As professionals from in and around the Goddard area fill the commons space (Mane Street) at Goddard High School (GHS), it’s easy to spot some familiar faces. Some of these professionals are Goddard graduates, others are staff members within Goddard Public Schools, and others play the role of both professional and parent. Regardless of role, all gather for the same reason: to provide insight and input to their respective career pathways as part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum within Goddard Schools. CTE pathways curate options and opportunities for all high school students that choose to participate, whether it’s exploring engineering and applied mathematics, or honing their skills in automotive technology. CTE courses provide experiential learning opportunities for all.
Currently Goddard Public Schools offer 17 different CTE pathways: biomedical, business finance (accounting), law enforcement, pre-law, digital media, early childhood development and services, engineering and applied mathematics, family/community/consumer services, fashion/apparel/interior design, graphic design, health sciences, marketing, automotive technology, network systems, programming/software development, restaurant/event management, teaching/training, and web/digital communications. USD 265 also utilizes Xello (a college and career readiness program) which allows students to complete inventories, lessons, and activities that match them with college and career options and opportunities. Students in grades 7-12 can take advantage of Xello, and begin exploring possibilities through CTE courses.
“Watching a student in their element, proving the success of what they’re doing and making it measurable, is so rewarding,” noted Doug Bridwell, Principal of Goddard High School, during Goddard Public Schools’ recent CTE Advisory Council spring semester gathering. The USD 265 CTE Advisory Council meets twice every school year. The Council brings together professionals from in and around the Goddard area and pairs them with educators in Goddard schools to help shape and influence the CTE pathways within USD 265. Teachers and administrators from every school, as well as the District Office, have a chance to provide input as well as show what has been happening in the CTE classrooms. Professionals from various industries share how the job market is changing, how employment opportunities evolve over time, and what skills they’re seeking for the next workforce generation.
Jim Zimmer, Marketing CTE Teacher at GHS, hosted the Marketing & Business CTE Advisory Council members, which includes a variety of business and industry leaders, and used the opportunity to showcase what his students have been working on this year. “I learn from these kids every day, and I love sparking their interest in areas that they may have never considered before,” remarked Zimmer. “It’s not just marketing skills that we build in this classroom. It’s social skills, people skills. I can’t wait to see what happens next on each of their journeys.”
GHS and Eisenhower High School (EHS) students both presented projects and campaigns that they’ve been working on this year. From artistic designers, to accounting/inventory managers, to digital graphic experts, each student plays a different role. “It all started with these classes, in the marketing pathway,” noted Kenzli Turner, EHS marketing student. Each aspiring professional presented to the business and marketing advisory council members strategies they used throughout the school to propel their projects to success. Some sold seasonal snacks during the holiday times, to fundraise for their marketing class. Others produced merchandise to market to students and staff at their respective schools. Funds raised from these campaigns funnel directly back to the marketing classes - to purchase assets and materials for the future. “What I enjoy most is making a difference and contributing to the betterment of these projects,” said GHS marketing student Emmy Hedden. “It’s about the community surrounding and supporting your goals, hopes and dreams,” added Karaline Scott, GHS marketing student and recent Gore Scholarship (Wichita State University) winner.
Students from the EHS marketing and business pathways included Brent Henry and Kenzli Turner. GHS was represented by Londyn Chapman, Merrill Hickey, Emmy Hedden, Blake Read, Karaline Scott, and Cayman Staley. Marcy Cross, Business CTE Teacher at EHS, expressed her appreciation for the dedication of students in these pathway courses, “Students are passionate in every pathway. GHS and EHS both do a great job of preparing students for success.” At the conclusion of the Marketing & Business CTE Advisory Council meeting, Zimmer added a final note of thanks to all attendees. “I’d just like to extend thanks to all who were able to engage in this meeting! The conversation between students and business/industry professionals was amazing. I always look forward to the next time we can meet and showcase more student success stories from both GHS and EHS!”