2015 Fall Newsletter: Volume I

Carl Keen Career & Technical Center1050 Walnut Street

Clarksdale, MS 38614 (662) 627-8580

Director: Shirlaurence Fair

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More inside!

2015 Fall Advisory Council Meeting Committee

November 18, 201511:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

From the Director’s Desk

It has been an extremely fast beginning to the school year. It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming our students and starting the journey of technical instruction. However, it has been a great beginning with student enthusiasm and engagement at an all time high.

I would like to thank our students and staff for making this possible. We are looking forward to a fantastic nine weeks. As the holidays approach, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgivings and a Merry Christmas. We want to continue to drive the importance of our children's education because it is Carl Keen's "Top Priority."

We have a lot planned for the second nine

CMSD links Workforce Development to Education

Pictured Left to Right:Fred McConnel, ACT, Inc Economic Development Liaison; Ron Hudson, Executive Director, Clarksdale/Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Foundation; Shirlaurence Fair, CTE Director, Clarksdale Municipal School District; and Mike Mulvihill Director, Office of Career and Technical Education, MS Department of Education.

Workforce development and career and technical education directors from across the Delta recently met at Delta Council in Stoneville, MS to develop community-based strategies to link workforce development to education and promote the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Students enrolled at Carl Keen Career and Technical Education Center will soon be able to identify and close skills gaps and gain a stackable, industry-recognized credential, such as ACT's National Career Readiness Certificate. NCRC is a portable, evidence based credential that certifies essential skills needed for workplace success and verifies that job seekers' skills match an employer’s needs. The backbone of this NCRC initiative is ACT, Inc.’s WorkKeys job skill assessment system which includes the three core assessments of Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information and Locating Information -- skills that are highly important to the majority of jobs in the workplace. This, combined with an innovative job profiling process that accurately identifies the exact skills required for specific jobs is helping to create the perfect match between Clarksdale's emerging workforce and jobs. For more information regarding the district's career and technical education programs, please contact CTE Director Shirlaurence D. Fair at 662-627-8580. --

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Carl Keen introduces Sports Medicine Program

Ms. Kalilah Kemp There are new and exciting things happening at Carl Keen Career and Technical Education Center this school year. Sports Medicine and Career Pathway Experience are two new programs which enhance the high school learning experience for students. Students gain career and technical skills that will enable them to become productive citizens and excel in today's global workforce. The Carl Keen CTE Director is Shirlaurence Fair.

The Sports Medicine program at Carl Keen Career and Technical Education Center is in its first year. The Carl Keen CTE Center is the second school in the state of Mississippi to implement this program. The Sports Medicine Program is open to students in grades 11 and 12. This program focuses on the aspects of the prevention, evaluation, acute treatment, and therapeutic care related to injuries in sports. Students are introduced to emergency services and focus on rehabilitation settings and techniques to help a patient recover from sports injuries. The Sports Medicine Program offers students the opportunity to participate in Clarksdale High School athletics, which include practices and games. Kalilah Kemp is the program instructor.

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Culinary Arts Program "Cooking Up" to Expectations

Mrs. Cheryl Strong is the second-year Culinary Arts Instructor at Carl Keen Career & Technical Center.

Recognizing that today’s students are digital learners, the classroom should be equipped with tools that will teach them in the way they need to learn. The Culinary Arts teacher’s goal should be to include teaching strategies that incorporate current technology. It is suggested that each classroom house a classroom set of desktop computers for students and one laptop for the teacher.

To make use of the latest online communication tools such as wikis, blogs, and podcasts, the classroom teacher is encouraged to use a learning management system, such as the Culinary Arts Teacher Blackboard Content Management System, which introduces students to education in an online environment and places the responsibility of learning on the student.

Automotive Technician Program

Instructor: Mr. Otis White

Mr. Otis White is the new Automotive Technician Instructor at Carl Keen Career & Technical Center. Recognizing that today’s students are digital learners, the classroom should be equipped with tools that will teach them in the way they need to learn. The Automotive Service Technician teacher’s goal should be to include teaching strategies that incorporate current technology. It is suggested that each classroom house a classroom set of desktop student computers and one teacher laptop. To make use of the latest online communication tools such as wikis, blogs, and podcasts, the classroom teacher is encouraged to use a learning management system, for example, the Automotive Teacher Learning Content Management System, that introduces students to education in an online environment and places the responsibility of learning on the student.

