
Exploration students got to visit AutoTech this week and got their hands dirty! Never hurts to learn something new about vehicles and vehicle maintenance.







“She strives to learn as much as possible during each project.” Those are the words of CTE Teacher, Nathan Hoffman about his student – Awnyx Fodness. Awnyx is a senior from Jefferson High School and has a passion for making and sharing her digital media work. Our talented artist took Intro to Audio/Visual this fall semester and is taking Digital Music this spring semester. With aspirations to fuse her digital artistry with her career path in content media development, Awnyx exemplifies excellence in her endeavors. Mr. Hoffman commends Awnyx for not only taking pride in her work but also for consistently exhibiting a stellar work ethic in every class session. Awnyx Fodness, we extend our heartfelt congratulations – you are now recognized as a recipient of the 'See the Vision' award!


We love when industry professionals visit our classrooms! Leadership in Sioux Falls….Workplace Personality, Business Trends and Economics….Thank You Wendy and Milana for visiting the Academy of Finance classes at the CTE Academy.



The CTE Academy will be hosting in person Parent/Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, January 30, 3:45 to 7:45pm. It is an open house format so please come visit us.
We are also hosting an Open House from 4-7pm; come see what the CTE Academy has available for high school students!


Members of the Sioux Falls School Board and SFSD administration took a tour of the CTE Academy yesterday to get an update on all of the new and exciting programming being offered to students. After the tour, members sat down for a mid-year update on career counseling, district priorities and legislative calendars. View more photos from the CTE tour on our Flikr page here! https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBboWE






Ado Franchuk completed every Computer Technology course at CTE (Cybersecurity, Networking, Computer Hardware). He wanted to challenge himself to develop his skills with technology and have fun at the same time. Ado signed up for the Senior Capstone course which allowed him to work with his CTE instructor and created a digital pinball machine. The pinball machine uses a computer, multiple controller boards, and television screens to replicate a vintage machine! Great work Ado!






The setting of this photo, beside our money tree, is not coincidental. Our student is Kyla Schaunaman and she is well versed in understanding that money does not grow on trees. Our outstanding senior student from Brandon Valley is taking Accounting and is considering pursuing an Accounting Degree at the University of South Dakota. According to her teacher, Mrs. Brunken, Kyla embodies focus, active participation, and a keen ability to pose insightful questions in class. The money tree signifies abundance and Kyla brings an abundance of hard work, good time management and professionalism in her contribution to class. Not only will Kyla Schaunaman be a great accountant, we think she will be a remarkable business leader! Congratulations, Kyla, on being a “See the Vision” winner!


Please join us for our January 30 CTE Academy Open House! Tour our amazing facility and learn about all the programs available to current and future high school students in the area!


Dangerous weather conditions mean all activities/events for SFSD students for the
evening of Fri., Jan 12 and all day Sat., Jan 13, 2024 are being postponed.


CTE staff outing to Crave to participate in the Downtown Burger Battle to support our students and friends at Crave! Congrats to our Culinary students and Mrs. Whempner for having their burger featured as Crave's burger this year! If you haven't "battled" yet, make sure to hit up Crave and try the UnBrieable Burger, created by the CTE Academy Culinary students.





“I can tell she is medically driven.” Those are the words of Mrs. Drummond, CTE Health Careers Teacher, about her student, Addisyn Riley, a senior from Jefferson High School. She commends Addisyn for being a positive role model to her peers, highlighting her motivation and optimistic attitude. Mrs. Drummond predicts a bright future for Addisyn, emphasizing her enthusiasm for practicing patient care on fellow students and acquiring hands-on skills applicable in a hospital setting. Addisyn's unwavering commitment to excellence is a true blessing in the classroom and she is a deserving winner of CTE’s “See the Vision” award!


Ryker Lee is a veteran student of the CTE Academy. He has taken Cyber Security, presently he is in Hardware and Software and next spring semester he will be taking Computer Networking – all dual credit to Dakota State University in Madison, SD. Ryker is poised to elevate his academic journey to the next level. Ryker's clarity of purpose is truly commendable. He aspires to make a significant impact in the realm of cyber operations, specifically focusing on cyber penetration—unraveling the intricacies of digital activities to identify those responsible. His teacher Mr. Brockmueller says, “Ryker understands the opportunities that CTE offers. Ryker going to have a great head-start at the next level.” As Ryker progresses to the next level of his academic and eventual professional journey, he is deserving of a “See the Vision” award. His commitment to mastering the complexities of the cyber world positions him as a promising leader in the field of technology.


