SSHS CTE Happenings

Community members from across the Steamboat Springs area gathered for a shared meal as a part of the 150 Tables Across Colorado initiative in celebration for 150 years of the Centennial State. The meal was made with several local products including greens grown by the SSHS Boatanics Plant and Animal Science students. SSHS Boatanics provided over 10 pounds of lettuce for the community dinner.

During Colorado Free Application Days, seniors in the Career and College Prep class with support from the Counseling Department submitted 180+ applications to Colorado Colleges and Universities. That's over $9,000 in savings for our students during the event, and an amazing step towards their futures after high school!

SSHS CTE Engineering Teacher, Dan Brabec, was voted "Best of the Boat" Best School Teachers, Grades 9-12. Dan brings creativity and enthusiasm to his class each day, challenging students to "fail fast" in developing solutions to everyday issues. Dan brings experience of design and manufacturing from his previous career at a kayak manufacturing company when teaching courses including Introduction to Engineering, Applied Engineering, Engineering CAD, and Engineering Capstone. SSHS and our students are luck to have such a dedicated educator!

Need some fresh and local produce? Students in the Plant & Animal Science class have been busy in the hydroponics lab growing lettuces and herbs. Student are learning about the science of plant growth and the role of light and chemistry on taste of their plants. Their products can be purchased at Yampa Valley Foods through the Community Agriculture Alliance at 35 11th Street.

Several SSHS CTE teachers joined regional educators for four days exploring local industries focused on climate solutions-oriented careers. Industries focused on jobs related to weatherization, energy production and distribution, electrification and heat pump installation, and wildfire mitigation. Educators learned about career opportunities in these growing job markets and the types of skills to teach to their students. Teachers also worked through projects creating career focused lessons and work-based learning opportunities for their students. The externship was put on by the Colorado Energy Office in collaboration with Lyra and YVPS3. Thank you to our local employers that participated: Tri-State Energy, Yampa Valley Electric Association, NWCCOG Weatherization Assistance Program, Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, Western Resilience Center, and Elephant Energy.

Six students from across the Yampa Valley collaborated last summer on a tiny house build with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in partnership with Yampa Valley Partnership for Students, Stewardship, and Sustainability (YVPS3). Students including SSHS junior Silas Setter worked on site at South Routt School District to build the tiny house, learning skills in construction and skilled trades. Final interior touches to the tiny house will be finished up by the spring, and the home will be sold. RMYC is hoping to offer a similar experience for students next summer. Please reach out to CTE Coordinator Kirsten Brendtro (kbrendtro@ssk12.org) for more information about participating next summer.

Ten SSHS students participated in Yampa Valley Partnership for Students, Stewardship and Sustainability paid summer internships program this past summer. Students gained experiences in a wide variety of careers from agriculture to construction to marketing. Participants, parents, and industry partners gathered in August to celebrate the student learning and the positive impact students made through their work.