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Guest speaker Casonya Jenkins of Averitt, a Transportation Logistics Specialist, visits Carl Keen's Automotive Students for Career Planning

Casonya Jenkins explains her role with Averitt, and how the company distributes goods and merchandises for Dollar General. Averitts transportation logistic headquarters is located in Indianola, MS. Ms. Jenkins was recently promoted to Logistics Leader. Carl Keen students learned about regional truck driving career opportunities. Mr. Otis White, a first year Automotive Instructor, accompanies Ms. Jenkins in the classroom.Ms. Jenkins shares with the class the importance of choosing career pathways which offer training, 401K, insurance benefits, paid holidays, and a rewarding career. Mr. White is a first year instructor at Carl Keen.

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Construction & Carpentry Program Lead by Mr. Aundre Reynolds

Mr. Aundre Reynolds is the new Construction and Carpentry Instructor at Carl Keen. He has six years of previous teaching experience, and he considers himself a "Master Builder." Mr. Reynold's goals are clear and precise for his students, "Compete for state/national competition." Mr. Reynolds pride himself in helping transform many young boys into men, and helping them develop a skill that can assure career objectivity in the field.

There are several here in Mississippi that foster the types of learning expected from the Carpentry curriculum. SkillsUSA is the student organization for Carpentry. SkillsUSA provides students with growth opportunities and competitive events. It also opens the doors to the world of manufacturing, Carpentry, and construction, as well as scholarships opportunities.

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2015 L.E.A.D. Conference

ACTFees $39.50

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Landers Center - Southaven, MS

Several Carl Keen students traveled to Southaven on October 26, 2015 to attend the annual L.E.A.D. conference held at the Landers Center. Carl Keen students had the opportunity to learn about leadership roles and how these roles are utilized in everyday endeavors. They entertained role play and different scenarios in which they reenacted how they would handle these situations. The students packed in by the numbers to enjoy the festivities sponsored through the program. The students were able to learn more leadership roles in their communities, and how effective they can have on many of the outcomes where they live. Play a role and making a difference in someone's life are personal attributes and traits of a quality leader. The students were fed hot lunches, they had the opportunities to work in teams, and they competed in really interesting games. Carl Keen students also included Mr. McClain's Career Pathway students, Ms. Kemp's Sports Medicine students, and Mrs. Murphy's Health Science students.

CARL KEEN'S PERFECT ATTENDANCE EMPLOYEES FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2015

From Left to Right: Shirlaurence Fair, CTE Director Aundre Reynolds, Construction Instructor Triccia Hudson, Student Services Coordinator Kalilah Kemp, Sports Medicine Instructor

Ms. Shirlaurence Fair awards Ms. Casonya Jenkins of Averitt Transportation with an Appreciation Award Certificate

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Mrs. Sharon Murphy, Health Science Instructor at Carl Keen

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Mr. McClain introduces "Career Pathway Experience" at Carl Keen

Mr. Tyson McClain is the Career Pathway Experience instructor at Carl Keen. Mr. McClain has six years of previous teaching experience, most notably teaching ICT II and Computer Keyboarding. CPE is a new program at Carl Keen, adapting from a previously taught course in Business and Marketing. Mr. McClain is a first year instructor for Carl Keen.

Carl Keen's CPE Program enlist students that are interesting in gaining valuable insight into professional world. "I hope students really take advantage of an opportunity for them to learn how to market themselves, become entrepreneurs, start their own business, or become a qualified candidate in any career pathway."

Lamya Shivers, Markell Morris, Phikailah Brownlee, and Felicia Smith are CPE students. The CPE program also promotes paid jobs and internships for CPE students. "I want for my students to be able to compete in a global society with valuable tools learned from this program."

Career Pathway Experience (CPE) is the new name for Cooperative Education. CPE provides the students the opportunity to take knowledge and skills learned in the pathway classroom and to apply and test that learning in the workplace. The CPE course will foster self-directed learning; strengthen the development of core academic skills through application in authentic situations; allow students to explore career options; enhance communication skills, leadership, and problem solving; and contribute to community economic development. The student will benefit from the CPE course due to the school’s ability to meet the needs of a diverse student population. tween educators, business and industry, and the community.

Mr. Tyson McClain, CPE Instructor at Carl Keen

CAREER PATHWAY EXPERIENCE: THE BEGINNING OF A NEW LIFE IN TODAY'S JOB MARKET

Carl Keen CTECAREER

PATHWAYEXPERIENCE

CPE is a one-year CTEProgram designed for highschool juniors and seniors.

CPE students must be 16 yearsof age by August 1 of theschool year.

CPE students must maintainparticipation in one of the fourCPE options.

CPE students must attend CPEclass as scheduled.

CPE students must submitappropriate documentation ofhours worked in order to berewarded Carnegie unit(s).

Enrollment

Process Submit ‘Student Application for Enrollment’ to CPE coordinator.

Submit resume with application.

Participate in an interview withCPE coordinator.

Secure three favorable teacherrecommendations.

