Washington State Skill Center Association

Walla Walla High School Teacher Attends Professional Development Institute Original story published by CASE Institute News Release Jessica Johnson, an Agriscience teacher at Walla Walla High School, recently attended a Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education professional development institute at the State University of New York at Cobleskill to teach the Agricultural Equipment Maintenance & Technology (AEMT) CASE curriculum. During the CASE Institute, Mrs. Johnson spent 5 days in Cobleskill, New York, and 3 days studying virtually working through nearly every lesson in the yearlong curriculum and learning how to deliver lessons in an inquiry-based way that will shift focus in the classroom from teacher-led to student-directed learning. "This new AEMT (Agricultural Equipment Maintenance & Technology) course is exactly what our community supporters and students have been asking for," said Jessica Johnson. "It will provide our students with the opportunity to learn advanced skills and essential knowledge to enter a post-secondary program and become technicians in the agriculture, construction, diesel, and automotive industries." Mrs. Johnson is implementing this new curriculum to teach the AEMT (Agricultural Equipment Maintenance & Technology) class beginning this year. CASE 4 Learning is committed to designing an inquiry-based agricultural curriculum that meets the current demands of teachers, students, and industry. CASE 4 Learning provides comprehensive professional development and workshops for new and seasoned teachers to achieve lifetime certification, learn new coursework, and build a community of support. Upon certification, all CASE 4 Learning teachers have access to course updates, training, and support for the remainder of their careers. The curriculum is designed to spiral and scaffold course concepts, incorporate APP (Activity, Project, or Problem) modalities, and meet core standards to equip teachers and schools to help students become lifelong learners and prepare them for college and/or careers. The curriculum was written by CASE 4 Learning. CASE is an acronym for Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education and is an initiative of the National Council for Agricultural Education (The Council.)

We have a new session of Master Esthetician starting February 3rd with many open spots! As a reminder, our 12-month Master Esthetician program is offered through a partnership with the Olympia School of Advanced Skin Care, located in Olympia (1600 4th Ave E.). Attendance is required during the remainder of this school year, summer session, and the following 1st semester next school year to earn the Master Esthetics credential. The course earns .5 credit lab science, and two .5 elective CTE credits per semester. Transportation is also required as it is located off-site. Hours are listed below: • School Year Session - Monday – Friday, 12:30pm – 5:30pm • Summer Session – June 24th – August 23rd - M-F from 8:30am – 4:30pm Please note, new sessions are offered only twice a year - June (summer session start) & February (2nd semester start).

NCTA - Core Plus Construction Some exciting photos from our Anacortes campus. #Onthejob #framingskills #handsonlearning #realworldskills

As we get back into the swing of things, we’re excited to spotlight Mercury, one of our talented automotive students, currently gaining hands-on experience through work-based learning at Corwin Ford Spokane! Work-based learning is a cornerstone of our Automotive Technology program, giving students the unique opportunity to partner with local companies and apply their skills in real-world settings—all while continuing their education. Way to go, Mercury! Keep up the great work! #AutomotiveTech #WorkBasedLearning #StudentSpotlight #CareerReady #newtechprep #spokane #skillcenter #cte #spokanewashington #spokanecounty

U.S. Border Patrol Agents Visit NCTA Criminal Justice Classes Students in the NCTA Criminal Justice classes were honored to meet two professional United States Border Patrol (U.S.B.P.) agents, Agent Romero and Agent Fitzgerald. The agents spent time with the students, enhancing their understanding of the U.S.B.P. and its mission. They also shared valuable insights into the qualities, expectations, and characteristics required for careers in the U.S. Border Patrol and law enforcement fields.

