IN THE NEWS...Career and Technical Education Happenings in Catawba County Schools

Beginning with the freshman class of 2009-2010, North Carolina students must meet Future Ready Core graduation requirements. These requirements encourage students to use their four required elective credits to complete a concentration in an area of special interest such as Career and Technical Education (CTE) by earning at least four credits in a discipline, including one at an advanced level. Click on one of the links below for information to help you and your child make these choices. NC Career Outlook Handbook          NC Career Clusters Handbook Guide Why I Should Finish High School ?- Click here to find out.

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Bandys High School Students Earn National ServSafe Certification

These Bandys Advanced Foods II students have completed a comprehensive food safety training program and earned national ServSafe Certification. The ServSafe training program leads the nation in providing the restaurant and foodservice industry with a comprehensive food safety training and certification program.  Foodservice workers with ServSafe certification and are in high demand.  These students are trained to meet the growing challenges facing the restaurant and foodservice industry of today.      Justin P., Tisha S., Cole W., Christel G., Natalie B., and Shinece J.

Posted 1-12-12

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New CNA's for Saint Stephens High
13 students tested Sat and Sun (Jan 7th and 8th) for the North Carolina CNA exam.
Harley B, CNA Shakya B, CNA Nu C, CNA Triet D, CNA Heather E, CNA Diana G, CNA					Angie M, CNA Spencer R, CNA Katie S, CNA Alonda W, CNA Shoua Y, CNA
Posted 1-12-12
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Hunter Safety Education Class - Bunker Hill High School on Jan 9, 10, 11 - Sign Up Now

Hunter Safety Education Class will be conducted at Bunker Hill High School on Jan 9, 10, 11, 2012 in the Agriculture Classroom from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Please register on line at North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Web site   http://www.ncwildlife.org/  under "hunter" or be present during the first class session!

Posted 1-5-12

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BHHS FFA Gives Poinsettias for the Holidays
The Bunker Hill FFA Chapter has been busy this Holiday Season doing community service: Dec 3, 2011 the Bunker Hill FFA Chapter Officers presented Poinsettias to the Catawba County School Board.  The Poinsettias were given as a token of appreciation for the Boards support of Agricultural Education and FFA. Dec 16, 2011 the Bunker Hill FFA Chapter donated Poinsettias to the Lutheran Home of Hickory for the residence enjoyment during this holiday season. Dec 19, 2011 the Bunker Hill FFA Chapter presented the staff and students of Bunker Hill High School with a Poinsettia Christmas Tree in the cafeteria lobby.  The Ag Mechanics Class constructed the frame, and the Horticulture class grew the poinsettias.  Each Staff member will take home a poinsettia for the holidays. Dec 19, 2011 the Bunker Hill FFA Chapter donated over 300 lbs. of citrus fruit to the Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry, Inc. in Newton to help serve the people in need during the Holiday Season. The North Carolina FFA is a youth organization of 18,563 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 232 local chapters across he state. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ncffa.org for more information.
Posted 12-20-11
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Fred T. Foard FBLA attended the Northwest Regional Competition

Fred T. Foard FBLA attended the Northwest Regional Competition on Saturday, December 3 at East Rowan High School. The following Foard FBLA students were recognized for their achievements at the regional level. Kambria P. and Leno S. will be moving forward to the state level competition. Kambria P.  1st place Business Calculations (recognition testing) 2nd place Business Etiquette (recognition testing) 1st Place Business Communications (regional competition) Mia G. 1st Place Business Etiquette (recognition testing) 3rd Place Parliamentary Procedure (recognition testing) Leno S. 2nd Place Computer Applications (regional competition) Congratulations !