No School Today - Tuesday, January 9, 2024


Sioux Falls Public Schools are closed Monday, January 8, 2024 due to weather.


Students from engineering, agriculture, aviation and health sciences students gathered to listen to SDSU Dean of Engineering, Dr. Kumar. Dr. Kumar spoke about what engineers do, how teachers can better prep students for careers in engineering, and so many interesting things around the globe that engineers have been a part of. He even brought our students some SDSU College of Engineering swag!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us Dr. Kumar!





Megan Raschke is a senior at Washington High School and is a remarkable individual with a unique gift for infusing positivity into any situation or room. Fueled by her vibrant energy, Megan is determined to pursue a career in medicine, aspiring to become a medical doctor. Currently, she is channeling her passion towards her short-term goal in her Health Careers class by aiming to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
In the eyes of her teacher, Mrs. Drummond, Megan's ability to bring joy and laughter is unparalleled. Mrs. Drummond notes, "I am pretty sure she is able to make anyone laugh." Megan's presence in class transforms the environment, making it not only educational but also fun and enjoyable. Her willingness to help others further exemplifies her compassionate nature. The world can use more individuals like Megan. She stands out as a beacon of positivity and a source of inspiration. Recognizing her outstanding qualities, Megan Raschke is a deserving winner of a “See the Vision” award at the CTE Academy.


Biomed students have been learning about emergency medicine. They practiced transporting patients with a long back board.



Business isn't all business.....it can be fun too! Work hard, play hard.....Faith, Family, Work is how the job gets done at Cars For Sale! Academy of Finance students learned about the website platform for different entrepreneur businesses patent by owner Sean Kaufman!




A few weeks ago, general managers Jeffry Umberger and Scott Keszler, of CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar approached Chef Whempner and Deb Rombough from Harrisburg High School with an exciting opportunity. They wanted to get our student chefs in on the burger action for the Sioux Falls Downtown Burger Battle held every January. They proposed we host a battle at each of our schools and then they would bring in judges to evaluate the burgers. An overall winner would be chosen to represent CRAVE this year in the burger battle. The second-place burger would also earn a spot on the January menu at CRAVE. It just wouldn’t be one you to vote for to earn the downtown burger title.
When the plates were washed and the judge’s bellies had finally digested all of those burgers, they returned to class to announce the results.
Jeff and Scott entered my Block 3 classroom to hushed tones of anticipation. The kids had been told they would only return to the winning classrooms. Armed with a hefty, gleaming trophy and four $100 gift cards (CRAVE wanted the winning kids to be able to bring their families in to try their creation) they prepared to proclaim the winner.
And so, we are thrilled to announce that CTE’s team of Alex, Connor, Jaelyn and Ida will have their burger showcased by CRAVE for the BURGER BATTLE!!!!! If you’re in the Sioux Falls area during the month of January, PLEASE GO TRY OUR BURGER AND VOTE FOR IT!!!! And don’t just get our burger, you MUST try Harrisburg’s creation as well!
The culinary students will be meeting with the Chefs soon to finalize the details and to get a taste of how the CRAVE chefs interpreted the burger. Thanks to CRAVE for an amazing opportunity to include our students!





Laney Jensen from Lincoln High School exemplifies autonomy, respect, and insightful understanding of the intricacies of bakery operations. Our outstanding senior is in Baking & Pastries, Health Careers and Integrated English and her work is characterized by a positive attitude and unwavering grit. Laney consistently demonstrates a willingness to assist fellow classmates, particularly in challenging kitchen situations. Her enthusiasm for catering activities is evident, and she seamlessly integrates the valuable knowledge gained from her experience at Looks Marketplace Bake House into the classroom setting. Laney's collaborative spirit shines through as she works effectively with her peers, always infusing a creative flair into her labs. Her commitment to excellence makes her a standout student deserving of a “See the Vision” award at the CTE Academy! Congratulations, Laney!
