🎨🏠 The countdown is ON!
Carpentry is putting the finishing touches on the 2026 CTE Academy student-built home — painting is wrapping up this week and it’s all coming together beautifully! 🙌
Every brushstroke represents the craftsmanship, teamwork, and pride our students have poured into this project. We are getting so close to Open House and can’t wait for you to see it!
Stay tuned for final details and sneak peeks 👀
#CTEAcademy #Carpentry #StudentBuilt #OpenHouseReady #HandsOnLearning #CTEProud 🛠️🎨
Carpentry is putting the finishing touches on the 2026 CTE Academy student-built home — painting is wrapping up this week and it’s all coming together beautifully! 🙌
Every brushstroke represents the craftsmanship, teamwork, and pride our students have poured into this project. We are getting so close to Open House and can’t wait for you to see it!
Stay tuned for final details and sneak peeks 👀
#CTEAcademy #Carpentry #StudentBuilt #OpenHouseReady #HandsOnLearning #CTEProud 🛠️🎨
📈💰 Investing in the Future!
Thanks to Aaron Severson, Wells Fargo Financial Advisor, for presenting to our students on the Stock Market.
Students learned the difference between a Bull Market (market is up) and a Bear Market (down 20% or more), and the importance of time in the market vs. trying to time the market.
Now the fun begins! Students are participating in a Stock Market Game from Black Hills State University through April 17th — each student starts with $100,000 to invest! 💸📊
#CTEMonth #AOF #FinancialEducation #StockMarket #FutureInvestors #CareerReady #CTEWorks
Thanks to Aaron Severson, Wells Fargo Financial Advisor, for presenting to our students on the Stock Market.
Students learned the difference between a Bull Market (market is up) and a Bear Market (down 20% or more), and the importance of time in the market vs. trying to time the market.
Now the fun begins! Students are participating in a Stock Market Game from Black Hills State University through April 17th — each student starts with $100,000 to invest! 💸📊
#CTEMonth #AOF #FinancialEducation #StockMarket #FutureInvestors #CareerReady #CTEWorks
🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! 🎉
💬 “My daughter had Mrs. Kelsch as her Baking and Pastries teacher and loved the entire experience. She is now taking Health Careers and enjoying it just as much. She hopes to pursue a medical career, and these opportunities have been fantastic. I am so thankful!”
"This is my daughter’s first class in the school district at CTE and both Chef Kelsch and Chef Whempner have motivated, encouraged, and helped unlock my daughter’s passion for cooking. The program has been amazing with guest speakers, food challenges and fun field trips to restaurants and businesses. I highly recommend CTE classes to anyone looking for a specific career interest."
Thank you, Mrs. Kelsch and Mrs. Whempner, for helping students explore their interests and discover future career paths! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #StudentSuccess #CareerExploration #HealthCareCareers #BakingAndPastries
💼📚 Ethics in Action!
Thanks to Matthew Heard, USD Professor of Business, for presenting to our students on Ethics and Social Responsibilities.
Students are gearing up for AOF Day at USD on Monday, April 20th, where they’ll meet and learn from professors across the Beacom School of Business! 👏
#CTEMonth #AOF #BusinessEducation #FutureLeaders #CareerReady #CTEWorks
Thanks to Matthew Heard, USD Professor of Business, for presenting to our students on Ethics and Social Responsibilities.
Students are gearing up for AOF Day at USD on Monday, April 20th, where they’ll meet and learn from professors across the Beacom School of Business! 👏
#CTEMonth #AOF #BusinessEducation #FutureLeaders #CareerReady #CTEWorks
🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! 🛠️
Mr. Olson – Carpentry Instructor
💬 “My son had a great experience and learned how to build a house.”
💬 “My oldest son is enjoying construction, actually learning, and will use all the knowledge gained to help him when he graduates. It gives him a good idea of what is to come while building a house.”
Thank you, Mr. Olson, for giving students hands-on experience and preparing them for real-world construction careers! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #ConstructionCareers #StudentSuccess #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #FutureTrades
Mr. Olson – Carpentry Instructor
💬 “My son had a great experience and learned how to build a house.”