Posted 12-15-11

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BHHS FACS Students Get Return Picture from Afghanistan
A few weeks ago my Foods II students used some of the profits from their school based business to create a care package for someone serving in the US military.  We found that one of my students Father is a Marine in Afghanistan, so we sent the package to him.  Here is a picture of Stg. Hermance and the banner that the students included in their package.  The box arrived in Afghanistan in about a week.  The kids got a kick out of his picture.  Thought you might like to see it too!  Have a happy holiday!
Posted 12-15-11
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ST. STEPHENS HIGH’S FASHION MERCHANDISING STUDENTS GET A “REAL LIFE” VIEW OF THE FASHION BUSINESS
On December 6th the Fashion Merchandising students at St. Stephens High School got a 1st hand glimpse of the fashion merchandising business. They began their field trip at Molly Malone’s Boutique, an independently owned store that specializes in unique accessories and clothing.  The owner, Amanda Rogers, shared her educational background and her previous retail experience. She talked about how she started her business, as well as her buying procedures, her promotion and pricing techniques, etc. The Fashion class’s next stop was Dillard’s Department Store.  Grace Rome, the visual merchandiser for several Dillard’s stores, shared her career ladder, her job responsibilities, and some general information about the Hickory store and the Dillard’s chain. Students then went on a Valley Hills Mall Scavenger hunt, noting types of retailers, types of competition, promotional strategies, etc. Fran Clarke is the Fashion Merchandising instructor at St. Stephens High School.
Posted 12-12-11
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SAINT STEPHENS HIGH MARKETING STUDENTS TOUR WAL-MART
		On Tuesday, November 29th, Fran Clarke’s Marketing students at St. Stephens High School took a field trip to Wal-Mart in Hickory.  Students, led by various department managers, toured the entire store.  Visiting the “behind the scenes” areas was especially eye-opening, and the sales volume information that was shared was mind-boggling.  Students also gathered in the training room where they were shown a video on “customer service”, and they were treated to refreshments.  At the conclusion of the field trip, the general store manager, J.T. Calhoun, joined students.  He shared additional Wal-Mart background, and he offered some career building tips.  He emphasized appropriate interview attire, behavior, and attitude. Wal-Mart is the number one employer in Catawba County.
Posted 12-12-11
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For Sale - Bunker Hill High Adirondack Chairs and Loveseats
The Bunker Hill Cabinetmaking classes have been busy this semester with furniture to sale.  Adirondack chairs, loveseats, hobby horses for small children, and they have one Colonial China Cabinet to sell.  They usually go in a hurry. Contact Ray Hensley at Bunker Hill High School for items.
Posted 12-05-11
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Bandys Foods II Class Sends Care Packages to Afghanistan
On Veteran's Day my Foods II students wanted to say thank to someone who's served our country.  They decided that they would like to use some of the profits from their school based business to purchase a care package to send to a veteran or someone still in uniform.  The Dad of one of my Foods I students is a Marine that is now stationed in Afghanistan.  Students like the idea that their package of goodies and well wishes will go to someone with a Bandy's connection. We bundled up box of treats and snacks along with cards of thanks and letters of encouragement and sent it off this week.  We are hopeful that it will arrive by Christmas.  Students all signed a banner and included it in the care package.  Sometime this month we expect our banner will be hanging on the wall of the Marine barracks in Afghanistan!
Posted 12-1-11
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Bunker Hill HS FFA Poinsettias are Ready for Sale
The Horticulture I class is offering Red and White Poinsettias for sale from the production greenhouse at Bunker Hill High School Ag Department.  The students have produced an excellent crop this year!   The poinsettias were started from cuttings, and the students have taken care of the crop as part of their laboratory experience in Horticulture I.  The price is as follows:                   6.5 inch pots with slips   $5.00 each                  10 inch pots with slips   $15.00 each Your help in placing these poinsettias for Christmas is appreciated!   You can also donate a poinsettia to our nursing home project!
Posted 11-22-11
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SSHS Drafting to Compete with "Gravity Car"
UPDATE 11/21/11
Please congratulate Evan F, Weston L, Chad R, and Cody B for winning 1st Design, and place 4th out of 8 teams in speed. We lost 1st speed place by 1.2 secs. These young men did a great job and were great representatives of our school.  Congratulations Guys!!
Evan F created the 3D model in Inventor. The assembled car will be ready for viewing mid next week. We will be competing against NCHS, and Hickory in Lenoir Nov 19th.  Wish us luck.  Team Members are: Evan F      Weston L     Chad R      Cody B     Garret C
Posted 11-15-11
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Maiden High School Attended the FCCLA District Leadership Conference

Congratulations to Kristen L who was elected as a state officer for FCCLA.  She will be installed at the State Convention in March and will attend the National Convention in Orlando, Florida in July.  She will be a North Carolina state officer for the 2012-2013 school year. 27 students from Maiden High School attended the FCCLA District Leadership Conference on November 9th in Wilkesboro, NC.  They participated in leadership workshops as well as competitive events training.

