
Happy Administrative Professional's Day to our very own! Lynn and Carol are the first faces you see when you enter the CTE Academy and do countless wonderful things for the staff and students of the CTE Academy. Thank you for everything you do!


Horticulture kids making boutonnières! A little late for prom season but now they know the hard work florists go through for a boutonnière and corsage set!





Jillian French is on her way to graduating from O’Gorman High School. However, she decided to enroll in Introduction to Audio/Visual and Digital Animation at the CTE Academy. We've discovered a remarkably talented young lady who takes immense pride in her work. Jillian intends to leverage her CTE experiences to continue creating videos and art purely for enjoyment. Her teacher, Mr. Hoffman, notes that Jillian frequently dedicates extra time to refining her animations outside of class assignments, demonstrating a commitment to honing her skills. Mr. Hoffman added, “Jill possesses talent, a commendable work ethic, and a very bright future ahead.”


It was a big morning at the CTE Academy as Dakota State University held their 'signing day'! Seniors graduating this spring sat down to formally commit to attending DSU to study cyber security and other computer science majors there next year. Good luck future Trojans! More photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBmVei







“I love learning about the intricate details of computers, servers and networks.” Those are the words of a talented junior from Brandon Valley High School – Anita Saakyan. Anita has taken Introduction to Engineering Design and Cyber Security at the CTE Academy and she aspires to pursue degrees in Engineering and Computers post-high school. Anita wrote, “I will use my CTE experience to improve the world I live in.” It is abundantly clear to us that…..Anita has a passion for learning and for bettering humankind. Her teacher, Mr. Brockmueller said, “Anita is inquisitive and loves learning. Her charisma brings her classmates together during class-time collaboration.” Anita, your future in cyber engineering looks very promising, but it's your unwavering commitment to learning and compassion for others that truly sets you apart. Congratulations! You are a deserving winner of CTE’s “See the Vision” award.


Chef Bryan of Harvester Kitchen taught the ins and outs of great service to our Culinary Management and Baking & Pastries students. Two of our CTE student chefs are off to Mitchell for the SKILLS USA competition today to put into practice what they learned. Thank you Chef Bryan & Harvester Kitchen by Bryan for supporting our students in the Restaurant Service competition & for the National ProStart competition in a few weeks!




Jacob Jackson, a senior from Jefferson High School, has embraced that the CTE Academy offers the equipment, tools, opportunities and challenges of working in the Cyber industry. Jacob has taken Robotics, Hardware and Software, Networking and Cyber Security at the CTE Academy. Jacob recently wrote, “I enjoy the opportunities to work with and meet others with similar goals and interests.” Jacob’s teacher, Mr. Brockmueller, says that he appreciates watching Jacob learn something he is passionate about. Jacob plans to attend Southeast Technical College in Cyber Technology next year.
Jacob, we are honored to have you as a student, thrilled you have found your passion at the CTE Academy and wish you the very best in your future.


CTE Academy Summer Career Camps!
Check out the summer career camps options for Summer 2024! $25 per camp. Visit www.CTECareerCamps.com, email sharla.schutte@k12.sd.us, or call 605-367-5504 if you have any questions about summer career camps! Thanks to our sponsors!!


🗳️ Help shape the future! Five candidates are vying for two open seats on the Sioux Falls School Board. Learn about them and make time to get to the polls on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/elections


Precious LittleThunder from Roosevelt High School designed and built a star quilt cutting board for her mother while in Mr. Opdahl's Woodworking /Cabinetry class. What a beautiful project! Great work Precious.


