Recap given by CTSO Treasurer, Emily Alcauter
"November was a busy month of preparation for our CTSO officers and alumni! Officers have been informing students about upcoming CTE competitions and planning special Winter Carnival activities! We're also continually working hard to be the first CTSO of Tahquitz to reach the 2nd level of the SkillsUSA chapter. I'd say another successful, productive month for CTSO!"
In addition to the CTSO assisted the elderly with tech questions and provided their service.
Digital Media I These students have been continuing to increase their knowledge and skills in photography, and discovered how the skills they are learning in class can help make them qualified candidates for a variety of careers. Digital Media II Students wrapped their first production, learning first hand how difficult it is to plan, shoot, and edit a scene. While many struggled with this project it showed them the value in proper planning, and got them excited for the next production project. Digital Media III Students continued reviewing their data from the last 8 weeks of production. They have been working on planning new content, and devising procedures to be more consistent.
Sports Medicine 1 students are learning about the importance of health insurance and how it can significantly impact their lives. They are gaining an understanding of why insurance is necessary, how it works, and the different types of coverage available. Students are also practicing how to evaluate and choose a health insurance plan by learning what key features to look for when comparing options. Both classes are building real-world knowledge that supports their future careers in healthcare and strengthens their understanding of how to navigate health and wellness in everyday life. Sports Medicine 2 students are diving into the anatomy of the ankle and foot while exploring common athletic injuries and the rehabilitation techniques used to treat them. Through hands-on activities and targeted practice, they are building a deeper understanding of lower extremity function and developing essential skills for injury assessment and recovery.
Year 1 - Discovery Academy They just finished their 2nd round of Student Led Conferences. We went over contracts, marketing, marketing campaigns, marketing psychology and research. They are continuing with part 2 of the breach proposal and are now creating a marketing brochure to promote their beaches & businesses. They have also started their 4 part marketing research project on the topic of "What other snacks/drinks should be sold at school." During the 1st phase, students developed a questionnaire about what drinks/snacks should be sold, at what prices along with other demographic questions. In part 2, they developed a QR code that linked to their survey for ease of use when getting others to take it. Students need a minimum of 10 responses from both students and adults on campus. In part 3, they will analyze the data collected (i.e linked to google sheets) to determine the best new snack/drinks to sell on campus and at what prices. They will break down the data into 3 different marketing persona's based on demographic data collected. Part 4, they will present their findings in a quick 30-40 second elevator pitch. Year 2 We finished our stock market and investing lessons. As a project/game each student was given a $100K online portfolio to manage where they will trade and try to earn as much money as possible by the time the game ends in May. During these months from Nov - May, students will give brief update presentations on their portfolio's progress as well as lessons learned from their investing. The week before break we started our lesson on 3D printing/manufacturing. Students were given the opportunity to "play" with design software in preparation for their projects when we return from break. When we return they will also learn the 3D modeling software/slicer to turn their designs into reality as they begin to 3D print.
This month, TT1 is focusing on learning about scale and how it works for the stage. They will be getting into TinkerCAD-- a computer-aided design program available online which helps students build scale sets in the virtual world--a skill which is useful across all kinds of occupations. TT2 is learning how to use the ETC EOS Gio @5 Lighting Console--for design and operation! What they learn will definitely be used in THS's Spring Theatre Production of the musical, Super Sidekick!
BUILT is all about building! We have built a great partnership with McCarthy Construction and went on a jobsite tour. Students are building a new tool room to keep up with the demands for the growing program. Academy 1 students are learning how to use a skilsaw, and academy 2 students are in the process of building a step stool.
Tiny Titan Adventures!
Tiny Titan has been aiding Digital Media students with their creative production projects!
Field Trips
DIgital Media + Sports Medicine
LA Clippers Game at the Intuit Dome
Digital Media
MSJC - Menifee Campus
Construction
McCarthy Job Site
HEmet Unified School District CTE Mock Interviews
A big congratulations to our CTE Tahquitz High School representatives in the Hemet Unified School District Mock Interview Competition!
Congratulations to Emily Alcauter for taking 2nd place for the HUSD/CTE Mock Interview overall!
Another big congratulations to Jeremiah Gonzalez for placing 1st, Angela Higuera for placing 2nd and Adrian Montes for placing 3rd in our school site!
Student Spotlights
Sports Medicine
Va Nae
I would like to recognize Va Nae as this month’s CTE Sports Medicine Student of the Month. Va Nae has shown exceptional leadership both in and out of the classroom, consistently stepping up with maturity, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility. She leads by example whether she’s helping classmates during labs, staying focused during instruction, or taking initiative when extra support is needed. Va Nae’s positive attitude, dependability, and genuine passion for learning make her stand out as an exceptional sports medicine student. We are proud of her dedication and growth, and we’re grateful to have her as part of our program. Congratulations, Va Nae!
Entrepreneurship
Madison Curry
Madison is a great year 1 student in our Discovery Academy. She is kind, considerate, participates well in class and is always willing to help out her peers. Madison is not only helpful in her class period, but has also reached out to peers in other classes to offer assistance and keep them on track. Her participation and help is very much appreciated. Madison provides quality work and well thought out responses to questions. Madison is an Entrepreneur at heart and currently operates her own horse training / riding lesson business.
Construction
The shout out isn't to one single person this month but to all that went to our first ever jobsite tour. The interest and professionalism that the students showed impressed the job so much that they invited us back to see the progress of the job as they move along.