Posted 11-15-11

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In It To Win! Checkered Flag Challenge - CTE Leadership Retreat 2011

Winners of the 2011 Leadership Retreat Quiz Bowl - Saint Stephens High For full story click HERE.

Posted 11-04-11

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Friday Night Win for Bandys CTE Classes

Bandys Video Editing class broadcast Football Playoff game to internet.  http://www.catawbaschools.net/schools/Bandys/staff/Mark_Story/Shared%20Documents/cte_broadcast.aspx

Posted 11-09-11

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Posted 11-07-11

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CVCC LAUNCHES WELDING PROGRAM AT BANDYS HIGH SCHOOL Second high school to have college welding certificate

Catawba Valley Community College recently expanded its high-school based welding program to a second Catawba County high school. This fall, students at Bandys High School could enroll in welding classes offered by CVCC at the high school. The Bandys expansion builds on the success of CVCC’s first welding program collaboration with the Catawba County Schools offered at St. Stephens High School. Last year, eight students graduated with their high school diploma and a college certificate in welding. Two of them are now enrolled at CVCC full time.   Both collaborations are the brainchild of Karen Cale, Catawba County Schools Director of Career and Technical Education; Roxy Poovey, CVCC Public School Liaison, and Randy Caudill, CVCC Industrial Technologies Department Head. “This is a great example of how both educational systems think outside the box,” said Poovey. “It illustrates how we are thinking smarter in lean budget situations.” No additional funds were budgeted by either system, but somehow, they made it happen. Cale said that the high school repurposed a building formerly used for woodworking and reallocated idle equipment from other programs. “We received tremendous support from within Catawba County Schools, including Principal Todd Black, Superintendent Glenn Barger, and County Schools Maintenance Supervisor Rick Sain,” Cale said. “Without their willingness to stretch, it would not have happened.” Offering up the welding certificate to high school students achieves multiple goals, Poovey explained. High school students get an opportunity to experience college-level work for a technical occupation and earn credentials that make them immediately employable. Students and parents save nearly $1,700 in tuition, fees, books, clothing and equipment while earning 18 hours of college credit. Caudill, whose instructional responsibilities includes welding, automotive, heating and refrigeration and machining, said that he is contacted regularly by industry seeking qualified welding candidates. He pointed out that the expansion also put a highly successful CVCC graduate back in the workforce. “Mark Sigmon, who graduated last year with multiple degrees, teaches our program at Bandys,” said Caudill. “Over the summer, Mark went above and beyond to get the facility up and running.” For more information about the welding program or other technical career training at CVCC, contact Randy Caudill at 828-327-7000, ext. 4561, or rcaudill@cvcc.edu.

