District Administrator

by Loren Glasbrenner River Valley School District Administrator February was Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.  CTE provides our students a pathway to new opportunities.  Many employers seek graduates that have gained knowledge and skills that meet the demands of today’s workforce.  I am a huge believer that CTE improves graduation rates, engagement, and skills for many students at the River Valley School District.  Our students are given the opportunity to register for a variety of CTE classes, such as the following: Agriculture and Natural Resources:  Introduction to Agriculture, Aquaculture, Large Animal Science, Small Animal Science, Animal Health and Nutrition, Agri-Business, Biotechnology, Food Science, Crop and Soil Science, Horticulture, Greenhouse Management, Agricultural Youth Apprenticeship Business:  Computer Business Applications, Digital Marketing and Other Media, Business Concepts, Video Game Design, Financial Literacy, Accounting I and 2, Personal Finance,  Employability Skills, Yearbook, Keyboarding, Middle School Computers, Middle School Business Skills, Middle School Careers Class Engineering/Technology Education:  Programming & Publications, Welding I and 2, Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding, Fabrication Technology, Auto Mechanics for the Non-Mechanic, Consumer Auto, Electronics, Engineering CTE students are given a tremendous opportunity to learn applicable skills and become equipped with core knowledge that will lead to relevant challenges in our workforce.  CTE students also are given multiple opportunities to receive credit through dual enrollment, industry certifications, and even apprenticeships.  The academic, technical, leadership, and work-based skills help students to become career and college ready.  Approximately 20% of all students graduating from Wisconsin high schools report directly into the job market after they leave high school (https://dpi.wi.gov/cte/resources).   River Valley School District is also fortunate to have an incredible team of teachers to lead our vision in CTE:  Carla Carmody, Lori Hoffman, Robby Jacobson, Shari Graffunder, Heidi Radel, Cheryl Ross, and TJ Wunnicke.  These talented educators inspire kids each day while teaching core knowledge embedded with career and technical skills.  And, in today’s day and age, schools need to expose all students to work-based opportunities to bridge a gap between our community and business/industry.   A key word is “relevance.”  For many students, understanding agricultural practices in the classroom creates relevance.  For many students, understanding financial business practice builds relevance.  For many students, drafting and building in various mediums creates school engagement and relevance.   During the month of February, as the State of Wisconsin honors the field of Career and Technical Education, it is incredibly important to honor these offerings and congratulate our community on keeping CTE a crucial part of our educational experience.