jul11 2023
Farmington High School recently organized a captivating showcase to shed light on its commendable career and technical education programs.
These initiatives open up a vast array of possibilities for students, with 25 different career opportunities available through courses offered at the high school, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and Northwest Technical Institute.
Starlinda Sanders, the coordinator for career and technical education at the Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative in Farmington, believes that such programs provide students with valuable options and opportunities. Farmington High School boasts seven major career and technical education programs, each containing multiple career pathways within them.
To showcase the school’s impressive offerings, a public event was held on February 14.
The showcase commenced at the Performing Arts Center, where Superintendent Jon Laffoon and Principal Jon Purifoy addressed the audience, which comprised Farmington school administrators, members of the School Board, local residents, including Mayor Ernie Penn, and representatives from regional and state-level career and technical education organizations.
Sanders proudly highlighted the 11 on-site career pathways available at Farmington, encompassing fields like business administration, television production, computer science, cybersecurity, child care and nutrition, agriculture, and marketing. Furthermore, the high school collaborates with the community college to provide seven additional career programs, including certification as a nursing assistant. Moreover, students have the opportunity to participate in classes at Northwest Technical Institute, offering certifications in HVAC and welding.
Sanders emphasized that these courses equip Farmington students with valuable skills, providing them with a competitive edge and the best possible prospects as they plan for their futures.
Sunny Teale from the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Career and Technical Education commended Farmington for preparing its students with essential life skills, soft skills, and content knowledge, helping them determine their career interests and aspirations.
Superintendent Laffoon expressed his belief that Farmington’s career and technical education courses offer transformative learning experiences for students in grades 7 to 12. He emphasized that the curriculum fosters an engaging, hands-on environment, empowering students to acquire knowledge that is in high demand in the workforce and develop the necessary skills to thrive.
At present, Farmington High School offers career and technical education programs in computer science, engineering, biomedical science, agriculture, business, AV technology and communication, and family and consumer science. Additionally, the school provides career pathways through Project Lead the Way, focusing on pre-engineering, biomedical studies, and computer science.
Laffoon stated that Farmington is dedicated to increasing the graduation rates of career and technical education students, equipping them with employable skills and training,
enhancing the number of students who earn industry certifications, and preparing them for both career and college success. He believes that career and technical education instills students with the confidence to pursue their dreams.
Principal Purifoy introduced the “7 secrets of our successful school” initiative, which he implemented when he arrived in Farmington nine years ago. These secrets encompass building strong relationships, maintaining high expectations for continuous growth, implementing a well-structured curriculum, setting goals and action plans with coaching, promoting collaborative planning in teams, monitoring progress, and making data-driven decisions through common assessments.
Purifoy acknowledged the dedicated teachers involved in career and technical education and highlighted their multifaceted involvement in the school beyond teaching these courses.
During the 2021-2022 academic year, 319 Farmington High School students obtained certifications in various career and technical education programs, while 48 students successfully completed all the courses within a single pathway over a three-year period. Purifoy celebrated this accomplishment, noting that it accounted for one-fourth of the student population—a truly remarkable feat.
Although career and technical education enrollment experienced a decline during the challenging years of the pandemic, it is now on the rise. Additionally, course offerings may vary annually as the school surveys students to determine their preferences and interests.
Following the initial segment of the showcase, participants were divided into groups and toured different classrooms to learn more about the programs.
Students involved in each program delivered presentations showcasing their learning experiences and how these programs were preparing them for future success.
Farmington High School recently showcased its career and technical education program, giving students and visitors a glimpse into the various courses offered. One student, Kylee Wilbanks, shared her experience on February 14th, specifically highlighting the advertising and marketing as well as fashion merchandising classes.
In addition to Kylee, seniors Luke Flanagan and Cade Cox also expressed their enthusiasm for the engineering, robotics, and computer-integrated manufacturing programs during the event. The students spoke passionately about the valuable skills they have gained through these courses, demonstrating their dedication and knowledge in these fields.
The broadcasting class was hard at work on February 14th, diligently producing the school’s daily newscast.
Students in this program take full responsibility for the entire production process, ensuring the smooth operation and delivery of news throughout the school. Their commitment to delivering quality content was evident as they immersed themselves in the various aspects of broadcasting.
The event also attracted retired Farmington High School teacher Carol Bundsgaard and her husband, Rich, among other visitors. They were part of a group interested in exploring the school’s career and technical education program. Their presence highlighted the broader community’s interest in the program and its potential benefits for students.
The dedicated educators behind Farmington High School’s career and technical education program were instrumental in its success. Let’s take a closer look at the teachers and the courses they teach:
- Leah Bunch offers courses in life and health, child care, food and nutrition, and lifespan development.
- Mandi Collyar covers subjects such as management, retail business, computerized accounting I, and computerized business applications.
- Brian Dean’s classes include fundamentals of TV, digital photography, intermediate advanced TV, and fundamentals of A/V tech.
- John Long focuses on teaching computer science essentials and cybersecurity.
- Seth Jones instructs students in agriculture buildings, agriculture metals, agriculture mechanics, and advanced agriculture mechanics.
- Clayton Sallee teaches poultry science, animal science, and advanced animal science.
- Carrie Scates imparts knowledge in personal finance, marketing I and II, fashion merchandising, and internships.