CTE New Faces Connor Hubin - Geometry in Construction & Engineering Design This year, Connor Hubin is our new CTE teacher at WaHi, teaching Geometry in Construction and Engineering Design. While this is his first year as a full-time educator, he is familiar with the beautiful WaHi campus from working as a substitute teacher in the Walla Walla School District. To Connor, teaching is an opportunity to guide students towards a greater standard than what came before. Every day he is grateful for the chance to be a force of positivity in a student's life. In teaching Engineering Design and Geometry in Construction, Connor is looking forward to seeing the students develop problem-solving skills and demonstrate their creativity in projects and assignments related to the engineering field. Connor grew up in Auburn, WA but has lived in the valley since 2016 when he started attending Walla Walla University. “One of the reasons that I was compelled to start a life here in our valley was how close-knit the community is. I hope to continue growing my connection with this community with an open invitation to reach out and contact me for any reason, especially if there is a chance I can provide any help.” Christine Schumacher - CTE Program and Partnership Coordinator Working in education has always been something that Chris wanted to do, inspired by her parents, both of whom were teachers. Growing up in Odessa, Washington, Chris admired the educators who made a lasting impact on her life, in particular, her high school business teacher, which is why she wanted to be a CTE teacher. For the past 22 years, Chris has taught business and marketing, starting her career right after earning her bachelor's degree, and later a master's in educational leadership and administration from Eastern Washington University. Before working for the Walla Walla School District, Chris taught in Davenport, Sumner, and Buckley, Washington. “This year, I’m particularly excited about the growing opportunities for students at SEATech and throughout the district, especially in helping them explore post-secondary options like internships and apprenticeships. I’m proud to be part of a community that values student success. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my husband John, the principal at WaHi, our son Flynn, who goes to PiHi, and our vizsla, Lucky. As a family, we enjoy traveling, attending sporting events, and getting to know the town of Walla Walla.”

Have you taken the EDASC Business Climate Survey yet? NCTA partner, EDASC (Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County) is asking all Skagit business leaders and business owners to complete its Business Climate Survey. The survey is intended to gather vital insights from business leaders like yourself to paint a picture of the current challenges and opportunities facing our business community. Your feedback will be instrumental in shaping EDASC’s strategies and initiatives for its business retention, attraction, and expansion programming. The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Results will be shared with the community, but your information will remain confidential. For questions, contact EDASC Economic Development Manager Aaron Weinberg at aaron@skagit.org or 360-639-8849. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N3VN5SS

Video Game Development, Animation & Graphic Design Classes Tour Wizards of the Coast... Wizards of the Coast, renowned for iconic games like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, recently hosted an engaging event for our students here at NCTA. Over 40 students from our Animation and Graphic Design and Video Game Development courses attended. This was made possible by a sponsorship by Games for Change, in partnership with Hasbro, and under the expert guidance of Mary Elizabeth Pearson. Employees generously volunteered their time, and some students had the incredible opportunity to spend time with John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming, among the other 20+ Hasbro employees. Instructors Jason Pasimio and Linton Porteous extend their heartfelt thanks. "Designing the cards and talking to the employees was such an amazing experience. It helped me picture a potential path to a career in the game design industry!" — Grace, Game Development Student "The experience gave me more insight into a different side of animation and game design. I would tell other students to definitely take advantage of opportunities like this!" — Bell, Animation + Graphic Design Student "This trip was not only fun, but it also gave me a clearer picture of how much hard work goes into making these games. If you ever get the chance to go, do it!" — Travis, Game Development Student "This was a great chance to talk to professionals who have been in the game design industry. It definitely influenced me to put more effort into my original ideas!" — Grizz, Game Development Student ...and Welcomes Academy of Interactive Entertainment Matt Thomas, Events Coordinator for the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), visited NCTA to speak with students in the Video Game Development, Animation, and Graphic Design programs. AIE, based in Seattle, is the world's first non-profit specialist educator in games and visual effects. The academy supports student learning in fields such as 3D animation, art, game design, and programming. Like NCTA, AIE emphasizes hands-on learning, with instruction led by industry experts. Partnership Opportunity Looking ahead, Animation & Graphic Design is collaborating with Video Game Development to compete in the AMES Showcase in May 2025. The Advanced Media Entertainment Society is "a Washington State non-profit building community between high school students and professionals storytellers in the media arts." NCTA is need of industry professionals to help develop student projects including: public speaking, short animations, video game design, and other related skills. If you'd like to know more, please contact Mr. Jerry Grisham.

CBTECH Video Game Programming-FBLA Member of the Month. Ace Harper and Jesse Erlenmeyer Ace Harper PM Session CBTECH Video Game Programming student Ace Harper stood out this month for embracing the school’s motto “On time, every day, with a positive attitude.” She has been hard working and helpful with her fellow classmates. She practices good leadership and is always willing to learn. Ace embodies what we strive to achieve in our classroom and we are honored to have her as our Member of the Month for November. Jesse Erlenmeyer Jesse Erlenmeyer is the December Member of the Month in Video Game Programming. He is a good example of someone who is not only on time, every day, with a good attitude, but he also does an amazing job working with his classmates and team members. He gives them the help they need, assisting them, teaching them tips and tricks to help them progress better individually as well as a team. Because of Jesse, his team is guaranteed to have successful projects with the help of his leadership qualities.

