Page 18 - TTWIFall2023

STEM/CTE
page 18 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaywi.com

fall Creek High School: a leader in CTE Education Continued from page 15
lowing BIT courses: indoor events including most volleyball and software, engineering concepts, and much
Accounting, Desktop basketball games. The highest sales events are more before they enter high school, so they are
Publishing, Microsoft the back-to-school night and music concerts ready to navigate a career pathway.
Office Suite, and Per- throughout the year. The Cricket Store has been Course offerings vary from year to year
sonal Finance. When very successful over the last four years, averag- so that Fall Creek High School Students have a
students take Informa- ing close to $20,000 in sales the last two years. variety of classes to choose from while in high
tion Processing, they The class also sells merchandise online through school. There are a few classes that also offer
have the potential to get our website. Approximately 34% of our sales transcripted credit through Chippewa Valley
MOS Certified in Word are online. Most of our orders ship within the Technical College. Those are, Welding, Intro
2019. extended Fall Creek area. We also receive to CAD 2d, Intro to Solidworks, and Intro to
One of the more online orders from outside the state of Wiscon- rEVIT. Students are also able to earn Industry
successful additions sin and we have shipped to 18 different states! 4.0 Smart Automation Alliance Certifications
to our Business and Check out our website: gocricketsmerch.com by choosing coursework in Technology and
Information Technol- Engineering.
ogy course offerings Technology and Engineering In addition to the courses offered at Fall
has been the Cricket Technology and Engineering Education Creek High School, there are a variety of other
Store. This student-run prepares students for careers related to Con- CTE opportunities via Chippewa Valley Techni-
Student Programing the FANUC Robitic Arm in the District’s Fab Lab business concentrates struction, Engineering, Manufacturing, and cal College (CVTC) Academies, such as welding,
on general Fall Creek Transportation. With the focus on STEM, this healthcare, construction, dental assistant, just to
the employment skills that are essential in the Cricket Merchandise. CTE area applies the knowledge learned in name a few. Fall Creek High School also partici-
workplace. The idea began back in the fall of 2019. The science and math with hands-on real world pates in the Start College Now program (SCN),
high school just completed a major renovation applications. Currently the district was awarded which allows students to earn college credit while
Business and information Technology and was looking to greatly increase the avail- a DWD Grant that focused on Manufacturing. still in high school. This program is a great way
Business & Information Technology (BIT) ability of Cricket Merchandise for the Fall Creek Students are getting experiences in learning for students to get a head start on their college
Education prepares students for careers related to Community. Charles Fitch, one of the Business Industry 4.0 concepts along with robotic opera- education and save money on tuition.
business, technology, finance, management, and and Information Technology Instructors, put tion and programming. The CTE programs at Fall Creek High
much more. BIT content focuses on topics that together a new course, Cricket Merchandising. The school district also invested in estab- School are a great way for students to prepare
affect every member of society, including pre- This course gives students the experience of lishing a Fab Lab that is used by K-12 students. for a successful future. By gaining the skills
paring individuals to own or operate their own operating a business. Students acquire skills in The Fab Lab has 3D printers, Laser Engrav- and knowledge they need in high school, stu-
business, and how to be successful members team building, marketing, merchandise design- ers, Vinyl cutter, Banner maker, CNC router dents can be well on their way to a rewarding
of our American Enterprise system. Fall Creek ing, purchasing, pricing, and setting up displays. and Plasma Cutter. Middle school students in career.
has two BIT educators that have developed and The students also learn about product photogra- grades 6th, 7th and 8th have many opportuni-
continue to grow a comprehensive business phy, packaging, and shipping. ties throughout the school to create their own
program. Transcripted credit, via Chippewa The physical store is located in the high learning in a program called Launch where stu- www.altoona.k12.wi.us
Valley Technical College, is provided in the fol- school commons area and is open for many dents can get a jump start on learning design

Multiple CTE pathways at augusta High School Continued from page 15

focus on giving students relevant and engaging Science, Aquaculture, and a middle school thing that we do in our day to day lives. local schools, businesses and post-secondary
experiences. Some courses include Biotech- exploratory class. Students are able to work options provide real-world insights. Graduates
nology in Agriculture, Small Animal Science, collaboratively with classmates, industry rep- Business Ed, Entrepreneurship — In the emerge with a competitive edge, well-equipped
Wildlife Conversation, Occupational Leader- resentatives and the community to assist their business area, our goal is to give students a to conquer modern workforce challenges in
ship, Greenhouse Management, Large Animal learning by connecting Agriculture to every- genuine experience that aligns with business mechatronics and beyond.
and industry standards. We have a variety of
courses offered for students who are interested Technology Education — Our School’s Tech-
in a business pathway related to marketing, nology Education program consists of wood
finance, management and administration. working and construction classes, small engines,
Within this pathway, we offer three transcripted automotive and agricultural mechanics classes
credit opportunities through Chippewa Valley as well as metals and welding courses. These
Technical College, including Microsoft Office, classes focus on needed skills to gain entry level
Web Design and Coding, and Personal Finance. employment in the fields that are being taught.
When completed, these courses count toward a Along with the focus topics, the classes in the
college degree at CVTC. technology program also teach work habits and
how to be an asset to employers. In the next
Mechatronics — Our Mechatronics courses year there are plans to begin teaching ASE
offer a comprehensive blend of mechanical and certification classes in Automotive through the
electronic principles. Students gain hands-on Technology Education department.
expertise in designing, building, and maintain- All these opportunities offered at Augusta
ing automated systems. Unique opportunities will give these students a head start in a wide
include earning valuable Smart Automation variety of career fields.
Certification Alliance (SACA) industry cre-
dentials, boosting future job prospects. This
coursework imparts specialized mechatron-
ics knowledge and practical skills relevant www.augusta.k12.wi.us
to today’s job market. Collaborations with