SPOTSYCTC WEEKLY UPDATE 2026-2027
The Week Ending August 7, 2026
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Principal's Message
Good afternoon, SpotsyCTC Community!
Welcome to the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center! Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another year, we are incredibly excited to have you as part of the SpotsyCTC family.
SpotsyCTC is a very special place, and I am extremely proud to serve as the principal of this amazing school. This year, we will serve close to 1,700 students from all five Spotsylvania County high schools across our 20 career and technical education programs. We also have an incredible team of instructors and staff who work hard every day to create a place where students feel welcomed, challenged, supported, and excited to learn.
It was a pleasure seeing so many of our students and families at our Open House on Tuesday. Thank you for taking the time to visit our school, explore our programs, meet our staff, and give us the opportunity to meet you. The excitement throughout the building was a great way to kick off what we know will be an outstanding year!
Our theme for the 2026–2027 school year is:
“Back to the Basics: Refocusing on the Small Things That Drive Big Success.”
We do a lot of BIG things at SpotsyCTC. Our students earn industry credentials, compete through Career and Technical Student Organizations, participate in work-based learning, develop professional skills, create incredible projects, and prepare for their futures.
But big success starts with the small things.
Showing up. Being on time. Being prepared. Asking questions. Working safely. Treating others with respect. Taking pride in your work. Trying again when something doesn't go as planned.
When we consistently focus on those small things, the big things will follow.
During the first few weeks of school, students will receive a lot of important information from their instructors. This may include program expectations, safety requirements, Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), industry credentialing, Work-Based Learning (WBL), attendance expectations, and other opportunities available throughout the year.
Students, please take the time to listen, ask questions, and understand the expectations and opportunities within your program. Families, I encourage you to ask your student about what they are learning and encourage them to take advantage of everything SpotsyCTC has to offer.
About SpotsyCTC
At SpotsyCTC, we serve students from all five high schools in Spotsylvania County through 20 career and technical education programs.
Our mission is to provide rigorous, real-world education that combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning, preparing our students for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
Students have opportunities to extend their learning through:
- Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
- Industry-recognized credentials
- Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences
- Internships, externships, and practicum opportunities
- Leadership and competitive events
- Connections with local businesses and industry professionals
Our slogan says it best:
“The Bridge That Connects YOUR NOW to YOUR FUTURE.”
Everything we do is focused on helping students build that bridge and take the next step toward their future.
Stay Connected
We want our families and community to stay connected with everything happening at SpotsyCTC throughout the year. Follow us on:
Facebook: SpotsyCTC
X/Twitter: SpotsyCTC
Instagram: SpotsyCTC
We are here to support every student's success. If you have questions, concerns, or need support at any point during the school year, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are a team, and we are here to help.
As we head into our first week with students, I hope everyone takes some time this weekend to relax, spend time with family and friends, and recharge.
I cannot wait to welcome our students through the doors and officially begin the 2026–2027 school year.
Welcome to SpotsyCTC. Let's have an amazing year!
“SPOTSYCTC… The Bridge that connects YOUR NOW to YOUR FUTURE.”
2026-2027 Theme: “Back To The Basics: Refocusing on the Small Things, That Drive Big Success"
Sincerely,
Reitha Abed, M.Ed., Ed.S.
Principal | Spotsylvania Career & Technical Center
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
6713 Smith Station Road | Spotsylvania, VA 22553
(540) 898-2655
SHOUTOUT FRIDAY
OUR AMAZING TEAM
SPOTSYCTC REMINDERS:
REMINDERS:
If your child is absent or arrives late, please send a copy of the doctor's note, dentist's note, or other documentation to both Spotsylvania Career & Technical Center (SpotsyCTC) and your child's home high school. Since we are separate schools, each school must receive its own copy to excuse the absence.
Once an excused note is received, our Attendance Secretary can update your child's attendance accordingly.
Attendance Contact:
Mrs. Cheryl Cousineau, Attendance Secretary
📧 ccousineau@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
📞 540-898-2655
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💻 Student Devices
Students are expected to bring their SCPS-issued device and charger every day.
To help ensure students are ready for instruction:
- Charge your device each evening before school.
- Bring your charger daily in case your battery needs to be recharged.
