This week's speaker was Mario Sousa who is in his first year as the CTE Director at Salem High School. Mario spoke about the evolution of Career Technical Education. Today it prepares students with transferable skills as opposed to its prior focus on preparing students for work in one field. He also went into the different CTE models, specifically the regional model, like North Shore Technical High School, and the comprehensive model, like Salem High School and Somerville High School where Mario went to school. Obviously Mario is passionate about the comprehensive model because it allows students to take higher level courses, such as AP level classes, and students have greater access to extracurricular activities.
As part of his job, Mario reaches out to local businesses and community partners. These community partners help guide the CTE program in their curriculum to meet industry standards. Examples of these partnerships include the Program Advisory Board, cooperative education placement, internships and externships, job shadowing, guest speakers and presenters, mock interviews, and field trips. Rotary members have been actively involved in this aspect of the CTE program. Mario's goal is to increase the percentage of students who complete the CTE program. He also wants to ensure graduates have access to specific certificates required in individual disciplines and fields, such as Osha Certification. He also has developed relationships for post-secondary options for students depending on their chosen fields.
The CTE program at Salem High School begins with a semester-long exploratory program where students spend 2-3 weeks in each discipline before deciding which field or fields to pursue. The programs currently include automotive technologies, building and property, maintenance, carpentry, culinary arts (the most popular choice), early education and care, electrical, medical assisting, and program and web development. Pharmacy technology will be added next year, and Mario hopes to add green energy in the near future. Mario does have plans for opening up shops during non-school hours, such as for a night programs open to the community.
The four way test
John Walsh appreciated last week's speaker, Rob Lutts, for referring to John as a “senior” member. John noted a couple of critical changes in his time in Rotary. First was the vote to allow women to join the club, a change he voted for. Another change came in 1983 when Rotary began having more than one member from each profession. He was a second insurance agent at that time. This allowed him to develop goodwill among other insurance agents. John finds that Rotary is adhering to The Four Way Test more now because of these changes. John Fisher is set to speak next week.
Liz Rogers, the Principal of the Bentley Academy for Innovation School was in attendance along with speaker Mario Sousa. As usual, A/V Jack was doing great work.
YOURS IN SERVICE
There are a couple of upcoming service opportunities of sorts coming up. First is the Polar Plunge which will be taking place on April 2 at 11 am at Long Beach in Gloucester. We fully expect more plungers than usual due to the later plunging date. It is a flamingo themed event, so plungers should where their best flamingo hat, towel, or flotation device. Gerrit Bradley can probably just dress normally. Sign up sheets for both plunging and donating continue to be passed around at Rotary. Feel free to contact Liz Bradt if needed.
Rotary was able to negotiate four tickets to the Citizens Inn Gala and Auction which will be taking place on March 11 at Danversport. Joe Amico and Bruce Whear will be representing the Salem Rotary at the event.
The Amazing Shake competition at the Bates School is coming up on March 8. Feel free to sign up to judge the event if you are interested.
Finally, the next Lifebridge dinner is coming up on March 9. Sign up or contact Jane Stirgwolt if you are interested.
ROTARIAN NEWS
Claire Kallelis shared the sad news of the passing of Dorothy Harrington.
Bruce Whear likely made a mistake by announcing that his brand new Ford Maverick has arrived! (See pic below) Additionally, he spent time trying to find an eagle that had come to Maine while visiting Vacationland.
Gerrit Bradley gave the bird report this week as he saw a red shouldered hawk while cross country skiing. He also celebrated Jake's 21st birthday at Witch City Hibachi. Apparently Jake preferred to the trip around the corner to Seagrass more...
Jane Stirgwolt had a nice trip to Washington D.C. with Gary. They attended a gala where General Petraeus gave the keynote speech.
Bill Henning is excited to be going on a Caribbean vacation with Thomas. We are all so very jealous.
Upcoming events
Rotary Auction
May 20, 2022
Please make note of the date change. The hope is that the later date will increase attendance.
Click the link below to log into the weekly club meeting via Zoom.
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.
Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.
We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.
In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.
MARIO SOUSA
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