Pathways To Success

Welcome to the first issue of Pathways to Success, your source for all things Career and Technical Education (CTE) at MGLVA. Whether you already know what you want to go into, you're still exploring career options, wanting to build workplace skills, earning industry certifications, or preparing for your future after high school, this newsletter is designed to keep you informed and connected.

Throughout the year, we'll share learning experiences, in-person Events and activities, student achievements, leadership opportunities, career exploration resources, and important updates to help you make the most of your time at MGLVA!

No matter where you are on your journey, there's a pathway for you. We look forward to helping you explore, grow, and prepare for your future.

CTE Student of the Month recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate dedication, skill development, and a positive attitude within their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Each month, CTE staff nominate students who go above and beyond in their coursework, demonstrate strong work ethic, and serve as positive role models in class. This recognition highlights the achievements of students who are preparing for future careers through hands‑on learning and real‑world experiences.

He is always researching and learning. He comes to every class with new information and exciting things to share. He always goes above and beyond to help out others in class as well as adding to the discussion. His passion for learning is exemplary and something I wish every person held and cultivated the way he does.

-Mr. Payton

Our social media marketing class has been great at collaborating thus far this year. Students enjoy working together and helping out when needed. T has been especially helpful toward her classmates and always positive in her interactions. For example, being willing to add a helpful link in the chat and provide assistance on a question that comes up while the teacher is going over the learnings. Thank you, T for being a positive contributor to our class!

-Mrs. Moore

-Mr. Krey

-Mr. Krey

-Mr. Ocharzak

C utilizes Engageli audio/ video in an effectively, he's willing to lead, and help others in class sessions.

-Mr. Ocharzak

M is helpful in class, participates, respectful and has an entrepreneurial spirit.

-Mr. Ocharzak

A is a regular contributor to class discussions, is helpful to others and communicates in a professional manner.

-Mr. Ocharzak

Connect. Compete. Conquer.

Our student organizations bridge the gap between high school and the real world.

Choose your pathway: innovate in the business world with DECA, dive into healthcare with HOSA, or earn elite recognition in the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).

Find your community here, compete in events you care about, unlock exclusive scholarships, and launch your future career.

From workplace learning opportunities to special events and student activities, these moments showcase the many ways MGLVA students are exploring interests, developing skills, and preparing for their futures.

Take a look!

On Patriot Day, MGLVA students volunteered by cleaning the cemetery grounds and tombstones at Great Lakes National cemetery. This experience was a meaningful way for students to show respect and appreciation for veterans and to honor those who died on 9/11. It was a rewarding experience that brought students together while giving back to the community.

As part of our commitment to environmental conservation and community service, students participated in a tree planting activity on September 19th in Grayling MI. The program aimed to promote environmental awareness, encourage sustainable practices, and help improve the local ecosystem.

The activity began with a brief orientation on the importance of trees in maintaining ecological balance, improving air quality, preventing soil erosion, and combating climate change. Students were guided by teachers and community volunteers on the proper techniques for planting and caring for young trees.

In total we planted 20 tree saplings. Working together in teams, the students prepared the planting sites, planted the saplings, watered them, and ensured they were properly secured for healthy growth.

The activity provided students with a valuable hands-on learning experience and strengthened their sense of environmental responsibility. Through their participation, students developed teamwork, leadership, and community engagement skills while contributing positively to the environment.

Open to ALL students (CTE and Non-CTE Students)! Each event will list what grade level that specific event is for.

Explore your future and build real-world skills through

interactive Class Connect sessions, virtual and in-person field trips

and business tours, behind-the-scenes job shadows, statewide community service projects, and virtual career, college, and trade school fairs.

CTE prepares students with technical, academic, and employability skills for success in the workplace and in future education. CTE prepares students for high-wage, high-skill, high-demand, and meaningful careers.

A CTE Programs include a series of CTE courses focused on a specific career cluster and includes classroom and laboratory experiences, work-based learning experiences, and project-based learning instruction aligned to CTE program standards. Typically 1 class a semester.

CTE Electives are career focused course which are 1 semester long.

Still interested in CTE?

If you missed the opportunity to sign up for a CTE Pathway this year, you'll have another chance during second semester to sign up to start NEXT Fall!

However, CTE elective enrollment for next semester will be opening soon, so stay tuned for registration information!

Middle School students will have the opportunity to begin exploring career options, plan and develop career goals, and develop an understanding of the skills needed to pursue their career of interest.

What is an EDP?

Your Educational Development Plan (EDP) is your personal roadmap for the future. It helps you explore your interests, identify career goals, and create a plan for success after high school.

Michigan law states that, all students are required to develop an Educational Development Plan (EDP) with guidance from their school.

At MGLVA, students begin building their EDP in Xello starting in 6th grade through career exploration, interest assessments, start setting post HS goals and learning about education along with training requirements for careers they are interested in. Beginning in 9th grade, students continue developing their EDP through Xello as well as Tallo, where they can showcase accomplishments, continue to explore careers, build a digital portfolio, and connect their high school experiences to future college and career goals.

An EDP is a living document that grows with the student. As their interests, skills, and goals change, they will review and update their plan each year to help guide decisions about courses, career pathways, postsecondary opportunities, and future careers.

Remember: An EDP isn't "one and done!" It's a tool to help students discover where they are, where they want to go, and how they will get there.

Tallo is for those in 9th-12th Grade.

It is your digital portfolio and career readiness platform.

In Tallo, you can:

-Build a professional profile

-Record certifications, awards, volunteer hours, work experience, CTSO involvement, and achievements

-Create a resume

-Highlight skills employers and colleges are looking for

-Document career-related experiences

-Prepare for college applications, scholarships, internships, and employment opportunities

Think of Tallo as the place where you showcase who you are and what you've accomplished.

Xello is for those in 6th-12th Grade!

It helps you explore careers and help build your EDP (Educational Development Plan)

In Xello, you can:

-Complete career and interest assessments

-Explore hundreds of careers and pathways

-Learn about education and training requirements

-Research colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, military careers, and certification programs

-Create career and postsecondary goals

-Build and update your Educational Development Plan

-Track activities that prepare you for your future

Think of Xello as the place where you explore possibilities and create your future plan.

Pathfinder provides Michigan residents with state-specific education and occupation information so they can make informed education and career decisions. It provides a complete training path picture when a career goal is chosen, assisting users in creating roadmaps to their future.

Visit https://pathfinder.mitalent.org/resources to get started.