SPOTSYCTC WEEKLY UPDATE 2026-2027
The Week Ending August 14, 2026
Principal's Message
Good afternoon, SpotsyCTC Community!
What a great start to the school year! It was amazing to see our students walk through the doors on Tuesday and feel the excitement throughout the building. We have incredible students to go along with our amazing programs and staff, and I want to thank everyone who helped make the beginning of the school year so special.
We’re Growing! You may have noticed that our hallways are a little more crowded this year, and for a great reason! We are serving almost 300 more students than last year, giving even more SCPS students the opportunity to participate in one of our 20 Career and Technical Education programs.
We are also excited to welcome two new programs to SpotsyCTC this year:
- Mental Health & Behavioral Science
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
In addition, we have added another instructor to our Welding program, allowing us to serve even more students.
We are excited about this growth because it means more SCPS students have the opportunity to become part of the SpotsyCTC family, learn valuable skills, explore careers, and prepare for their futures.
During the first few weeks of school, our students will spend time learning about their programs, classroom and lab expectations, Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), and, most importantly, shop and lab safety.
Students have also had an opportunity to tour our building, see some of our other programs, and learn more about everything we do at SpotsyCTC. We want our students to understand that they are not just part of one program, they are part of the entire SpotsyCTC community.
Our Career Readiness Para Professionals will also begin visiting classes to introduce themselves and share the many career-readiness opportunities available to students. From career exploration and resume development to job-readiness skills, field experiences, internships, and connections with employers, we want our students to take advantage of everything available to them.
We have an exciting year ahead, and this is only the beginning!
Thank you to our students, families, staff, and community for helping us start the 2026–2027 school year on such a positive note. We can't wait to see what our students accomplish this year!
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, compete through Career and Technical Student Organizations, participate in work-based learning, develop professional skills, create incredible projects, and 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. Trying again when something doesn't go as planned.
When we consistently focus on those small things, the big things will follow.
During the first few weeks of school, students will receive a lot of important information from their instructors. This may include program expectations, safety requirements, Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), industry credentialing, Work-Based Learning (WBL), attendance expectations, and other opportunities available throughout the year.
Students, please take the time to listen, ask questions, and understand the expectations and opportunities within your program. Families, I encourage you to ask your student about what they are learning and encourage them to take advantage of everything SpotsyCTC has to offer.
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.
Stay Connected
We want our families and community to stay connected with everything happening at SpotsyCTC throughout the year. Follow us on:
Facebook: SpotsyCTC
X/Twitter: SpotsyCTC
Instagram: SpotsyCTC
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.
Welcome to SpotsyCTC. Let's have an amazing year!
“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
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
- 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
