In the season of giving thanks, THANK YOU for your ongoing support of career and technical education in Forsyth County. Through this communication, we are glad to provide you with a few updates! The start of the 2018-19 school year has been a very busy one with the successful opening of both Alliance Academy for Innovation and Denmark HS. Both schools have opened up many new pathways for our district. The goals of career pathways are to allow students to blend rigorous academic/technical preparation, discover interests and passions, utilize career development services, experience all aspects of a business or industry, and plan for transitions into post-secondary opportunities.
Please continue below for current events and how to stay involved. For more information about CTAE in Forsyth County, visit
www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ccd
or email vlowe@forsyth.k12.ga.us.
|
|
General Information and Opportunities to Get Involved
|
|
By becoming a Career Path Partner with Forsyth County Schools, your organization allows students to go beyond the classroom and into the community to consider different career fields, learn basic workplace behavior, and develop specific skills within an industry. Through these experiences, students can apply what they are learning in the classroom as they prepare to transition into post-secondary education and training.
Click
here
for the Career Path Partner form or
here
to download a PDF version.
|
|
Grand Opening of the JA Discovery Center
The Mike & Lynn Cottrell Junior Achievement Discovery Center at North Georgia opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony in August. The Discovery Center is the third of its kind in Georgia and will serve middle school students from Forsyth, Dawson, Hall, Lumpkin, Gainesville City, Calhoun City, and Dalton City schools. Students will experience interactive simulations focused on career readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through JA BizTown & JA Finance Park.
|
|
"Putting Your Best
You
Forward"
|
|
Work Based Learning and Honors Mentorship students from Forsyth County Schools recently participated in the internship training "Putting Your Best
You
Forward". At this workshop, students learned the unwritten rules that can affect your professional image and the keys to business success with focus on etiquette, networking, and communication resulting in creating a strong, positive impression at school and in the workplace.
|
|
Official Release:
Workforce Forsyth 2.0
Workforce Forsyth is the outcome of Forsyth County Schools partnership with business and industry and post-secondary institutions throughout the community, including the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce to promote job growth by determining business needs and developing solutions that included academics, work based learning, and employment pipelines. Building on the initial efforts, FCS recently completed a community workforce development plan with guidance from UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government. These efforts will build on the initial Workforce Forsyth plan and has led to the creation of a roadmap to guide CTAE programs within the school district over the next three years. The plan identified the following priorities to guide investments in and strategies for workforce development:
Priority 1 - Marketing & Outreach Plan
Priority 2 - Build & Evaluate a Soft Skills Program
Priority 3 - Build Leadership Capacity for All Students
Priority 4 - Grow Partnerships
Download the full report
here
!
|
|
High School Application for 2019-20 Now Open!
Alliance Academy for Innovation is one of Forsyth County Schools' newest high schools. The mission of Alliance Academy for Innovation is to provide pathways for students to own their future in college, career, and life. Career pathways are offered in the:
•School of Aerospace & Logistics
•School of Criminal Justice & Law
•School of Healthcare & First Responders
•School of Hospitality & Design
•School of Mechatronics & Energy
Alliance Academy is an excellent choice for Forsyth County high school students interested in pursuing their passion. There are 325 slots for freshman (also anticipate a few slots for 10th and 11th graders who wish to transfer).
You must apply by December 17, 2018!
Click
here
for a recent information session presentation! P
lease visit their web page for more information:
www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/alliance
.
|
|
Celebrating National Manufacturing Day
Engineering students from all seven high schools in Forsyth recently participated in manufacturing tours organized and sponsored by the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate National Manufacturing Day. Students toured local manufacturing companies including American BOA, GAF Materials Corporation, Hansgrohe, Hitachi T&D Solutions, Metcam, Motovario Corporation, Specialty Appliances, Solvay Specialty Polymers, and TUV SUD America. Students were also able to network with engineering and manufacturing post-secondary partners including Kennesaw State University, Lanier Technical College, University of North Georgia, Gwinnett Technical College, Auburn University, Georgia Southern University, and Georgia Building Trades Academy.
|
|
Business Ethics: Educate (BEE-1)
On November 6th, students from Forsyth Central HS and North Forsyth HS attended the Business Ethics Educate workshop on the UNG campus in Dahlonega. The workshop included sessions on developing core values, ethical decision-making and self branding along with a campus tour.
