Elgin ISD CTE Newsletter

Wildcat Families:

As we begin another exciting school year in Elgin ISD, I’m thrilled to welcome families back to our ConneCTEd Newsletter! Each month, we’ll highlight CCMR and CTE opportunities and share how these experiences prepare students for what comes next.

What better way to begin than by celebrating where our students are headed? In the most recent accountability results, 96% of Elgin High School graduates met at least one College, Career or Military Readiness indicator, while 85% of graduates across the district met at least one CCMR indicator, both meeting and exceeding the state average in overall CCMR. These results contribute to Elgin ISD’s overall A–F accountability rating and reflect steady growth year over year. Most importantly, they showcase how our students are building skills, earning credentials, gaining experience, and preparing for life after high school.

That preparation doesn’t begin senior year—it starts early. Throughout their K–12 journey, students build knowledge, confidence, career awareness, and leadership skills while exploring their interests and discovering what is possible.

This summer, students put that preparation into action through internships, career experiences, competitions, leadership activities, camps, and hands-on learning that connected the classroom to the real world.

There is even more to look forward to this year. Our CTE offerings continue to expand, with the opening of two new CTE facilities—The Homestead and Studio E. These industry-standard spaces will provide new opportunities for students to learn, create, practice, and produce for authentic audiences—all while strengthening a culture centered on leadership, opportunity, professionalism, and a higher standard for learning and leading.

Thank you for partnering with us. We hope ConneCTEd gives you a window into the incredible things happening across Elgin ISD and helps you see not only what our students are doing today, but where those experiences can take them tomorrow.

Here’s to a year of expanding possibilities, raising expectations, and preparing every student for whatever comes next! Read along and stay conneCTEd with us this 2026–2027 school year!

Maggie Howard, M.Ed.

Director of CCMR, CTE & PTECH

Elgin Independent School District

This summer, five students were selected through a competitive application process to participate in a four-week paid internship with the Elgin ISD Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Department, thanks to a recent Texas Education Agency (TEA) CTE Summer Grant.

Elgin ISD was one of approximately 60 school districts across Texas to receive the competitive grant, which was designed to expand meaningful work-based learning opportunities for students. Through the grant, students spent the month of July working alongside skilled EISD trades professionals and gaining hands-on experience in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.

The experience provided students with much more than a summer job. They developed technical skills in authentic workplace settings, experienced the day-to-day responsibilities of skilled trades professionals, and gained firsthand insight into careers that are in high demand throughout our community. Students also worked alongside EISD personnel to respond to maintenance needs across district facilities, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the systems and operations that keep our schools running. Their experience included opportunities to visit and work at new and developing district sites, including Legacy Oaks Middle School and The Homestead. The grant also provided funding for the EISD employees who served as mentors, allowing them to share their expertise and dedicate meaningful time to guiding students throughout the internship.

For Sebastian Aguilar, the experience helped turn an interest into a potential career path:

“I really loved participating in the CTE internship and working with the maintenance crew. This experience made me think a lot about the career I want to pursue after high school. It also helped me discover how much I enjoy working in HVAC and confirmed the interest and passion I have for that field. I learned a lot from the crew and gained valuable hands-on experience that I will carry with me in the future."

We are proud of these five students for taking advantage of this opportunity and grateful to the M&O team for investing their time, knowledge, and expertise in the next generation of skilled professionals. This is what Career & Technical Education is all about: connecting what students learn in school to the opportunities waiting for them in the real world.

The five students participating in this summer opportunity and pictured are Francheska Diaz-Sosa, Christhian Diaz-Sosa, Rafael Lara, Sebastian Aguilar, and Jaxen Malek.

Katelyn Anderson and Ella Jeschke represented Elgin High School on the national stage at the Educators Rising National Conference in Portland, Oregon, June 19–23, after first earning top honors at the Texas TAFE State Conference in February.

Katelyn’s journey to the national stage was especially impressive. She was named TAFE State Champion in her event, placing 1st overall in Exploring Support Services Careers. Her presentation on her job-shadow experience with Ms. Warren, a speech pathologist at Harvest Ridge Elementary, also earned the Judges’ Choice Award and a scholarship. She went on to compete nationally, earning an outstanding 3rd-place finish in the nation.

