📣 Reminder: No school tomorrow, Monday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 17 for Presidents Day Break.
Enjoy the break, and we’ll see everyone back in class on Wednesday, February 18!
🏡✨ YOU’RE INVITED! CTE Academy OPEN HOUSE SERIES ✨🏡
Come tour the 2026 CTE Academy student-built home and see the craftsmanship, skills, and talent our students have poured into every detail! From the modern kitchen to the open-concept living space—this is one you won’t want to miss 👀
📍 1312 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD
🗓 Open House Dates & Times:
🔹 April 29 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 3 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 7 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 13 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 16 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 20 | 4–6 PM → AUCTION TO FOLLOW! 🔨
Whether you’re house-hunting, supporting CTE education, or just love great design—stop by and check it out!
📩 Questions? Contact carter.olson@k12.sd.us
#CTEAcademy #StudentBuilt #OpenHouse #FutureReady #SiouxFallsHomes #CTEProud #HandsOnLearning 🛠️🏠
Come tour the 2026 CTE Academy student-built home and see the craftsmanship, skills, and talent our students have poured into every detail! From the modern kitchen to the open-concept living space—this is one you won’t want to miss 👀
📍 1312 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD
🗓 Open House Dates & Times:
🔹 April 29 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 3 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 7 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 13 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 16 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 20 | 4–6 PM → AUCTION TO FOLLOW! 🔨
Whether you’re house-hunting, supporting CTE education, or just love great design—stop by and check it out!
📩 Questions? Contact carter.olson@k12.sd.us
#CTEAcademy #StudentBuilt #OpenHouse #FutureReady #SiouxFallsHomes #CTEProud #HandsOnLearning 🛠️🏠
🏦✨ Academy of Finance Field Trip | Citibank ✨🏦
Our Academy of Finance students recently participated in an immersive field trip to Citibank as part of NAF Groundhog Shadow Day, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at careers in finance and business operations.
Students connected with industry leaders including Jamie Dooley (President), Dawn Duerkson (VP of Communications), Joe Priebe (Global Operations Strategic Projects & AOF Advisory Board President), and Mary Kobernusz (Senior Recruiter). They learned how careers can grow from entry-level positions, and how company culture, workplace design, employee wellness, and state laws all influence business success.
From hybrid work models and town hall meetings to gyms, cafés, lockers, and collaborative spaces, students were excited to see how Citibank supports flexibility, health, and productivity in the workplace.
Thank you to Citibank for providing an engaging, real-world learning experience for our future finance professionals!
Our Academy of Finance students recently participated in an immersive field trip to Citibank as part of NAF Groundhog Shadow Day, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at careers in finance and business operations.
Students connected with industry leaders including Jamie Dooley (President), Dawn Duerkson (VP of Communications), Joe Priebe (Global Operations Strategic Projects & AOF Advisory Board President), and Mary Kobernusz (Senior Recruiter). They learned how careers can grow from entry-level positions, and how company culture, workplace design, employee wellness, and state laws all influence business success.
From hybrid work models and town hall meetings to gyms, cafés, lockers, and collaborative spaces, students were excited to see how Citibank supports flexibility, health, and productivity in the workplace.
Thank you to Citibank for providing an engaging, real-world learning experience for our future finance professionals!
🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! ✈️
💬 “Mrs. Mehlert in the Aviation program has gone above and beyond. Our son truly enjoys being in her class and now wants to be a pilot.”
"Mrs. Mehlert in CTE Aviation does an excellent job inspiring students to pursue Aviation careers while holding them accountable to prepare themselves well by building study skills and discipline."
Thank you, Mrs. Mehlert, for inspiring big dreams and future careers in aviation! 👏
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #AviationCareers #FuturePilot #CareerReady #StudentSuccess
📣 Reminder: No school for Presidents Day Break!
📅 Monday–Tuesday, February 16–17
Enjoy the long weekend and take time to recharge.
📚 We’ll see everyone back in class on Wednesday, February 18!
📅 Monday–Tuesday, February 16–17
Enjoy the long weekend and take time to recharge.
