The CTE Advisory Board met Thursday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. at BCHS in the library. Jackie Stephenson began the meeting with a welcome to the members in attendance; Brenda Hite, Cara Major, Jane McMullen, Adaline Hodge, Andy Seabolt, Roy Burns, Katie Keyser and Sue Hirsh. Absent members were Paul Lancaster and Eddie Ryder.
The agenda began with information provided by Brenda Hite and Cara Major concerning the newly created Hospitality Club. Plans are in place to have monthly combined meetings with representatives from The Homestead, Dabney S. Lancaster and students of BCHS. Also in the works are after school activities involving trips to the Homestead including an Ice Skating party planned in January. Attendance to the meetings is growing with five members in the first meeting and fourteen in attendance to the second meeting. Additional plans for club meetings include a visit by Ed Dodrill from DSLCC to offer a quick overview of the programs offered, a Christmas activity with the Culinary Chef from DSLCC, an introduction of the Outdoor Activities offered by The Homestead, a meeting focusing on interview skills, a meeting focusing on Massage Therapy and a plan to bring in past students to discuss their successes in college and career. All in attendance are pleased with the success of the club. All feel that Hospitality is how people are treated and addressed and that saying thank you is just as important as how you meet and greet others.
Adaline Hodge addressed the committee regarding Zach Woodzell. Zach is a third year Culinary Arts student who recently completed his Servsafe certification. This certification is usually completed following high school to qualify for employment in some food service areas. Zach studied through the summer and attended an exam session which lasted most of the day and ended with the test. Adaline also received her Servsafe Instructor certification that day. The Culinary Arts classes have also received new textbooks and workbooks which include the 2009 food codes. Adaline also offer the students extra credit opportunities, from the workbooks, at their own initiative. Brenda Hite introduced a culinary competition being planned by The Homestead and DSLCC which would include four local high schools. Adaline mentioned that BCHS is preparing for the FCCLA State Competitions which include food preparation and displays, leadership skills, portfolios, and job interviews. Although BCHS has been eligible to attend National competitions, location and financial issues have kept us from doing so. Due to weather cancellations, our culinary students usually forego the Prostart competition. There are currently thirteen members in the FCCLA with a drive to reach twenty members.
Jane McMullen addressed the group with information regarding FBLA and the happenings of her CTE classes. The Design and Multimedia class is working on the newsletter. There are presently eighty members in the FBLA club and they are practicing and planning to take online tests in January and February for the FBLA Regional Leadership competitions. State competitions will be held in April in Reston, VA and students are excited and optimistic at the possibility of qualifying and attending. Sue Hirsh suggested that Justin Rider, BCPS Business Manager, be invited to visit Mrs. McMullen's business/accounting classes.
Jackie Stephenson addressed the group with information regarding Skills USA. It is required that CTE evaluate its offerings on a regular basis. It has been determined that BCHS is lacking in the area of Skills USA. A state advisor from VICA met with classes last spring. We have reinstated VICA which is a club that focuses on leadership and meets the criteria of Skills USA. Jackie also brought attention to the need for funds to continue our offering of a CTE scholarship. Suggestions were requested in ways we might raise the money to continue this much needed gift. Fundraisers were a suggestion as well as 50/50 drawings or a raffle. We do not want to overload the public with fundraisers. Jackie also introduced the newest CTE class being offered this school year which she is teaching, Nutritional Wellness. There are seven students in her class and all are eligible to join FCCLA. The students keep meal journals and have watched the movie “Supersize Me” which is a movie based on an individual who decided to document his choice to eat at McDonald’s for all his meals for thirty days and the effect it had on his health and well being. Sue Hirsh suggested that student(s) in the nutrition class speak with the School Health Advisory Board.
Andy Seabolt proposed a new program involving Emergency Services. This new program will offer the opportunity for attendees to receive college credits. Jackie will provide information on related CTE career clusters. Basic ICS classes will be offered at the Bath County Fire House on December 11 and 12. Katie Keyser commented on the fact that we have few young people involved in EMS and this program could instill interest in BCHS students to join our volunteer EMS groups. Andy will also begin working with school nurses and interested staff to become CPR trainers in cooperation with the American Heart Association.
A final note was made in regards to completer testing. The threshold for testing continues to be testing 33% of completers with 50% passing. In the 2009-10 school year 44% of our completers were tested and 55% passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. with the next meeting date undetermined but tentatively planned for January.
Respectfully submitted by Katie Keyser, secretary.