Congrats to Mr. Brockmueller on his new role! 🎉

The CTE Academy is proud to announce that Mr. Brockmueller has been selected as the new Administrative Intern. He will be stepping into this role as he prepares to fill the shoes of Don Ryswyk, our Assistant Principal who will be retiring in June 2026.

Mr. Brockmueller has been a longtime member of the CTE Academy family with more than 24 years of classroom experience. He currently teaches our Computer Technology courses, where he has inspired countless students with his knowledge, dedication, and passion for technology and education. 💻

We are excited to see the leadership and experience he will bring to this new role.

Congratulations, Mr. Brockmueller! We’re excited for you and this next chapter at CTE! 👏

#CTEAcademy #CTELeaders #EducationLeadership #CTEPride #FutureFocused #CTEStrong #TeacherLeadership #SiouxFallsSchools
2 months ago, CTE Academy
Brad Brockmueller announced as the new Administrative Intern at the CTE Academy
🏦📊 AOF Field Trip to the First PREMIER Bank Operations Center!

Students from the CTE Academy of Finance and CTE Exploration had an incredible opportunity to visit the First PREMIER Bank Operations Center and learn from professionals across multiple departments about careers in finance, banking, and business operations.

A huge thank you to Jamie Salonen from Direct Loan Services for organizing this valuable experience for our students! 👏

Our students learned from several team members about how different departments work together to serve customers and keep the bank running efficiently:

🔹 Jesse Huser – Treasury
“Business and technology together to be efficient.”

🔹 Nadine Benjamin – Mortgage Operations
“Different paths for people’s wants and needs—First PREMIER Bank helps guide them.”

🔹 Matt Hieb – Indirect Lending
“Be flexible, adapt, and do what others don’t want to do… create value.”

🔹 Michael Wheelock – Collections
“The most important thing is to talk to your creditors if you need financial changes.”

🔹 Ashley Johnson – Customer Care
Directs customer calls to the correct departments, supporting over 10,000 calls each month and creating the first impression of the bank.

🔹 Trent Myron – Finance
“Take the risk with the opportunity.”

🔹 Megan Poncelet – Compliance
Explained the three lines of defense:
1️⃣ Business Analysts
2️⃣ Risk Management
3️⃣ Internal Audit

Thank you for the warm welcome, the treats, the swag, and for sharing your time and expertise with our students. Your leadership in our community truly represents “The PREMIER Way.” 👏

#AcademyOfFinance #CTEAcademy #FirstPremierBank #CareerConnected #FutureBusinessLeaders #CTEProud #CommunityPartnerships #HandsOnLearning #SiouxFalls #FutureReady 📈
2 months ago, CTE Academy
All students and Premier Bank guest speakers posing for a picture
Academy of Finance and Exploration students listening to Premier Bank guest speakers
📣💼 AOF Guest Presenter Spotlight!

Students in the CTE Academy of Finance had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Rand Wergin, professor from the University of South Dakota, about Marketing and Promotions. 📊

Dr. Wergin shared several key insights with our students:

🔹 Marketing is bringing buyers and sellers together to create an exchange
🔹 Value is determined by what we put into something and what we get out of it
🔹 People don’t just buy products — they buy benefits
🔹 Great communication also means being a great listener

Thank you, Dr. Wergin, for sharing your knowledge and helping our students better understand the world of marketing and business! 👏

#AcademyOfFinance #CTEAcademy #MarketingMatters #FutureBusinessLeaders #CTEProud #GuestSpeaker #CareerConnected #FutureReady 📈
2 months ago, CTE Academy
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker
🌟 See the Vision Award Recipient! 🌟

The CTE Academy is proud to recognize MaKenzie Duffy as a recipient of the “See the Vision” Award for her outstanding performance and character in the Health Careers program. 🩺✨

It is an absolute pleasure to celebrate this exceptional young woman. MaKenzie is truly a stellar student and one of the most outstanding individuals her instructor, Mrs. Kennedy, has had the privilege of teaching in Health Careers.