Possess a career objective.

A student who successfully meets the above-stated requirements and is in good academic standing is a probable candidate for the Mississippi CPE Program.

Career Pathway Experience Options

CPE Paid Work-Based Learning (WBL)

135 hrs./year = ½ Carnegie Unit

270 hrs./year= 1 Carnegie Unit

540 hrs./year = 2 Carnegie Units

CPE Internship in Workplace Setting (Nonpaid WBL)

135 hrs./year = ½ Carnegie Unit

270 hrs./year= 1 Carnegie Unit

540 hrs./year = 2 Carnegie Units

Student Benefits

Preparing

Tomorrow’s

Workforce

Explore career options.

Acquire and strengthenemployability skills.

Establish character andprofessional references.

Gain real-worldexperience.

CPE School-Based Internship (Nonpaid WBL—Only available to third-year CTE students who have completed a program.)

135 hrs./year = ½ Carnegie Unit

270 hrs./year = 1 Carnegie Unit

CPE Apprenticeship (WBL) Must follow Department of Labor regulations.

270 hrs./year = 1 Carnegie Unit

540 hrs./year = 2 Carnegie Units

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2015 Homecoming Week at Carl Keen "Straight Outta Crumpton"

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Carl Keen Skill USA Students visit Northwest Community College

Carl Keen Students visited Northwest Community College in Senatobia this past week where they had the opportunity to interact with other high schools and learn invaluable information pertaining to career development. These students engaged in workshops and participated in skill-building exercises.These students focused on learning essential skills related to the job market such as resume writing, cover letters, dress codes, and letters of recommendations for potential employers. Students learn how to deal with difficult people,

confrontational and disgruntled customers, as well as quality leadership skills. The students are from the Cosmetology, Construction & Carpentry, and Automotive programs at Carl Keen. The students featured sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Clarksdale High School that regularly attends career and technical courses at Carl Keen. Shirlaurence Fair is the Director at Carl Keen CTE.

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"Cosmetology is a Lasting Impression" at Carl Keen

Mrs. Maryan George is the Administrative Assistant at Carl Keen CTE. She has been employed with the Clarksdale Municipal School District for over 30 years. Mrs. George is considered a valuable asset to Carl Keen because of her wisdom, knowledge, experience, and relationships with the Carl Keen staff.

Mr. Willie Dye is the Maintenance Supervisor at Carl Keen CTE. He has been employed with the Clarksdale Municipal School District for several years. Mr. Dye is a native of Clarksdale, by way of Chicago, and he is well-liked by the CTE students.

SUPPORT STAFF

Ms. Triccia Hudson is the Student Services Coordinator at Carl Keen CTE. She is responsible for the acclamation of essential learning tools for our sophomores, juniors, and seniors as they prepare for ACT Testing, high school graduation, college enrollment and registration, and career-readiness in the job market. Ms. Hudson has been with the Clarksdale Municipal School District with over 20 years of dedicated services.

Mrs. Mack and her "Glamour Girls" take CTE by storm

Reverend McCall visited Carl Keen with a message of hope, prosperity, and survival. For many, they were entertained with the guest speaker's ability to appeal to a younger audience, but the focus was really to get their attention. Reverend McCall delivered an affirmative message about the dangers and risks of domestic violence, choices that teens have regarding abstinence versus teen pregnancy, and abnormal sexual preferences. The students watched videos about routine patterns of domestic violence that often times results in seriously bodily injuries or even death, and most importantly, he came with a message of resolution. Reverend McCall emphasized the importance of marriage and staying committed to your belief in God. Students from each CTE Program attended the speaking engagement.

Reverend McCall visits Carl Keen with a message to the youth

Mrs. Andrea Mack in her first year at Carl Keen as the Cosmetology instructor is making headways and starting new trends for her students as they prepare to do the unthinkable, compete in a national hairshow in Atlanta, Georgia. Of course, the A-T-L has one of the most lucrative hair, nails, and makeup industries in the nation, and as for the Carl Keen's Cosmetology students, they are stepping up to the challenge in a big way. Mrs. Mack's CTE students participated in a fundraiser most recently to rev up the necessary dollars needed to cover the costs for travel expenses and lodging.

Mrs. Mack is a native of Clarksdale, but resides presently in Panola County. She has a genuine background in cosmetology and states that her first love has always been the beauty in people, both in and out. She realized at an early age the power that beauty has in the world, and how far it can take you in life. Mrs. Mack plans to share this valuable experience with her students in the classroom. She believes that students gain valuable lessons after exposure to new ideas.

This newsletter was prepared by CPE Instructor,Tyson McClain

& CPE Student, Markell Morris

Happy Holidays to Carl Keen Staff