Montana’s CTE Educators Participate in the New CTE Professionals Hybrid Workshop 2021
The OPI’s Career, Technical, and Adult Education units’ CTE program specialists and staff hosted the New Career and Technical Education (CTE) Professionals Hybrid Workshop 2021 via two virtual sessions and an in-person session in Bozeman at the GranTree inn, October 20, 2021.
Secondary career and technical education pre-professionals, classroom teachers, school administrators, school counselors, representative from business/industry partners, as well as Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) state directors and local chapter advisors from around the state participated in the free hybrid workshop to gain information on the many hot topics of career and technical education at the state and national levels. The over 50 professionals taking part in the three-day event represented the various career and technical education areas including agriculture education, business education, family and consumer sciences education, health science education, and industrial technology education. This year also saw participation from business/industry partners seeking to learn more about Montana’s CTE programming and to connect with CTE educators.
Attendees participated in two virtual sessions on September 21 and October 12 with breakouts focusing on instructional strategies for the CTE classroom, OPI resources, safety and liability in the CTE classroom, Perkins funding and requirements, dual enrollment opportunities, state and alternative funding, data reporting, and work-based learning and community collaboration.
The in-person session was held Wednesday afternoon, October 20, in Bozeman at the GranTree Inn. Breakouts were hosted by Montana’s Career & Technical Student Organizations’ State Directors and business/industry partners from the Montana Chamber Youth Foundation and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. Attendees rotated through the breakouts with topics focusing on CTSO chapter management, employability skills through CTSOs, marketing CTSOs, Montana Career Pathways, and school and community relationship building. The second half of the afternoon was dedicated to CTE program area-specific breakouts hosted by OPI’s CTE Specialists addressing curriculum development and classroom management, professional organizations, and professional development opportunities at the state, regional, and national levels.
The New CTE Professionals Workshop is a free, professional development opportunity designed specifically for new Career & Technical Education Professionals within their first five years in the classroom or those new to Career & Technical Education in Montana. The New CTE Professionals Workshop was first held in 2010; since then, over 500 Montana CTE professionals have participated.
|
Congratulations to Montana Business Educators Recognized by Montana ACTE Awards
During the Awards Luncheon of the Montana ACTE Fall Institute 2021, five Montana Business Educators were recognized for their contributions to Career & Technical Education and their commitment to the profession of Business Education.
The Outstanding New CTE Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Mandy Wichman, Hobson. She has been involved with the MBEA and Montana ACTE for four years and is currently the President of MBEA and the secretary of Montana ACTE and WBEA. Mandy implemented project-based learning over the last few years. Student interest and engagement have increased tenfold since starting to implement Youth Entrepreneurs in her classroom. While using the currency to add interest as well as utilizing projects with real-life and real job application while learning skills related to the national standards. For work-based learning, Mandy has had career speakers come in every Friday for the past two years. She has also revamped the district’s work study program to include employability skills and greater accountability for both the students and employers.
The Montana ACTE Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Janie McFarland, Conrad (retired). Janie McFarland retired in 2016 after 26 years of teaching Business Education at Conrad High School. Prior to Conrad, Janie taught at the Family Learning Center at Glasgow AFB, MSU, UM, and Great Falls College MSU. Janie and her husband also owned Conrad Building Center from 1994-2018. In Conrad Janie worked with three other CTE instructors to promote career training and community involvement. She was the Perkins grant writer in Conrad for the last 10 years of her career, and the school was able to update equipment and improve student opportunities because of the additional funds. Janie assumed a leadership role with the Montana Business Education Association in the early 2000’s and served two terms as President of MBEA and then went on to serve as Secretary of both Montana ACTE and the Western Business Education Association. In addition to teaching, Janie was involved in the community as a girls’ softball umpire, a church board member, booster club treasurer, coordinator of a youth basketball league for grades 1-6, high school youth mentorship coordinator for students in grades 3-5 (Project PALs), and treasurer for both the Conrad Booster Club and the Conrad Lion’s Club.
