Above: All Forest Lake Area High School students attended our college fair on 2/26, where over 100 colleges shared information.
During February we celebrated CTE (Career Technical Education) Month with career field trips, tech school visits, the college fair, and a CTE Showcase featuring student work and industry partners. See some highlights below.
Career Exploration Day is May 23!
We are looking for people to share information about their career field with students, or to conduct mock interviews. Please register by April 16 to participate. We need you!
Student Spotlight: Hana Abdillahi and Nicholas Haasl
Testifying at the MN Senate Education Finance Committee made me realize how priveleged I am. While other students from other schools talked about needing more opportunities to explore career interests, I realized how fortunate I am to attend a school that has provided me with so many experiences...From earning my CNA to attending a Healthcare Career Camp to earning my OSHA-10 to earning college credits.- Hana Abdillahi
Pictured above: Dr. Massey (Forest Lake Area Schools), Senator Kreun (Disctrict 32), Hana Abdillahi, Nicholas Haasl, Mike Miron (Career Launch Teacher).
In February, Hana and Nicholas were asked to testify because of their tremendous engagment with our Career Launch Programming. Through career pathway courses, career exploration days, career field trips, career camps, job shadowing, certifications, and college credit these two students have taken full advantage of our career exposure and experience opportunities. As a result, they both have concrete plans to meet their career goals. Hana will begin a nursing program at Anoka Ramsey Community College this summer. Nicholas is pursuing mechanical engineering at UW Stout in the fall.
Teacher Spotlight: Kristen Nellis (Business Classes)
I love helping students develop business related skills that will translate to their post-secondary education and/or career. One of my seniors just learned that she will NOT need to take a required class at her college because she is earning her Microsoft Office Certifications in Word, Powerpoint, and Excel through our Business Computer Applications course. Both her and her family are very excited to save the time and money.
Our business department offers 12 elective courses, covering everything from accounting to personal finance to marketing, human resources, and more. Students taking our concurrent business courses can earn 18 transferable college credits. That is more than a semester's worth of savings. Additionally our students interested in business are taking advantage of developing their skills outside of the classroom through DECA and our Investment Club.
Industry Partner Spotlight: Stella's On 97
I'm happy to show students what a restaurant related career looks like. For me, it meant hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. I often spent time off helping in a restaurant kitchen to better my own skills and knowledge. Now as the owner and head chef of Stella's, I can share what I've learned through my experiences with our local high school students.
Jose, the head chef and owner of Stella's on 97 gave our Introduction to Culinary students a great overview on what it is like to work at and own a restaurant. Most of the students who attended this experience have already earned their ServSafe and ProStart (National Restaurant Association) certifications. These certifications help make students more employable. Students were also very impressed by Jose's generosity by cooking a meal for each student. Pictured here, Jose and one of his chefs can be seen preparing the meals.
Alumni Spotlight: Jenna Parent, Class of 2018
In 8th grade, my Spanish teacher asked me to write something on the board. She commented that I had "teacher handwriting". Throughout my time as a Forest Lake Area District student, I had awesome teachers who influenced me. Those same great teachers also encouraged me to think of teaching myself. Mrs. Miller (current assistant principal), was one of my math teachers and track coaches. She was a real mentor to me and still is today. Now I'm in my first year teaching math at Forest Lake Area High School and coaching nordic skiing and girls track & field.
Forest Lake Area Schools has a strong tradition of its alumni returning to teach...Seemingly no more so than in the high school math department, where three alumni currently teach. While Jenna attended Forest Lake Area High School, she took full advantage of college level coursework through AP and concurrent classes. All the college credits she earned gave her some appreciated flexibility as a collegiate multifaceted track & field athlete at UND (University of North Dakota). We are so happy she has returned to Forest Lake Area High School to teach, mentor, and guide her students and athletes.
Do you know a Forest Lake Area High School student interested in a career in teaching? We are now offering a new concurrent enrollment teaching course through the University of MN called "Exploring the Teaching Profession I". "Exploring the Teaching Profession II" will be added during the 25-26 school year. These classes are in addition to our Psychology of Childhood and Exploring Education courses. If you are interested in additing "Exploring the Teaching Profession I" to your schedule for next year, contact your dean.