me know they are trying to enroll in my course next year."
  • First-year law enforcement teacher Jason Horton shared a similar experience: “Many of my (170-plus) students tell me this is their favorite class."
  • Jose Perez Jr., a computer science teacher, said his program, now in its third year, is “still growing and by the end of the 2020 year we plan on expanding the program to focus on a more customized and interactive experience."

​Learning Without Limits 

Kyle.jpgCTE is inclusive, supportive and provides a place of belonging for every student. “One of our Warrior students suffers from severe anxiety and is not comfortable around other students," Principal Hernandez said. “But in the CTE class our student participates, interacts with others, is very successful, and it is a positive experience."

Said Kyle Reed, a teacher of graphic design: “I had an autistic student who found great success within arts, media, and entertainment when he had been discouraged by other subjects. (CTE) pushes them beyond their previous skill-sets and understandings. It encourages a growth mindset and adaptable demeanor."

Ms. Pabst also shared a story of student success and perseverance: “Recently I had a student whose mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. She once told me that this CTE course was the reason she came to school every day and that here, she had a purpose and was able to contribute to something bigger than herself." 

What's Unique 

Patriot is the only JUSD school to offer law enforcement, crime scene investigation, computer science and professional sales and patient care sports medicine, pathway Mr. Hernandez said.  

April Robinson, a teacher of health science and medical technology, offers insight: “In my class, student experiences include using industry-grade equipment, industry field trips, and bringing industry professionals into the classroom as guest lecturers and to teach industry skills. I am also developing a year-long program in which students will volunteer in an industry setting while interacting with industry professionals to observe industry skills and develop their own soft-skill abilities." 

In Students' Words

Computer Science: Rian, a junior, has relished learning to code.  “I enjoy video games and I would like to be my own video game designer and use my own concepts.  That way there will be no limits whatsoever.  The only limits are my own creativity and self-limitations."  

Construction: Andrew, a senior, likes working with tools such as a miter saw, impact drills, and hand sanders: “In this class, we get to create projects on our own and in teams.  Creating something on my own and building it is a rewarding feeling.  This class teaches me skills that I can use in the future." 

Crime Science Investigation: Kimberly, a senior, plans to study criminal justice and become a forensic lab technician.  She has enjoyed learning about toxicology, fingerprinting and how to handcuff a suspect: “It was fun learning the proper way to handcuff someone.  There is definitely a right way to do it so it is effective yet humane." 

PHS Graphic Design.JPG PHS Law.JPG

Graphic Design: Adam, a senior who enjoys Adobe Illustrator, plans to join the U.S. Armed Forces, attend college, and earn a degree in business.  “My favorite part of this class is creating, designing and screen-printing T-shirts," he said.  “We make them for clubs on campus.  I also made my own brand and put it on a pin that I made in class."

Patient Care: Anaya, a junior, wants to become an EMT.  She learned how to properly remove contaminated gloves, apply ice packs and handle Steri-Strips to properly close deep lacerations.  “I enjoy helping others," she said.  “It is what I want to do." 

Professional Sales and Marketing: Emily, a senior who wants to assist others through work in law enforcement, enjoys learning about ​merchandising, inventory, customer care, and more.  “Everything we have learned from books we apply here at our student store," she said. 

Closing Thoughts

14.JPGMs. Cuccio: “I could have a student say something like 'Ms. C! My grandma was choking on her food this weekend and I knew how to help her!' It's amazing to hear those stories and see students apply classroom content in real life." 

Mr. Reed: “I'm proud of our diversity of student learners who find discovery and success within CTE courses. The sheer number of student beneficiaries is the most compelling part of CTE on our campus, in my opinion." 

Ms. Robinson: “Many students go on to enter college medical programs or vocational/trade schools where they will soon be entering the health industry; this truly speaks to the value of the CTE programs being offered here at Patriot and throughout our district."

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