💬 “My oldest son is enjoying construction, actually learning, and will use all the knowledge gained to help him when he graduates. It gives him a good idea of what is to come while building a house.”
Thank you, Mr. Olson, for giving students hands-on experience and preparing them for real-world construction careers! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #ConstructionCareers #StudentSuccess #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #FutureTrades
🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! 🩺
Health Careers Teachers: Mrs. Drummond, Mrs. Kennedy, and Mrs. Even
💬 “My daughter will be pursuing a nursing degree, and her Health Careers class has been a great opportunity for her to explore the field.”
💬 “My oldest child graduated in 2025 and loved her Health Careers course. The teacher was awesome!”
💬 “My oldest daughter decided on a nursing career after taking Biomed & Health Careers. She graduates from college this spring and already has a job lined up. Those classes really guided her in that direction.”
💬 “My oldest took the Health Careers class that led to CNA certification. It helped her develop an understanding of the medical profession and allowed her to work at the hospital while in school in the profession she is ultimately going to be in.”
Thank you to our Health Careers teachers for inspiring students and opening doors to real-world healthcare careers! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #HealthCareCareers #FutureNurses #StudentSuccess #CareerExploration #CNA #HandsOnLearning
Health Careers Teachers: Mrs. Drummond, Mrs. Kennedy, and Mrs. Even
💬 “My daughter will be pursuing a nursing degree, and her Health Careers class has been a great opportunity for her to explore the field.”
💬 “My oldest child graduated in 2025 and loved her Health Careers course. The teacher was awesome!”
💬 “My oldest daughter decided on a nursing career after taking Biomed & Health Careers. She graduates from college this spring and already has a job lined up. Those classes really guided her in that direction.”
💬 “My oldest took the Health Careers class that led to CNA certification. It helped her develop an understanding of the medical profession and allowed her to work at the hospital while in school in the profession she is ultimately going to be in.”
Thank you to our Health Careers teachers for inspiring students and opening doors to real-world healthcare careers! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #HealthCareCareers #FutureNurses #StudentSuccess #CareerExploration #CNA #HandsOnLearning
🔨🏠 Carpentry Update! 🎨
We are READY FOR PAINT and our siding is coming along amazingly! 🙌 The house is really starting to take shape, and all the hard work is paying off.
Our students are gaining real-world construction experience every single day — from measuring and installing to perfecting the finishing touches.
Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this project to life! 👷♂️✨
#CTE #Carpentry #BuildingTheFuture #HandsOnLearning #CTEAcademy
We are READY FOR PAINT and our siding is coming along amazingly! 🙌 The house is really starting to take shape, and all the hard work is paying off.
Our students are gaining real-world construction experience every single day — from measuring and installing to perfecting the finishing touches.
Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this project to life! 👷♂️✨
#CTE #Carpentry #BuildingTheFuture #HandsOnLearning #CTEAcademy
🚗🔧 BIG congratulations to Rickie McCaulsky, Automotive & Diesel Mechanics Instructor at our very own CTE Academy!
Tonight, he was named the 38th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year for the Sioux Falls School District! 👏
Now in his 14th year with the district and a proud 24-year U.S. Army veteran, Mr. McCaulsky is known for building a hands-on, high-expectation classroom where students rebuild engines, tackle real-world problems, and gain the confidence they need to succeed in the automotive industry.
His leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success truly set the standard.
Congratulations, Mr. McCaulsky — we are so proud of you! 🎉
#TeacherOfTheYear #CTEAcademy #HandsOnLearning #SiouxFallsSD
Tonight, he was named the 38th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year for the Sioux Falls School District! 👏
Now in his 14th year with the district and a proud 24-year U.S. Army veteran, Mr. McCaulsky is known for building a hands-on, high-expectation classroom where students rebuild engines, tackle real-world problems, and gain the confidence they need to succeed in the automotive industry.
His leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success truly set the standard.
