RCOE-CTE UPDATE

On Tuesday, November 18, the La Sierra Health Academy came together for its second annual Friendsgiving a festive tradition centered around gratitude, community, and giving back.

Academy members participated by bringing donations to support families facing food insecurity. Through their generosity, a remarkable 50 bags of food were collected, providing assistance to more than 25 families in need. This spirit of compassion reflects the academy’s ongoing commitment to service and empathy, values deeply woven into its mission.

Beyond giving, the day was also dedicated to celebrating friendship and showing appreciation to the staff who make the academy such a supportive environment. Administrators, campus supervisors, and custodial staff were honored with a full turkey meal prepared and served by the academy’s ambassadors. Handwritten notes of gratitude were exchanged among students, peers, and teachers, adding a heartfelt touch to the occasion.

Under the leadership of RCOE teacher Kathy Thompson, the academy ambassadors transformed the space into a welcoming, festive gathering. Their leadership and hospitality set the tone for a day filled with connection and thankfulness. La Sierra Health Academy continues to shine as a community that not only nurtures learning but also fosters compassion and gratitude, qualities perfect for future healthcare professionals!

Students in the Auto Technology program are gaining valuable real-world experience as they conduct detailed alignment inspections and test various vehicle systems. Using industry-standard tools, they learn to identify issues, interpret results, and prepare accurate repair estimates that include all components needed for safe and efficient vehicle operation.

This hands-on approach allows students to apply classroom concepts directly in the shop, helping them understand not only what needs repair but why it matters. Their growing technical skills and problem-solving abilities support a strong foundation for future careers in the automotive field.

In the upcoming lessons, students will expand their training by performing complete vehicle alignments and replacing worn or damaged suspension and steering parts. They’ll also explore the different alignment styles used across various types of vehicles, further strengthening their diagnostic and repair abilities.

Through this practical, skills-focused instruction, the Auto Technology program equips students with the confidence and competence needed for success in the automotive service industry.

Under the guidance of instructor Christine Chavez, Liberty High School’s CTE Medical Assisting students recently took on the role of public health educators. As part of their unit on communicable diseases, students researched how illnesses such as influenza, tuberculosis, and Hand, Foot, and Mouth spread, and examined effective strategies for communicating this information to the public.

Working in teams, students designed a variety of engaging educational materials, including posters, infographics, short videos, and mock social media campaigns aimed at promoting awareness and prevention. Through this process, they not only expanded their understanding of disease transmission but also strengthened key skills such as communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

The culminating showcase reflected the students’ professionalism and growing confidence as future healthcare workers. Under Ms. Chavez’s leadership, this hands-on project enabled students to connect classroom learning to real-world public health needs and underscored the crucial role of informed community outreach.

On the beautiful campus of Grindstaff Community School, the Registered Dental Assisting Program (RDA) continues to shine as a standout in post-secondary CTE education. Led by instructor Laura Eversull, students receive hands-on, industry-aligned training grounded in today’s best dental practices.

A significant highlight of the program is its state-of-the-art dental laboratory, where students practice in realistic clinical settings that mirror what they will encounter in the field. This blend of expert instruction and high-quality facilities has established Grindstaff’s RDA program as one of the leading options in the Riverside area.

Adding to the program’s strength is the presence of Dr. Norma Lantzsch, owner of Premier Smile Care, who operates her practice directly on the Grindstaff campus. Beyond serving her patients, Dr. Lantzsch actively supports the RDA class, offering valuable professional insight, mentorship, and context that enhance classroom learning.

Together, Laura Eversull and Dr. Lantzsch model the impact of strong educational and industry partnerships, creating a dynamic environment where students gain the skills and confidence needed for success in the dental field.

Valley View High School automotive students recently swapped their classroom for the drag strip as Mr. Oscar Elizarraraz guided his pre-apprenticeship class through an exciting day at the NHRA Youth & Education Services (YES) Program.

For these students, the visit offered far more than a field trip—it provided a firsthand look at the industries their developing skills can lead to. Through the YES Program, students met technicians, engineers, and other professionals working with high-performance vehicles, gaining insight into how STEM concepts power the world of NHRA Drag Racing.

By exploring real-world applications in automotive technology, fabrication, engineering, and data analysis, students were able to see how classroom learning aligns with future apprenticeship and career opportunities. Experiences like this continue to motivate and prepare Valley View’s aspiring automotive technicians for success in both the automotive and motorsports fields.

Forest DeRenzo, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Career Technical Education
Division of Student Programs and Services

Riverside County Office of Education