MaKenzie consistently arrives early, fully prepared, and eager to learn. She completes every assignment with excellence and often goes beyond expectations by asking for additional work simply because she wants to grow and challenge herself. This level of motivation reflects her strong character, dedication, and commitment to personal growth. 📚💪

What truly sets MaKenzie apart is her positive attitude and contagious energy. She carries a constant smile and uplifts those around her—both classmates and instructors—helping create a supportive and encouraging learning environment. These qualities are especially meaningful in healthcare, where compassion and kindness matter just as much as skill and knowledge. ❤️

MaKenzie’s work ethic, professionalism, kindness, and excellence make her incredibly deserving of this recognition. She truly embodies the spirit of the “See the Vision” Award and represents the future of healthcare. 👏

#SeeTheVision #CTEAcademy #HealthCareers #FutureHealthcareHeroes #StudentSuccess #CTEProud #FutureReady #LeadershipInAction 🩺✨
2 months ago, CTE Academy
student posing with her award in class
🌟 See the Vision Award Recipient! 🌟

The CTE Academy is proud to recognize Tessa Weiland, a senior from Washington High School, as a recipient of the “See the Vision” Award. 👏✨

Tessa consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of responsibility and dependability. Her work is always completed on time and reflects strong attention to detail and a commitment to doing things the right way. She approaches every assignment with integrity and seriousness, displaying a level of maturity well beyond her years. 📚

Equally impressive are the qualities she brings to the classroom each day. Tessa is respectful, kind, and genuinely thoughtful in her interactions with others. She treats both classmates and instructors with courtesy and compassion, exemplifying the character and professionalism we hope to see in future healthcare professionals. 🩺💙

Tessa is pictured with her Health Careers teacher, Mrs. Kennedy, who shared:
"For her outstanding academic achievement, unwavering work ethic, and the positive example she sets for others, Tessa truly embodies the spirit of the 'See the Vision' Award."

Congratulations, Tessa! We are proud of you and excited to see where your future takes you. 🌟

#SeeTheVision #CTEAcademy #HealthCareers #FutureHealthcareProfessionals #StudentSuccess #CTEProud #SiouxFallsSchools #LeadershipInAction #FutureReady 🩺✨
2 months ago, CTE Academy
Mrs. Kennedy pictured with award student holding her award
🌟 See the Vision Award Winner! 🌟

Please help us congratulate Alexis Van Hill, a senior from Washington High School and a standout student in the CTE Academy of Finance, as our See the Vision Award winner! 🎉

Throughout her time in the Academy, Alexis has taken full advantage of the opportunities available, completing courses including Accounting, Introduction to Financial Services, Banking & Credit, and Accounting II. 📊💼

Alexis demonstrates resilience, discipline, and a strong commitment to personal growth. She approaches challenges with confidence and determination while continually striving to improve academically and professionally. She is also known for supporting her classmates, stepping into leadership roles during group work, and helping create a positive and collaborative learning environment. 🤝📚

Her compassion, teamwork, and communication skills contribute greatly to the strong culture within the Academy. With a strong work ethic and natural leadership ability, Alexis truly embodies what it means to “See the Vision” of who you can become at CTE. ✨

Congratulations, Alexis! We are proud of you and excited to see where your future takes you! 👏

#SeeTheVision #CTEAcademy #AcademyOfFinance #FutureLeaders #CTEProud #SiouxFallsSchools #StudentSuccess #FutureInFinance #CareerReady #LeadershipInAction
2 months ago, CTE Academy
Alexis posing for a picture with her See the Vision Award
🏡✨ 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 🛠️🏠
2 months ago, CTE Academy
CTE Open House Dates
📊💼 AOF Guest Presenter Spotlight!

Our Academy of Finance students had the opportunity to learn from Greg Garry from BanCorp about the Financial Market and the skills needed to succeed in business.

Some key takeaways from today’s discussion:

🔹 Real experience comes from working with people outside your home and comfort zone
🔹 We truly learn by explaining and applying what we know
🔹 Risk = Trade Off — every decision has opportunity and consequence
🔹 AI doesn’t run businesses… people do
🔹 The importance of asking questions, communicating effectively, and seeing multiple perspectives

Thank you, Greg, for sharing your time and insights with our students!

#AcademyOfFinance #AOF #CareerConnected #FutureBusinessLeaders #CTEAcademy #FinancialLiteracy #GuestSpeaker #CTEProud #LearningFromProfessionals 📈
2 months ago, CTE Academy
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker holding NAF sign
🎶 March is Music in Our Schools Month! 🎶

Our Digital Media students at CTE celebrated by exploring how music plays a powerful role in media and storytelling. From learning how sound influences emotion in videos to experimenting with audio editing and production, students discovered how music can transform digital content.

