Letter to the Editor

February is Career & Technical Education Month

Friday, February 4, 2011

To the editor:

February is Career & Technical Education Month with the theme "Learners Today, Earners Tomorrow," and Feb. 6-12 is National Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Week with the theme of "To be continued..."

The Blytheville High School FCCLA chapter members and Family and Consumer Sciences students are developing the skill sets necessary to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global society. The relevant Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum combined with participation in the only Career and Technical Student Organization with the family as its central focus, affords numerous students with varying backgrounds and abilities unlimited opportunities to realize their potential in academic achievement, career preparation, character development, leadership development, employability skills and much more. Every year, BHS students who participate in the Family and Consumer Sciences Program and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America have the option of becoming involved in meaningful community service, achieving awards and recognition, applying for scholarships, receiving articulated college credit, developing their creative and critical thinking skills, improving their interpersonal communications, learning life skills,and enjoying the benefits of being a part of a group of young people who have set positive goals for their lives.

When asked, "How have Family and Consumer Sciences and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America helped you?" the following responses were given:

-- Carah Keating, junior, current BHS FCCLA vice president of public relations, stated, "Through both FACS and FCCLA, not only have I benefited educationally, but in every other aspect as well!"

-- Jordan Hardy, junior, current BHS FCCLA president, replied, "FACS and FCCLA have provided a multitude of fantastic opportunities for me throughout my middle school and high school experience."

The impact of the Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum teamed with the Career and Technical Student Organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, provides unlimited opportunities for positive experiences that can be life changing and life enhancing. Thus truly, "FACS and FCCLA: Together Achieve More ..." (The theme for the BHS FACS program and FCCLA this year.)

Thank you for your support of Career and Technical Education, the Family and Consumer Sciences Program, and the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America student organization.

Pamela S. Pruett
Blytheville High School FACS Teacher/Educator and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Adviser for 25 years