Congratulations, Mr. McCaulsky — we are so proud of you! 🎉
#TeacherOfTheYear #CTEAcademy #HandsOnLearning #SiouxFallsSD
🎉 In honor of CTE Month! 🎉
Let’s take a moment to give a shout-out to our amazing CTE staff, straight from our parents!
💬 “My child got an internship this past summer through her finance class and Mrs. Brunken.”
"My son loves Accounting with Penny Brunken at the SFSD CTE Academy!"
Thank you, Mrs. Brunken, for creating real-world opportunities that make a lasting impact on students! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #CareerReady #ParentShoutOut #RealWorldLearning #AcademyOfFinance
🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! 🔧
Mr. Benshoof – Welding Instructor
💬 “My child had no idea about welding, took the class, and now loves it! They may even want to pursue it as a career.”
"We had excellent experiences with the welding and automotive program. Our older son took as many classes as he could and although he isn't a welder or an auto mechanic, he uses his knowledge very frequently to repair things/fix things/maintain things."
Thank you, Mr. Benshoof, for opening doors to new skills and inspiring students to explore future careers! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #WeldingCareers #CareerExploration #StudentSuccess #HandsOnLearning #FutureTrades
Mr. Benshoof – Welding Instructor
💬 “My child had no idea about welding, took the class, and now loves it! They may even want to pursue it as a career.”
"We had excellent experiences with the welding and automotive program. Our older son took as many classes as he could and although he isn't a welder or an auto mechanic, he uses his knowledge very frequently to repair things/fix things/maintain things."
Thank you, Mr. Benshoof, for opening doors to new skills and inspiring students to explore future careers! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #WeldingCareers #CareerExploration #StudentSuccess #HandsOnLearning #FutureTrades
🌟👁️ See the Vision Award Recipient 👁️🌟
We are proud to recognize Maleiah Spindler, a 12th grade student from Jefferson High School, as a recipient of the “See the Vision” Award in her classes! 👏
Maleiah exemplifies the values of the Academy of Finance through her exceptional work ethic, integrity, and dedication to learning. She consistently shows grit, perseverance, and determination — tackling challenges with maturity and a strong drive to succeed. 💼📚
Her leadership in group projects and active participation in class have made a lasting, positive impact on her peers and the entire learning environment. Maleiah’s commitment to personal growth and career readiness truly reflects the spirit of the program.
Maleiah, we wish you the very best at the University of Kansas! 💙❤️ Your work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence will position you to be an outstanding business leader — now and for years to come.
Congratulations! 🎉
#SeeTheVision #AcademyOfFinance #StudentSuccess #FutureBusinessLeader #CTEProud
We are proud to recognize Maleiah Spindler, a 12th grade student from Jefferson High School, as a recipient of the “See the Vision” Award in her classes! 👏
Maleiah exemplifies the values of the Academy of Finance through her exceptional work ethic, integrity, and dedication to learning. She consistently shows grit, perseverance, and determination — tackling challenges with maturity and a strong drive to succeed. 💼📚
Her leadership in group projects and active participation in class have made a lasting, positive impact on her peers and the entire learning environment. Maleiah’s commitment to personal growth and career readiness truly reflects the spirit of the program.
Maleiah, we wish you the very best at the University of Kansas! 💙❤️ Your work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence will position you to be an outstanding business leader — now and for years to come.