📚 We’ll see everyone back in class on Wednesday, February 18!
🏡 CTE Carpentry House — 25/26 Build Sneak Peek! 🛠️
Each month we’re sharing a look at the design decisions and features of this year’s student-built home! Here’s what the 25/26 house includes:
✨ Home Features:
• 1,981 sq ft
• 3 bedrooms, including a primary suite with a water closet & soaking tub
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Open-concept living with vaulted ceilings
• Large walk-in pantry
• Spacious covered front porch
🎨 Exterior Selections:
• Light gray board & batten + lap siding
• Graphite upper shakes
• White trim throughout
• Black shingles
This home will be sold at the end of the school year at a public auction — date TBD. Stay tuned each month as we highlight new features, progress updates, and student craftsmanship!
#CTEAcademy #Carpentry #StudentBuiltHouse #ConstructionEducation #FutureHomeowners #AuctionTBD #HandsOnLearning
Each month we’re sharing a look at the design decisions and features of this year’s student-built home! Here’s what the 25/26 house includes:
✨ Home Features:
• 1,981 sq ft
• 3 bedrooms, including a primary suite with a water closet & soaking tub
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Open-concept living with vaulted ceilings
• Large walk-in pantry
• Spacious covered front porch
🎨 Exterior Selections:
• Light gray board & batten + lap siding
• Graphite upper shakes
• White trim throughout
• Black shingles
This home will be sold at the end of the school year at a public auction — date TBD. Stay tuned each month as we highlight new features, progress updates, and student craftsmanship!
#CTEAcademy #Carpentry #StudentBuiltHouse #ConstructionEducation #FutureHomeowners #AuctionTBD #HandsOnLearning
🤖❄️ Robotics Meets the Winter Olympics! ❄️🤖
In honor of the Winter Olympics, our Intro to Robotics class hosted their own “Parade of Nations” as robots proudly waved custom-designed flags to kick off their competitions!
🎥 Check out the video below!
https://youtu.be/kBkxJE6CQfY
#MilanoCortina2026 #WinterOlympics #Fan26 #CTEWorks #Robotics #STEMLearning #HandsOnLearning #FutureEngineers
🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! 🎉
💬 “Mr. Hoffman helped my son start a career as a cameraman with the SF Canaries, working both last summer and again this coming summer. He has also opened doors to incredible opportunities including PBS, State Basketball, Howard Wood Field (track), choir events, and even the USD vs SDSU football game. Mr. Hoffman has been a blessing to my son and his future, and I will always be appreciative.”
Thank you, Mr. Hoffman, for creating real-world experiences and helping students turn passion into career pathways! 👏🎥
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #CareerReady #StudentSuccess #MediaCareers #RealWorldLearning
💬 “Mr. Hoffman helped my son start a career as a cameraman with the SF Canaries, working both last summer and again this coming summer. He has also opened doors to incredible opportunities including PBS, State Basketball, Howard Wood Field (track), choir events, and even the USD vs SDSU football game. Mr. Hoffman has been a blessing to my son and his future, and I will always be appreciative.”
Thank you, Mr. Hoffman, for creating real-world experiences and helping students turn passion into career pathways! 👏🎥
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #CareerReady #StudentSuccess #MediaCareers #RealWorldLearning
🎬✨ See the Vision Award Winner ✨🎬
Congratulations to Jose Hernandez, a sophomore from Roosevelt High School, for being named a “See the Vision” Award winner at the CTE Academy!
Jose is currently making his mark in Digital Animation after successfully completing Intro to Audio/Visual, and his first-semester performance was nothing short of outstanding. He doesn’t just complete assignments—he goes above and beyond, consistently adding extra video and design elements to elevate every project he works on. His dedication to his craft and pride in his work have truly set him apart as both a standout student and a leader among his peers.
The “See the Vision” Award recognizes students who demonstrate excellence, effort, and a positive attitude, and Jose exemplifies these qualities every single day.
👏 We are proud to have you at the CTE Academy, Jose—keep up the incredible work!