|
|
Business Ethics: Experience (BEE-2)
The BB&T Center for Ethical Leadership in conjunction with the UNG Mike Cottrell College of Business brought over 70 students from South Forsyth HS and West Forsyth HS to The Collection for a full-day simulation in October. In a business environment, these students focused on ethical decision-making through real scenarios and defending those scenarios to a live panel of business community leaders. Businesses participating included Simply Mac, The Joint Chiropractic, Aria Salon, Springfree, Jim 'n Nicks, Mellow Mushroom, and Barnes & Noble.
|
|
Business/Industry Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Would your organization be interested in sponsoring activities at the FCS College & Career Fair? Please email vlowe@forsyth.k12.ga.us if interested!
|
|
Janice Kochevar - Alliance Academy for Innovation
Janice Kochevar is a Healthcare Science teacher and HOSA advisor at the Alliance Academy for Innovation. Prior to teaching at Alliance, Ms. Kochevar taught at Lambert HS for three years. Her roles have included CTAE Department Chair, PAGE Representative, Instructional Coach, and Teacher Mentor. Before joining Forsyth County Schools, she was a Lieutenant Fire Medic and Tactical Medic for Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services for 12 years. She also worked as a Fire Medic for the city of Forest Park for three years. Ms. Kochevar has a BS in Physical Education and Health and a MA in Sports Psychology.
"Janice Kochevar is the lifeline of the Healthcare Pathway at Alliance Academy for Innovation. She was instrumental in starting the Emergency Medical Responder Pathway and HOSA Chapter in the school's inaugural year. Her dedication and commitment to the healthcare profession and her students is beyond exemplary.
”
-Brandi Cannizzaro, Principal
Alliance Academy for Innovation
|
|
Steve Loureiro - South Forsyth MS
Steve Loureiro has been in education for 17 years with the last ten years at South Forsyth MS. He has also taught at Piney Grove MS, Snellville MS, and Jonesboro HS. Before his time as a teacher, Mr. Loureiro worked in business sales, dealing with clients ranging from airports to world-class manufacturers and sports teams as well. Mr. Loureiro currently teaches Business Education at South Forsyth MS and sponsors the school's FBLA where he instills his love for business through real world project-based learning as well as mentorship through a variety of industry leaders who come to speak to the groups.
"We are very fortunate at South Forsyth MS to have Mr. Steve Loureiro as our Business and Computer Science teacher and FBLA advisor. Each day, his energy and enthusiasm spark a true passion in students inspiring them to pursue careers in business. Mr. Loureiro has gone above and beyond to bring several prominent business people to our school to speak to our students and expose them to ideas about their future that may not have been possible without his efforts."
-Jo-Anne Jackson, Assistant Principal
South Forsyth MS
|
|
Student Internship Spotlights
|
|
Ryan Pekari - Forsyth Central HS
Vertical Earth Intern
Ryan Pekari, a Senior Work Based Learning student at Forsyth Central HS, is getting to see engineering in the real-world and put his skills learned in the engineering pathway into use. At Vertical Earth, he started off working on the CAD side of construction, making takeoffs for proposed sites to create estimates for project bids. Lately, he has been learning how to plot points using GPS and erosion control. With a focus on civil, transportation, and structures, Vertical Earth builds solutions for the public and private sectors.
"Everybody at Vertical Earth loves working with Ryan. He jumps into job tasks with enthusiasm. Ryan is currently spearheading a project at Matt ES for us. We are lucky to have him!"
-Donald W. Lehrkinder
Human Resources Director
|
|
Murphy Garner - South Forsyth HS
T. J. Ward & Associates Intern
Murphy Garner is an Honors Mentorship student at South Forsyth HS with a mentorship at T J Ward & Associates, a private investigative services firm out of Duluth, GA. One may know Mr. Ward from his work on the Natalee Holloway investigation which was a very famous disappearance case in Aruba. When asked about his mentorship, Murphy states that he has learned very valuable skills, ranging from those needed for TV worthy cases to the less exciting skills in administrative work. It has taught him the importance of everyday work, and even though some days are unpredictable, you need to be able to adapt and get the job done. What he most enjoys about his job shadowing is experiencing the day to day operations in this field. It is very different from what the public eye believes, and he enjoys getting to see the true side of the field. Murphy's future plans are to attend the United States Naval Academy and graduate with a degree in Cyber Security, protecting our country in any way possible.
