CTE November Newsletter

Agriculture Pathway – Growth, Giving, and Grit

The Agriculture Pathway attended the Wichita Area Builders Association “Build Your Future” event on October 22, where students explored hands-on activities and connected with industry professionals to learn about opportunities in construction and skilled trades. While there, students also took part in a community impact project sponsored by Lowe’s and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, helping build and supply beds for children in need. The project offered a meaningful way for students to give back while learning practical construction and teamwork skills.

FFA competed in several events, including Etymology and Nursery Landscape, earning 4th place in Landscape and 5th in Dairy Judging.

A group of Ag students participated in Bradbury Manufacturing Day, where they toured the facility, learned about machining and manufacturing processes, and rotated through hands-on stations to experience real-world applications of their classroom learning. The visit gave students a deeper understanding of how mechanical and agricultural systems come together in the industry.

Students are also working on their “Birthday in a Box” service project, creating donation boxes filled with everything a child needs to celebrate their birthday. These will be donated to local food banks to help families in need.

To top it off, Agco brought in a combine and new Massey during Drive Your Tractor to School Day, fostering excitement and community engagement while building connections with potential industry partners.

Automotive Pathway – Gears in Motion

The Automotive program welcomed Anthony Dall from Foley Equipment to share insights on the ThinkBIG program, and Max Caldwell from Pratt Community College, who spoke about postsecondary opportunities.

Auto 1 students are deep into engine repair and diagnostics while they work on their engine stations. Auto 2 students are managing real-world customer work, including steering and suspension projects.

Business Pathway – Leadership, Learning, and Real-World Experience

Two Business Pathway students recently visited Chisholm Middle School’s Career Exploration class to teach a lesson about business education at NHS. They shared information about available courses, clubs, and the skills they’ve developed, while answering questions from curious 8th graders about high school life. The lesson ended with a few interactive games focused on networking and communication, helping students build confidence and teamwork skills.

Both Business teachers also represented Newton High School at the National Business Education Association (NBEA) Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio this past week—where Mrs. Crabtree was honored as the Secondary Business Teacher of the Year!

In the classroom, Accounting I students just wrapped up learning about the accounting cycle for a proprietorship, while Accounting II students are progressing through their college-credit course offered in partnership with Flint Hills Technical College. Meanwhile, Business Essentials students have been busy creating their own business ventures, applying principles of entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial literacy.

A new addition to the department this year is the Investing Club, where students will participate in the Stock Market Game—a nationwide simulation that gives each participant $100,000 in virtual funds to build an investment portfolio. Students will compete with peers across Kansas and the United States, learning how the stock market works and how to make strategic financial decisions in a fun, hands-on way. The first Investing Club meeting had 10 students attend!

Construction Pathway – Building Skills, Building Futures

The shop has been buzzing with progress as students work on hope chests, trim projects, and advanced builds such as tables and nightstands.

After some maintenance and repairs, nearly all of the shop’s machines are fully operational, giving students a true hands-on experience in craftsmanship.

Instructor Mr. Hedrick has implemented a new Shop Job Chart to organize responsibilities, and students are also preparing for their upcoming NCCER industry certification testing.

Engineering Pathway – Design, Circuits, and Innovation

Students in the Engineering Pathway are combining creativity and problem-solving as they move through a variety of hands-on projects this fall.

In Introduction to Engineering Design, students are wrapping up their Fidget projects, applying design principles and 3D modeling skills to create unique, functional designs.

In Principles of Engineering, students are learning about circuitry and preparing to begin the Volt Vault Project, where they’ll calculate circuit components, wire a functioning vault, and apply electrical theory to a real-world challenge.

Meanwhile, in Engineering Design and Development, students are developing concepts and mock-ups for the problems they’re researching. Next month, they’ll move into prototype creation, transforming their ideas into tangible, working designs.

Machining Pathway – Precision in Practice

Students in the Machining Pathway recently attended the Industrial Tradeshow at Century II, where they explored a wide variety of exhibits showcasing advanced manufacturing technology, precision tools, and automation systems used across the machining industry. While there, students completed an assignment to research and collect information about specific companies, technologies, and career pathways that interested them, helping connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

They also participated in Bradbury’s Machining Day, where they received an in-depth tour of the facility and rotated through several hands-on stations that demonstrated machining, fabrication, and production processes.

Back in the classroom, students have begun their Hutchinson Community College machining courses, diving into CNC programming and wrapping up their parts unit as they prepare for more advanced machining work in the months ahead.