Jill Page, Glasgow, was the Montana Business Education Association’s nominee for Montana ACTE (Secondary) Teacher of the Year. Jill currently teaches computers, personal finance, yearbook, JMG, digital cameras, and is an advisor of Business Professionals of America (BPA) and Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG).She has been a class advisor, prom adviser, lead newspaper editor, and National Junior High Honor Society Advisor when she taught junior high classes. Jill has taught entrepreneur classes, keyboarding, junior high computers, transitional class, and coding. As a CTE teacher, her schedule changes frequently in a small rural school. Her quest to improve her knowledge hasn’t stopped in the classroom. She regularly attends conferences, professional association activities, and continues with educational opportunities remaining current in her field. She has more than 19 years of teaching experience fostering academic learning and enhancing critical-thinking abilities. Jill belongs to GEA, Delta Kappa Gamma, MBEA, ACTE, NJEA, and many local boards as well. She has been honored with the local golden apple teacher award by her fellow teachers, a JumpStart teacher spotlight, 5 for 5 school in JMG, Job Specialist of the year, and several association scholarships to attend professional conferences (Jumpstart, NGPF, and NJEA) and a recipient of many grants.
Business Educator and Professor at the University of Montana Western, Dr. Denise Holland was recognized as the Montana ACTE Post-Secondary Professional of the Year. Before joining the UMW faculty, Denise taught public high school courses in business and marketing in Idaho and Montana and assisted elementary teachers in creating technology projects. Her primary teaching interests include business education, technology integration, computer applications and business communications. Her research interests include business education, technology integration and computer skills. As a believer in innovation, Denise updated the UM Western internship to include the use of digital badges to allow students to demonstrate to future employers the skills they have developed. Students are required to select two badges from the 4 C’s of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Upon selecting a badge, they were required to select and submit all evidence proving they have accomplished the skills for the badge. Additionally, Denise was named the new Division Chair for the Division of Business, Technology, Equine Studies, and Health & Human Performance.
This year, the Montana ACTE David Strong Professional Leadership Award was presented to OPI Business Education Specialist Eric Swenson. Presented in the memory of David Strong, recipients of this award strive to work for the betterment of themselves, their chapter, their state, and the nation. This award is meant to recognize a CTE professional who has exhibited professionalism, passion, dedication, and a desire to build relationships through the CTE community. Other Montana Business Educators having received the David Strong Professional Leadership Award include Mark Branger, Huntley Project (2013, Elaine Stedman (retired), Sidney (2015), and Cheryl Graham (retired), Bainville (2018).
Awards Presented and Officers Elected During 2021 MBEA Business Meeting
The Montana Business Education Association (MBEA) 2021 Business Meeting was held Friday, October 22, during the Montana ACTE Fall Institute 2021 in Bozeman. The meeting, presided over by MBEA 2021 President Mandy Wichman (Hobson), included the presentation of MBEA’s First-time Montana ACTE Fall Institute Attendee stipends, the MBEA Awards, and the election of MBEA officers.
This year, Brooke Channel (Forsyth) was a recipient of one of MBEA’s $50 First-time Montana ACTE Fall Institute Attendee stipends. Individuals interested in applying for one of the two stipends must be registered for the Montana ACTE Fall Institute and must attended the MBEA Business Meeting.
MBEA Past President Calie Wineinger (Froid) presented the MBEA awards for 2021. The Outstanding Business Teacher for 2021 was awarded to Beth Huguet, Hellgate High School. Beth was recognized for establishing the Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) Finance Academy at Hellgate High School. The MCPS Finance Academy at Hellgate was a career academy focusing on college preparation and career skills, linked closely to the community through experiences, job shadows, and internships. Beth is very passionate about her students. She spends countless hours after school helping them with projects, college classes, or providing a spot to study. Beth also helped to establish BPA chapters at Big Sky and Sentinel High Schools as well as Middle Level chapters at two Missoula junior high schools. Currently, Beth serves on the Business Professionals of America, Montana association’s State Executive Board as the Region 2 Coordinator.
The MBEA Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year was awarded to Dr. Denise Holland, University of Montana Western. Denise taught high school marketing and business courses in Idaho and Montana before joining the University of Montana Western in 2021. Since then, she has been instrumental in cultivating the upcoming business education teachers that keep business and technology in our classrooms. During her tenure at UMW, she has developed several programs including the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge(TPACK), Technology Integration Education (TIE), Model for understanding preservice teachers’ classroom performance, and the Microsoft Office Self-Efficacy Scale. She is a strong supporter of MBEA and cares deeply about education.
Also during the MBEA 2021 Business Meeting, two Business & Marketing Education professionals were elected to the offices on the MBEA Board. Jessica Goosen (CM Russell High School, Great Falls) was elected the new MBEA President-elect and David Powell (Bainville) will be the new MBEA Vice President; David served as this year as the MBEA Secretary.
