SPOTSYCTC WEEKLY UPDATE 2026-2027
The Week Ending September 4, 2026
Principal's Message
Good afternoon, SpotsyCTC Community!
Wow, September is already here! It is hard to believe we have been in school for almost four weeks.
It has been a great start to the 2026–2027 school year, and we are incredibly excited about what we are seeing throughout SpotsyCTC. Over the past several weeks, we have had the opportunity to visit classrooms and labs, talk with students and instructors, and see firsthand the learning that is already taking place.
There is a lot of great work happening throughout the building!
🦺 Safety First!
Right now, one of our biggest priorities across SpotsyCTC is SAFETY.
Before students can begin using tools, equipment, vehicles, kitchens, labs, or other specialized spaces, they must understand how to work safely and responsibly.
In our construction and skilled trades programs, students are learning shop and equipment safety, reviewing proper procedures, and completing safety assessments before moving into more hands-on work. Many students will also begin working toward their OSHA credential in the near future.
This may feel like "the basics," but these are exactly the habits that help keep students safe at SpotsyCTC and prepare them for expectations in the workplace.
🔧🍳💇♀️🚑 Learning Is Underway!
Across our programs, students are beginning to build the foundational knowledge and skills they will use throughout the year.
Our Culinary Arts students are learning their way around the kitchen, becoming familiar with equipment, reviewing kitchen safety and sanitation, and preparing their workspaces for the year ahead.
Our Cosmetology students are building their foundational knowledge while learning the safety, sanitation, professionalism, and technical skills necessary for success in the industry.
Our EMT students are already working toward an important industry credential, CPR certification!
And that is just a small sample of what is happening across our 20 programs. Whether students are working in health sciences, automotive, cybersecurity, welding, veterinary science, education, public safety, media, or another career pathway, they are beginning to develop the skills and habits they will build upon throughout the year.
💼 Career Readiness Starts Now
We also held our first Career Chat of the school year with the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office, giving students an opportunity to learn directly from professionals about careers, expectations, and opportunities in their field.
Our Career Readiness Para Professionals will also begin visiting classes to introduce themselves and share the many career-readiness opportunities available to our students throughout the year.
As we move forward, students will hear more about Work-Based Learning (WBL), internships, job-shadowing opportunities, Career Chats, industry partners, career fairs, and other experiences designed to help connect what they learn at SpotsyCTC to what comes next.
🎯 Back to the Basics
Our theme for the 2026–2027 school year is:
“Back to the Basics: Refocusing on the Small Things That Drive Big Success.”
We do a lot of BIG things at SpotsyCTC.
Our students earn industry credentials.
They compete through Career and Technical Student Organizations.
They participate in Work-Based Learning.
They develop professional and employability skills.
They create incredible projects.
And most importantly, they prepare for their futures.
But big success starts with the small things.
Showing up. Being on time. Being prepared. Asking questions. Working safely. Treating others with respect. Taking pride in your work. Putting your phone away when it is time to work. Trying again when something doesn't go as planned.
Those habits may seem small, but they are the same habits employers look for in great employees.
When we consistently focus on the small things, the big things will follow.
📚 Students: Take Advantage of Your Opportunities!
During these first few weeks, instructors are sharing a great deal of important information with students, including:
- Program and classroom expectations
- Lab and workplace safety
- Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
- Industry-recognized credentials
- Work-Based Learning (WBL)
- Attendance and professionalism expectations
- Career and employment opportunities
- Opportunities available throughout the school year
Students, listen, ask questions, get involved, and take advantage of what your program has to offer. SpotsyCTC is more than just another class in your schedule. The experiences, credentials, connections, and skills you develop here can help open doors for your future.
🏠 Families: Ask Your Student, “What Did You Do at SpotsyCTC Today?”
Families, we hope your students are coming home and talking about what they are doing at SpotsyCTC! Ask them what they learned today. Ask about the equipment they are learning to use, the safety test they took, the credential they are preparing for, their CTSO, or the project they are getting ready to begin. Some days the answer may be, “We didn't do much today.” 😊
Keep asking! There is a lot happening inside our classrooms and labs, and we want our families to be part of the journey.
☀️ We're Just Getting Started!
Four weeks are almost behind us, and we are just getting started. There is already tremendous energy throughout SpotsyCTC, and we are excited about what this year will bring. We have amazing students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and incredible community and industry partners working together to prepare our students for what comes next.
Thank you to our students for coming ready to learn, our staff for creating meaningful experiences, and our families for continuing to support our students and SpotsyCTC.
Let's continue getting Back to the Basics and focusing on the small things that lead to BIG success.
One Center. Countless Opportunities. Limitless Possibilities.
Have a wonderful weekend, SpotsyCTC!
About SpotsyCTC
At SpotsyCTC, we serve students from all five high schools in Spotsylvania County through 20 career and technical education programs.
Our mission is to provide rigorous, real-world education that combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning, preparing our students for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
Students have opportunities to extend their learning through:
- Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
- Industry-recognized credentials
- Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences
- Internships, externships, and practicum opportunities
- Leadership and competitive events
- Connections with local businesses and industry professionals
Our slogan says it best:
“The Bridge That Connects YOUR NOW to YOUR FUTURE.”
