MANY ATTEND CTE SHOWCASE AND STATE OF OUR SCHOOLS ADDRESS

October 22 was a big night for students, staff and parents, as Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools held its annual Career and Technical Education Showcase event at the Nash Community College Brown Auditorium, in conjunction with the ‘State of Our Schools’ Address, given by Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent. 
Students in grades 6-12 and their families had the opportunity to see all of the Career and Technical Education opportunities offered in the school district, and how those opportunities translate into programs offered by Nash Community College. In addition, families heard Dr. Jackson speak about the accomplishments, challenges and goals of the school system, and saw exemplars from each of district’s six strategic priorities as presented by Central Office staff. 
“This event was designed to share important information about our schools with the community,” said Jackson. “We wanted to give our families and community supporters an opportunity to hear and discuss our successes, our challenges, and our goals to improve.”
Dr. Jackson’s full ‘State of Our Schools’ presentation and a video of the event is posted on the school district’s website for those who were unable to attend. 
Following the presentation, school administrators, educators, students, parents, staff, community members, elected officials and business leaders were among those who participated in the annual CTE Showcase event, which draws roughly 1000 participants each year.
Nearly 100 tables and demonstrations representing Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools’ classes, Nash Community College programs of study gave attendees a preview of what they can expect in CTE class and program offerings. Representatives from several local businesses and industries were also on hand to share information with students and parents about their organizations and reinforce the importance of a skilled and educated workforce.
Pam Lewis, Director of Career and Technical Education, (CTE) said she was pleased with the number of parents and students who attended the event.
“We were very pleased with level of participation and the energy of parents and students,” said Lewis. “Parents were very interested and many asked questions regarding how our programs can meet student's needs.”
Culinary students and staff from Nash Central High School provided refreshments for special guests attending the event. Donna Cady, CTE Coordinator for Nash Central High School, said teachers go the extra mile to make the event successful.
“The CTE Showcase was a collaborative effort between staff from NRMPS and NCC.” Cady said. “The teachers went above and beyond to ‘showcase’ all that CTE has to offer our students. It was a night full of fun and excitement for everyone that participated.”

The CTE program touches nearly 10,000 students in a total of eight program areas. NRMPS offers eight CTE Academies, in addition to a host of other CTE course offerings. The newest two academies, Industrial and Advanced Manufacturing and the Fire Training Academy started at the beginning of this school year. The Industrial and Advanced Manufacturing Academy represents a unique partnership between Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, Nash Community College and the Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant, via the Career and College Promise Initiative. Students take courses through Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools and Nash Community College, and then have the opportunity to continue their education at East Carolina University. Scholarships and potential job prospects are additional benefits of the IAM Academy.
For more information about Career and Technical Education, students can contact the CTE Coordinator assigned to their school or Pam Lewis, CTE Director, 252-462-2536.