Additionally, it was announced Calie Wineiger will join the Montana ACTE Board of Directors by becoming the Montana ACTE Vice President; her term will begin January 1, 2022. Calie will be joining the Board of Directors as Jennifer Rohrer (Simms) completes her term as Montana ACTE Past President. Thank you, Jenny, for your years of leadership and service and congratulations Calie on the new adventure.
Career & Technical Education Scholarships
500 scholarships at up to $2,500 each
The Career & Technical Scholarship Program is funded through the generosity of Horatio Alger Association Members, Jim F. Dicke II and Dennis Washington. Scholarships are awarded to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives who wish to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Have completed high school (or earned a high school equivalency credential)
- Enrolled in eligible program in Fall 2021
- Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a career or technical program (up to 2 years) at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States
- Demonstrated critical financial need (must be eligible to receive the Federal Pell grant as determined by completion of the FAFSA)
- Demonstrated perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Be under the age of 30
- Be a United States citizen
Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies. All scholarship funds are paid directly to the institution on behalf of the recipient.
If you are a school official, you may sign up for our Stay Connected list so that you will be notified of important application updates and to print a poster to put up in your school. To do so, please visit our School Officials page.
The CTE application is now open with a priority deadline of July 15 (applications will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis until all awards have been claimed).
The Prospects: 2022 High School Business Competition
Over this past weekend, the Montana Chamber, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Empower were some of the business/industry partners who participated in the Montana BPA Fall Leadership Conference.
Matt Olson and Tiana Yates, from the Montana Chamber of Commerce, shared information regarding this year’s The Prospects competition, including a significant increase in prize money for students—from $53,000 to $100K.
Below is information for this year’s contest. Please feel free to share with your teachers and advisors.
National Family and Consumer Sciences Day
Montana FCCLA invites you to join us in celebrating the 8th National Family and Consumer Sciences Day on (or around) Friday, December 3rd. Celebrate with an “Ellen’s Diner” themed party in tribute to Ellen Swallow Richards’ birthday, the Founder of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Prepare a meal with your students, or encourage them to prepare one with their family.
We’ve created a theme idea, gathered recipes, and made some fun props for a DIY photo booth. Resources can be easily used remotely! Example: Ask your students to snap a photo with their dine-in creations and a handmade sign promoting Family and Consumer Sciences.
Make Your Mark, Honoring the Past
 |
|
200 Montana FCCLA 162 members and 38 advisers from across the state met at Fairmont Hot Springs September 26 & 27 for the 2021 Leadership Rally! Attendees were excited to have the opportunity to network with each other, participate in leadership training, and honor the rich history of family and consumer sciences. Check out the latest issue of The Montana Marker for more photos and other updates from Montana FCCLA!
|
HOSA - Meet Your State Officer Team
The new HOSA State Officer team has been elected and is moving into the new year with full steam. In August, the three person officer team met at AMB West Basecamp near Emigrant, MT to engage in leadership training and plan out the HOSA year. September 25th-28th they will be in Washington, D.C. with other state officer delegates to continue strengthening their leadership and advocacy skills. The state officers will bring this training back to our local delegates as they host a Fall Leadership Conference at Montana Tech in Butte on October 5th. All HOSA chapters, or those wishing to start a HOSA chapter, are invited to attend. Please reach out to State Director, Katie Meier (montanahosa@katiemeier.co) if you would like more information.
Pictured Above: Montana HOSA State Officers at the high ropes course at AMB West Basecamp
 |
|
Bella Childre 2021-2022 Montana HOSA State President
Bella Childre is a senior at Gallatin High School in Bozeman. She hopes to pursue a career in the healthcare field that allows her to travel abroad. Bella has taken biomedical science courses in all four years of high school. As a state officer, Bella hopes to provide greater support to local chapters by creating and providing them with an extensive program of work.
|
 |
|
Emily Hove 2021-2022 Montana HOSA Vice President
Emily Hove is a senior at Flathead High School and in her second year of the Full International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. She has been a part of her local HOSA chapter all four years. Due to her fascination with medicine, Emily has worked as an assistant to nurses in her local assisted living home and has worked with the American Red Cross to host blood drives. Emily hopes to bring this same excitement for service and learning to Montana HOSA this year.
|
 |
|
Ashley Kim 2021-2022 Montana HOSA Vice- President
As a junior at Hellgate High School, Ashley Kim is honored to serve as one of this year’s vice-presidents. Ashley is involved in numerous activities including: speech and debate, Model United Nations, Academic World Quest, and of course, HOSA. Ashley was immediately drawn to HOSA after meeting all of its remarkable members and stayed for the lasting contribution HOSA makes in communities. Ashley plans to pursue a career in medical law or nutrition. This year, she hopes to build quality HOSA chapters in Montana and help grow the next generation of health professionals and leaders.
