Open House provides parents a glimpse into what makes CTE special

Open House provides parents a glimpse into what makes CTE special

As twilight turned to dusk on Thursday evening, the Center for Career Services campus had perhaps never been busier. Cars filled every parking space and dozens upon dozens were squeezed in along the perimeter fence in all directions.

“We’ve never hosted an Open House that was this big,” Director Dahlia Jackson said.

What parents who visited during the school’s annual Open House and Back to School Night saw for themselves were the impressive skills students have already learned in little over a month.

All visitors were first treated to a meal that included both dinner and dessert, all prepared and served by Culinary Arts students. The parents were then directed to visit their child’s classroom, some to see their impressive work, others for a glimpse at the colorful workspaces and to learn details of that particular program.

In the various Cosmetology classrooms, new hair, makeup and nail designs — many of which were Halloween themed — appeared in vivid display. Several mannequins were positioned in swivel chairs, their hair draped over the edge of a sink like that of a customer.

In one Automotive Technology shop, parents received a first-hand look under the hood of a car and and beneath the chassis of a truck, both of which students have serviced. Instructor Scott Nelson also answered questions about what viable college programs were available to students in the region and beyond.

Back inside the Emergency Medical Services classroom, a handful of students who were on hand demonstrated their knowledge of equipment used in emergencies. They practiced on both full-grown adult and infant dummies, opening clogged airways and performing CPR.

Programs that appeared less hands-on to visitors, which included Architecture, Commercial Art and Fashion Design & Merchandising, still featured eye-opening work. The classrooms, hallways and walls were lined with building models, detailed artwork and eye-catching clothing, all designed by the students.

During their visit to campus, parents also had an opportunity meet with the school’s social worker, guidance counselors and other vital support staff. Counselor Monica Mann greeted families, provided important reading materials about college fairs and passed out some swag. Mann also provided visitors with detailed information — arranged by program — of CTE’s many articulation agreements. These agreements allow students enrolled in those programs to earn college credits, one of the many benefits of the 19 programs offered on campus.