The School Board heard a presentation regarding the Palmer Career and Technical Education Center at Alvirne High School, and specifically the CTE ambassadors’ program during its Jan. 8 meeting.
Career Development Coordinator, Rich Paiva, explained that they have had some questions about what the ambassadors do and how they go about doing it. Paiva explained that they do a lot of public relations and marketing for the CTE center and the programs that are offered.
For example, one of the things that they do is help to educate other students about what the center is, and the different opportunities available for students. “Peer education is a big part of what they do,” Paiva said. Another example is speaking at different career days and helping with different community events. “They will help out with a lot of different events,” Paiva said.
Paiva stated that in some cases they also assist with lessons at area schools. Last year, veterinary and health science students helped five classes at Hudson Middle School with their frog dissection lessons.
Some of the accomplishments and achievements Paiva pointed to during the 2022-2023 school year included having 422 visitors at the Palmer open house, giving seventh grade tours for Hudson Middle School students, giving a fifth-grade tour at Nottingham West, and a fifth grade tour for Hills Garrison students. He noted that they began the fifth-grade tours last year.
In total, Paiva said the ambassadors gave tours to over 900 Hudson and area school students, families, and community members, to highlight the center.
School Board member, Ethan Beals, explained that he wants to see more students taking courses at the center, even if it’s just one course.
Superintendent, Dan Moulis, encouraged the CTE ambassadors to let the School Board or district administration know about any ideas they have. “Those ideas please share with us,” he said.
It was announced by Paiva that they would be having an open house on Jan. 31 beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m. He added that they want people to check out the center whether they have students in the district or not.
The next Hudson School Board meeting is slated to take place on Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