|
Agriculture Education Updates
Montana FFA Ag Expo Sponsored by John Deere Dealers Returns to Montana State University
One year ago, we were relying heavily on the phrase “the method may change, but the mission never does,” as the Montana FFA Foundation prepared to meet students where their feet were to facilitate the Montana FFA Ag Expo contests and events. While we enjoyed connecting with our communities and leading locally last November, we are excited to bring all the blue and gold jackets back to Montana State University, November 11-13.
We are back and better than ever, offering three new contests: Soils Evaluation, Prepared Public Speaking, and Milk Quality and Products. Montana FFA Foundation will also be partnering with C&B Operations, Frontline Ag Solutions, and RDO Equipment to do an inaugural Ag Equipment Safety Seminar and Driving Contest.
“We are thrilled to be adding contests and seminars that reflect the ‘doing to learn’ part of the FFA motto,” Katharine Taylor, Montana FFA Foundation Programs and Office Manager stated. “We are proud to be back at Montana State and so excited for students to gain hands-on experiences at this year’s Ag Expo.”
Ag Expo is not the only FFA activity taking place on MSU's campus. This year, the Foundation has been participating in the Bobcat Football activities to promote the “I Believe in the Future of Agriculture” FFA Awareness Campaign. The “I Believe” Campaign is designed to promote awareness of the positive impact of FFA throughout every community in Montana with the intention of increasing awareness and visibility of student opportunities through participation in agricultural education and encouraging the public to become involved in their local FFA programs.
We would love to see any FFA supporters at Bobcat Football Tailgates at all home games throughout the rest of the season, as well as the Montana FFA Ag Expo sponsored by John Deere Dealers, November 11-13!
2021 SAE Grants
The 2021 SAE Grants application will open on Oct. 1 and closes on Nov. 15. This year, we have 387 grants to award. In 2020, almost 50% of applicants who completed the application process received a grant. Access the application through the Application Center on FFA.org. For more information, see the flyer and grant descriptions.
We are also seeking judges for the 2021 SAE Grants. If you or someone you know is interested, sign up to be a grant judge. For questions, contact saegrants@ffa.org.
Use FFA New Horizons in Your Classroom
The latest issue of the FFA New Horizons Teaching Guide is now available. A great resource to use in your classroom as students read the all/winter issue of the magazine.
Official FFA Manual Updated for 2021-22
A new version of the Official FFA Manual is now posted on FFA.org.
Living to Serve Day of Service Mini-Grant
Looking for a way to engage your students early? Do it through service! This $400 grant opportunity is open year-round and is available to middle/high school and alumni and supporters chapters. For more information and to access the application, visit FFA.org/LivingToServe.
The Advancing Ag-Ed Form is now available. This money can be requested once per biennium (July 2021-June 2023), the deadline to apply for the current biennium is MARCH 15, 2023.
EXISTING AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
- You must complete the electronic NQPS Survey and Growth plan found on the FFA website before applying. (Growth Plans must reflect what you are budgeting funds for.)
- You must complete a the Advancing Ag Ed Budget Page (You will need to download and save this form). This must include NQPS Standard Numbers (NQPS) along with a description of the items and a total. Your budget total must match or exceed the amount of money you are eligible for. Budgets missing signatures or with incorrect totals will be returned.
- Complete the Advancing Ag Ed Google Form.
FOR NEW PROGRAMS or ADDITIONAL (FULL-TIME AGED) TEACHERS ADDED
- Submit the Advancing Ag Ed Budget page (You will need to download and save this form). This must include NQPS Standard Numbers along with a description of the items and a total. Your budget total must match or exceed the amount of money you are eligible for. Budgets missing signatures or with incorrect totals will be returned.
- An outline of the courses being offered and how they complete a Montana Career Pathway.
- Brief description of goals for the current biennium.
- (#2 and # 3 can be combined in a word document and loaded into the application in lieu of the NQPS Growth Plan)
- Complete the Advancing Ag Ed Google Form.
Ag in Color Drawing Contest - click here for information!
