On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

A few weeks ago, I did a story about the old Trade High School. Assistant Principal and Director of Career & Technical Education Leo Di Simone is going to tell us all about the exciting CCTE. I hope to see you at the Vocational Fair where I will be playing music and running the sound system. Take it away Leo.

Over the past two years numerous artifacts have been uncovered at Somerville High School, dating back to the 1930’s when the Somerville Vocational School for boys existed on Cross Street. In September of 1985, the new comprehensive model opened, thus the beginning of The Center for Career and Technical Education (CCTE) at Somerville High School. Gone are the days when young men dominated the school. Today you may find both male and female students working side by side in Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, Machine Technology, Metal Fabrication & Welding, Painting and Design Technology, Culinary Arts, Information Support Services and Networking or Graphic and Visual Communications. Walk through the Center for Career and Technical Education today, and you will also likely find students of both genders learning about Cosmetology, studying to be a nurse in Health Careers, or fulfilling their aspirations of becoming a teacher by completing our Early Education & Child Care Program.

Today’s competitive job market dictates the need for constant updating of careers and pathways.  Staying ahead of the competition involves staying current on career path trends, keeping up with technological advances, and keeping up-to-date on specific job skills. The Center for Career and Technical Education has a strong community advisory committee, led by chair Tom Bent and Co-chair Ron Bonney. Each department also has its own advisory committee, comprised of industry partners, parents, students, alumni and post-secondary members. Each individual advisory committee shares employment trends, job outlook, post-secondary opportunities and a continuous review of program equipment and curriculum. Department committees meet twice a year, while the general committee meets three times annually.

Recent research conducted through an advisory partnership with the Tisch College at Tufts University has determined a significant growth in the Medical/Health Career field. The School Committee, Mayor Curtatone, Superintendent Pierantozzi and Somerville High School Headmaster, Tony Ciccariello recognized this opportunity and, in 2011, provided the support and resources to establish the Medical/Health Career Lab at Somerville High School. Very shortly, Somerville High School will be showcasing a brand-new 2200 square foot facility. The new facility will include a Dental Assistant Program, slated to open in September of 2012 and begin serving students in September of 2013. Tufts University School of Dentistry provided an incredible boost to our newest Career and Technical Education program with a generous donation of more than $100,000 in Dental equipment to get the program up and running.  A future career path in Occupational Therapy to go along with an EMT certification is also planned to be part of this exciting new Medical/Health Career Lab.

The CCTE advisory committee will meet in April to discuss researching a future HVAC/Plumbing Program and an elective in Barbering.

On Saturday, March 10th from 9:00 a.m. to noon, The Center for Career and Technical Education at Somerville High School will host their Annual Vocational Fair. We hope you’ll join us to learn about the many programs we offer and tour our impressive facilities.