CTE Monthly Newsletter

The final approval by the Rhode Island Department of Education for the Biomedical Science Program at SHS has been submitted. At this time, our teachers are working hard to become fully trained in implementing the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Students enrolled in PLTW Human Body Systems are encouraged to apply to the pathway if they are interested in the field of Biomedical Science. We are also accepting applications for students within our district and students who live outside of our district. Click this link to apply!

For more information about the program requirements, visit our website or click this link to see the program description and course requirements.

Mrs. Russillo and Mrs. Buckley had the opportunity to invite a small group of students to the HOSA Fall Leadership Conference at Johnson & Wales. Students worked to develop leadership skills, network with peers, and focus on chapter development and competitive events. It featured workshops, guest speakers, and interactions with health professionals and industry partners.

Law II students began working on their first mock trials of the school year and will perform and compete in front of their peers in early October in the little theater courtroom. (Some students in the program are enrolled in this advanced level legal course).

The Law and Public Safety Program will have community leaders begin to come in to the classroom to speak with students in Mr. Spring’s Law I and II courses starting in mid-October. Mr. Spring reports that over 50 former students in the Law and Public Safety Program have graduated from Smithfield High School and succeeded in becoming lawyers and even one judge. The former SHS students who are now attorneys and are presenting include:

Joe Baxter- Civil and Criminal Defense attorney

Danielle Beauvais- Attorney General’s office

Tiffany Davila- Public Defender

Allison Abilheira- Traffic Court Magistrate (judge)

Click here to learn more!

Brady is a member of the Computer Science Program. He joined the CTE program because he has always loved working with code and computers.

He says, "Joining the program has expanded my knowledge and skills, far beyond what I ever imagined."

Brady believes, "the Computer Science CTE Program is one of the best programs in the school. It’s a great way to learn how to code apps and games using Python or Java. You also develop problem solving skills through activities like the CyberPatriot competition. Additionally, you connect with many other students who share your interests. Some topics may seem challenging, but if you keep practicing, they start to make sense and become easier to do."

Brady said he is most proud of the CyberPatriot team he was on last year. "It was my first year in the competition, and it was challenging at first, but I learned a lot about problem-solving and how to debug a computer. Even though we did not win last year, everything I learned in the end was really rewarding."

Brady recently began an internship at the Dunkin Donuts center working the production booth. After high school, Brady plans to go to college to study aviation. He has a strong interest in aviation and hopes to build a career in the aviation field.

Congratulations Mrs. Heather Buckley for completing her first Project Lead the Way course! She has been working hard to implement her new knowledge with her Human Body System students.

Students interested in Pre-Engineering, now have the option to select a track specialization. Pre-Engineering & Design (STEM), Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing, or Environmental Engineering. Click here if you would like to apply!

The Career and Technical Program at SHS is always looking for new business and industry partners to help support our students. If you're interested in partnering up, please reach out. We would love to hear from you or you can fill out this Google Form expressing your interest.

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Click the link to apply or scan the QR code below.

The Shadow a Lawyer program gives high school students the chance to spend a day with a Rhode Island attorney and experience the legal profession firsthand. Students may observe court proceedings, client meetings, or daily office work to learn about different career paths in law.

Program details:

• Designed for high school students
• Visits are coordinated based on student interests and attorney availability
• Students are encouraged to note the area of law they’re most interested in
• Opportunities available throughout the school year

Interested in connecting a student with an attorney?
Please send a request to Allison Baker at abaker@ribar.com

Students can search for WBL placements through the Rhode Island Experiential Learning Navigator, which is a site where students browse opportunities by grade level, opportunity type, industry, and location.

Students in one of our CTE pathway programs are required to complete 80 hours of work-based learning by March of their senior year. These hours must be completed in a field related to their CTE pathway. WBL hours can be arranged within a business organization, an independent contractor, a community or non-profit organization, or even within the school district. Students must submit a work-based learning form to the CTE advisor prior to beginning their hours. Hours must be logged using the WBL google doc. Upon completion of their hours, students must submit the WBL hours verification form. These documents can be found on our website.

Contact Information

Phone: 401-949-2050 ex 2313

Email: kluongo@smithfield-ps.org
Website: www.shsri.org