Ella competed in Exploring Non-Core Teaching Careers, highlighting what she learned while job shadowing Ms. Sengsouvanh, a dance instructor at Elgin High School.

Beyond the competition, these experiences gave both students the opportunity to explore careers in education, connect classroom learning to the profession, and gain firsthand insight into the work of educators. Both Katelyn and Ella are part of the Education and Training program of study at Elgin High School.

We are incredibly proud of Katelyn and Ella for representing Elgin ISD with excellence and demonstrating what is possible when students are given opportunities to explore, experience, and lead.

Students are led by TAFE Teacher Leader and Education and Training Instructor, Ashton Howell.

Elgin High School’s Wildcat BBQ team made history this summer, becoming the first team in Elgin ISD to advance to the National High School BBQ Championship! Competing against more than 100 teams from across the country, the team earned an impressive 62nd-place overall finish on the national stage.

The achievement is even more impressive considering 2025–26 was only the program’s third year competing. In each of its first three years, Wildcat BBQ has advanced to the state competition, with this year marking the program’s first-ever trip to nationals.

The team earned national placements in every category, including an impressive 17th-place finish in Upside Down Cake (pictured above with team member, Grace Hagen), along with 46th in Grilled Cheese, 47th in Ribs, 52nd in Chicken, 61st in Ribeye, and 65th in Pork.

Congratulations to Grace Hagen, Ana Sustaita, Bethanee Mackenzie, and Katherine Rios, coached by Madeleine Musick, on an incredible season and a historic accomplishment. More than the scores, these students gained valuable experience, confidence, and memories while proving that Elgin students belong on the national stage.

Ready to Join the Team?

Wildcat BBQ is actively recruiting students for the 2026–27 competitive season. We are excited to build on this year’s success and look forward to another year of great competition, great teamwork—and really great BBQ!

College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) measures how prepared students are for life after high school—whether that means Employment, Enrollment, or Enlistment.

While CCMR outcomes are an important part of the Texas A–F Accountability System, CCMR is far more than an accountability measure. It provides students with opportunities to build real-world skills, earn credentials, gain college credit, and demonstrate readiness for their next step. Most importantly, CCMR helps ensure every graduate has a strong foundation for long-term success.

Students can demonstrate College, Career, and Military Readiness through opportunities such as:

• Earning college credit through dual credit or other approved college-level coursework
• Meeting college-readiness standards through the TSIA
• Completing an aligned CTE program of study and earning an aligned industry-based certification
• Earning a Level I or Level II workforce certificate or associate degree through a partnering college
• Demonstrating readiness through AP, SAT, or ACT
• Preparing for or entering military service through JROTC completion or enlistment

CCMR recognizes that every student is career-bound. These measures help ensure students graduate with the skills, credentials, experiences, and opportunities to pursue college, enter a sustainable career, or serve our country directly after high school—without unnecessary barriers. The possibilities are vast, all pathways are attainable, and Elgin ISD is committed to paving the way.

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a statewide assessment used to help colleges determine whether a student is ready for entry-level college coursework in English and Math. The TSI is not a college entrance exam. Instead, it is one of the ways Texas helps ensure students are prepared for the academic expectations of college. Completing the TSI, or meeting a TSI exemption such as qualifying SAT or ACT benchmarks, while in high school can help students begin college with fewer barriers and avoid unnecessary developmental coursework.

Students interested in taking dual credit courses while in high school must meet the applicable TSI requirements before enrolling in dual credit courses offered at Elgin High School in partnership with Austin Community College. The opportunity for dual enrollment is available to all Elgin High School students.

Elgin High School offers elective TSI testing opportunities throughout the school year at no cost to students or families. Students who are interested in taking advantage of these opportunities must register for testing in advance. The next available TSI test is September 9, 2026. All future test dates are featured at the bottom of this newsletter.

Providing TSI testing opportunities in high school gives students the chance to demonstrate college readiness early and address any areas where additional preparation may be needed—before they step onto a college campus.

Questions? Contact Elgin High School TSI Testing Coordinator, Sky Perkins, at sperkins@elginisd.net.

