Mastic Beach, NY - October 4, 2018 - The William Floyd High School Cosmetology program recently held a banner unveiling ceremony to celebrate the recent “Model School” designation bestowed upon the program by the Career and Technical Education Technical Assistance Center (CTE TAC) of New York, an honor reserved for the best CTE programs in New York State. William Floyd Cosmetology was the only program on Long Island to receive this designation.
“This honor is due to the hard work and efforts of several people including Wendy Joyce and Annie Bopp who work with the students every day to develop a quality program,” said Christine Rosado, Director of Secondary Education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), William Floyd School District.
The two-year program, open to juniors and seniors, provides a strong entrepreneurial component in which students learn the skills required to become a licensed cosmetologist and how to operate a business. The Virtual Enterprise experience, which is included in the program of study along with several other business tie-in courses, offers the skills that help these students throughout their future careers. 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 also 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 last 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 the opportunity to earn three college credits.
“The development of this comprehensive CTE-approved cosmetology program in William Floyd High School is making a difference,” said Ellen Palazzo, Long Island field associate, CTE TAC. “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.”
“NYS CTE Model Programs are considered to be the best of the best,” added Ms. Rosado. “As a CTE Model Program, the William Floyd Cosmetology program will serve as an example for other schools of what a high-quality CTE program looks like.”
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 provides students with opportunities to earn college credits in their chosen field, gain valuable life skills and prepared for entry-level employment in their program of study.
Now more than 350 students are enrolled in various CTE courses at William Floyd High School and students graduating with a CTE endorsement on their diplomas have the opportunity to gain entry-level employment in various capacities including as a medical assistant, an automotive technician, an entry-level carpenter/carpenter’s apprentice/carpenter’s helper and as a licensed cosmetologist; they can also earn college credits for post-secondary education in the culinary arts, earn endorsements in business (accounting, small business management, Microsoft office specialist) and in technology (architectural drafting and engineering).
About William Floyd Cosmetology
The William Floyd Cosmetology Academy offers a two-year Cosmetology licensing course for juniors and seniors. The 1,000-hour New York State licensing course includes instruction and practical experience in hairstyling, hair coloring, haircutting, skin care, nail technology, make-up, braiding, chemical texturizing and hair extensions. The program also includes visits by guest speakers, industry shows and other events. Students are instructed in a state-of-the-art cosmetology classroom, which uses the same equipment and materials found in a professional salon. Successful completion of the program qualifies students to apply for the New York State Cosmetology written and practical exams.