Congratulations to Jose Hernandez, a sophomore from Roosevelt High School, for being named a “See the Vision” Award winner at the CTE Academy!
Jose is currently making his mark in Digital Animation after successfully completing Intro to Audio/Visual, and his first-semester performance was nothing short of outstanding. He doesn’t just complete assignments—he goes above and beyond, consistently adding extra video and design elements to elevate every project he works on. His dedication to his craft and pride in his work have truly set him apart as both a standout student and a leader among his peers.
The “See the Vision” Award recognizes students who demonstrate excellence, effort, and a positive attitude, and Jose exemplifies these qualities every single day.
👏 We are proud to have you at the CTE Academy, Jose—keep up the incredible work!
💻✨ Look What’s Happening at CTE Academy! ✨💻
The DSU Cyber Roadshow recently made a stop at the CTE Academy, bringing an exciting, hands-on experience for students interested in technology and cybersecurity. Over 80 Sioux Falls students explored a variety of mini-courses designed to spark curiosity and teach real-world tech skills.
Students had the opportunity to:
🔧 Practice soldering and building basic electronic circuits
🖥️ Experiment with block programming to create interactive projects
🌐 Learn web design fundamentals and develop creative online content
🧩 Challenge themselves with logic games that strengthen problem-solving skills
🔍 Explore steganography, the art of hiding information digitally
These activities gave students a taste of what careers in tech, cybersecurity, and computer science can look like while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
A huge thank you to Dakota State University for sharing your expertise and inspiring our students to explore future tech careers. Experiences like this show just how much hands-on learning can ignite passion for STEM and open doors to amazing opportunities!
#CTEWorks #STEMEducation #CyberSecurity #FutureTechLeaders #HandsOnLearning #CTEAcademy #TechCareers #DakotaStateUniversity #InnovationInAction #StudentSuccess
The DSU Cyber Roadshow recently made a stop at the CTE Academy, bringing an exciting, hands-on experience for students interested in technology and cybersecurity. Over 80 Sioux Falls students explored a variety of mini-courses designed to spark curiosity and teach real-world tech skills.
Students had the opportunity to:
🔧 Practice soldering and building basic electronic circuits
🖥️ Experiment with block programming to create interactive projects
🌐 Learn web design fundamentals and develop creative online content
🧩 Challenge themselves with logic games that strengthen problem-solving skills
🔍 Explore steganography, the art of hiding information digitally
These activities gave students a taste of what careers in tech, cybersecurity, and computer science can look like while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
A huge thank you to Dakota State University for sharing your expertise and inspiring our students to explore future tech careers. Experiences like this show just how much hands-on learning can ignite passion for STEM and open doors to amazing opportunities!
#CTEWorks #STEMEducation #CyberSecurity #FutureTechLeaders #HandsOnLearning #CTEAcademy #TechCareers #DakotaStateUniversity #InnovationInAction #StudentSuccess
🔨🏠 Carpentry in Action! 🏠🔨
Our Carpentry students have been working hard getting the drywall hung in the CTE house! From teamwork to precision, this stage of the build is where the house really starts to take shape.
Proud of the dedication and craftsmanship our students are showing as they turn plans into progress—one sheet at a time! 💪
#Carpentry #CTE #HandsOnLearning #BuildingTheFuture #SkilledTrades #CTEHouse
Our Carpentry students have been working hard getting the drywall hung in the CTE house! From teamwork to precision, this stage of the build is where the house really starts to take shape.
Proud of the dedication and craftsmanship our students are showing as they turn plans into progress—one sheet at a time! 💪
#Carpentry #CTE #HandsOnLearning #BuildingTheFuture #SkilledTrades #CTEHouse
🌟 Let’s Get to Know one of Our Teacher of the Year Nominees! 🌟
Meet Rickie McCaulsky, Auto Technology Instructor at the CTE Academy and Teacher of the Year nominee! 🚗🔧
Rickie has been teaching at CTE for 13 years, bringing his expertise to courses like Engine Performance, Diesel Technology, Steering & Suspension, Automotive Brakes, and Automotive Electronics. His passion for teaching and sharing knowledge—combined with real-world experience as an automotive business owner—helps students see the many career pathways available in the industry.
