🌟 Let’s Get to Know one of Our Teacher of the Year Nominees! 🌟
Meet Rickie McCaulsky, Auto Technology Instructor at the CTE Academy and Teacher of the Year nominee! 🚗🔧
Rickie has been teaching at CTE for 13 years, bringing his expertise to courses like Engine Performance, Diesel Technology, Steering & Suspension, Automotive Brakes, and Automotive Electronics. His passion for teaching and sharing knowledge—combined with real-world experience as an automotive business owner—helps students see the many career pathways available in the industry.
What Rickie loves most about teaching CTE students is watching their growth from the first day of class to the final assessment. Seeing students fully engaged in a hands-on project is what keeps him motivated and reminds him why he loves this work.
Rickie hopes every student leaves his program with the confidence and skills to be successful—whether that’s working on their own vehicle or starting a career in the automotive field.
👀 Fun fact: Rickie previously served in Military Police Special Operations and once rappelled out of helicopters!
💬 Advice for students:
Find a career path you enjoy, stay open to change, and use every experience to build your skills and opportunities.
We’re proud to have Rickie on the CTE Academy team and excited to celebrate this well-deserved nomination! 👏
#TeacherOfTheYearNominee #CTEAcademy #AutoTechnology #GetToKnowOurTeachers #CTEProud #HandsOnLearning
Meet Rickie McCaulsky, Auto Technology Instructor at the CTE Academy and Teacher of the Year nominee! 🚗🔧
Rickie has been teaching at CTE for 13 years, bringing his expertise to courses like Engine Performance, Diesel Technology, Steering & Suspension, Automotive Brakes, and Automotive Electronics. His passion for teaching and sharing knowledge—combined with real-world experience as an automotive business owner—helps students see the many career pathways available in the industry.
What Rickie loves most about teaching CTE students is watching their growth from the first day of class to the final assessment. Seeing students fully engaged in a hands-on project is what keeps him motivated and reminds him why he loves this work.
Rickie hopes every student leaves his program with the confidence and skills to be successful—whether that’s working on their own vehicle or starting a career in the automotive field.
👀 Fun fact: Rickie previously served in Military Police Special Operations and once rappelled out of helicopters!
💬 Advice for students:
Find a career path you enjoy, stay open to change, and use every experience to build your skills and opportunities.
We’re proud to have Rickie on the CTE Academy team and excited to celebrate this well-deserved nomination! 👏
#TeacherOfTheYearNominee #CTEAcademy #AutoTechnology #GetToKnowOurTeachers #CTEProud #HandsOnLearning
🚑🔥 Locking It In! 🔥🚑
Our EMT students spent this last week dialing in their skills and patient assessments—from hands-on practice to confident decision-making under pressure. This is where everything starts to click 💪
Assessments sharpened. Skills refined. Confidence built.
They’re putting in the work and it shows! 👏
Proud of the focus, teamwork, and determination as they continue preparing for real-world EMS care. Let’s go, EMTs! 🚨
#EMT #FutureFirstResponders #SkillCheck #HandsOnLearning #CTE #EMSStrong
Our EMT students spent this last week dialing in their skills and patient assessments—from hands-on practice to confident decision-making under pressure. This is where everything starts to click 💪
Assessments sharpened. Skills refined. Confidence built.
They’re putting in the work and it shows! 👏
Proud of the focus, teamwork, and determination as they continue preparing for real-world EMS care. Let’s go, EMTs! 🚨
#EMT #FutureFirstResponders #SkillCheck #HandsOnLearning #CTE #EMSStrong
💙🎓 Happy Counselor Appreciation Week! 🎓💙
This week, we’re celebrating Mrs. Oines, our amazing Career Counselor for the CTE Academy building and a district-wide Career Counselor!
Mrs. Oines plays a vital role in helping students explore career pathways, plan for life after high school, and connect their interests to real-world opportunities. Her dedication, knowledge, and unwavering support make a powerful difference for students across our building and our entire district.
We are incredibly proud to have Mrs. Oines on the CTE Academy team. Thank you for guiding futures, opening doors, and supporting students every step of the way!