Business Education Updates
BPA Holds Fall Leadership Conference
FLC IN REVIEW. We had 55 chapters, 336 attendees (64 advisors and 272 students) at this year's conference. Congratulations to our Biz Bowl Champions from Glasgow High School and our Shark Tank top 3. 1st place: Butte High School team of Mya Stenson, Tylar Clarly and Ashley Olson 2nd place: Joliet High School team of Norman Wootton and Olivia Collins 3rd place: Glasgow High School student: Kate Parks. Also a big CONGRATS to Region 3...the 2020-21 "Region That Rocks"!
Hour of Code is Coming and The New Theme is Here
Hour of Code is coming—and Code.org is excited for you to join them.
This year Code.org has plenty of ways to participate and a new theme to kick off this worldwide week of computer science.
The theme for this year’s Hour of Code: #CSEverywhere. From fighting disease to exploring outer space, from creating your favorite movies to powering the device you're reading this on, computer science is everywhere. Help students discover the connections to computer science in their lives during this year’s Hour of Code from December 6-12, 2021.
The goal is to make students aware that computer science is used in every industry and field of study to help solve problems, advance research, create art, keep our infrastructure safe and healthy, and more. Code.org hopes this inspires students of all ages to connect their passions to computer science and continue learning beyond the Hour of Code.
Whether you are teaching in person or continuing remote learning, there is an Hour of Code activity for you. The How-To Guides will show you how to adapt for in-person, virtual, or no-tech options for students with limited internet access. You do not have to be an educator in order to host an Hour of Code at home, with a classroom, or with your company.
You do not have to be an engineer in order to volunteer virtually with a classroom and share how technology has impacted your life. Best of all, you do not have to be a computer scientist in order to spread the word: Share your Hour of Code highlights with on social media using #HourofCode. You can also show your favorite example of computer science in action by tagging it with #CSEverywhere.
|
Nominate a High School Senor for the Cutler-Bell Prize
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) has just opened applications for the 2021-2022 Cutler-Bell Application, which looks to recognize up to four high school senior students residing in the US for their projects in computer science. Winners will receive a $10,000 prize to go to their college/university of choice. Applications are due by Jan. 10, 2022, at 9 a.m. Learn about the prize, review the application questions, or nominate a student to apply using this form.
The ACM/Cutler Bell Prize in High School Computing is designed to recognize talented students intending to continue their higher education in the areas of computer science or technology. The program seeks to promote and encourage computer science and empower young and aspiring leaders to pursue computing challenges outside of the traditional classroom environment.
Students must develop an original computational artifact that engages modern computing technology and computer science. See previous winners to learn about the types of projects selected. This year, to help better prepare students for the application, a google document of all applications is available for review; we encourage students to make a copy to prepare their answers before submitting. Students must develop an original computational artifact that engages modern computing technology and computer science.
The application includes:
- Description of the project and development (two essays of <1,000 words each)
- Project source code and executable file
- A short video showing and describing the project (2 minutes)
- Consent form
A group of educators will review all submissions and judge the project's ingenuity, complexity, relevancy, originality, and the student's desire to further computer science as a discipline.
Please visit the 2021-2022 Cutler-Bell Application site for complete details. Nominations close January 18, 2022.
TSA State Conference 2021 - Ronan High School
Ronan High School hosted the 2021 Update Conference on August 9 - 10, 2021. Career Technology Education Teachers from Billings, Bozeman, Saco, Kalispell and Ronan attended the event.
Mike Houghton, Industrial Technology Education Specialist reviewed the Montana Content Standards for Career and Technical Education. The new standards went into effect on Jul 1, 2021. You can review the standards here: CTE Content Standards.
Jesse Gray, TSA State Co-advisor shared information on the events for the TSA State Leadership Conference March 28-29, 2022 in Bozeman. The events included career preparation, dragster design, robotics, coding, 3D modeling and many more. They are looking at starting a new drone competition this year as well.
The conference included the building of a “Raise Off the Ground” model plane. Each teacher was able to take home their working models and the building instructions to share with their students as a lesson. The model is designed to help students develop an ROG Model Plane to use during the “Flight Endurance” competition at the State Leadership Conference. Teachers had the opportunity to receive graduate credit through Montana State University.
|
On the second day of the conference attendees were treated to an industry tour at Rocky Mountain Twist. The tour went through the 300,000 square foot facility showing the production process of industrial drill bit manufacturing.
