February is CTE Month

During February, a variety of events take place to highlight Career Technical Education (CTE). Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) is joining organizations across the United States in celebrating CTE Month, recognizing the vital role career and technical education plays in preparing students for high-skill, high-wage careers.

In recognition of CTE Month, this special edition newsletter highlights the incredible teachers and impactful programs that support student pathways to college and career readiness.

Students in the intermediate comics class are busy illustrating multi-page autobiographies using Photoshop. These comics tell their origin stories while indicating where their aspirations will someday take them.

Business Pathway students have been actively exploring careers in Social Media Marketing and Law while also building essential professional skills. Through workshops with the Bayha Group, students participated in Resume and Internship 101 sessions, gaining valuable insight into career readiness and workplace expectations.

Students in the Clark Comics pathway are reinterpreting their favorite children's book by taking key scenes and illustrating them in their own style. In preparation for their own storybook creation, student are studying how other illustrators make design choices. It'll all about constructing engaging stories.

Mrs. Sdao took a group of Graphic Communications students to Impressions Expo Long Beach, showcasing the latest industry tech and machinery for printing and marketing. It's a tradition from her predecessor, Herb Smith, who took her on the same field trip over 20 years ago!

Crescenta Valley High School’s ETLP (Entertainment Technology and Live Production) program has been creating backstage magic for years. From musicals and plays to haunted mazes, students consistently bring productions to life with creativity and technical expertise.

Most recently, the team designed and produced an impressive light show for the school’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Assembly, another spectacular example of their talent in action.

Students from the Peer Support program at CVHS organized a week-long celebration of kindness, inviting community members and school clubs to join in spreading positivity across campus. Activities and events encouraged students to connect, support one another, and promote a culture of compassion throughout the school.

Students enjoyed a memorable and enriching experience during their recent visit to Taking the Reins. The action-packed day included hands-on interactions with horse such as petting, brushing, and leading them through the field. Students also had the opportunity to learn about turtles and tortoises. In addition, students tried new fruits and vegetables, enjoyed a walk along the river, and created art using flowers from the natural surroundings.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Jacoys for making this experience possible. The field trip provided students with meaningful learning opportunities and left them with smiles on their faces.

We were excited to welcome Shiloh from Habit Loop to speak with our Cosmetology after-school students about Financial Literacy. Students learned essential skills for future business owners, including how to start a business, understanding different types of taxes, and how to prepare to file taxes as an entrepreneur. We appreciate Shiloh for empowering our students with knowledge to build successful careers both behind the chair and beyond!

Hoover’s Auto Shop has received a complete makeover, featuring new equipment that brings Mr. Luna’s classroom up to true industry standards. The upgraded space provides students with access to modern tools and technology that mirror what they will encounter in the workforce.

Students are not only enjoying the refreshed learning environment, but they are also gaining valuable, hands-on skills that will prepare them for future careers in the automotive industry. This is an exciting milestone for Hoover and its students!

Hoover High School’s Public Safety Program recently had the opportunity to learn about the Search and Rescue (SAR) team and its vital role within the broader emergency services structure.

Students interested in careers in public safety were given a unique, up-close experience with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They explored the Air 5 rescue helicopter, spoke with Emergency Services Detail paramedics, Aero Bureau pilots, and helicopter crew members, and learned about the multi-agency collaboration involved in Search and Rescue operations. In addition to hearing firsthand about the various roles within SAR, students gained insight into how Search and Rescue is coordinated throughout Los Angeles County by the LASD SAR Coordinator.

The experience also introduced students to the Incident Command System (ICS), how rescue teams locate lost hikers, and how the mountain environment is protected and managed. Students participated in a simulated rope rescue led by an SMSR team member and received a hands-on lesson in mechanical advantage systems.

This engaging experience provided students with real-world exposure to the teamwork, leadership, and technical skills required in public safety careers.

Hoover Instrumental Music students visited the GRAMMY Museum on Thursday, Feb. 12th! It was a great day of exploring, learning about music history, and seeing the sights in downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). Our students enjoyed experimenting with sound in the "Sonic Playground" and participated in a Music Production workshop about digital sampling. Great exposure for music-related careers!

Photography 1B (beginning) students created their own Cyanotype Prints using objects that they felt represented their personality.

Photography 2B (honors) students developed their very own negatives after taking photos with a film camera.

Our talented artists have been diving into the world of traditional printmaking! Students learned how to carefully carve their own designs into linoleum blocks. After mastering the carving and inking process, they brought their prints to life on paper before taking their skills to the next level — transferring their original designs onto T-shirts.

In the AI and Robotics class, students actively collaborate on team-based challenges that involve designing, engineering, and programming robots. Through hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving, they strengthen their critical thinking skills and build strong technical foundations.

This course offers an excellent pathway for students interested in computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, and other technology-driven careers, preparing them with the skills needed for future success.

The CV Roadshow at Rosemont Middle School was a huge success, showcasing the outstanding Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Students had the opportunity to learn about several of different pathways, including Air Force Junior ROTC, Biotechnology, Entertainment Technology & Live Production, and Sports Medicine.

Students had the opportunity to learn about several of different pathways, including Air Force Junior ROTC, Biotechnology, Entertainment Technology & Live Production, and Sports Medicine.

A special shout-out to our students who proudly represented their programs and shared their knowledge and experiences with the future Falcons. Way to go, CV!

Glendale High School proudly hosted its CTE/VAPA Roadshow, bringing learning to life for our future Nitros. Students enrolled in Glendale High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) and Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA) programs visited local middle schools to engage with prospective students and showcase the exceptional academic, technical, and creative opportunities available at GHS.