Congratulations! 🎉
#SeeTheVision #AcademyOfFinance #StudentSuccess #FutureBusinessLeader #CTEProud
CTE Staff Shout Out! 👏
In Intro to Engineering, students dive into problem-solving, design thinking, and real-world engineering concepts — building the foundation for future innovators. 💡⚙️
In Woodworking, students turn raw materials into finished projects while learning craftsmanship, measurement, safety, and attention to detail. 🛠️📏
Whether you’re designing solutions or building from scratch, Mr. Feuerstein helps students develop skills that employers (and future colleges) are looking for:
✔️ Critical thinking
✔️ Precision & accuracy
✔️ Teamwork
✔️ Work ethic
Hands-on learning. Real-world skills. Career-ready students. 🚀
Thank you, Mr. Feuerstein, for building the future — one project at a time! 👏
#CTEAcademy #EngineeringEducation #WoodworkingSkills #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady
In Intro to Engineering, students dive into problem-solving, design thinking, and real-world engineering concepts — building the foundation for future innovators. 💡⚙️
In Woodworking, students turn raw materials into finished projects while learning craftsmanship, measurement, safety, and attention to detail. 🛠️📏
Whether you’re designing solutions or building from scratch, Mr. Feuerstein helps students develop skills that employers (and future colleges) are looking for:
✔️ Critical thinking
✔️ Precision & accuracy
✔️ Teamwork
✔️ Work ethic
Hands-on learning. Real-world skills. Career-ready students. 🚀
Thank you, Mr. Feuerstein, for building the future — one project at a time! 👏
#CTEAcademy #EngineeringEducation #WoodworkingSkills #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady
✨📚 Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Mushaney! 📚✨
Shout out to Mrs. Mushaney, our amazing English teacher here at CTE! 👏
Did you know students can earn their English credit while taking another CTE class? 🙌 That means you’re building career skills and completing your core requirements at the same time — talk about working smarter! 💡
Mrs. Mushaney does a fantastic job connecting reading, writing, and communication skills directly to real-world careers. Whether you’re in Health Careers, EMT, Welding, Auto Tech, or any other pathway, she helps you strengthen the skills employers are looking for — communication, critical thinking, and professionalism.
📖 Real-world writing
🗣 Strong communication skills
🎓 English credit + CTE experience
🚀 Career-ready confidence
If you’re looking to level up your skills and stay on track for graduation, Mrs. Mushaney’s class is the place to be!
#CTEAcademy #TeacherShoutOut #CareerReady #FutureFocused #CTEWorks
Shout out to Mrs. Mushaney, our amazing English teacher here at CTE! 👏
Did you know students can earn their English credit while taking another CTE class? 🙌 That means you’re building career skills and completing your core requirements at the same time — talk about working smarter! 💡
Mrs. Mushaney does a fantastic job connecting reading, writing, and communication skills directly to real-world careers. Whether you’re in Health Careers, EMT, Welding, Auto Tech, or any other pathway, she helps you strengthen the skills employers are looking for — communication, critical thinking, and professionalism.
📖 Real-world writing
🗣 Strong communication skills
🎓 English credit + CTE experience
🚀 Career-ready confidence
If you’re looking to level up your skills and stay on track for graduation, Mrs. Mushaney’s class is the place to be!
#CTEAcademy #TeacherShoutOut #CareerReady #FutureFocused #CTEWorks
🌟👁️ See the Vision Award Recipient 👁️🌟
Please join us in celebrating Alexis McManus, a 12th grade student from Roosevelt High School, as a recipient of the “See the Vision” Award! 👏
Alexis consistently produces high-quality work and demonstrates an impressive ability to complete tasks independently. She proudly represents the Academy of Finance CTE program through her leadership, curiosity, and confidence — especially when engaging with guest speakers and participating in field trips. 💼✨
Her attentiveness, positivity, and welcoming smile help create a supportive and encouraging classroom environment. Alexis makes a meaningful impact by assisting and motivating her peers, setting a strong example each and every day.
Her leadership is shown in actions — not just words.
We are so proud of you, Alexis! Thank you for helping make the CTE Academy a better place. We wish you the very best as you pursue your college degree in Accounting and continue building your bright future! 🎓📊
#SeeTheVision #CTEAcademy #AcademyOfFinance #StudentLeadership #CTEProud
Please join us in celebrating Alexis McManus, a 12th grade student from Roosevelt High School, as a recipient of the “See the Vision” Award! 👏
Alexis consistently produces high-quality work and demonstrates an impressive ability to complete tasks independently. She proudly represents the Academy of Finance CTE program through her leadership, curiosity, and confidence — especially when engaging with guest speakers and participating in field trips. 💼✨
Her attentiveness, positivity, and welcoming smile help create a supportive and encouraging classroom environment. Alexis makes a meaningful impact by assisting and motivating her peers, setting a strong example each and every day.