|
|
South Forsyth HS DECA
South Forsyth HS DECA hosted a character breakfast entitled,
A Magical Morning
, on October 20th to raise money for Bert’s Big Adventure, a charity that sends terminally and chronically ill children to Disney World. The fundraiser took place at Haw Creek ES and included delicious pancakes, games, crafts, magical makeovers, and prizes. Several local businesses sponsored the event, including: i9 Sports, Pinspiration, Bach to Rock, Rachel Dodd Photography, Dream Dinners, Davinci’s Donuts, and Card My Yard. Many of these businesses hosted their own activities as well. The stars of the show were, of course, the dozen princesses, Jedi, and superheros that attended to dance and spend time with the children. The event was very successful and brought in $2,000 for the charity!
|
|
Otwell MS Farm to Table
Otwell MS introduced the farm-to-table program this year. The farm-to-table process is bringing fresh agriculture to the table ready for consumption. Students planted a garden and tended to it the first quarter. Students in Mr. Sander's class have weeded, watered, and identified good growing conditions for lettuce and broccoli. Mrs. Smith's Family and Consumer Science classes have cooked lettuce wraps with the fresh ingredients. The students were excited to use plants they have grown themselves, taste the difference in fresh grown vegetables, and reduce food miles. As the year continues, students will have the opportunity to cook with fresh herbs, and other locally grown food will be incorporated into their cooking labs.
|
|
Lambert HS DECA
Students from Lambert DECA recently attended the Georgia DECA Fall Leadership Development Conference at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center. All 25 students who attended received the Statesman Certification Award which recognizes DECA members who have expert knowledge about the overall DECA program.
|
|
Lambert HS FCCLA
Lambert FCCLA recently volunteered at the Norcross Co-op Ministry, a charity organization that provides emergency financial aid, food, clothing, and job training to families in Norcross and the surrounding areas. The FCCLA members helped sort donations and make packages for families. They also played with their children by providing face painting and Halloween games. It was a great event!
|
|
Forsyth Central HS FCCLA
Forsyth Central FCCLA has been busy this fall! They welcomed 30 new members and hit the ground running. They also have their own Instructional Focus class this year. On July 24th, the newly elected officers participated in a Leadership Training Day at West Forsyth HS. They had valuable time to plan fun activities for the year and learned more about how to be an effective leader. In October, they kicked off their fall fundraiser by ordering 50 boxes of chocolate bars and enjoyed bonding time together at the Cumming Fairgrounds. They also partnered with Jesse’s House, a group home for girls in Forsyth County, to run the Fairytale Dash 5k and 10k where their members ran water stations and encouraged runners in their best purple and green accessories. At Forsyth Central's Fall Festival, their officers set up and decorated the FCCLA table complete with pumpkin tic-tac-toe and a “Guess How Many Candies Are In The Jar” game. They are excited to see what the rest of the year holds for their chapter!
|
|
Lambert HS iGEM
iGEM is the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition, the premier student competition dedicated to the field of synthetic biology and open source science. Lambert's iGEM team is one of only 14 high school teams in the nation. Their project this year, CAPTIVATE, used a Machine Learning model to predict Cholera outbreaks in Yemen and created a detection kit to test for Cholera in water samples. As a result of their unique approach to the problem and considerable efforts, Lambert's iGEM team brought home a Gold Medal from the International Collegiate Jamboree in Boston, Oct 24-28. In addition to placing among the best of the collegiate teams, they won Best Hardware Device, Best Measurement, Best Presentation and Best Integrated Human Practices for the High School division. They were also nominated for four more special awards: Best Wiki, Best Model, Best Product Design, and Best Poster. Lambert iGEM advisers are Janet Standeven and Dr. Brittney Cantrell.
|
|
North Forsyth HS ROTC
The North Forsyth MCJROTC Drill Team competed in its first Drill Meet of the year on Saturday, October 20th. Out of seven events, the drill team came in first place, and in the remaining two events, second place. They were also recognized as the #1 school at the competition. Congratulations to the North Forsyth MCJROTC Drill Team!
|
|
South Forsyth HS FBLA
During a recent meeting after school, South Forsyth HS FBLA students made Halloween treats for all teachers to show appreciation for their hard work. FBLA students also took part in the 3rd annual Trunk-or-Treat celebration at South Forsyth HS as a school and community service project. Children from the surrounding communities were invited to attend this fun-filled event.