Music is more than just something we hear—it helps tell stories, create atmosphere, and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Our students had a great time getting creative and seeing how sound design enhances the media we experience every day.

Great work to our Digital Media students for celebrating Music in Our Schools Month through creativity and innovation! 🎧🎥

#MusicInOurSchoolsMonth #CTE #DigitalMedia #CreativeCareers #HandsOnLearning #CTEProud
2 months ago, CTE Academy
student playing guitar in class
Mrs. Mehlert checking in on students music editing
2 students sitting and creating their music to edit
Student sitting at a computer doing music editing
2 students working together on a music piece and recording
Student playing a guitar in class
2 students sitting and listening to one play the guitar
Student sitting at a computer doing music editing
Student sitting at a computer doing music editing
🏠 Big progress for our Carpentry students! 🔨

Our Habitat for Humanity house is officially completed on our students’ end, and we couldn’t be more proud of the work they’ve put into this build. From framing to finishing touches, students gained valuable hands-on experience throughout the entire project.

Over at the CTE House, the cabinets are officially going in, and the covered porch is wrapping up! It’s exciting to see both projects coming together and to watch our students’ hard work turn into real homes.

Great work to our talented students and instructors who made these projects possible! 👏

#CTE #Carpentry #HabitatForHumanity #CTEHouse #SkilledTrades #HandsOnLearning #BuildingTheFuture
2 months ago, CTE Academy
Habitat for Humanity outside of the house
Habitat for Humanity outside of the house
CTE house cabinetry
CTE house cabinetry
CTE house covered porch
✨ Academy of Finance Spotlight ✨

A huge thank you to our AOF Advisory Board Member Dawn Uthe, Human Resource Director at Cars For Sale, for investing in our students!

Dawn spent time helping prepare students for our upcoming AOF Internship Interview Day in April by covering:
✔️ How to apply for jobs
✔️ Interview tips and professionalism
✔️ Resume and cover letter feedback
✔️ What employers are really looking for

Real-world insight from industry professionals makes all the difference as our students get ready to step into the workforce. We are so grateful for community partners like Dawn who help bridge the gap between classroom learning and career success!

#AcademyOfFinance #AOF #CareerReady #InternshipPrep #WorkforceDevelopment
2 months ago, CTE Academy
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker
📊💼 Academy of Finance in action!

We had the opportunity to learn from Derek Franken, Professor of Accounting & Finance at the University of South Dakota!

Students explored how to analyze publicly traded companies using the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website (SEC.gov) — diving into real financial data like:

✔️ Inventory
✔️ Accounts Receivable
✔️ Debt Ratio
✔️ Equity Ratio
✔️ And more!

Learning how to interpret these metrics gives our students real-world insight into how businesses operate, perform, and make financial decisions. This is hands-on finance at its best! 💰📈

Thank you, Professor Franken, for helping our students connect classroom concepts to real-world application!

#AcademyOfFinance #CTEAcademy #FutureBusinessLeaders #FinancialLiteracy #RealWorldLearning #CTEProud
2 months ago, CTE Academy
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker
🚑🔥 EMT students have been putting in the work!

From hands-on Skills Saturdays at Sanford Health to learning from our recent guest speaker Jed, an athletic trainer, our students are gaining real-world experience that goes beyond the classroom.

At Sanford, they’ve been sharpening critical EMT skills, building confidence, and applying what they’ve learned in high-pressure scenarios. Hearing from an athletic trainer also gave them great insight into injury assessment, on-field emergencies, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

We love seeing our students take advantage of every opportunity to grow and prepare for the NREMT and their future careers in emergency medicine! 💪

#CTEAcademy #EMTStudents #SkillsSaturday #FutureFirstResponders #HandsOnLearning #CTEProud
2 months ago, CTE Academy
EMT ladies practicing the flow of their assessments
EMT students practicing KED board skill
Athletic trainer demonstrating out to tape a foot
🎨🏠 The countdown is ON!

Carpentry is putting the finishing touches on the 2026 CTE Academy student-built home — painting is wrapping up this week and it’s all coming together beautifully! 🙌

Every brushstroke represents the craftsmanship, teamwork, and pride our students have poured into this project. We are getting so close to Open House and can’t wait for you to see it!