Posted 11-07-11

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Bunker Hill FFA Participate in Poultry Evaluation Event
The Bunker Hill FFA Chapter participated in the  North Carolina FFA Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event on November 3, 2011, at NC State University.  Team members include Allie S.,  Sydney W., Joseph H., and Nathan G.  Their FFA advisor is Danny Montgomery.  The Team placed 3rd in the Northwest Region with a score of 992 points. During this event students evaluated production, processing, and merchandising phases of the poultry industry as well as identify various industry components.   They are also tested on the application of sound management practices.   Participants evaluated live birds, present oral reasons, and place a ready-to-cook broilers class.  In the processing and merchandising phase of the event, students selected and graded ready-to-cook turkeys, and processed product, and cartons of eggs. This event is one of 42 different career development events offered to North Carolina FFA members on the state lever.  Perdue Farms Inc, with in-kind support from the Department of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University, sponsors the State Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event. The North Carolina FFA is a youth organization of 18,563 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 232 local chapters across he state.  FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.  Visit  www.ncffa.org for more information.
Posted 11-07-11
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MHS Culinary Arts Catered Parent Advisory Council
The Culinary Arts class at Maiden High School  catered the Maiden Feeder Area Parent Advisory Council on November 2, 2011.  The menu included a grilled chicken breast sandwich, cheesy potato soup and their choice between pumpkin cheesecake, kentuckey walnut pie, or apple crisp.  The students served 26 parents, school personnel, Mr. Barger, and 2 school board members (Mrs. McCree, Mr. Brittian).  Students pictured include Ashton B, Jessica H and Scotti M.
Posted 11-07-11
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Bandys High Agriculture Department 2011 Citrus & Fruit Sale

The air is getting crisp, the holidays are getting closer and the Bandys High FFA Chapter has kicked off their annual fruit sale!  The chapter is once again selling Florida's Best Indian River Citrus provided by Florida Farm Bureau and is proud to offer FRESH NORTH CAROLINA FANCY APPLES this year!  We are also excited to offer, for the first time, the opportunity for individuals to place their orders online using the link found in green below!  All monies raised will go to help support students and their participation in chapter FFA activities including state and national convention costs, supporting our annual Agriculture Awareness Day - not to mention to help offset the costs for various competitions and community service projects!   "Florida's Best Citrus"   To Place an Order- Please Click Here Navel Oranges-  Seedless & Sweet Eating Orange     4/5 Bushel (48-80 ct)             $23.00      2/5 Bushel (28-40 ct)             $13.00 Red Grapefruit-  Seedless, Sweet & Juicy                                                       4/5 Bushel (27-40 ct)             $23.00      2/5 Bushel (16-20 ct)             $13.00 Tangelos- Easy to Peel Sweet & Tangy (A cross between a tangerine & grapefruit)                                                                4/5 Bushel (64-100 ct)           $23.00      2/5 Bushel (40-60 ct)             $13.00 Sunburst Tangerines- Easy to Peel with a Sweet Zingy Taste       2/5 bushel only 50-75 ct)        $20.00                                       Hamlin Juice Oranges- Thin Skinned & Easy to Squeeze or Hand Eat     4/5 Bushel (64-100 ct)           $23.00      2/5 Bushel (40-50 ct)             $13.00               Mixed Fruit (Apples & Oranges) Box                   4/5 Bushel (~75 ct)               $28.00      2/5 Bushel (~38 ct)               $16.00 North Carolina Fancy Apples      Red Delicious      4/5 Bushel (100 ct)                $28.00      2/5 Bushel (50 ct)                  $16.00 Yellow Delicious           4/5 Bushel (100 ct)                $28.00      2/5 Bushel (50 ct)                  $16.00   All orders are due by Tuesday, November 22nd.     ·     Contact the BHS Agriculture Department (Laura Parker or Shannon Vanhoy) at  (828) 241-3171            or laura_pugh@catawbaschools.net or shannon_vanhoy@catawbaschools.net for more information or            to place an order. ·     All fruit will arrive on Wednesday, December 7th. ·     All checks should be made payable to:  Bandys High School  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  Bandys High FFA Web Site