- Label both your device and charger with your first and last name (a strip of masking tape works great).
Having a charged device each day is essential for student success.
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🚗 Student Drivers
Students may not drive to SpotsyCTC without prior approval.
Students who may be eligible to drive include those who:
- Have no additional classes at their home high school on their SpotsyCTC day.
- Have received administrative approval for special circumstances (such as a doctor's appointment).
If your child needs permission to drive, please contact:
Mrs. Cara Gravatt, Assistant Principal
📧 cgravatt@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
📞 540-898-2655
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👕 Workplace Readiness & Professional Attire
Professionalism is an important part of every Career and Technical Education program. Students are expected to dress appropriately for their program and follow industry safety standards.
Depending on the program, students may be required to:
- Wear a program uniform.
- Wear closed-toe or safety footwear.
- Follow OSHA and industry-specific safety requirements regarding clothing, jewelry, and personal protective equipment.
Your child's instructor will review all program expectations during Open House and again during the first week of school.
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📵 SCPS Cell Phone Policy
To support student learning and minimize distractions, Spotsylvania County Public Schools has implemented a new countywide personal device policy.
During instructional time, students may not use:
- Cell phones
- Smartwatches
- Earbuds or headphones
- Tablets or other personal electronic devices
Bell-to-Bell Expectations:
- Personal devices must be turned off or silenced and stored away throughout the instructional period.
- Devices used during class without permission may be confiscated and released only to a parent or guardian in accordance with SCPS procedures.
- SpotsyCTC and SCPS are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices.
📞 SpotsyCTC Contact Information
We are here to help! If you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact our Main Office or reach out directly to one of our team members.
Main Office: 540-898-2655
Principal
Mr. Abed
📧 rabed@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Gravatt
📧 cgravatt@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
School Counselor
Mrs. Hudson
📧 ehudson@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Front Office
Mrs. Cousineau
📧 ccousineau@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Bookkeeper
Mrs. Harris
📧 aharris@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
School Nurse
Mrs. Saunders
📧 alsaunders@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
We’re here to support our students and families. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re happy to help!
SPOTSYCTC IN THE NEWS
SPOTSYCTC IN THE NEWS
A spotlight on Spotsylvania Center & Technical Center Collision Repair Program: https://www.grecopublishing.com/hammer-and-dolly-february-2026/
- Senator Tim Kaine Visits SpotsyCTC: https://open.substack.com/pub/fxbgadvance/p/tim-kaine-visits-spotsylvania-career?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
- CHCORI BATTALION RAIDERS: CHCORI BATTALION RAIDERS EXCEL IN JROTC COMPETITION (fredericksburg.com)
- Signing Day: SIGNING DAY: SCTC seniors commit to workforce | Announcements | fredericksburg.com
- Cyber Program - Germanna and GO Virginia launch first dual enrollment cybersecurity course for high school students in Spotsylvania | Education | fredericksburg.com
- SCTC Pink Out - SCTC: Students show support through Pink Out | Announcements | fredericksburg.com
- Electrical Program - Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center students learn how to light up the world | Announcements | fredericksburg.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Transition Day - August 10, 2026
- First Day of School - August 11, 2026
- Labor Day - September 7, 2026 - No School
- High School Back to School Night - September 15, 2026
- Yom Kippur - September 21, 2026 - No School
- End of 1st 9-weeks - October 9, 2026
- MONTHLY DRILLS - ONGOING
- LOCKDOWN DRILLS - ONGOING - We conduct multiple lockdown drills with Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Officers each year according to the code of Virginia.
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
CANVAS: Parent Observer Account Instructions
BREAKING NEWS
COUNSELING CORNER
Welcome back to the 2026-2027 school year! My name is Eleanor Hudson and I'm the school counselor here at SpotsyCTC. I am here to support our students and families in any way that I can, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me if there is anything I can do for you or your child. My contact information is ehudson@spotsylvania.k12.va.us or 540-898-2655 Ext. 5924. It's going to be a great year!
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: CAREER READINESS CORNER
26-27 Ready~S.E.T.~Go! Student Field Experience Application
SPOTSYCTC
Website: https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/o/ctc
Location: 6713 Smith Station Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, USA
Phone: 540-898-2655
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpotsyCTC
Twitter: @spotsyctc