Maggie Howard - Director of CCMR, CTE & PTECH

Career & Technical Education, Workforce Development & Military Programs

Alyson Keller - Director of Fine Arts & Advanced Academics

Advanced Coursework & Testing (SAT, AP)

Kim Motley - Coordinator of Counseling & Student Wellness

Counseling, Advising, and Student Supports

Bonnie Bosarge - EHS Lead Counselor & CCMR Campus Coordinator

ECHS, ACC Dual Enrollment, Student Schedules

Elgin High School students in Darrell Owens and April Everingham’s classes are starting the school year by building valuable, hands-on health and safety skills. Seniors are completing CPR training and are on track to become CPR certified by the end of August.

In addition to CPR training, students have spent the first days of school refreshing their clinical skills by practicing how to take vital signs on their peers and staff members throughout the school.

Bethanee Mackenzee and Katherine Rios (pictured front, center), Food Science students and members of both Wildcat BBQ and FFA, spent three days this summer at Texas A&M University in College Station for the 2026 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Meat Judging Camp.

Alongside other high school students from across Texas, Katherine and Bethanee learned the fundamentals of meat judging, gained hands-on experience in Texas A&M’s meat science facilities, and experienced the traditions and culture of life as an Aggie. The camp concluded with a meat judging competition, giving students the opportunity to put their new skills to the test in a collegiate-style setting.

We’re excited to welcome the newest members of Elgin ISD’s CTE team! As our Career & Technical Education programs continue to grow and more students take advantage of these opportunities, we’re proud to expand our team with educators who bring valuable experience and expertise to our classrooms.

These new team members will help strengthen our programs, expand opportunities for students, and equip the next generation of our workforce with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to succeed. As our CTE programs continue to grow, we are also actively seeking to fill two additional instructional positions within the department. Keep scrolling to learn more about these opportunities and find a link to apply!

On June 30, Elgin ISD welcomed the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA) and nearly 30 regional manufacturing partners for a showcase of our Welding program. ARMA is a regional organization that brings together manufacturers and industry leaders to strengthen the manufacturing workforce and support the growth of Central Texas.

The event grew from conversations about the strength of Elgin ISD’s welding program, which serves approximately 400 students, and the region’s projected need for nearly 30,000 additional manufacturing workers in the coming years. The showcase was an opportunity for industry leaders to see our program firsthand, connect with students and educators, and explore how schools and employers can work together to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.

Guests included representatives from Senator John Cornyn’s office, Texas State Technical College (TSTC), local labor organizations, workforce development professionals, and regional manufacturers, including CEOs, COOs, and human resources leaders. Presentations from ARMA, Athena Manufacturing, and the Elgin ISD CTE department highlighted the strength and opportunities within the program.

The most impactful moments came from our students: guests watched live welding demonstrations and heard from recent graduates about how their experiences in the program prepared them for careers and continued education after high school.

At its core, the event was about building stronger connections between education and industry. Through conversations about work-based learning, certifications, hiring, mentorship, equipment, and career pathways, industry partners identified meaningful ways to support students while helping strengthen the region’s skilled workforce.

The result is a growing partnership designed to create more opportunities for students and a stronger talent pipeline for local employers—ensuring students leave Elgin ISD with the skills, experiences, and connections needed to take their next step with confidence.

Photos include live demonstrations conducted by 2026 EHS graduates Eduardo Castillo, Juan Medina and Edwin Zuniga; presentations with event guests; and event hosts Alexis Flores with ARMA, Michael Hernandez with Athena Manufacturing, and Maggie Howard and Josh Warner with Elgin ISD.

The Elgin High School Food Science and Technology Program is excited to share the work of our students with the community through a seasonal subscription box featuring fresh, handmade food products created by students.

Each box is a delicious example of student learning in action, combining quality ingredients with hands-on experiences in food science, agriculture, and production. With sales offered throughout the school year, families and community members can enjoy something new each season while directly supporting the learning happening in our agricultural foods lab.

Explore the themed boxes and subscription options in the order form below, and consider placing an order to support our students and their learning!

Pictured are Food Science students Hope Bray and Lydia Beasley.

Partnerships of all kinds play a vital role in strengthening our Career & Technical Education programs. We’re grateful to the many businesses, organizations, community members, and industry professionals who share their time, expertise, and resources to expand meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for our students.