#CounselorAppreciationWeek #CareerCounselor #CTEAcademy #DistrictWideSupport #FutureFocused #ThankYouMrsOines 💙
This week, we’re celebrating Mrs. Oines, our amazing Career Counselor for the CTE Academy building and a district-wide Career Counselor!
Mrs. Oines plays a vital role in helping students explore career pathways, plan for life after high school, and connect their interests to real-world opportunities. Her dedication, knowledge, and unwavering support make a powerful difference for students across our building and our entire district.
We are incredibly proud to have Mrs. Oines on the CTE Academy team. Thank you for guiding futures, opening doors, and supporting students every step of the way!
#CounselorAppreciationWeek #CareerCounselor #CTEAcademy #DistrictWideSupport #FutureFocused #ThankYouMrsOines 💙
🎓 AOF Classroom Learning Spotlight 📊💼
A huge THANK YOU to Mandi Weinandt from USD for coming to be a guest speaker! Our students gained valuable insight into how businesses operate and impact everyday life.
Here’s what our students learned👇
📈 “The graphs of consumer demand and seller supply helped me understand how prices are determined.” — Lyla
💡 “Business is innovative and competitive. Society and businesses bounce off each other for ideas, wants, and demands.” — Preston
🏪 “The history of business, how it’s changed, and the four types of markets—especially how they apply to local businesses.” — Blake
🚀 “Entrepreneurs are people who risk their time and money to manage a business.” — Hayden
📊 “Supply and demand and how equilibrium prices are determined.” — Everett
Thank you for helping our students connect real-world business concepts to what they see every day!
#AOF #BusinessEducation #StudentLearning #FutureEntrepreneurs #CTE #AppliedLearning
A huge THANK YOU to Mandi Weinandt from USD for coming to be a guest speaker! Our students gained valuable insight into how businesses operate and impact everyday life.
Here’s what our students learned👇
📈 “The graphs of consumer demand and seller supply helped me understand how prices are determined.” — Lyla
💡 “Business is innovative and competitive. Society and businesses bounce off each other for ideas, wants, and demands.” — Preston
🏪 “The history of business, how it’s changed, and the four types of markets—especially how they apply to local businesses.” — Blake
🚀 “Entrepreneurs are people who risk their time and money to manage a business.” — Hayden
📊 “Supply and demand and how equilibrium prices are determined.” — Everett
Thank you for helping our students connect real-world business concepts to what they see every day!
#AOF #BusinessEducation #StudentLearning #FutureEntrepreneurs #CTE #AppliedLearning
🎉🔧 Happy CTE Month! 🔧🎉
This month, we’re proud to celebrate Career & Technical Education (CTE) at the CTE Academy in Sioux Falls, SD—where students are gaining real-world skills, hands-on experience, and a clear path to future careers.
From healthcare and public safety to skilled trades, technology, and beyond, CTE Academy students are learning by doing and preparing to make an impact in our community and workforce.
CTE isn’t just an option—it’s an opportunity. We’re proud to be building futures right here in Sioux Falls! 💪
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #CTEAcademy #SiouxFallsSD #HandsOnLearning #FutureReady #CareerReady
This month, we’re proud to celebrate Career & Technical Education (CTE) at the CTE Academy in Sioux Falls, SD—where students are gaining real-world skills, hands-on experience, and a clear path to future careers.
From healthcare and public safety to skilled trades, technology, and beyond, CTE Academy students are learning by doing and preparing to make an impact in our community and workforce.
CTE isn’t just an option—it’s an opportunity. We’re proud to be building futures right here in Sioux Falls! 💪
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #CTEAcademy #SiouxFallsSD #HandsOnLearning #FutureReady #CareerReady
🏆 Student Spotlight | “See the Vision” Award 🏆
Congratulations to Payton Mundt, a standout senior from Washington High School in our Carpentry Program, for earning our “See the Vision” Award!
Over the past year and a half, Payton has consistently shown pride in his work, exceptional attention to detail, and a true stick-to-it mindset. His craftsmanship is solid and complete, and his trustworthiness in the shop—often stepping up to guide peers when instructors aren’t immediately present—has made him an invaluable leader.
