CTE Month Spotlight!

In the Lyon County School District, Career and Technical Education can begin before high school. The Maple Woodshop course, offered at several intermediate schools across the district, gives students the opportunity to explore hands-on learning in an innovative and accessible way.

At Silver Stage Middle School, students in Tyler Alexander’s class are measuring, cutting, assembling, and building, all within a traditional classroom setting transformed into a fully functioning wood shop.

What makes the Maplewoodshop course truly unique is its portability.

The entire program is organized into a mobile tool chest, fully equipped with the tools necessary for students to complete foundational woodworking projects. This innovative setup allows any classroom to be converted into a wood shop space, removing barriers and expanding access to hands-on technical education.

Through the course, students learn essential woodworking skills such as:

• Accurate measuring

• Safe and precise cutting techniques

• Proper tool use

• Project assembly and design

But the learning goes far beyond technical skills. Students develop patience, attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, all while gaining confidence through the process of creating something with their own hands.

The Maple Woodshop toolkit also includes a prepared and structured curriculum, making it easy for educators to implement and ensuring students receive consistent, high-quality instruction.

One of the most noticeable outcomes of the Maplewoodshop course is student engagement. Students are eager for the opportunity to participate, take pride in their projects, and experience the satisfaction of building something tangible from start to finish.

Programs like Maplewoodshop demonstrate how CTE in Lyon County School District continues to innovate by bringing meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities directly to students.