What Rickie loves most about teaching CTE students is watching their growth from the first day of class to the final assessment. Seeing students fully engaged in a hands-on project is what keeps him motivated and reminds him why he loves this work.
Rickie hopes every student leaves his program with the confidence and skills to be successful—whether that’s working on their own vehicle or starting a career in the automotive field.
👀 Fun fact: Rickie previously served in Military Police Special Operations and once rappelled out of helicopters!
💬 Advice for students:
Find a career path you enjoy, stay open to change, and use every experience to build your skills and opportunities.
We’re proud to have Rickie on the CTE Academy team and excited to celebrate this well-deserved nomination! 👏
#TeacherOfTheYearNominee #CTEAcademy #AutoTechnology #GetToKnowOurTeachers #CTEProud #HandsOnLearning
Meet Rickie McCaulsky, Auto Technology Instructor at the CTE Academy and Teacher of the Year nominee! 🚗🔧
Rickie has been teaching at CTE for 13 years, bringing his expertise to courses like Engine Performance, Diesel Technology, Steering & Suspension, Automotive Brakes, and Automotive Electronics. His passion for teaching and sharing knowledge—combined with real-world experience as an automotive business owner—helps students see the many career pathways available in the industry.
What Rickie loves most about teaching CTE students is watching their growth from the first day of class to the final assessment. Seeing students fully engaged in a hands-on project is what keeps him motivated and reminds him why he loves this work.
Rickie hopes every student leaves his program with the confidence and skills to be successful—whether that’s working on their own vehicle or starting a career in the automotive field.
👀 Fun fact: Rickie previously served in Military Police Special Operations and once rappelled out of helicopters!
💬 Advice for students:
Find a career path you enjoy, stay open to change, and use every experience to build your skills and opportunities.
We’re proud to have Rickie on the CTE Academy team and excited to celebrate this well-deserved nomination! 👏
#TeacherOfTheYearNominee #CTEAcademy #AutoTechnology #GetToKnowOurTeachers #CTEProud #HandsOnLearning
🚑🔥 Locking It In! 🔥🚑
Our EMT students spent this last week dialing in their skills and patient assessments—from hands-on practice to confident decision-making under pressure. This is where everything starts to click 💪
Assessments sharpened. Skills refined. Confidence built.
They’re putting in the work and it shows! 👏
Proud of the focus, teamwork, and determination as they continue preparing for real-world EMS care. Let’s go, EMTs! 🚨
#EMT #FutureFirstResponders #SkillCheck #HandsOnLearning #CTE #EMSStrong
Our EMT students spent this last week dialing in their skills and patient assessments—from hands-on practice to confident decision-making under pressure. This is where everything starts to click 💪
Assessments sharpened. Skills refined. Confidence built.
They’re putting in the work and it shows! 👏
Proud of the focus, teamwork, and determination as they continue preparing for real-world EMS care. Let’s go, EMTs! 🚨
#EMT #FutureFirstResponders #SkillCheck #HandsOnLearning #CTE #EMSStrong
💙🎓 Happy Counselor Appreciation Week! 🎓💙
This week, we’re celebrating Mrs. Oines, our amazing Career Counselor for the CTE Academy building and a district-wide Career Counselor!
Mrs. Oines plays a vital role in helping students explore career pathways, plan for life after high school, and connect their interests to real-world opportunities. Her dedication, knowledge, and unwavering support make a powerful difference for students across our building and our entire district.
We are incredibly proud to have Mrs. Oines on the CTE Academy team. Thank you for guiding futures, opening doors, and supporting students every step of the way!
#CounselorAppreciationWeek #CareerCounselor #CTEAcademy #DistrictWideSupport #FutureFocused #ThankYouMrsOines 💙
This week, we’re celebrating Mrs. Oines, our amazing Career Counselor for the CTE Academy building and a district-wide Career Counselor!