Posted 11-01-11

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SSHS National Technical Honor Society Inducts New Members
During a formal ceremony on Monday evening, October 24th, 15 new members were inducted into St. Stephens High School’s National Technical Honor Society.  These members met the following eligibility requirements: Completion of a minimum of 4 Career Technical Education (CTE) class No grade below a B in any CTE course A minimum of a 3.5 overall unweighted GPA  The goal of NTHS is to see that deserving technical students be recognized and that people of the community become aware of the talents and abilities of the young people who choose technical education pathways to a successful future. Parents and guests were welcomed by Mrs. Fran Clarke, co-advisor of NTHS and Mrs. DeAnna Taylor, principal of St. Stephens High.  In addition to parents, other guests included Mrs. Karen Cale, the Career Technical Education Director of Catawba County Schools, Ms. Renae Eller (NTHS co-advisior) and 5 other CTE teachers. The new members were inducted by the 2011-2012 NTHS officers:  Tyler M, President and Shoua Y, Vice-President.  A reception followed the candlelight ceremony.
Posted 11-01-11
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Bandys Agriculture Student in Special Livestock Show at the NC State
	This picture is of Garret H. at the NC State Fair.  Garrett was able to assist in the Special Livestock Show at the NC State Fair by working with Special Showman "Phil" in showing "LL's Gabby's Cornerstone" who is owned by Lowman Livestock and was part of our show string this year.  Pictured with Garrett and Phil are NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler and the President of Agri-Supply, the leading sponsor of the Special Shows.  (The Special Show is a pretty amazing show that they do for individuals with handicaps and disabilities where they partner them with youth who show beef cattle, sheep and goats at the NC State Fair).
Bandys High FFA Web Site
Posted 11-01-11
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SSHS Soup Can Label Design Winner

Posted 10-25-11

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Bandys Child Care Center will be hosting Christmas Bazaar Fundraiser

The Bandys Child Care Center will be hosting a Christmas Bazaar Fundraiser to help offset the costs for the program.  It will be held in the cafeteria at Bandys on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 4:00 until 8:00pm.  We will have vendors from Thirty-One Gifts, Mary Kay Cosmetics, various handmade craft items and more!  Come begin your Christmas shopping with us and lend a helping hand to this wonderful program that Bandys offers. Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser - November 3 - Put it on your calendar and come join us.  In conjunction to this event, we will also be sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. Tickets are on sale now and are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 10 and under. The ticket includes spaghetti from Geppetto's, salad, bread, dessert and a beverage.  Plates are available for eating in or take out.  If you would like to purchase a ticket in advance please contact, Amy_Hill@catawbaschools.net.

Posted 10-14-11

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Bandys Foods II Classes Raise Money for "Pink Out"
Foods II students at Bandys High is shown with a "check" for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Our Foods II students wanted to participate in the Bandys "Pink Out" by making Pink Out Cupcakes and donating the profits to support breast cancer awareness.  It is part of the Foods II curriculum that the students run a school based business.  The profits generated from their business are generally used to fund classroom projects.  It was the students idea to make a product and give their profits to a good cause.
Bandys Family and Consumer classes are also making cards for Meals on Wheels. The cards are delivered in the Catawba area and the program is through Social Services. The students enjoy it and we think it is a great way for them to give back to the community.
Posted 10-12-11
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BHHS Agriculture Mechanics I Students Learning to Maneuver the Tractor and Wagon
Students in Ag Mechanics I are learning to operate a tractor.  The student must be able to back a two wheel wagon town a 40 foot alley way and maneuver the tractor and wagon through an obstacle course.  The student must take a written national test on tractor safety and complete the obstacle course successfully in order to receive a tractor operates' certification from the Department of Labor.
BHHS Horticulture I Class Reading Poinsettia Crop
		The horticulture I class has been busy taking care of the annual  2011 poinsettia crop.   The class has filled pots, transplanted poinsettia cuttings, pinched the crop with cycocel, and kept records of their progress as well as temperatures for the greenhouse each day.  The class is show using a hose-on impregnator in fertilizing the crop to obtain maximum vegetative grow.
Posted 10/11/11
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Bandys High Early Childhood Class Fundraising Events

Bandys High School's ECE 1 class had a Chick-fil-A fundraiser on Sept. 29 at Valley Hills Mall. We raised over $100 to go towards our family we will be adopting for Christmas through the Christmas Bureau and United Way.

Posted 10/11/11

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Thank you Community Sponsors

We would like to thank the many community sponsors who took time out of their days this summer to let 305 of our Catawba County Schools students to intern during the summer.   We are hearing wonderful things from the students about the many things they have learned from each and every one of you.  You have given these interns a very valuable learning experience to see and learn new things about how the world works in our area. Please click HERE to see the list of community sponsors.

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Posted 9/2/11

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