RMT will be hosting a “Manufacturing Day” on October 6, 2021. Students will have the opportunity of touring the 300,000 square foot facility, meeting with various departments (Graphics, Accounting, Engineering, Marketing, Purchasing), and trying out some of the items that were invented and are manufactured in Ronan. They also provide lunch from their onsite cafeteria for all those attending. This is a great opportunity for students to see the wide array of opportunities for careers that a manufacturing facility offers, from entry level to advanced degrees. They employ roughly 200 individuals year round at the facility and are one of the largest private employers in the Valley. Their hope is showing the importance manufacturing has in the community as well as in our country.
|
To wrap up the two day conference attendees toured the Ronan Cooperative Brewery (RCB) to learn more about the joint venture with Ronan High School Career Technology Student Organizations and RCB. The new local brewery was in need of food vendors to serve on event nights and the CTSOs are always looking for new opportunities to expose students to careers. BPA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA and TSA all came together and formed the R-Cantina, a pulled pork taco trailer. The students are now being invited to attend different community events. To learn more about the R-Cantina read the press release here: R-Cantina.
Manufacturing Day | Ronan High School TSA
October 6, 2021 - Ronan High School attended Manufacturing Day at Rocky Mountain Twist in Ronan, Montana. They employ roughly 200 individuals year round at the facility and are one of the largest private employers in the Valley. They see the importance that manufacturing has in our Community as well as in our Country.
Students toured the 300,00 square foot facility, and met with the graphics, accounting, engineering, marketing and purchasing departments, opening their eyes to the many career options available at Rocky Mountain Twist and other possible manufacturing companies.
Students were also given the chance at trying out the screw guide and power groove countersink that was invented and manufactured in Ronan.
This was a great opportunity for students to see careers that a manufacturing facility offers, from entry level to advanced degrees.
|
SkillsUSA Montana: Making Great Strides in 2021/2022
SkillsUSA Montana is moving and shaking this school year. As more industry leaders come to the table to get involved, SkillsUSA Montana is helping them tackle the issue of the skills gap.
With that comes the Winter Leadership Conference scheduled for January 18-20, 2022 in Billings. Companies such as Central Plumbing and Heating, RDO Equipment, and Dick Anderson Construction are prepared to sponsor the event as well as get involved with teaching the workshops planned. Joining the industry teachers will be the SkillsUSA State Officers as they teach curriculum provided by the national office on Critical Thinking in the Workplace, Effective Communication, and Conflict Management at Work among other topics. Also planned for this event are two nationally recognized keynote speakers, Arel Moodie and Aaron Witt.
Changing the mindset that SkillsUSA is only a club that has fun contests for students has been the priority of the Board of Directors. That means moving registration dates up and asking for more input from advisors across the state. The new fall registration, set for November 30th, is a way for chapters to get involved with their members and communities earlier in the school year. If chapters do not meet the deadline to register, they will be unable to compete in Regional and State contests for this school year. Sidney High School was the first school to register and their advisor, Roger Merritt, received a $50 gift card from Amazon for his efforts to get his chapter active as early as October 6th.
The State Director, Mary Heller, attended the SkillsUSA State Director Conference in Atlanta, Georgia the beginning of October. This was the first in-person conference held by the organization since March 2020. Atlanta will be home to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference until 2026 and Heller was able to see the convention center, State Farm Arena, and many other areas of interest that will be available to members in the June 2022 conference.
The last big news from SkillsUSA is moving the State Leadership and Skills Conference to Helena College for 2022. This decision had been discussed for at least the last ten years and the Board of Directors decided it was time to change the venue at MSU-Northern and make the conference more centralized. Along with this decision was also the factor that more of the two-year post-secondary schools in Montana can have the opportunity to showcase their programs, giving student members a glimpse of other pathways they may take upon graduating from high school. While the decision to move the conference was not taken lightly, the Board also determined that the host of this important yearly event will change at least every three years.
For all of these things and more, SkillsUSA Montana is very thankful to see more active participation this school year. We wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving! www.skillsusa.org [skillsusa.org]
For questions, please contact:
Shannon Boswell, Division Administrator - (406) 444-7915
Eric Tilleman, Agriculture Education Specialist - (406) 444-4451
Vacant, Health Sciences Education Specialist - (406) 444-7915
Ian Beagles CTE/Perkins Data Control Specialist - (406) 444-9019
Mike Houghton, Industrial Technology Specialist - (406) 444-4452
Austin Schweitzer, Marketing Program Coordinator - (406) 444-2059
Eric Swenson, Business Education Specialist - (406) 444-7991
Vacant, Family & Consumer Sciences Education Specialist - (406) 444-7915
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
|