Payton embodies what we strive for in our learning labs: high standards, quality workmanship, and leadership by example. He has embraced challenges, learned from mistakes, and grown as our students take on the impressive task of building two houses for the Sioux Falls community.
We wish Payton the very best as he heads to Mitchell Technical College next fall. His journey is a powerful reminder that when you’re coachable, bring a positive attitude, and are willing to try something new, leadership follows. We have no doubt Payton will continue to excel in future leadership roles!
#CTE #Carpentry #StudentSpotlight #FutureSkilledTrades #Leadership #BuildingTheFuture #SeeTheVision
Congratulations to Payton Mundt, a standout senior from Washington High School in our Carpentry Program, for earning our “See the Vision” Award!
Over the past year and a half, Payton has consistently shown pride in his work, exceptional attention to detail, and a true stick-to-it mindset. His craftsmanship is solid and complete, and his trustworthiness in the shop—often stepping up to guide peers when instructors aren’t immediately present—has made him an invaluable leader.
Payton embodies what we strive for in our learning labs: high standards, quality workmanship, and leadership by example. He has embraced challenges, learned from mistakes, and grown as our students take on the impressive task of building two houses for the Sioux Falls community.
We wish Payton the very best as he heads to Mitchell Technical College next fall. His journey is a powerful reminder that when you’re coachable, bring a positive attitude, and are willing to try something new, leadership follows. We have no doubt Payton will continue to excel in future leadership roles!
#CTE #Carpentry #StudentSpotlight #FutureSkilledTrades #Leadership #BuildingTheFuture #SeeTheVision
🌟 Teacher of the Year Spotlight 🌟
Please join us in congratulating Rickie McCaulsky, Automotive and Diesel Mechanics instructor at the CTE Academy, on being named a Top 5 finalist for the 38th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year Award! 👏
This recognition reflects the dedication, passion, and care Rickie brings to his students every day. His commitment to hands-on learning and real-world skills makes a lasting impact in the Auto Technology program and beyond.
We are incredibly proud to have Rickie on our CTE Academy team and to see his hard work recognized at this level. The 2026 Teacher of the Year will be announced on Monday, February 23—and we’ll be cheering him on!
🚗🔧🎉
#TeacherOfTheYear #Top5Finalist #CTEAcademy #AutoTechnology #ProudToBeCTE #EducatorExcellence
🌱 Hands-on Learning in Horticulture! 🌱
Horticulture students got creative and deliciously educational by building soil profiles using common food items! 🍫🥨🍪
This fun activity helped students visualize soil layers while learning how each horizon supports plant growth. Proof that learning doesn’t have to be boring—it just has to make sense (and sometimes look tasty 👀).
#Horticulture #CTE #HandsOnLearning #SoilScience #LearningByDoing #FutureGrowers 🌾
Horticulture students got creative and deliciously educational by building soil profiles using common food items! 🍫🥨🍪
This fun activity helped students visualize soil layers while learning how each horizon supports plant growth. Proof that learning doesn’t have to be boring—it just has to make sense (and sometimes look tasty 👀).
#Horticulture #CTE #HandsOnLearning #SoilScience #LearningByDoing #FutureGrowers 🌾
🍔🔥 Burger Battle Season Has Officially Arrived! 🔥🍔
Our CTE Culinary students brought the heat to the kitchen as they hosted their very own Burger Battle—and wow, did they deliver! This challenge was all about creativity, teamwork, and thinking outside the (burger) box.
From a Reuben-inspired burger, to “Mom’s Meatloaf” stacked with mashed potatoes, to a show-stopping burger with grilled cheese buns, our students proved that a burger can be so much more than just a patty and a bun.
We’re so proud of the skill, imagination, and confidence these students continue to build in the kitchen. This is CTE learning at its tastiest! 👏🍔✨
Our CTE Culinary students brought the heat to the kitchen as they hosted their very own Burger Battle—and wow, did they deliver! This challenge was all about creativity, teamwork, and thinking outside the (burger) box.