Everything we do is focused on helping students build that bridge and take the next step toward their future.
We are here to support every student's success. If you have questions, concerns, or need support at any point during the school year, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are a team, and we are here to help.
I hope everyone takes some time this weekend to relax, spend time with family and friends, and recharge.
“SPOTSYCTC… The Bridge that connects YOUR NOW to YOUR FUTURE.”
2026-2027 Theme: “Back To The Basics: Refocusing on the Small Things, That Drive Big Success"
Sincerely,
Reitha Abed, M.Ed., Ed.S.
Principal | Spotsylvania Career & Technical Center
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
6713 Smith Station Road | Spotsylvania, VA 22553
(540) 898-2655
Staff Spotlight - Mrs. Bagley - Cosmetology Instructor
Staff Spotlight - Mr. Sotomayor - Welding Instructor
Staff Spotlight - Mrs. Carlson - Sports and Health Science Instructor
REMINDERS:
If your child is absent or arrives late, please send a copy of the doctor's note, dentist's note, or other documentation to both Spotsylvania Career & Technical Center (SpotsyCTC) and your child's home high school. Since we are separate schools, each school must receive its own copy to excuse the absence.
Once an excused note is received, our Attendance Secretary can update your child's attendance accordingly.
Attendance Contact:
Mrs. Cheryl Cousineau, Attendance Secretary
📧 ccousineau@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
📞 540-898-2655
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💻 Student Devices
Students are expected to bring their SCPS-issued device and charger every day.
To help ensure students are ready for instruction:
- Charge your device each evening before school.
- Bring your charger daily in case your battery needs to be recharged.
- Label both your device and charger with your first and last name (a strip of masking tape works great).
Having a charged device each day is essential for student success.
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🚗 Student Drivers
Students may not drive to SpotsyCTC without prior approval.
Students who may be eligible to drive include those who:
- Have no additional classes at their home high school on their SpotsyCTC day.
- Have received administrative approval for special circumstances (such as a doctor's appointment).
If your child needs permission to drive, please contact:
Mrs. Cara Gravatt, Assistant Principal
📧 cgravatt@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
📞 540-898-2655
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👕 Workplace Readiness & Professional Attire
Professionalism is an important part of every Career and Technical Education program. Students are expected to dress appropriately for their program and follow industry safety standards.
Depending on the program, students may be required to:
- Wear a program uniform.
- Wear closed-toe or safety footwear.
- Follow OSHA and industry-specific safety requirements regarding clothing, jewelry, and personal protective equipment.
Your child's instructor will review all program expectations during Open House and again during the first week of school.
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📵 SCPS Cell Phone Policy
To support student learning and minimize distractions, Spotsylvania County Public Schools has implemented a new countywide personal device policy.
During instructional time, students may not use:
- Cell phones
- Smartwatches
- Earbuds or headphones
- Tablets or other personal electronic devices
Bell-to-Bell Expectations:
- Personal devices must be turned off or silenced and stored away throughout the instructional period.
- Devices used during class without permission may be confiscated and released only to a parent or guardian in accordance with SCPS procedures.
- SpotsyCTC and SCPS are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices.
SPOTSYCTC IN THE NEWS
A spotlight on Spotsylvania Center & Technical Center Collision Repair Program: https://www.grecopublishing.com/hammer-and-dolly-february-2026/
- Senator Tim Kaine Visits SpotsyCTC: https://open.substack.com/pub/fxbgadvance/p/tim-kaine-visits-spotsylvania-career?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
- CHCORI BATTALION RAIDERS: CHCORI BATTALION RAIDERS EXCEL IN JROTC COMPETITION (fredericksburg.com)
- Signing Day: SIGNING DAY: SCTC seniors commit to workforce | Announcements | fredericksburg.com
- Cyber Program - Germanna and GO Virginia launch first dual enrollment cybersecurity course for high school students in Spotsylvania | Education | fredericksburg.com
- SCTC Pink Out - SCTC: Students show support through Pink Out | Announcements | fredericksburg.com
- Electrical Program - Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center students learn how to light up the world | Announcements | fredericksburg.com
- SKILLUSA Fundraiser - September 5, 2026
- Labor Day - September 7, 2026 - No School
- High School Back to School Night - September 15, 2026
- Yom Kippur - September 21, 2026 - No School
- End of 1st 9-weeks - October 9, 2026
- MONTHLY DRILLS - ONGOING
- LOCKDOWN DRILLS - ONGOING - We conduct multiple lockdown drills with Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Officers each year according to the code of Virginia.
Welcome back to the 2026-2027 school year! My name is Eleanor Hudson and I'm the school counselor here at SpotsyCTC. I am here to support our students and families in any way that I can, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me if there is anything I can do for you or your child. My contact information is ehudson@spotsylvania.k12.va.us or 540-898-2655 Ext. 5924. It's going to be a great year!
26-27 Ready~S.E.T.~Go! Student Field Experience Application
SPOTSYCTC
Website: https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/o/ctc
Location: 6713 Smith Station Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, USA
Phone: 540-898-2655
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpotsyCTC
Twitter: @spotsyctc