SFSD wants your feedback! Our annual parent/guardian survey is now open through Friday, April 19, 2024. Check your email for an active link and share your experiences with us as partners in your child's education! https://survey.k12insight.com/r/6HS2G1


Thanks to our friends at Keloland Living for sitting down with Chef Whempner and some of the CTE Academy ProStart team who will be heading to the National Competition in Baltimore at the end of the month.
Hear more about the competition from the team by watching the video: https://www.keloland.com/keloland-living/local-culinary-students-headed-to-compete-in-baltimore/


Coleman Adamski is a senior from Roosevelt High School and likes to challenge himself to learn new skills. Our “See the Vision” winner has taken Carpentry, Introduction to Engineering Design, both levels of Welding and Senior Experience Capstone. Coleman summed up his learning at the CTE Academy by saying, “I have the freedom to build whatever I want or need with metal or wood materials.” His Welding Teacher, Mr. Benshoof, added that Colman is willing to take on the heavy work and he works every day to make himself better.
Illustrated in this post is Coleman proudly showcasing his one-inch weld test, a testament to his skill and precision. The seamless fusion of metal, devoid of cracks, spatter, or slag inclusion, underscores Coleman's proficiency and marks his progress towards welding certification. With unwavering determination, Coleman envisions a future in the welding industry after graduation. His potential promises a bright trajectory for this talented young man.


Attention students who will be incoming sophomores, juniors, & seniors in the Fall of 2024: are you curious about work in the health care field?!?! Get a behind the scenes look at the High School Health Care Careers Exploration Event on June 12 from 8:30am-2:30pm.
The event is free but spots are limited.
RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1RYEb2sLtNVdwCuehePcZQpFvkjO37K2CyeaTFYkF-aU6zA/viewform?usp=send_form


CTE students volunteering at the Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravganza at Dow Rummel nursing home this past weekend. Can you figure out what their job was???
Reminder: classes will not be held Friday, March 29 or Monday, April 1. Classes will resume Tuesday, April 2.


Elie Land is a talented senior from Jefferson High School. Elie has been busy at the CTE Academy by taking Carpentry, Baking and Pastries and College Prep English. Mrs. Mushaney, Elie’s College Prep English Teacher, nominated Elie for this “See the Vision” award. A committed student, puts in effort and enjoyed in class are the ways that Mrs. Mushaney described Elie. Elie wrote, “I enjoy doing interactive classes, using my hands and creativity to make things.” Elie continued, “The CTE Academy has given me experience with using special equipment, tools and skills.” Commitment, effort, creative and skilled – all qualities of a dedicated CTE student who is deserving of the “See the Vision” award!


Standing amidst a corn plant and a money tree perfectly encapsulates our next recipient of the "See the Vision" award. Carley Felsheim, a senior from Roosevelt High School, is known as the quiet leader at the CTE Academy, having earned the admiration of both her peers and instructors.
Carley embodies a unique blend of confidence and humility, exhibiting understanding, compassion, and an open-mindedness that resonates with those around her. Her likeable and relatable personality further cements her standing as a respected figure within the CTE community.
Juggling a busy schedule at the CTE Academy, Carley excels in courses such as Accounting II, Large Animal Science, and Creative Writing. Two of her teachers, Mrs. Brunken and Ms. Martin, have nominated her for the "See the Vision" award, agreeing on Carley's willingness to step out of her comfort zone and embrace new challenges. As our "Quiet Leader," Carley has set her sights on Augustana University next year to pursue a degree in Finance. With her potential and determination, she holds the promise of becoming a highly successful agricultural finance leader in our community. Congratulations Carley on your award!


CTE Welding students are learning to weld at greater heights. Welders and builders often work to join beams, girders and columns in the construction of buildings, bridges and other types of infrastructure that are far above ground level. Precision and safety are the keys to success. Our students are learning by doing for a great career in structural welding!


Plans are in the works for SFSD students and staff to bring electronic devices home over the weekend in the event that winter weather presents challenges on Monday. Refresh your memory now about the new remote learning plan by using the QR code on the image. We'll keep you posted if there are any schedule changes for Monday.


Garfield Elementary "Leader in Me" students were able to cash in on their leader lunch by attending the CTE Academy for some of the day yesterday! These elementary students are the shining stars and great examples of what it means to be a leader in their classrooms. Students were able to tour the media studio and create their own commercial with Mr. Hoffman and his media students in front of a green screen and then headed to Chef Westling's kitchen to learn how to pipe frosting on a cupcake and make their very own pizzas for lunch! CTE students and Garfield students both had fun interacting with each other and talking about ways they are all great leaders.







