Career and Technical Education Academy -

Do you have a question for us? We've made the process of finding answers much simpler with our Let's Talk! communication tool. We now have our own Let's Talk! page where you can submit questions directly, and it's easy to navigate! Let's Talk! can be found on our school's homepage at either the "contact us" tab at the top or the blue "Let's Talk" tab on the side of the page.

Freedom Reigns! Happy Independence Day!

The Power of Partnership is highlighted, once again, to help SFSD families get connected to affordable internet. The SF Area Community Foundation is investing $50,000 to enroll households in the Affordable Connectivity Program (AFP). SD Voices for Peace leads the effort. Voices for Peace is working with SFSD schools to inform families of this program. An enrollment specialist will continue to meet families during school events like parent-teacher conferences, success nights, etc. Eligible families should enroll today! GetInternet.gov

Calling all income eligible SFSD children who will be 4-yrs-old by September 1, 2023! We're recruiting students for FREE preschool with an event on July 5 or 6, 8am-4pm, at the SFSD Learning Lab on the Southeast Tech Campus - 2205 N. Career Ave. Tell your neighbors and friends!

What's for breakfast? What's for lunch? All students can eat FREE this summer by visiting one of our Summer Meal Sites. Check the schedule to find out where and when meals are available in your area!

Wesley Heylens is a junior from Jefferson High School and he has proven that he has the ability to work independently. The Cavalier football player stated the sky is the limit when it comes to imagination, management and building projects. Our talented young man has taken Carpentry I and Advance Woodworking this school year. Next year, Wes will take Carpentry II. His teacher, Mr. Opdahl says, “Wes is a talented student builder who consistently takes initiative to design, build and complete projects independently with fantastic results.” Wes – You have shown us your ability to manage your own workload, seek solutions and proactively get things done! You have demonstrated to us that you are on a great path to success! Congratulations!

Alakiir Gak from Washington High School and Cassie Moncur from Roosevelt High School may go to school at the opposite ends of town but they meet every day at the CTE Academy. Both, are excellent biomedical students and both have taken advantage of the multiple opportunities to build understanding of the science of the human body. Cassie hopes to pursue a career in Optometry. Cassie wrote, “The cow eye (class dissection) gave me my first insight to all of the parts of an eye and how they all work.” Alakiir is going to pursue job shadows in healthcare fields and her teacher, Mrs. Nelson, will affirm Alakiir’s approach, “I appreciate Alakiir’s attitude and willingness to try new things.” The teacher added, “Cassie is curious and determined. She is a great example for others.” Two schools, two students and two young ladies with similar dreams and a world to make a difference! Congratulations, Alakiir and Cassie!

Hunter Bell has an entrepreneur mindset. Our AOF (Academy of Finance) student is a senior from Roosevelt High School and is on his way to Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska to study just that – Entrepreneurship and Small Business Administration. Hunter is from a family of entrepreneurs so he has enjoyed learning about business ownership under the vigilant eye of his teacher, Mrs. Brunken. Hunter, a veteran of four semesters at the CTE Academy, exhibits the qualities of a “See the Vision” winner. He brings a great attitude and puts in effort into his AOF studies. Hunter, it has been wonderful to have you as a student and we hope someday to see you on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine.

The CTE Aviation class with a couple RHS AF JROTC students and one of their instructors headed out to Rapid City to the Army Guard base and Ellsworth AFB. The students got to check out an HH60 Blackhawk, the gear worn by the pilots and crew - including Night Vision goggles. Ellsworth AFB allowed the students to experience ATC, ground operations, weapons systems, and the B1 Bomber.

Ado, Sam, and Carter are three of the eight students who achieved their Cisco Certifications in Networking this semester. These students have completed their CyberAcademy courses and are prepared for the next steps after high school. Congrats Cyber students! #careerandtechnicaleducation

With only a couple days left in the school year, it's time to start thinking about summer plans! SFSD has a wide variety of Summer School classes available. Registration ends this Friday, May 26th. Find all the info you need here: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/summer-school

Nev Peterson from Lincoln High School has walked across the stage with graduation honors. The LHS Patriot is very direct in that she is undecided with her future. Our quiet, unassuming and independent CTE Biomed student is determined to walk her own path. It is in her nature. Nev can giftedly verbalize and write about the application of science and medicine to the real world and she can also be very insightful into the big career and educational choices in front of her. Nev’s teacher, Mrs. Nelson wrote, “Nev is creative and open-minded – important traits for a medical professional. Nev is an excellent teammate and brings out the best in others.” Nev – we know that determination and kind demeanor of yours is threaded with intellect, fortitude and persistence. After all, it is and always has been, in your nature. Congratulations on your “See the Vision” award!

Health Careers students visited Sanford Research to receive a lesson in gene analysis.

We have the triple crown of students and they are crossing the finish line. All three of our “See the Vision” award-winning seniors have pursued financial education in the CTE Academy of Finance Program. They represent the qualities of a triple crown winner – spirited, bold, intelligent and strong work ethic. Andrew Noble, Arleen LopezEsparza and Jaxon Lohnes all speak fondly of their experiences in the Academy of Finance. Exposure and connections to business were the most frequently expressed appreciation of their educational experiences. All three students are taking bold steps into the future. Andrew Noble will pursue a degree in Finance at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. Arleen LopezEsparza is going to major in International Business at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and Jaxon Lohnes plans to attend South Dakota State University for Electrical Engineering.

Congratulations to the class of 2023! Over 1,600 students walked across the stage yesterday to receive their diplomas. We wish you well on your next steps, whatever those may be! See more photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEAYF

“I am learning how I learn best.” Those are the words of Gentry Owen, a senior from Washington High School. Gentry will be quick to add that he enjoys the personalization and hands-on activities that the CTE Academy offers. Gentry has specialized in digital music while at the CTE Academy. His teacher, Mrs. Mehlert added, “Gentry has shown so much musical growth this year! He will go far in life due to his drive and passion to succeed! Gentry plans to attend Augustana University and major in Pre-Law. Gentry, we think your willingness to learn and initiative to succeed will bring great things for you. Congratulations on being a “See the Vision” winner!

The Aviation program at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy recently received a grant which allowed for the purchase of three, brand new, state-of-the-art flight simulators which rival the best anywhere in the state, including at college institutions. At an event on Wednesday, we celebrated the community partners of that program and allowed our Gold Card members (community members 60+ with interest in our schools) access to see and hear how it all works! See more here: https://youtu.be/c8wrP5U_Fm0 And here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEdyw

Biomed 2 students dissected bones and are learning about fractures. #siouxfalls #biomed #careerandtechnicaledication

We want YOU here! The Sioux Falls School District is looking to fill their Custodian, Clerical, and American Sign Language Interpreter/Tutor roles. Visit the links below to learn more about each position and apply! 🧹Custodian: https://sf.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=3836 💻Clerical: https://sf.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx?jcat=clerical 👋American Sign Language Interpreter/Tutor: https://sf.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=5525

Please help us congratulate Jolynn as she starts her first OFFICIAL day on the Habitat team! Jolynn first worked on a Habitat home while still in high school through the CTE Academy and then worked on Habitat homes again through our partnership with Southeast Technical College. Jolynn spent the last couple months on an internship program before accepting an offer to become one of our Construction Site Supervisors!