Her leadership is shown in actions — not just words.
We are so proud of you, Alexis! Thank you for helping make the CTE Academy a better place. We wish you the very best as you pursue your college degree in Accounting and continue building your bright future! 🎓📊
#SeeTheVision #CTEAcademy #AcademyOfFinance #StudentLeadership #CTEProud
🔧🔥 CTE Month Spotlight: Automotive & Welding 🔥🔧
Shout-out to Mr. McCaulsky and Mr. Kortemeyer for helping students explore, discover, and launch real careers!
💬 “My son wants a career in the automotive industry and this has helped narrow down what area of the automotive industry he wants to be a part of.”
💬 “CTE classes helped my son realize that what he thought he wanted to do wasn’t his actual career path. He explored more and found a great program through Schulte Subaru and is loving his new career and schooling.”
💬 “My son took welding and engine classes at CTE and loved both. It was a great opportunity to give him insight and prepare him for a mechanical engineering program in college.”
Hands-on learning. Real direction. Strong futures. 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #AutomotiveTechnology #Welding #SkilledTrades #CareerReady #FutureFocused
Shout-out to Mr. McCaulsky and Mr. Kortemeyer for helping students explore, discover, and launch real careers!
💬 “My son wants a career in the automotive industry and this has helped narrow down what area of the automotive industry he wants to be a part of.”
💬 “CTE classes helped my son realize that what he thought he wanted to do wasn’t his actual career path. He explored more and found a great program through Schulte Subaru and is loving his new career and schooling.”
💬 “My son took welding and engine classes at CTE and loved both. It was a great opportunity to give him insight and prepare him for a mechanical engineering program in college.”
Hands-on learning. Real direction. Strong futures. 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #AutomotiveTechnology #Welding #SkilledTrades #CareerReady #FutureFocused
🐄🌽 Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Martin! 🌽🐄
It’s a BIG week in Ag as Ms. Martin celebrates FFA Week with all our CTE students! 🎉💙💛
She’s bringing the fun (and the farm!) to campus with:
🐮 “Cow-Duck” Herding
🍬 Guess the amount of candy in the jar
🐐 A Petting Zoo experience
Ms. Martin does an incredible job connecting agriculture, leadership, and hands-on learning for our students. From teamwork activities to real-world ag experiences, she makes sure CTE students understand the impact agriculture has on our communities every single day. 🌎🌱
Thank you, Ms. Martin, for creating memorable experiences and celebrating FFA in such a fun way! 👏
#CTEAcademy #FFAWeek #AgEducation #FutureLeaders #HandsOnLearning
It’s a BIG week in Ag as Ms. Martin celebrates FFA Week with all our CTE students! 🎉💙💛
She’s bringing the fun (and the farm!) to campus with:
🐮 “Cow-Duck” Herding
🍬 Guess the amount of candy in the jar
🐐 A Petting Zoo experience
Ms. Martin does an incredible job connecting agriculture, leadership, and hands-on learning for our students. From teamwork activities to real-world ag experiences, she makes sure CTE students understand the impact agriculture has on our communities every single day. 🌎🌱
Thank you, Ms. Martin, for creating memorable experiences and celebrating FFA in such a fun way! 👏
#CTEAcademy #FFAWeek #AgEducation #FutureLeaders #HandsOnLearning
📝✨ Preparing for Success!
Shout-out to Renae Oines, CTE Career Counselor, for presenting Resume and Cover Letter tips to our AOF students!
Students are now ready and confident for Internship Interview Day on Wednesday, April 8th. 💼💪
#CTEMonth #CareerReady #AOF #InternshipPrep #FutureFocused #CTEWorks
Shout-out to Renae Oines, CTE Career Counselor, for presenting Resume and Cover Letter tips to our AOF students!
