Mastic Beach, NY - January 20, 2015 - William Floyd High School Principal Barbara Butler and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Chair Karen Poidomani recently had the opportunity to share the successes of the William Floyd CTE program at the fourth annual Technical Assistance of New York CTE Conference, “Transforming Schools: Creating Pathways to Careers,” held at Hofstra University. Together, they highlighted the district’s six CTE academies – automotive technology, business, carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts and medical assisting – and how they are preparing students to be career and college ready in a highly-competitive 21st century global environment.
Each CTE academy at William Floyd High School provides students with invaluable hands-on experiences along with an important business component that keeps them engaged in real-world applications. Students enrolled in William Floyd’s CTE programs have an opportunity to take technical assessments to qualify for entry-level positions upon graduation, as well as the opportunity to earn college credits through articulation agreements set up with some local colleges and universities to give them a head start with their post-secondary education. These programs also qualify for the “CTE Approved Program” status which gives students the opportunity to earn a New York State CTE Endorsement on their high school diploma, an indication of college and career readiness.
“Our CTE program is a product of vision and community collaboration,” said Mrs. Butler. “Students now have the tremendous opportunity to strengthen their academic and professional skills in state-of-the-art facilities which will help them in their post-secondary education and future careers.”
Other student opportunities and work-based learning experiences include hosting a variety of guest speakers, a career day, shadow days, internship opportunities, competitions, mentoring, field trips and more. The CTE program is also involved in making a connection with elementary and middle school students to build excitement and anticipation for their high school careers.
“CTE programs like ours allow students to apply academics to their career interests,” said Mrs. Poidomani, who also serves as a business teacher at the high school. “Working in conjunction with our business community provides students with networking opportunities that will be beneficial to them after high school and beyond.”
About William Floyd High School CTE
Automotive Technology, a two-year program taught by Daniel Rupracht, consists of a mix of classroom instruction and experiential learning focused on preventive automobile maintenance. Topics include shop safety, the use of hand, power and specialty tools, engine systems, engine performance, brakes, tires, steering, suspension, electronics and diagnostic systems. Students learn in a new state-of-the-art garage facility complete with the latest and most high-tech tools.
The Business Academy encompasses a comprehensive program of challenging courses in career preparation and technological literacy that are enriched with a variety of extracurricular activities. Half- and full-year courses complement academic study and provide opportunities for students to satisfy many of the commencement level NYS Learning Standards. Courses are designed to prepare students for post-secondary study and/or entry-level employment. The Business Academy gives students the opportunity to obtain CTE Endorsements in Accounting, Small Business Management and Microsoft Office Specialist. The purpose of this endorsement is to prepare students for entry-level employment and help them develop the necessary workplace skills to be a successful employee.
In Culinary Arts, a two-year program taught by Rich Daly (Guinness World Record holder for fastest ice carver), students work in a fully-equipped kitchen equivalent to facilities found in restaurants around the world. Their education includes culinary mathematics, menu planning, food science, health and safety procedures, food identification, purchasing and more. Successful completion of the program provides students with an opportunity to earn up to seven advanced college credits through Suffolk County Community College’s (SCCC) Excelsior Program. Those credits may be applied to Culinary, Baking or Hotel Management at SCCC.
Cosmetology, a two-year program taught by Wendy Joyce, gives students the practical experience in performing the same hair, nail and skin care techniques that are employed at major salons and spas around the world, such as hairstyling, hair coloring, haircutting, skin care, nail technology, make-up, braiding, chemical texturizing, hair extensions and more. Students can earn 1,000 hours of experience in preparation for taking the State Board exam to become a New York State-licensed cosmetologist.
Carpentry, a two-year program taught by Matt VanHorne, provides students with hands-on experience in carpentry, building trades and construction. Students construct miniature homes utilizing the plans and components of a full-size home, and they design furniture and perform work in and for the community. The program prepares students for College Construction Technology and Engineering programs and also trains students for entrance into the Carpenters Union Joint Apprenticeship program. Students learn hands-on skills, technical training and garner a basic understanding of the competencies needed to perform as an entry-level carpenter, carpenter’s apprentice or carpenter’s helper. Students completing the program possess the entry-level skills needed for the construction industry and for post-secondary education. They also have the opportunity to earn advanced college credits through an articulation agreement with the State University of New York at Delhi.
Medical Assisting/Introduction to Health Professions, a two-year program taught by Rhonda DeTrano, LPN, is held in a fully-equipped classroom laboratory, which introduces students to a wide range of topics, including health care systems, health careers, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and diet therapy, infection control, vital signs, first aid and emergency care, CPR, EKG, pediatric and adult care, assisting with minor office surgery, laboratory skills and insurance, billing and administrative procedures and more. Students completing the program will be eligible to take the national certification exam, which qualifies students to utilize their skills as a medical assistant in any state in the nation.