Stay tuned for final details and sneak peeks 👀

#CTEAcademy #Carpentry #StudentBuilt #OpenHouseReady #HandsOnLearning #CTEProud 🛠️🎨
3 months ago, CTE Academy
Students painting the walls in the CTE house
📈💰 Investing in the Future!
Thanks to Aaron Severson, Wells Fargo Financial Advisor, for presenting to our students on the Stock Market.

Students learned the difference between a Bull Market (market is up) and a Bear Market (down 20% or more), and the importance of time in the market vs. trying to time the market.
Now the fun begins! Students are participating in a Stock Market Game from Black Hills State University through April 17th — each student starts with $100,000 to invest! 💸📊

#CTEMonth #AOF #FinancialEducation #StockMarket #FutureInvestors #CareerReady #CTEWorks
3 months ago, CTE Academy
AOF
AOF

🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! 🎉

💬 “My daughter had Mrs. Kelsch as her Baking and Pastries teacher and loved the entire experience. She is now taking Health Careers and enjoying it just as much. She hopes to pursue a medical career, and these opportunities have been fantastic. I am so thankful!”

"This is my daughter’s first class in the school district at CTE and both Chef Kelsch and Chef Whempner have motivated, encouraged, and helped unlock my daughter’s passion for cooking. The program has been amazing with guest speakers, food challenges and fun field trips to restaurants and businesses. I highly recommend CTE classes to anyone looking for a specific career interest."

Thank you, Mrs. Kelsch and Mrs. Whempner, for helping students explore their interests and discover future career paths! 👏

#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #StudentSuccess #CareerExploration #HealthCareCareers #BakingAndPastries

3 months ago, CTE Academy
Mrs. Kelsch
Mrs. Whempner
💼📚 Ethics in Action!
Thanks to Matthew Heard, USD Professor of Business, for presenting to our students on Ethics and Social Responsibilities.

Students are gearing up for AOF Day at USD on Monday, April 20th, where they’ll meet and learn from professors across the Beacom School of Business! 👏

#CTEMonth #AOF #BusinessEducation #FutureLeaders #CareerReady #CTEWorks
3 months ago, CTE Academy
AOF
🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! 🛠️

Mr. Olson – Carpentry Instructor
💬 “My son had a great experience and learned how to build a house.”

💬 “My oldest son is enjoying construction, actually learning, and will use all the knowledge gained to help him when he graduates. It gives him a good idea of what is to come while building a house.”

Thank you, Mr. Olson, for giving students hands-on experience and preparing them for real-world construction careers! 👏

#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #ConstructionCareers #StudentSuccess #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #FutureTrades
3 months ago, CTE Academy
CTE Month Celebration
🎉 CTE Month Staff Shout-Out! 🩺

Health Careers Teachers: Mrs. Drummond, Mrs. Kennedy, and Mrs. Even
💬 “My daughter will be pursuing a nursing degree, and her Health Careers class has been a great opportunity for her to explore the field.”

💬 “My oldest child graduated in 2025 and loved her Health Careers course. The teacher was awesome!”

💬 “My oldest daughter decided on a nursing career after taking Biomed & Health Careers. She graduates from college this spring and already has a job lined up. Those classes really guided her in that direction.”

💬 “My oldest took the Health Careers class that led to CNA certification. It helped her develop an understanding of the medical profession and allowed her to work at the hospital while in school in the profession she is ultimately going to be in.”

Thank you to our Health Careers teachers for inspiring students and opening doors to real-world healthcare careers! 👏

#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #HealthCareCareers #FutureNurses #StudentSuccess #CareerExploration #CNA #HandsOnLearning
3 months ago, CTE Academy
Mrs. Drummond
Mrs. Even
Mrs. Kennedy
Health Careers
Health Careers
Health Careers
Health Careers
🔨🏠 Carpentry Update! 🎨

We are READY FOR PAINT and our siding is coming along amazingly! 🙌 The house is really starting to take shape, and all the hard work is paying off.

Our students are gaining real-world construction experience every single day — from measuring and installing to perfecting the finishing touches.

Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this project to life! 👷‍♂️✨

#CTE #Carpentry #BuildingTheFuture #HandsOnLearning #CTEAcademy
3 months ago, CTE Academy
CTE house siding is ready for paint
CTE house siding is ready for paint
CTE house siding is ready for paint
Inside the CTE house and walls are ready for painting
Inside the CTE house and walls are ready for painting