From a Reuben-inspired burger, to “Mom’s Meatloaf” stacked with mashed potatoes, to a show-stopping burger with grilled cheese buns, our students proved that a burger can be so much more than just a patty and a bun.
We’re so proud of the skill, imagination, and confidence these students continue to build in the kitchen. This is CTE learning at its tastiest! 👏🍔✨
🏡✨ YOU’RE INVITED! CTE Academy OPEN HOUSE SERIES ✨🏡
Come tour the 2026 CTE Academy student-built home and see the craftsmanship, skills, and talent our students have poured into every detail! From the modern kitchen to the open-concept living space—this is one you won’t want to miss 👀
📍 1312 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD
🗓 Open House Dates & Times:
🔹 April 29 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 3 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 7 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 13 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 16 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 20 | 4–6 PM → AUCTION TO FOLLOW! 🔨
Whether you’re house-hunting, supporting CTE education, or just love great design—stop by and check it out!
📩 Questions? Contact carter.olson@k12.sd.us
#CTEAcademy #StudentBuilt #OpenHouse #FutureReady #SiouxFallsHomes #CTEProud #HandsOnLearning 🛠️🏠
Come tour the 2026 CTE Academy student-built home and see the craftsmanship, skills, and talent our students have poured into every detail! From the modern kitchen to the open-concept living space—this is one you won’t want to miss 👀
📍 1312 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD
🗓 Open House Dates & Times:
🔹 April 29 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 3 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 7 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 13 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 16 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 20 | 4–6 PM → AUCTION TO FOLLOW! 🔨
Whether you’re house-hunting, supporting CTE education, or just love great design—stop by and check it out!
📩 Questions? Contact carter.olson@k12.sd.us
#CTEAcademy #StudentBuilt #OpenHouse #FutureReady #SiouxFallsHomes #CTEProud #HandsOnLearning 🛠️🏠
🏠 Habitat for Humanity Update 🏠
The drywall is officially complete in the Habitat for Humanity house! 🙌
It won’t be long now before the home is ready for its new homeowners. We’re excited to see this project coming together!
#HabitatForHumanity #HabitatForHumanitySiouxFalls #SiouxFalls #CTE #SkilledTrades #CommunityPartners #BuildingHope #FutureBuilders
The drywall is officially complete in the Habitat for Humanity house! 🙌
It won’t be long now before the home is ready for its new homeowners. We’re excited to see this project coming together!
#HabitatForHumanity #HabitatForHumanitySiouxFalls #SiouxFalls #CTE #SkilledTrades #CommunityPartners #BuildingHope #FutureBuilders
🔧 Connecting Classroom to Career! 🔧
Our CTE Academy Collision Repair students toured Pierre’s Body Shop to see real-world skills in action and explore future career paths in the collision repair industry.
A huge THANK YOU to Tyler VanHerdee and the team at Pierre’s Body Shop for their time, support, and commitment to developing the next generation of collision repair professionals. Partnerships like this make a lasting impact! 👏🚗
#CTEAcademy #CollisionRepair #HandsOnLearning #IndustrySupport #FutureCareers
Our CTE Academy Collision Repair students toured Pierre’s Body Shop to see real-world skills in action and explore future career paths in the collision repair industry.
A huge THANK YOU to Tyler VanHerdee and the team at Pierre’s Body Shop for their time, support, and commitment to developing the next generation of collision repair professionals. Partnerships like this make a lasting impact! 👏🚗
#CTEAcademy #CollisionRepair #HandsOnLearning #IndustrySupport #FutureCareers
❄️ VIRTUAL DAY TOMORROW Friday, Jan 23 – CTE ACADEMY ❄️
Due to extremely cold temperatures, CTE Academy will be virtual tomorrow.
👩💻 Students:
✔️ Check in on Canvas for your virtual assignments
✔️ Complete work at home
📧 Teachers will be available via email throughout the day to answer questions and provide support.
