From Hi-Lights: Career & Technical Education Open House

Posted April 22, 2024

Note: This article was adapted from one that appeared in the March issue of Hi-Lights, the Plymouth High School student newspaper.

By Ian Leonard
of the Hi-Lights staff

Earlier this year, Plymouth High School invited local businesses to check out the Career & Technical Education wing.

The event on Feb. 7 lasted for two hours and included a tour to show off the different programs and classes.

“The main goal is to partner with local businesses so that they can create opportunities for students,” said culinary arts teacher Marcie Zimmerman.

The night started with complimentary water and charcuterie cups. Then everyone funneled into the auditorium, where Principal Joe Brandl introduced all the teachers and programs they teach. Once he was done, attendees were put into groups and given a tour of the school by student volunteers.

The first group started with culinary. Here they were given a presentation of the classes that are taught. They also talked about the fact that the school has “one of the best culinary arts programs in the district,” according to teacher Connie Lund. Then, to end the presentation, they talked about how they want to do more field trips but need more donations.

Then they moved on to the next presentation from the middle school tech ed and Family and Consumer Science teachers. They talked about the main projects in each class, like the food trucks project they do in Family and Consumer Science (FACS) or the robot programming in Science Technology and Mathematics (STEM). They also talked about how they teach the kids basic skills to help in high school and life.

The next stop on the tour was the business department. Here they talked about programs to help prepare kids for the different aspects of an office, such as teaching kids to work with Microsoft Word, sheets, and slides.

Agriculture was the next stop on the tour. Here they talked about different projects they do to simulate nature. The agriculture teacher talked about breeding animals and growing plants, including how they use the greenhouse.

Next on the agenda was the auto shop. There the automotive teacher talked about after-school activities and clubs, ranging from race cars that students build to robots that kids make.

The group then arrived at the weld shop. Looking around you could see what the students do and what equipment they work with. Once given a rundown, everyone was given a brief explanation of how the curriculum is made.

Then the group made its way to the wood shop. There they talked about what projects are done in the classes. They also talked about how the projects have changed over time. The conversation wrapped up by talking about the new equipment they wanted.

The final stop was the graphics room, where they talked about the kinds of activities done in the classes.

Once the groups were done, I asked some people questions to see if the goal of adding more opportunities worked.

“We will come and give some seminars,” said Tony Richy, a visitor from a wood shop.

“I want to reach out to do some guest speaking and look at other ways to have students do Youth Apprenticeships with our company,” another visitor said.

“I heard a few people say that they wanted to come and speak in classes,” visitor Chris Lehman said.

Learn more:
• Read a Hi-Lights article about the PHS auto shop.
• Read a Hi-Lights article about Wood Processes projects.
• Read a Hi-Lights article about Momentum show choir.
• Explore our interactive, award-winning District Report Card to learn more about how we prepare students to become their best in any path they choose after graduation.