Mrs. Oines plays a vital role in helping students explore career pathways, plan for life after high school, and connect their interests to real-world opportunities. Her dedication, knowledge, and unwavering support make a powerful difference for students across our building and our entire district.
We are incredibly proud to have Mrs. Oines on the CTE Academy team. Thank you for guiding futures, opening doors, and supporting students every step of the way!
#CounselorAppreciationWeek #CareerCounselor #CTEAcademy #DistrictWideSupport #FutureFocused #ThankYouMrsOines 💙
🎓 AOF Classroom Learning Spotlight 📊💼
A huge THANK YOU to Mandi Weinandt from USD for coming to be a guest speaker! Our students gained valuable insight into how businesses operate and impact everyday life.
Here’s what our students learned👇
📈 “The graphs of consumer demand and seller supply helped me understand how prices are determined.” — Lyla
💡 “Business is innovative and competitive. Society and businesses bounce off each other for ideas, wants, and demands.” — Preston
🏪 “The history of business, how it’s changed, and the four types of markets—especially how they apply to local businesses.” — Blake
🚀 “Entrepreneurs are people who risk their time and money to manage a business.” — Hayden
📊 “Supply and demand and how equilibrium prices are determined.” — Everett
Thank you for helping our students connect real-world business concepts to what they see every day!
#AOF #BusinessEducation #StudentLearning #FutureEntrepreneurs #CTE #AppliedLearning
A huge THANK YOU to Mandi Weinandt from USD for coming to be a guest speaker! Our students gained valuable insight into how businesses operate and impact everyday life.
Here’s what our students learned👇
📈 “The graphs of consumer demand and seller supply helped me understand how prices are determined.” — Lyla
💡 “Business is innovative and competitive. Society and businesses bounce off each other for ideas, wants, and demands.” — Preston
🏪 “The history of business, how it’s changed, and the four types of markets—especially how they apply to local businesses.” — Blake
🚀 “Entrepreneurs are people who risk their time and money to manage a business.” — Hayden
📊 “Supply and demand and how equilibrium prices are determined.” — Everett
Thank you for helping our students connect real-world business concepts to what they see every day!
#AOF #BusinessEducation #StudentLearning #FutureEntrepreneurs #CTE #AppliedLearning
🎉🔧 Happy CTE Month! 🔧🎉
This month, we’re proud to celebrate Career & Technical Education (CTE) at the CTE Academy in Sioux Falls, SD—where students are gaining real-world skills, hands-on experience, and a clear path to future careers.
From healthcare and public safety to skilled trades, technology, and beyond, CTE Academy students are learning by doing and preparing to make an impact in our community and workforce.
CTE isn’t just an option—it’s an opportunity. We’re proud to be building futures right here in Sioux Falls! 💪
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #CTEAcademy #SiouxFallsSD #HandsOnLearning #FutureReady #CareerReady
This month, we’re proud to celebrate Career & Technical Education (CTE) at the CTE Academy in Sioux Falls, SD—where students are gaining real-world skills, hands-on experience, and a clear path to future careers.
From healthcare and public safety to skilled trades, technology, and beyond, CTE Academy students are learning by doing and preparing to make an impact in our community and workforce.
CTE isn’t just an option—it’s an opportunity. We’re proud to be building futures right here in Sioux Falls! 💪
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #CTEAcademy #SiouxFallsSD #HandsOnLearning #FutureReady #CareerReady
🏆 Student Spotlight | “See the Vision” Award 🏆
Congratulations to Payton Mundt, a standout senior from Washington High School in our Carpentry Program, for earning our “See the Vision” Award!
Over the past year and a half, Payton has consistently shown pride in his work, exceptional attention to detail, and a true stick-to-it mindset. His craftsmanship is solid and complete, and his trustworthiness in the shop—often stepping up to guide peers when instructors aren’t immediately present—has made him an invaluable leader.
Payton embodies what we strive for in our learning labs: high standards, quality workmanship, and leadership by example. He has embraced challenges, learned from mistakes, and grown as our students take on the impressive task of building two houses for the Sioux Falls community.