|
|
South Forsyth MS DECA
Approximately 90 South Forsyth MS DECA students recently competed in online testing for Middle School State Marketing. Congratulations go out to Brady Hutchinson who won first place in state and Jackson Tufts who placed fourth in state!
|
|
Piney Grove MS DECA
The president of Denmark DECA recently came to Piney Grove MS to speak at the DECA chapter meeting. She is pictured here with the Piney Grove MS DECA officers in front of the PGMS Grizzly Den School Store. It was a great meeting, and she really inspired the students!
|
|
Lambert HS FBLA
Lambert HS FBLA officers are excited for a great 2018-2019 school year! They have already reached 400 members and are continuing to grow every day! Lambert FBLA is planning many community service events throughout the school year such as Breast Cancer Awareness Day in October, Canned Food Drive in December, and Coats for Kids in January! They are also gearing up for competition season and have over 150 students registered to compete at Region Leadership Conference!
|
|
AAI Healthcare Science
In Essentials of Healthcare, Alliance Academy for Innovation students completed a lab following their Integumentary Unit. Students assessed patients in case studies in which one of them had to do a Flipgrid video on how to treat lacerations. In another part of the lab, students had to identify the different degrees of burns.
|
|
South Forsyth HS FCCLA
The month of October has been busy for South Forsyth HS's FCCLA chapter. On October 20th, they hosted a bake sale during cheer competition in which the Culinary Arts students made a wide selection of seasonally themed treats from scratch. They were perfect for the fall weather, and sales were incredible. FCCLA also sponsored a booth at South’s annual Trunk or Treat event with an "Under the Sea" theme. The festive photo spot was a big hit with both parents and kids. With the leftover candy, "Boo Bags" were made and distributed to all teachers and staff.
In addition, South Forsyth FCCLA has become global! They recently had a shoe drive and collected over 70 pairs of shoes that were graciously donated to families in need in Haiti.
|
|
Lambert HS HOSA
On October 5th, Lambert HOSA raised money for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation at Lambert High School's highly anticipated "Lambert vs. South" football game. The football game was a "Pink-Out" theme in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The goal was to not only raise funds to support Pediatric Cancer Research but also to raise awareness among the community. The chapter organized a bake sale to sell baked items such as cake pops, cookies, brownies, etc. all for $1. In addition to everyone's "pink gear" for the game, HOSA gave each parent and student a gold ribbon to wear during the game to show their support towards the HOSA National Service Project, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The football game was a huge success, raising over $550 in just one night!
|
Liberty MS FFA
Congratulations to Bryson Pruitt who recently earned second place in Area 1 Middle School Lawnmower and Maintenance Career Development Event at the Chattooga County Agriculture Facility in Summerville. He will represent Forsyth County at the state competition in February.
|
|
South Forsyth MS FBLA
South Forsyth MS was proud to host State Senator Brandon L. Beach as guest speaker at the 2018 FBLA kickoff meeting in August. This year, FLBA plans to host several entrepreneurs and business professionals as speakers to highlight their real-life experiences in relation to the objectives of FBLA. Each of these professionals is engaged in the community, has taken on leadership roles, and is an exemplary public servant. The FBLA organization, sponsored by Mr. Steve Loureiro, business and computer science teacher at SFMS, will benefit greatly from the time these professionals have volunteered to encourage young adults. By sharing their success stories, these businessmen and women will exemplify the importance of hard work, post-secondary education, and career planning.
|
|
North Forsyth HS DECA
North Forsyth HS DECA won 1st Place for Chapter T-shirt Design at Fall Rally in October. Fall Rally was hosted at the National Fairgrounds in Perry, GA and included a keynote speaker, participation in competitive events, and networking with DECA members from around the state all while enjoying the fair!
|
|
Liberty MS Agriculture Science
Congratulations to Brooke Hollingsworth and the Agriculture Science pathway at Liberty MS! They were recently recognized by the Upper Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation District with the Conservation Education Award for their efforts to promote education and conservation practices throughout Forsyth County!
|
|
South Forsyth HS Business
Students in Introduction to Business and Technology at South Forsyth HS are working in teams practicing leadership, management, and communication skills to problem solve. "Lost at Sea," shown here, is a survival simulation. Students reflect on their personal style of leadership and power establishment in groups.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|