Artifact #37 - CTSO activities/lesson plans

Attached are two units where the students are prepared with life-saving skills that they need for the workplace and that they will see in the SkillsUSA competitions.  At the competitions, they must set ground ladders (Chapter 10) and there is a PPE (personal protective equipment) station.  We cover that, including self-contained breathing appartus (SCBA), in Chapter 5.

Artifact #38 - CTSO recruitment

1.  At the beginning of each school year, we distribute a flyer about the importance of SkillsUSA membership and part of my first week's lesson plan is to review this flyer with all students.  Flyer is attached.  I also point out to students that, since this class began four years ago, we have had four consecutive FIRST place winners at SkillsUSA state conference. 

2.  Teachers are required to do a lesson on SkillsUSA membership.  Administration considers each teacher to be a 'Skills Advisor' and to hold club meetings in their classroom on a regular basis.

3.  Also, at the beginning of the year, our students either attend a school-wide assembly led by our SkillsUSA coordinator to learn more about membership or, I will invite her to my class to talk about SkillsUSA membership.

#39 - Community Service Projects

100% of 2nd year Fire and Rescue students are volunteer firefighters.

75% of 1st year Fire and Rescue students are volunteer firefighters in their communities.

Fire and Rescue students provided fire extinguisher training to MTC students (photo attached).

Students have participated in MTC's Open House held each year to promote their program and they also provide fire prevention education to the general public through the set-up and display of the "Fire Safety House" (see photo).

Fire and Rescue students man the Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County booth at the annual Shenandoah Valley Builders Association Home and Garden Show promoting fire safety.  This is where the students practice one of their competencies involving community service. (photos attached)

Fire and Rescue students have tested fire hoses for area volunteer companies.

A previous student was recognized for a project he did as part of his Eagle Scout Project. This involved his promotion of smoke detectors he had installed where a family's home had caught fire and he was given credit for their safe evacuation.

Many of the students who are volunteers in fire & rescue agencies are involved in a variety of community projects with their fire station.

We hold our District SkillsUSA competition in house each year.  That is held in the Fire and Rescue classroom and lab area.  I have attended the state and national SkillsUSA competitions with Fire and Rescue students each year.  I believe our track record of success attests to the importance placed on CTSO membership and active involvement (see attached).