Students are now ready and confident for Internship Interview Day on Wednesday, April 8th. 💼💪
#CTEMonth #CareerReady #AOF #InternshipPrep #FutureFocused #CTEWorks
✈️🎶 Teacher of the Year Nominee Spotlight 🎶✈️
Congratulations to Mrs. Mehlert, Aviation & Digital Music Instructor at the CTE Academy, on being nominated for Teacher of the Year!
With nearly 13 years of teaching experience in the Sioux Falls School District, Mrs. Mehlert brings learning to life through hands-on, real-world experiences. Inspired by her own time in a vocational program as a student, she is passionate about helping students explore careers, build confidence, and see what’s possible beyond the classroom.
From students confidently taking off and landing on Frasca flight simulators to creating original music using industry-standard tools, Mrs. Mehlert connects classroom learning directly to real careers. She loves watching students discover their passions, grow their skills, and realize what they are capable of achieving.
💬 “My goal is for students to leave with confidence in their ability to learn, adapt, and succeed—no matter where their path takes them.”
Being nominated for Teacher of the Year is a humbling honor for Mrs. Mehlert, and a reflection of the incredible students she works with every day.
Fun fact ✨ While living in Germany, she visited Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace!
Thank you, Mrs. Mehlert, for inspiring future aviators, creators, and confident learners! 👏
#TeacherOfTheYear #CTEMonth #CTEWorks #AviationCareers #MusicTechnology #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #StudentSuccess #CTEAcademy
Congratulations to Mrs. Mehlert, Aviation & Digital Music Instructor at the CTE Academy, on being nominated for Teacher of the Year!
With nearly 13 years of teaching experience in the Sioux Falls School District, Mrs. Mehlert brings learning to life through hands-on, real-world experiences. Inspired by her own time in a vocational program as a student, she is passionate about helping students explore careers, build confidence, and see what’s possible beyond the classroom.
From students confidently taking off and landing on Frasca flight simulators to creating original music using industry-standard tools, Mrs. Mehlert connects classroom learning directly to real careers. She loves watching students discover their passions, grow their skills, and realize what they are capable of achieving.
💬 “My goal is for students to leave with confidence in their ability to learn, adapt, and succeed—no matter where their path takes them.”
Being nominated for Teacher of the Year is a humbling honor for Mrs. Mehlert, and a reflection of the incredible students she works with every day.
Fun fact ✨ While living in Germany, she visited Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace!
Thank you, Mrs. Mehlert, for inspiring future aviators, creators, and confident learners! 👏
#TeacherOfTheYear #CTEMonth #CTEWorks #AviationCareers #MusicTechnology #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #StudentSuccess #CTEAcademy
🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! 💻
Mr. Brockmueller – Computer/Tech Instructor
💬 “My son is in his first year at CTE as a junior and is loving his class with Mr. Brockmueller. He has learned so much and even had the opportunity to rebuild a computer he brought from home during class. Mr. Brockmueller has been a fantastic mentor, reaching out via email and even sending a handwritten note about my son. It makes my heart happy to see him enjoying something he loves and having a teacher who believes in him.”
Thank you, Mr. Brockmueller, for inspiring students and fostering both skills and confidence in future careers! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #FutureTechLeaders #StudentSuccess #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #TechCareers
Mr. Brockmueller – Computer/Tech Instructor
💬 “My son is in his first year at CTE as a junior and is loving his class with Mr. Brockmueller. He has learned so much and even had the opportunity to rebuild a computer he brought from home during class. Mr. Brockmueller has been a fantastic mentor, reaching out via email and even sending a handwritten note about my son. It makes my heart happy to see him enjoying something he loves and having a teacher who believes in him.”
Thank you, Mr. Brockmueller, for inspiring students and fostering both skills and confidence in future careers! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #FutureTechLeaders #StudentSuccess #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #TechCareers
Looking good and staying safe 😎🩺
Health Careers II students rocking their PPE!
#HealthCareCareers #CTE #PPE #FutureHealthcare #CareerReady #HandsOnLearning #HealthCareStudents
Health Careers II students rocking their PPE!
#HealthCareCareers #CTE #PPE #FutureHealthcare #CareerReady #HandsOnLearning #HealthCareStudents
