Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam proclaimed February to be Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. This recognition was intended to highlight the cooperative efforts between CTE educators, CTE administrators and business and industry representatives. This cooperative effort stimulates the growth and vitality of the commonwealth’s economy and prepares students for careers in high demand, high wage and highly technological skilled areas in a global economy.

In honor of CTE Month, Margaret Dawson made a presentation to the Cumberland County school board at the February meeting. She outlined the CTE programs offered at Cumberland County Public Schools, which include Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, JROTC, Technology, Computer Science, Carpentry and Green Technology and Sustainability. She noted that students may earn industry credentials through passing industry certification exams.

As part of CTE Month, students engaged in a number of activities, some of which included the following:

• Nursing students performed wellness checks for students and staff during lunches.

• HOSA students created a PowerPoint presentation on heart health and illness, which was displayed during lunches.

• CTE classes created brochures and informational flyers to showcase the CTE programs offered at CUCPS.

• The Carpentry class made special gifts for school board members for School Board Appreciation Month.

• The Small Animal Care class held a free day-time dog washing service for teachers during the week of Feb. 19-23, which coincided with FFA Week.

During her presentation, Dawson noted that technology has become an important part of CTE. With the help of an IT intern, she demonstrated how Google Expeditions had been incorporated into her classroom.