Monday, March 7, 2016

What's New in GUHSD

This year GUHSD’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program has expanded by leaps and bounds. With 40 pathways and 55 CTE courses representing 13 industry sectors districtwide, CTE has offerings for every student. CTE is not only providing rigorous academic and technical skills, but is also preparing students for further education and the workplace. 

This work-based learning program offers industry tours, guest speakers, industry advisors, job shadows, community service, and student participation in regional and national competitions. Additionally, industry level certifications, meeting A-G requirements at UC/CSU, and articulation credit is available through GCCCD. Check out CTE at cte.guhsd.net and click here to view our recent accomplishments.

GUHSD Students Attend San Diego Hospitality Student Conference

El Cajon Valley Students Dressed for Success at the Hospitality Student Conference
On Thursday, February 18, El Cajon Valley and Mount Miguel High Schools were among 11 schools countywide participating in the Hospitality Student Conference. The conference was held downtown at Golden Hall. Students also toured the Omni Hotel and Donovan's Steakhouse to learn about the booming career opportunities in the hospitality sector in San Diego. The event also included insights from guest speakers Sam the Cooking Guy, as well as GUHSD’s CTE Work-Based Learning Specialist, Jeff Wood.  

Students spent the day experiencing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be successful in the fast-growing hospitality industry. Throughout the day, students also visited with industry professionals to learn about the challenges of their profession and the growing demand for the unique skills associated with the hospitality industry. Our students from El Cajon Valley and Mount Miguel came away with a perspective few high school students experience.

GUHSD Pre-Veterinary Students Visit Health Occupations Center

Pre-Vet Students at GUHSD's Health Occupations Center
More than 20 pre-veterinary Health Careers Pathway students from across the district joined the Veterinarian Assistant class at GUHSD’s Health Occupations Center (HOC) on February 18 to learn from practicing veterinarian, Dr. Ortega. Students learned about college programs in vet and animal science, gained insight about the field and were exposed to the many careers available in this industry. 

Students and their families asked questions of practitioners in the field, teachers and current vet assistant students related to the field of vet science. HOC Director Carol Otjens, a former animal trainer at the San Diego Zoo and registered vet tech, was also present to share her unique perspective.  

Santana Teacher Jason Kay Named CTE Gold Apple Winner 

Santana Teacher Jason Kay with Students
Santana teacher Jason Kay was selected as the 2016 CTE Golden Apple award winner for his leadership with the CTE engineering courses.  Mr. Kay's dedication to his students, positive approach to teaching, and his innovative lessons have helped make the pathway an important part of student success at Santana High School.

He teaches two levels of engineering including Introduction to Design and Principles of Engineering. In these classes, students work both with computer-aided design platforms and hands-on tools to design and engineer projects.  From concept to design to production, students engage in the kind of learning that blends skills from other subjects in a seamless and meaningful way.  It takes a special kind of teacher to make this pathway accessible to students, and Jason Kay uses his special talents every day to bring rigorous and relevant education to our District.

Superintendent Ralf Swenson