William Floyd HS Cosmetology Receives CTE Model Program Recognition

LongIsland.com

Students benefit from a strong entrepreneurial component where they learn how to operate a business.

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The William Floyd High School Cosmetology program has been named as a NYS Career and Technical Education Model Program.

Photo by: William Floyd School District

Mastic Beach, NY - April 25, 2018 - The Career and Technical Education Technical Assistance Center (CTE TAC) of NY has named the William Floyd High School Cosmetology program as a New York State Career and Technical Education Model Program. This recognition program honors high-quality CTE programs at the middle and secondary levels. This honor is one of just two bestowed upon NYS programs this year by CTE TAC and the only one recognized on Long Island. The characteristics that make this program a model will be shared with other schools and BOCES across the state.
 
The two-year program, open to juniors and seniors, currently serves approximately 114 students, and has a staff which includes teacher, Wendy Joyce, and teaching assistant, Annie Bopp. Students benefit from a strong entrepreneurial component where they learn how to operate a business. It is provided by the Virtual Enterprise experience, which is included in the program of study along with several other business tie-in courses, such as accounting. After successful completion of the Cosmetology program, students have the 1,000 hours necessary to qualify for NYS licensure.
 
The community connections within the program are evident through an advisory board representative of the various businesses in the community, as well as the opportunities presented to students through trainings and demonstrations hosted by local salon professionals. Students regularly take top awards at the SkillsUSA competitions, including this year, which saw two William Floyd students take home first- and second-place in the Cosmetology category. Additionally, an articulation agreement with SUNY Farmingdale provides students pursuing a post-secondary education with three college credits.
 
Some of the success data highlighted by CTE TAC includes 100% of students passing the Regents or approved substitution exam, 82% passing a technical assessment and 82% receiving a technical endorsement on their diplomas.
 
“Wendy Joyce and Annie Bopp have taken this program to the next level,” said Karen Poidomani, CTE Chairperson, William Floyd School District, who earlier this year was selected as the SkillsUSA Region VI Advisor of the Year. “The success of our students is due to their passion for the field and connections to the industry.”
 
According to Ellen Palazzo, CTE TAC’s Field Associate for Long Island, “Over the last five years the development of this comprehensive CTE-approved cosmetology program in William Floyd High School is making a difference! It has encouraged students to actively explore career pathways, develop their passions and talents, promoted success in high school, build professional skills, and positioned dozens to earn a licensure and entry to career success. Simultaneously, this program has served to enrich the school culture and heighten community connections. Once again the cosmetology students have excelled in the LI region earning first- and second-place in the island-wide SkillsUSA competition.”
 
The William Floyd School District offers an abundance of CTE programs for students including automotive technology, barbering, business, building trades & construction, cosmetology, culinary arts, medical assisting, small engine repair and technology. Each course provide students with opportunities to earn college credits in their chosen field, gain valuable life skills and gain entry-level employment in their program of study.