Culinary Arts students have been progressing quickly and are now comfortable with most cooking methods. In the second half of February, the class focused on seafood cookery and balancing flavors. To learn about cooking seafood, students made recipes such as coconut crusted tilapia, cajun shrimp and rice, and homemade sushi. Balancing flavors is an essential culinary skill, and students practiced this concept through a variety of recipes. These included a bistro salad with apple cider vinaigrette, candied walnuts, apples, and marinated pork, as well as sweet and sour chicken with rice.
In the first half of March, students will learn about cooking with fruit and international cuisine. They practice fruit cookery by preparing recipes such as banana cream pie, strawberry shortcake, and pineapple salsa. Our international cuisine unit consists of students choosing a country which they will present to the entire class about. They discuss their country's cuisine, then we prepare a recipe from that country. This exposes students to unique dishes and aspects of culinary arts they are unfamiliar with.
HOYA Monthly Update – February Highlights
February was a busy and exciting month for our HOYA students as they completed our Emergency Care and Human Development units and began diving into Mental Health.
Emergency Care Unit
Students gained hands-on knowledge and practical skills related to a variety of emergency situations. They learned how to recognize and respond appropriately to:
Signs and symptoms of a possible stroke and heart attack, along with appropriate care for both
Through case scenarios and skill practice, students strengthened their confidence in staying calm, assessing situations quickly, and providing safe, effective care in high-stress emergencies.
Human Needs and Development
In addition to emergency care, students explored the foundations of patient-centered care by studying:
This unit helped students better understand how physical, emotional, social, and developmental factors all influence patient care.
Mental Health Unit
We have recently begun our Mental Health unit, where students are learning about:
Students also presented informative posters on a variety of mental health disorders, including:
The students did an excellent job presenting and engaging in meaningful class discussions about improving patient communication.
Guest Speakers
We were fortunate to have a Registered Nurse, BSN, visit our class in February, with experience in emergency medicine, intensive care, and family birth. She shared real-world insight into nursing practice, critical thinking in high-acuity settings, and different pathways within the nursing profession.
In March, we welcomed a Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief who spoke to students about how to become a firefighter/paramedic and the important role emergency responders play in community safety. Students were also given a tour of the local fire station, providing valuable exposure to careers in fire and emergency medical services.
Clinical Update
Clinicals continue every Thursday and Friday. Students are doing an outstanding job advancing their hands-on skills, professionalism, and communication strategies in real healthcare settings. It is wonderful to see their confidence and competence grow each week.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, we will begin learning about restorative care and special care skills related to:
We are looking forward to another month of growth, learning, and skill development as our HOYA students continue building a strong foundation for future careers in healthcare.
Every February, the Career Technical Education (CTE) community celebrates CTE Month® to raise awareness of the role that CTE has in readying learners for college and career success. CTE Month is also a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of our CTE partners at the local, state, and national level.
The CareerTEC Mall of Life is a life-skill simulation event focusing on financial literacy, in which sixth and seventh grade students take part in making real-world adult decisions. The event instills skills such as decision-making, financial responsibility, problem-solving, goal setting, and communication, which prepares students for making realistic choices and achieving a successful future. The Mall of Life offers a glimpse into the realities of a career, salaries, and the obligations of daily life.
Prior to the event, each student picks a career from a list provided by CareerTEC. At the event, students are given the corresponding “salary” for one month minus any student loan amount for the career choice they’ve made. We randomly designate students to be “single,” “married,” “divorced,” and if they have “children,” which makes the event more realistic.
There are 14 “stores” (booths) set up with a poster at each showing the life choices the students have to make and what they must “pay for” while keeping track of their spending. The “stores” include purchasing housing, daycare, groceries, clothes, insurance, vehicles, doctor visits, cell phones, pets, and vacations, if their salary allows. The Mall of Life is both interesting and fun for students and provides them with insight to see what adults deal with in real life.
We currently have 1 teaching position available:
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JOB DESCRIPTION for Construction Trades Youth Apprenticeship Instructor
Summary: Instruct and coordinate Construction Trades Youth Apprenticeship Program for high school junior and senior students in the Career and Technical Education Consortium (CareerTEC).
Job Goal & Description: Provide high-quality instruction and coordination of the Construction Trades Youth Apprenticeship Program within the CareerTEC consortium. Deliver industry-aligned classroom instruction focused on foundational construction skills, safety standards, career pathways, and employability skills through structured instructional units. Coordinate work-based learning opportunities, including job shadows, guest speakers, and potential internships, while building partnerships with local contractors, unions, and post-secondary programs to support the regional workforce pipeline. Limited residential project-based learning may be used to reinforce instruction. This is a nine-and-one-half-month, part-time morning position following the Freeport School District 145 calendar. 15–25 hours per week; infrequent participation in staff meetings/recruiting/career events also required. Background check also required.
Preferred Qualifications: Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) OR ability to obtain Illinois Professional Educator License with Stipulations (ELS).
ELS Requirements:
2,000 hours of experience in the Construction Trades field AND 60 semester hours
OR
8,000 hours of experience in the Construction Trades field
Preferred:
1. Strong knowledge and skill of residential construction and remodeling techniques, tools, equipment and materials
2. Ability to obtain OSHA 10 Certification (provided by CareerTEC)
3. Experience as an educator or on-the-job trainer
4. Skilled in written, verbal, and electronic communication skills
5. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including flexibility and adaptability
Performance Responsibilities:
Send inquiries & letter of interest and resume with 3 references to:
Brian Greene, CareerTEC Director
2037 W. Galena Ave
Freeport, IL 61032
815-232-0709
The students have finished the drywall on our rooms built in the shop. We learned where to use the different types of sheetrock and how to tape and finish the seams and corners. We also practiced several different texture applications. We are moving on to roofing, siding & soffits the next few weeks.