A highlight of the month was welcoming Jakob, a German exchange student, who got to experience machining for the first time. Under the guidance of instructor Mr. Baughman, Jakob learned how to operate an engine lathe, gaining firsthand experience with the precision and skill required in machining. His enthusiasm and curiosity added a unique global perspective to the program.

Welding Pathway – Sparks of Innovation

Students have been exploring both artistry and skill in welding projects ranging from dirt bike frames to metal flowers.

Several students completed job shadows at local businesses, including Bunting Magnetics, where they gained firsthand experience with professional welders and manufacturing processes.

FACS Pathway – From Kitchens to Creativity

Intro to FACS students are kicking off their cooking unit next week, learning key kitchen and safety skills.

In Fashion, students are combining creativity and precision as they begin sewing their pajama projects—a fun way to apply practical design and construction techniques.

Culinary Pathway – Flavor, Technique, and Teamwork

The Advanced Culinary class crafted artisanal pizzas and sushi while continuing their ServSafe certification testing, focusing on professionalism and food safety.

Culinary Essentials students are mastering the art of the perfect pizza, while Baking & Pastry students explored frying techniques and created ganache, pudding, fried donuts, and fruit carvings.

Their favorite experiment? A brownie taste-testing lab, comparing gluten-free, dark chocolate, fudge and more recipes —and even discovering how to bake desserts on a grill!

Health Science Pathway – Skills for Life

In Anatomy & Physiology, students are completing their bones unit, while Sports Medicine students are mastering ankle taping in preparation for the Spring Leadership Conference.

The HOSA Club is taking six students and two advisors to the Fall Leadership Conference at Kansas State University, where they’ll connect with peers and develop leadership skills in health professions.

Teaching Pathway – Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future

Students in the Teaching Pathway explored the evolution of education by studying a timeline of schools from the 1800s to the present day. Through this activity, they identified significant milestones and discussed how historical education events have shaped the classroom experience we know today.

In addition, students examined social issues that impact learners and classrooms, completing a project focused on challenges such as poverty, teen pregnancy, violence, bullying, and cheating. These discussions encouraged future educators to think critically about empathy, equity, and creating supportive learning environments for all students.

Communications & Media Pathway – Storytelling, Creativity, and Connection

Students in the Digital Media and Communications Pathway have been busy using their creative talents to connect our school community through media, design, and storytelling.

This month, students are visiting Chisholm Middle School’s Career Exploration classes to share insights about their pathway and inspire younger students to explore opportunities in communication, technology, and design.

In the classroom, Yearbook students are running a SmugMug photo fundraiser, offering high-quality photos for families while raising money to support future projects. The News Magazine class released its first fall issue, featuring the NHS soccer season and a powerful story on Jeffrey Metzler’s act of heroism.

Meanwhile, the Audio/Visual (AV) class continues to produce outstanding video content, expanding school coverage and engagement. Their upcoming projects will highlight both sports and CTE programs, showcasing the creativity and teamwork that define this pathway.

NHS Students Win Multiple Categories in KSPA Quarterly Clips Contest

Student journalists are working hard this year to cover all aspects of student life. Three NHS students placed in the competitive Kansas Scholastic Press Association fall quarterly contest.

Sophomore Landyn Rains took 1st place in sports photography for his photo of sophomore Alex Garcia Toribio at the Sept. 16 Railer Soccer Game.

"Rains is a rising photographer in our program and continues to produce great work," said adviser Kathryn Massaglia.

Addie Zerger took 2nd place in News Writing. "Zerger is talented in identifying stories students want to read and digging into a story; she is a great addition to our staff this year," Massaglia said. (Link to story here) https://railernews.org/21768/showcase/waiting-for-answers/

Leah Weldon placed 3rd in Opinion Writing. "Weldon did a fantastic job writing an opinion on a tough topic that was close to her heart," Massaglia said. (Link to story here) https://railernews.org/21799/opinion/charlie-kirk-a-synopsis/

Congratulations to our Railer Media student journalists!

IT Pathway – Coding, Cybersecurity, and Competition

Students in the Information Technology Pathway are diving deep into networking and cybersecurity this month. They are installing virtual machines to practice using Linux and completing network labs that monitor system activity, analyze cybersecurity protocols, and explore the OSI model in action.

The pathway also hosted its annual King and Queen Smash Brothers Tournament in Esports on Friday, bringing students together for an exciting day of friendly competition. The event showcased teamwork, strategy, and digital skill—all while building a stronger sense of community within the program.

