RCOE-CTE UPDATE

Community service is gaining momentum in the Corona-Norco District, particularly at Lee Pollard High School, where students are stepping up and making a real impact. One standout example comes from Mrs. Tammy Bakewell and her dedicated culinary students, who are using their skills to give back in meaningful ways.

Service learning is proving to be a powerful tool—strengthening students' connections to the community while also teaching invaluable lessons in empathy, teamwork, and civic responsibility.

This past weekend, culinary students Camila Mitchell and Berlin Rivera exemplified these values through their participation in a service project at Peppermint Ridge. Working alongside others, they helped prepare and pack meals for over 600 homeless individuals, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Ms. Robin Jones for connecting the school with One World One Family, the inspiring organization that made this opportunity possible. Thanks to efforts like these, students are not only learning to cook—they're learning to care.

The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) and the Corona-Norco Unified School District proudly celebrate Berlin Rivera, who has been named Student of the Year for her exceptional academic achievements.

Berlin was honored at a special ceremony on April 17 at the Riverside Convention Center, where she was recognized for her unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. This prestigious award is a testament to Berlin's remarkable accomplishments and her bright future ahead. Congratulations, Berlin!

Mike Moore, EMS Specialist and REMSIS Administrator with the Riverside County EMS Agency (REMSA), visited the classroom to work with the Vista Del Lago EMT students. Mike generously took time out of his busy schedule to provide an in-depth, in-service training on the Image Trend “e-PCR” (electronic Patient Care Report) software. He guided students through the platform, explaining how to navigate the system and accurately complete the required sections during their EMT internships.

He also discussed best practices for documentation, including how to write clear, compliant narratives in alignment with REMSA guidelines. In addition, Mike reviewed recent protocol updates impacting EMTs and provided valuable insights into the Riverside County EMT certification process.

We are incredibly grateful to Mike for sharing his expertise and supporting our students’ success.

Thank you for your continued support of the RCOE/CTE EMT programs.

Moreno Valley High School showcased its talent and dedication at the SkillsUSA State Competition held in Ontario, California. Students competed in three categories: Welding, Culinary, and Graphic Design.

The school had a strong showing, with the Welding team bringing home a bronze medal in their category. The highlight of the event came from the culinary division where student Joanna Lara earned first-place honors for her outstanding performance.

Thanks to Joanna’s achievement, Moreno Valley High School will proudly advance to the SkillsUSA National Competition this June. Congratulations to all the competitors for their hard work and success!

What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and honor Latin/Hispanic culture than with ¡Paloma AHORA Edición Especial!? At Paloma Valley High School in the Perris Union High School District, students from the Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) program set out to spotlight the positive impact of Latin/Hispanic culture across campus.

In addition to their regular broadcasting responsibilities, these students captured stories from classrooms, sports teams, staff, and student life—all entirely in Spanish. This unique approach allowed them to directly connect with the community in their home language, making the broadcast not just informative, but inclusive and meaningful.

Using Marzano’s Cooperative Learning strategy, AME teacher Michael Gold assembled a mixed-language film team to foster collaboration and mastery. The result? A dynamic, student-led production that’s been the talk of the campus.

Here’s what some staff and students had to say:

• “I was intrigued by the Paloma AHORA Edición show and wondered if I could be a part of it or interviewed.”

• “Excellent! They did an AMAZING job!”

• “Thank you. My EL guidance class enjoyed it.”

• "¡Me gusta! Gracias, señor Gold.”

At Paloma Valley High School, there’s a clear commitment to integrating access and opportunity into every aspect of education—while celebrating the richness of diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds. ¡Paloma AHORA! is a shining example of that initiative in action.

Riverside University Health System (RUHS) recently partnered with Ms. Carla Crow, instructor of the Medical Assistant (MA) program at the Alessandro Main Campus, to provide students with essential life-saving skills through the Stop the Bleed training.

This hands-on workshop equipped students with the knowledge and confidence to apply tourniquets and control severe bleeding—critical skills in emergency situations. Through realistic simulations, students practiced proper techniques, reinforcing their ability to respond quickly, and effectively in real-world scenarios.

By offering opportunities like this, the MA program ensures that students graduate with not only strong clinical expertise, but also the preparedness to make a real difference when it matters most.

We are proud of our partnership with RUHS and remain committed to empowering our students as they prepare for meaningful, impactful careers in healthcare.