The Elgin FFA Chapter extends their heartfelt thanks to the generous community sponsors who continue to invest in the success and growth of the FFA. Your support plays a vital role in keeping FFA members active throughout the year by helping fund membership dues, chapter meeting activities, leadership opportunities, career shadowing, community service projects, and more.

Sponsorship support also provides members with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth through workshops, conferences, and hands-on agricultural experiences. These experiences help students develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and career-ready skills while fostering a lifelong appreciation for agriculture.

Thank you for believing in our students, supporting agricultural education, and investing in the future of Elgin FFA. Your generosity helps our members grow, lead, serve, and prepare for the opportunities ahead!

The CTE Department is actively seeking qualified professionals for the following instructional positions for the 2026–2027 school year:

Construction - Elgin High School

Candidates with work experience in HVAC, electrical, and/or welding trades are preferred. Relevant industry experience may be considered in place of teacher certification.

Education & Training - Elgin High School

Seeking applicants with a valid teaching certification in any grade level/subject area, with the ability to obtain an additional certification in Family and Consumer Sciences.

Interested candidates can apply online HERE or request additional information from the Elgin ISD Human Resources Department, the CTE Director, or campus principal.

Become an industry or community partner with Elgin ISD CTE and help shape the next generation of skilled professionals! Your expertise, perspective, and voice are essential to developing strong, relevant programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. There are many ways to get involved, including:

• Serving on advisory committees

• Mentoring students or serving as a guest speaker

• Offer your business as a work-based learning field site

• Donating time, materials, or equipment to programs

• Advocating for workforce needs in your industry

Partner with us and make a lasting impact on students’ career readiness.

Interested in learning more? Complete the form below:

Help us strengthen career readiness opportunities for Elgin ISD students by sharing your feedback through our family survey. Your input will help guide future programs, events, and experiences.

Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFSCA) finalized their 2026 Major Events calendar, which includes K-12 events as well as hiring events for students transitioning out of high school. View the events calendar below!

Students and staff are encouraged to represent a college, trade school, industry, or military branch of their choice weekly on Wednesdays!

Elgin ISD offers career and technical programs in Animal Science, Plant Science, Food Science & Technology, Automotive and Collision Repair, Marketing, Graphic Design, Entrepreneurship, Digital Communications, HVAC, Electrical, Welding, Robotics and Automated Technology, Culinary Arts, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, Exercise Science and Wellness, Law Enforcement, Teaching and Training, and Programming and Software Development, and Cybersecurity. Admission to these programs is based on interest, aptitude, previous coursework, age appropriateness, and available class space.

It is the policy of Elgin ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Sarah Juarez-Farias, Executive Director of Human Resources, 1002 N. Avenue C, Elgin, Texas, 78621, 512-281-3434 (ext. 1229), sarah.farias@elginisd.net

Notificación Publica de No Discriminación en Programas de Educación Técnica y Vocacional

Elgin ISD ofrece programas de Educación Técnica y Profesional (CTE) en Ciencias Animales, Ciencias Vegetales, Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Tecnología Automotriz y Reparación de Colisiones, Mercadotecnia, Diseño Gráfico, Emprendimiento, Comunicaciones Digitales, HVAC (Calefacción, Ventilación y Aire Acondicionado), Electricidad, Soldadura, Robótica y Tecnología Automatizada, Artes Culinarias, Servicios de Diagnóstico y Terapéuticos, Ciencias del Ejercicio y Bienestar, Aplicación de la Ley, Enseñanza y Capacitación, Programación y Desarrollo de Software, y Ciberseguridad. La admisión a estos programas se basa en el interés, la aptitud, los cursos previos, la edad apropiada y el espacio disponible en las clases.

Es política de Elgin ISD no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o discapacidad en sus programas, servicios o actividades de educación técnica y profesional, y proporcionar igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados, de conformidad con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmendada; el Título IX de las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972; y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmendada.

La siguiente persona ha sido designada para atender las consultas relacionadas con la política de no discriminación: Sarah Juárez-Farias, Directora Ejecutiva de Recursos Humanos, 1002 N. Avenue C, Elgin, Texas, 78621, 512-281-3434 (ext. 1229), sarah.farias@elginisd.net