Through hands-on demonstrations, live performances, and student-led conversations, middle school students gained firsthand insight into the pathways that foster innovation, creativity, and real-world skills. The roadshow highlighted Glendale High School’s commitment to preparing students for college, career, and creative success through rigorous, relevant, and inspiring programs.

We are incredibly proud of our student ambassadors for representing GHS with professionalism, enthusiasm, and pride. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of Glendale High School Nitros!

Our after-school CTE Robotics Design and Programming class brings together middle school students from across GUSD, including Roosevelt, Toll, Rosemont, and Wilson. Meeting twice a week, students collaborate on robot design and programming, building, coding, and problem-solving as a team.

Through this hands-on experience, students not only strengthen their technical skills but also learn to work together, think critically, and grow in a fun and engaging environment.

Over the past two years, the Wilson robotics team has achieved outstanding success by earning the Engineering Excellence Award and qualifying for the regional competition two years in a row, an extremely rare accomplishment. Last season, the team also earned First Place in Robot Design at the Spring Showdown Tournament, demonstrating strong innovation, technical skill, and consistent performance.

Theo Mirzakhanian and Karen Avetisyan have been selected as Finalists in Congresswoman Judy Chu’s 2025 Congressional App Challenge for their app, MediHelp. The students were recognized at a ceremony at Caltech on January 17, 2026, where final placements will be announced.

Theo and Karen credit their success to the early guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Faieta, who first introduced them to the competition back in 7th grade and inspired their passion for technology.

Julianne Pierson (left) and Jizelle Bernardo (right) spoke at the GUSD Board of Education meeting in honor of CTE Month. Both students are applying their classroom skills through the Glendale Community Free Clinic Internship. As standout students in the Patient Care Technician program at Allan F. Daily High School, they are gaining valuable hands-on experience to jumpstart their future careers in healthcare.

Junior (right) Narek Harutyunyan and senior David Vardanian from Clark Magnet High School spoke about their experiences in the Business and Digital Cinema Production pathways. They shared how taking these courses and stepping into leadership roles opened the door to internship opportunities and helped them develop a wide range of valuable skills they might not have gained otherwise. A special shout-out to their teachers: Mr. Bishop and Mrs. Singh.

Roosevelt Middle School students shared how the Culinary program has positively impacted their lives. Through the pathway, they have developed valuable skills such as time management, decision-making, and making healthy choices. Culinary is about much more than what is perceived it builds life skills that extend far beyond the kitchen.

In addition to sharing their experiences, students prepared a small treat for the Board members. A special thank you to Mrs. Tapper for her continued support and dedication to her students.

This Business project highlights 2026 Valentine’s Day spending trends, with projected spending at $27 billion. It showcases how consumers shop and pay, top gift categories like jewelry and dining experiences, and key fun facts about purchasing habits. Created by Business Communication & Social Media Marketing students, the project blends data analysis with creative marketing design.

Another featured project explored Super Bowl spending and fan habits, showing what people buy for the big game (like food, drinks, and fan gear) and how much Americans typically spend preparing for the Super Bowl, one of the most watched sporting events each year.

We had 25 Academy students compete at CV in the SkillsUSA Regional competition, showcasing their knowledge and skills in events such as Medical Math, Medical Terminology, Health Knowledge Bowl, and CPR. We are proud of their hard work and dedication in representing their program with excellence Way to go falcons!

The Glendale High School CTE Department proudly recognizes exceptional students enrolled in Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and excellence in their field.We are excited to celebrate Jeffrey, a 2025–2026 CCAP (Culinary Careers Program) Los Angeles Preliminary Competition Finalist.

Jeffrey, along with 95 other high school students from across Los Angeles County, competed at the Institute of Culinary Education in Pasadena, California. During the competition, students were required to demonstrate precise knife skills and execute a flawless omelette within 60 minutes.

Jeffrey’s achievement reflects his hard work, commitment, and passion for the culinary arts. Congratulations on representing Glendale High School with excellence!

Former Clark students Sophie Peineke (’21), Barrett Grayson (’23), Narek Hovhannisyan (’23), Lucia Berkovic (’25), Max Allen (’23), and Ashot Ghumashyan (’24) visited Mr. Bishop’s combined Digital Cinema Production 3/4 and 5–6 Honors class on January 9.

During their visit, the alumni shared their experiences working on a Capstone film and offered valuable tips and insights they’ve gained from working in film production after high school. Students in Mr. Bishop’s class also had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations with the alumni.

We are proud to celebrate Hoover High School graduate Jessica Tolbert (Class of 2020) on her recent accomplishment of earning her degree in Illustration from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

Since graduating from Hoover, Jessica has continued to develop her artistic voice and refine her craft. Her dedication and passion for the visual arts recently culminated in a successful group exhibition titled Mementos, held in November 2025. The show highlighted the creativity, technical skill, and personal storytelling that define her work and artistic growth.

Jessica’s journey from high school art student to college graduate and exhibiting artist reflects the power of perseverance, creativity, and commitment to one’s passion. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing how she continues to make her mark in the world of illustration.

Congratulations, Jessica!

Shout out to Anait Tonoian (Daily), Sonia Kalpakchyan (Clark), Joshua Stone (CV), Asdghik Avedian (GHS), and Violetta Castro-Brownstein (HHS), whose ceramic bust was also featured in the professional Artist section.

Our interns helped plan and lead workshops, assisted Curator Stephanie Sherwood, promoted the exhibit, hosted the Opening Reception, and set up artwork, gaining hands-on experience in the Art world while supporting fellow GUSD students. Their efforts, alongside our VAPA and CTE teachers, truly showcase student creativity and success!

Thank you to our amazing teachers, director, and district CTE team. Your dedication, passion, and hard work make it possible for our students to discover, grow, and gain the skills they need for the future. We celebrate you and the vital role you play in shaping our students’ success. We wouldn’t be here without you!