This month, the School of Career Education was thrilled to welcome students from Amistad High School and Centennial High School to our Indio and Riverside campuses. During their visits, students participated in a comprehensive orientation and toured each of our programs, gaining an inside look at the many career pathways available through our career technical education offerings.

Current students brought the experience to life by leading hands-on demonstrations and sharing how their training is preparing them for success in the workforce. These interactive visits are an essential part of helping young people visualize their futures and explore opportunities beyond high school.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated high school counselors who made these field trips possible. Their continued collaboration helps us inspire the next generation and strengthens our mission of equipping students with the skills they need to thrive.

Saturday, March 29 marked a day of hands-on learning and real-world preparedness for students enrolled in the Wildfire Academy at Sherman Indian High School.

The Wildfire Academy, a specialized program focused on preparing students for careers in fire service and emergency response, recently hosted an intensive certification training that brought classroom instruction into real-world practice. Conducted on campus and led by seasoned wildfire professionals, the training introduced students to essential fire suppression techniques, safety procedures, and teamwork strategies critical for combating wildland fires.

Throughout the day, students geared up in full firefighting equipment and engaged in a series of demanding drills, including hose handling, fire shelter deployment, communication exercises, and simulated fire line operations. The hands-on experience not only sharpened their technical abilities but also challenged their physical stamina and mental resilience.

“Our goal is to equip students with the foundational knowledge and real-world experience needed to thrive in high-risk, high-reward careers,” said Wildland Fire Instructor David Heard. “This certification is a vital step toward that mission.”

By the end of the training, participants earned their Basic Wildland Firefighter Certification (S-130/S-190)—a nationally recognized credential that qualifies them for entry-level positions with federal, state, and local fire agencies. For many students, this achievement represented more than just a certification; it offered a powerful glimpse into a future rooted in service, leadership, and resilience.

With the success of this training event, Sherman Indian High School continues to set a high standard for career technical education, demonstrating that when students are empowered with the right tools and opportunities, they can rise to meet any challenge.

On April 2, Animal Science students from Sherman Indian High School had the unique opportunity to participate in a Rhino Reproduction Simulation Training at the world-renowned San Diego Safari Park.

This immersive, hands-on experience provided students with a behind-the-scenes look at wildlife conservation, specifically focusing on the reproductive science essential to saving endangered rhino populations. Under the guidance of veterinary staff and park biologists, students observed advanced techniques in assisted reproduction, including ultrasound imaging, hormone monitoring, and habitat management strategies.

“This training gave our students an eye-opening look into the intersection of animal science, conservation, and cutting-edge technology,” said Animal Science Instructor Desiree Trapp. “It was a powerful way to connect classroom knowledge with real-world impact.” Beyond expanding their understanding of large animal care, the experience sparked new interest in careers such as veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, and environmental conservation.

Sherman Indian High School is proud to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences that not only deepen academic engagement but also inspire students to explore their passions and make meaningful contributions to the world around them.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is the proud sponsor of the Sherman Indian HS CTE program.

As the 2024–2025 academic year draws to a close, the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) is proud to celebrate the continued growth and impact of Career Technical Education (CTE) through our Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS)-recognized pre-apprenticeship programs. These programs are creating clear, meaningful pathways into high-demand careers by validating students’ mastery of industry-aligned competencies.

Recent data from 12 partner school districts shows that 1,462 students have been officially registered in DAS-recognized pre-apprenticeship programs across five priority industry sectors: Automotive, Building & Construction Trades, Culinary, Early Childhood Education, and Mechatronics. Among those enrolled, 833 students have successfully completed the DAS certification requirements—demonstrating strong technical expertise, employability skills, and interview readiness.

This achievement is the result of a collective effort by passionate educators, CTE coordinators, principals, site and district administrators, apprenticeship sponsors, local community colleges, and regional industry partners. Each of these contributors plays a vital role in preparing students for seamless transitions into apprenticeships and the workforce after high school. These outcomes underscore the power of combining rigorous academic preparation with real-world experience and sustained industry engagement.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on strengthening employer partnerships and streamlining the transition from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship and post-secondary opportunities. Our commitment is unwavering: to equip students with a competitive edge, direct industry access, and the skills necessary to thrive in today’s workforce.

Forest DeRenzo Ed.D.
Executive Director
Career Technical Education
Division of Student Programs and Services
Riverside County Office of Education
O 951.826.6797 | F 951.826.6440
3939 Thirteenth Street | Riverside, CA 92501
P.O. Box 868 | Riverside, CA 92502-0868
fderenzo@rcoe.us | www.rcoe.us