Stay warm and stay safe! 🧣🧤
#CTEAcademy #VirtualDay #ColdWeather #StaySafe
Friday, January 23, 2026, will be a Remote Learning Day in the Sioux Falls School District!
iPads and Chromebooks were sent home with each student earlier today. We will not have in-person learning in the schools, but students are expected to connect to their Canvas account from home for assignments and learning resources. They have practiced this at school and know what is expected of them.
Additional information for Students and Families can be found here: https://app.smore.com/n/wgz62
iPads and Chromebooks were sent home with each student earlier today. We will not have in-person learning in the schools, but students are expected to connect to their Canvas account from home for assignments and learning resources. They have practiced this at school and know what is expected of them.
Additional information for Students and Families can be found here: https://app.smore.com/n/wgz62
📊 Academy of Finance Spotlight 📊
Wendy Alexander from POET presented to our Academy of Finance students on DISC Behavior and Personality in the Workplace —
Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.
Wendy has served on our AOF Advisory Board and supported our classroom and internship experiences since 2006. Thank you for your continued leadership, mentorship, and commitment to our students! 👏
Students will now be applying what they learned as they work together on a business project this semester in their Entrepreneurship course.
Wendy Alexander from POET presented to our Academy of Finance students on DISC Behavior and Personality in the Workplace —
Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.
Wendy has served on our AOF Advisory Board and supported our classroom and internship experiences since 2006. Thank you for your continued leadership, mentorship, and commitment to our students! 👏
Students will now be applying what they learned as they work together on a business project this semester in their Entrepreneurship course.
🏫✨ CTE Open House Night ✨🏫
Come visit CTE for our Open House!
Meet your child’s teachers and explore the many classes and opportunities we have to offer.
📅 Thursday, January 22nd
⏰ 3:45–7:45 PM
We hope to see you there!
Come visit CTE for our Open House!
Meet your child’s teachers and explore the many classes and opportunities we have to offer.
📅 Thursday, January 22nd
⏰ 3:45–7:45 PM
We hope to see you there!
🏫✨ CTE Open House Night ✨🏫
Come visit CTE for our Open House!
Meet your child’s teachers and explore the many classes and opportunities we have to offer.
📅 Thursday, January 22nd
⏰ 3:45–7:45 PM
We hope to see you there!
Come visit CTE for our Open House!
Meet your child’s teachers and explore the many classes and opportunities we have to offer.
📅 Thursday, January 22nd
⏰ 3:45–7:45 PM
We hope to see you there!
📅 Mark Your Calendars!
Our 2026 CTE House will be auctioned off on May 20th at 6:00 p.m. 🏠🔨
If you have any questions or would like more information about the house, please contact Carter Olson at carter.olson@k12.sd.us
.
Thank you for supporting our CTE programs!
Our 2026 CTE House will be auctioned off on May 20th at 6:00 p.m. 🏠🔨
If you have any questions or would like more information about the house, please contact Carter Olson at carter.olson@k12.sd.us
.
Thank you for supporting our CTE programs!
📢 Reminder for CTE Students!
The add/drop window for classes closes Tuesday, January 20! ✅
Make sure your schedule is correct.
If you need to make any changes, see your counselor before the deadline. Don’t wait — get it done!
#CTE #StudentReminder #PlanAhead #HighSchoolLife
The add/drop window for classes closes Tuesday, January 20! ✅
Make sure your schedule is correct.
If you need to make any changes, see your counselor before the deadline. Don’t wait — get it done!
#CTE #StudentReminder #PlanAhead #HighSchoolLife
🔧 Tool Donation Spotlight 🔧
Thank you to Brent Bartels with Snap-on Tools for generously donating Auto Body and Automotive Technology tools to support our Collision Repair and Automotive Technology programs at the CTE Academy.
Your support provides our students with hands-on experience using industry-level tools and helps prepare them for success in the automotive industry. We truly appreciate your partnership and commitment to student learning! 🚗👏
Thank you to Brent Bartels with Snap-on Tools for generously donating Auto Body and Automotive Technology tools to support our Collision Repair and Automotive Technology programs at the CTE Academy.
Your support provides our students with hands-on experience using industry-level tools and helps prepare them for success in the automotive industry. We truly appreciate your partnership and commitment to student learning! 🚗👏