WaHi Hosts Annual Career and College Fair On October 17th, Walla Walla High School held its annual College & Career Fair. Several local colleges and organizations volunteered to come and talk to our students about post-secondary options, scholarships, and volunteer and job opportunities. Thank you to our Career and College Specialist, Karen Ruzicka for organizing this event! hank you to all of the colleges and organizations for participating in this event! We appreciate your continued partnership and support. Blue Mountain Community Foundation, Careers in Education, Central Washington University, Columbia Basin College, Columbia County Health System, Eastern Washington University, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), GEAR UP, Gesa Power House Theatre, Grand Canyon University, Heritage University of Tri-Cities, Lewis-Clark State College, Moreno & Castillo Construction, Pacific Lutheran University, Perry Tech, Providence St. Mary’s, SEATech Skills Center, United States Army, University of Idaho, University of Oregon, University of Washington, WaHi Counselors, Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla Elks Lodge, Walla Walla Sweets, Walla Walla University, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Patrol, Washington State University Agriculture, Human & Natural Resources, Washington State University Pullman, Washington State University Tri-Cities, Whitman College, and WorkSource.

SEATech Health Science Careers/Pre-Nursing students observe brain surgery On December 11, Health Science Careers/Pre-Nursing students started their day at 6:30 a.m. to observe brain surgery at Providence St. Mary Medical Center. Students were provided a hands-on experience with surgical instruments and microscopes of different diseases. The presentation was instructed as a college-prep class. This was a very tedious surgery that took about 5 hours. Students experienced what it would be like to work in this setting. Students were treated as health professionals and informed of what our world offers in healthcare. This was a great experience and day at Providence St. Mary Medical Center and we thank them for the opportunity. “It was a fabulous experience for SEATech Pre-Nursing, we were so lucky to have this experience,” said Sandy Thomas, Instructor, RN.

The future of medicine! Pictured: #Skillscenter students with anatomy table. Interested in a career in medicine? Check out our Medical Assisting course! MA is a fast-growing medical profession that combines people skills, organization, and compassion in a medical setting! Students practice the language and skills of doctors and other health professionals, using core knowledge that leads to healthcare, medical assisting, and medical office assisting occupations. The program uses National HOSA student leadership projects, modules, computer programs, industry standards, college curriculum, and problem-based activities in school and industry settings. Cross Credits in Science and Applied Math available. CTE Dual Credit and Industry Certification available. Our 2025-26 application is coming soon! Stay tuned :) #wearesps #wehaveskills 4w

Happy Holidays @NEWTech Prep

#Culinaryarts #caketime #creativity

#Culinaryarts

#Reminder 📣Help us spread the word! Cosmetology students✂️ need clients weekly to earn hours needed for their state license. Call 360-604-1080 to book now! #Cascadiatech #InspiringGreatness #Cosmetology

#HappyNewYears2025 Wishing you all a wonderful New Year! Cheers to another incredible year at our Washington State Skills Centers! Thank you to all our supportive staff and hardworking students ! You make WSCCA GREAT! #HappyNewYears #inspiringreatness #ourstudentsarethebest⭐️ #ourschoolsmatter

Here is yesterday's spirit day. A hair-raising good time ha ha! We will take pictures of everyone's snow gear later this afternoon. Tomorrow will be candy cane day. 🤍Fresh/Jr: white ❤️Soph/Sr: red 💚Staff: green 🦺Construction day has begun for the Jr/Sr Gingerbread House Competition. All the structures are based off of local landmarks. Groups have had to look up the history about each structure and write a paper about it too. Some of you are really taking this from an engineering/technical eye. They are using the design process like we do in most our projects. We are seeing some awesome work!! Thank you to the PTO and other parents for bringing in donations for this new tradition we hope to do year after year going forward! Stakes are high!! #svt #wearesvt #innovators #stemschool #gingerbreadhouse #spiritday2024

WST Criminal Justice class analyzed a crime scene using data collected from the scene. Our cosmo and esto students finished day 2 of their lash class using mannequins. #wstworks

Wishing all of our incredible staff, students and their families a wonderful winter break! #happyholidays #peaceandlove #familytime