In collaboration with the Digital Media & Communications Pathway, IT students are also visiting Chisholm Middle School to talk with Career Exploration students about their pathway, giving future students a glimpse into the exciting world of technology.

Internship Program – Learning Beyond the Classroom

Our internship students continue to gain valuable, hands-on experience at their placement sites, applying classroom knowledge to real-world settings in the career fields they’re most passionate about.

The first round of quarterly visits has been completed, and second visits are now underway, allowing staff to check in with students and mentors on progress, goals, and learning outcomes.

Students are doing an excellent job demonstrating responsibility and professionalism—balancing their coursework while staying on top of internship assignments and representing Newton High School with pride.

Newton High School is dedicated to supporting students as they explore future possibilities through real-world learning, college visits, and career-focused events. This fall brings a variety of experiences designed to spark curiosity, build connections, and help students take confident steps toward their next chapter.

College & Career Opportunities:

Sophomores will take part in this interactive financial literacy program, practicing real-world budgeting and decision-making through hands-on simulations.

• Senior Interview Prep with Kansas Workforce One - Friday, November 14, 2025

Seniors will have the opportunity to sharpen their professional skills during this interactive interview preparation session with Kansas WorkforceONE. Representatives will share insider tips on how to make a strong first impression, answer challenging questions, and communicate with confidence. Students will walk away feeling more prepared for job interviews, scholarships, and future career opportunities — a must-attend event for anyone preparing for life after high school!

Students will tour WSU, connect with faculty, and experience campus life while learning about academic programs and student opportunities.

• ACT PowerPrep with Carolyn Devane – Wednesday, December 3, 2025

  • 12:20–3:00 PM (during school) and 6:30–8:50 PM (evening)

  • This class helps students take control of the test instead of letting it control them. Participants will learn proven strategies to approach the ACT with confidence and improve scores.

  • Cost: $75 per student (registrations after October 26 are $90)

  • Registration link coming soon!

These opportunities give students meaningful insight into life after high school and connect them with professionals and institutions committed to their success.

✨ Be on the lookout for more college tours and opportunities being scheduled throughout the year. Spots are limited, so encourage students to sign up early and take advantage of these experiences!

We’re looking for business and community partners who want to get involved with our upcoming student events!

• Reality U Financial Simulation (November 13, 2025)
  Volunteer to help guide sophomores through this powerful financial literacy event. No experience is needed—just a positive attitude and a willingness to invest in our students’ futures.

Your participation makes a lasting difference in preparing students for life after high school while strengthening the connections between school, business, and community.

👉 Interested in joining us? Contact carmen.jarrell@usd373.org for details or scan the sign-up QR codes on the flyers!

Our annual Building Bridges event was a huge success! We had a fantastic turnout, enjoyed delicious food, and loved highlighting all of the incredible things happening within our CTE Department. It was a great opportunity for students, families, and community partners to connect and celebrate career-focused learning at NHS.

The College and Career Fair was buzzing with energy, welcoming nearly 500 students who explored postsecondary and workforce opportunities. With over 60 booths from colleges, training programs, and employers, students had the chance to ask questions, gather resources, and start shaping their plans for life after high school.

This year’s ESSDACK Career Fair offered another excellent opportunity for students to meet with hundreds of post–high school representatives, explore potential career paths, and gain insight into their future options.

A bus full of students traveled to Wichita for the WSU Tech Campus Tour, where they visited all four locations—learning about programs in aviation, healthcare, skilled trades, and design. Students came away with valuable information to guide their next steps, and many discovered programs that sparked their interest.

Our Parent FAFSA Night filled the lecture hall! Families joined us to learn how to help their seniors complete the FAFSA, gain access to financial aid, and prepare for college expenses. The event was informative, supportive, and empowering for parents and students alike.

Did you miss out on a class yearbook? Now’s your chance to grab one! We have limited copies available from a variety of years.

• 2023 & 2024 editions – $55 each

• All other available years – $20 each

• Years include 2007–2015, 2021–2024, plus a few earlier editions

Please complete the order form (scan the QR code in the flyer) and we’ll connect with you to finalize your yearbook purchase. Don’t wait—supplies are limited!

November 13: Reality U Financial Simulation for Sophomores - Volunteers Needed!

November 18: WSU College Tour

Registration and Permission Slip Required

This class teaches students how to approach the test strategically and score higher. This class is not a practice test.