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CTE teachers, students tell APS board about programs

News Photo by Tyler Winowiecki Cassie Anderson shows off her open attic trust she built in the geometry and construction class. Jason Loyer, left, and Peggy Dziuba, not shown, teach the class to mostly sophomore students.

ALPENA — An overview of the career technical education classes offered at Alpena Public Schools was given to board members during Monday’s board of education meeting.

With February being CTE Month in Michigan, CTE curriculum Director Joyce McCoy brought in several of the teachers and students to highlight the different fields available for students in the district.

The district currently has 10 different programs ranging from agriscience to marketing to welding technology with teachers who have been certified as college instructors. For the 2016 -17 school year the district had 665 students enrolled in one or more CTE class.

Brand new for students this year was receiving college credits for completing these classes.

“All of our students in our CTE programs are getting one credit which is transferable and that is a recognized credit from Alpena Community College,” McCoy said.

Teachers Ron Worth and Melissa Smith said the agriscience class the school offers is diverse with its partnerships with outside agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Alpena Farmers Market. The school also opened a new greenhouse that allowed students to complete different experiments.

Woodworking technology teacher Zach Grulke said his program, in its first year as a CTE class, has received new equipment such as sawstop table saw that can be run through a computer.

The class provides students with the opportunity to become certified in different areas as well as complete community based programs, Grulke said. Students have built a slew of different products including outdoor furniture, wishing well, and cornhole boards.

“A lot of great things happening, a lot of creativity by the students,” Grulke said. “They’re letting their imaginations wander and create a build right in front of them.”

Other presentations included Jennie Spomer from health occupations and Jason Loyer with geometry and construction. Loyer and coteacher Peggy Dziuba will be presenting at Gov. Rick Snyder’s office about their class.

Teacher Ron Cadarette and student Morgan Woloszyk showcased the welding technology class.

Woloszyk explained what she does in the class and spoke about being nominated for the Breaking Traditions Award through the Michigan Department of Education for being the only girl in her non-traditional area.

Funding for these programs comes through both state and federal level grants including the Skilled Trades Initiative and Perkins Funds.

Tyler Winowiecki can be reached via email at twinowiecki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688. Follow Tyler on Twitter tw_alpenanews.

News Photo by Tyler Winowiecki Cassie Anderson shows off her open attic trust she built in the geometry and construction class. Jason Loyer, left, and Peggy Dziuba, not shown, teach the class to mostly sophomore students.

News Photo by Tyler Winowiecki
Cassie Anderson shows off her open attic trust she built in the geometry and construction class. Jason Loyer, left, and Peggy Dziuba, not shown, teach the class to mostly sophomore students.

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