We wish Payton the very best as he heads to Mitchell Technical College next fall. His journey is a powerful reminder that when you’re coachable, bring a positive attitude, and are willing to try something new, leadership follows. We have no doubt Payton will continue to excel in future leadership roles!
#CTE #Carpentry #StudentSpotlight #FutureSkilledTrades #Leadership #BuildingTheFuture #SeeTheVision
Congratulations to Payton Mundt, a standout senior from Washington High School in our Carpentry Program, for earning our “See the Vision” Award!
Over the past year and a half, Payton has consistently shown pride in his work, exceptional attention to detail, and a true stick-to-it mindset. His craftsmanship is solid and complete, and his trustworthiness in the shop—often stepping up to guide peers when instructors aren’t immediately present—has made him an invaluable leader.
Payton embodies what we strive for in our learning labs: high standards, quality workmanship, and leadership by example. He has embraced challenges, learned from mistakes, and grown as our students take on the impressive task of building two houses for the Sioux Falls community.
We wish Payton the very best as he heads to Mitchell Technical College next fall. His journey is a powerful reminder that when you’re coachable, bring a positive attitude, and are willing to try something new, leadership follows. We have no doubt Payton will continue to excel in future leadership roles!
#CTE #Carpentry #StudentSpotlight #FutureSkilledTrades #Leadership #BuildingTheFuture #SeeTheVision
🌟 Teacher of the Year Spotlight 🌟
Please join us in congratulating Rickie McCaulsky, Automotive and Diesel Mechanics instructor at the CTE Academy, on being named a Top 5 finalist for the 38th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year Award! 👏
This recognition reflects the dedication, passion, and care Rickie brings to his students every day. His commitment to hands-on learning and real-world skills makes a lasting impact in the Auto Technology program and beyond.
We are incredibly proud to have Rickie on our CTE Academy team and to see his hard work recognized at this level. The 2026 Teacher of the Year will be announced on Monday, February 23—and we’ll be cheering him on!
🚗🔧🎉
#TeacherOfTheYear #Top5Finalist #CTEAcademy #AutoTechnology #ProudToBeCTE #EducatorExcellence
🌱 Hands-on Learning in Horticulture! 🌱
Horticulture students got creative and deliciously educational by building soil profiles using common food items! 🍫🥨🍪
This fun activity helped students visualize soil layers while learning how each horizon supports plant growth. Proof that learning doesn’t have to be boring—it just has to make sense (and sometimes look tasty 👀).
#Horticulture #CTE #HandsOnLearning #SoilScience #LearningByDoing #FutureGrowers 🌾
Horticulture students got creative and deliciously educational by building soil profiles using common food items! 🍫🥨🍪
This fun activity helped students visualize soil layers while learning how each horizon supports plant growth. Proof that learning doesn’t have to be boring—it just has to make sense (and sometimes look tasty 👀).
#Horticulture #CTE #HandsOnLearning #SoilScience #LearningByDoing #FutureGrowers 🌾
🍔🔥 Burger Battle Season Has Officially Arrived! 🔥🍔
Our CTE Culinary students brought the heat to the kitchen as they hosted their very own Burger Battle—and wow, did they deliver! This challenge was all about creativity, teamwork, and thinking outside the (burger) box.
From a Reuben-inspired burger, to “Mom’s Meatloaf” stacked with mashed potatoes, to a show-stopping burger with grilled cheese buns, our students proved that a burger can be so much more than just a patty and a bun.
We’re so proud of the skill, imagination, and confidence these students continue to build in the kitchen. This is CTE learning at its tastiest! 👏🍔✨
Our CTE Culinary students brought the heat to the kitchen as they hosted their very own Burger Battle—and wow, did they deliver! This challenge was all about creativity, teamwork, and thinking outside the (burger) box.
From a Reuben-inspired burger, to “Mom’s Meatloaf” stacked with mashed potatoes, to a show-stopping burger with grilled cheese buns, our students proved that a burger can be so much more than just a patty and a bun.
We’re so proud of the skill, imagination, and confidence these students continue to build in the kitchen. This is CTE learning at its tastiest! 👏🍔✨
