InBuckeye October 2024

FUTURE

FUTURE READY Buckeye high schoolers benefit from career, tech programs

and opportunities to develop essential skills beyond the classroom. Through participation in CTSOs, students engage in real-world projects, leadership activities and competitive events that mirror workplace challenges. “These organizations help us to bridge the gap between education and industry,” said Melanie Lintz, CTE career pathways coordinator at BUHSD. CTSOs at BUHSD consistently earn chapter awards and individual student accolades. “Our students not only achieve high recognition at the state level but also serve as state and national officers, showcasing their leadership and dedication,” Bebee said. “This year we are proud to have a total of four state officers that serve in either SkillsUSA, HOSA, FCCLA or FBLA, as well as one national FBLA officer. These achievements reflect the strength of our programs and the exceptional talent and hard work of our students and advisors.” By offering a diverse array of programs and fostering strong partnerships with industry leaders, CTE initiatives equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market. “We are committed to preparing students not just for academic success but for meaningful and prosperous careers,” Bebee said. “Through our dedication to high-quality education and real-world training, we are shaping the future of our community one student at a time.”

BY JAY TAYLOR W hile students venture down many different pathways after high school, everyone aspires to build a successful career — and having the right skills is key. At Buckeye Union High School District, students are empowered to become “Future Ready,” whether they choose to pursue a college degree, attend a trade school, enlist in the military or enter the workforce directly. With 20 diverse career and technical education programs offered, BUHSD provides students with the practical tools and expertise needed to thrive in their chosen paths and achieve their career goals. These programs provide students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for high-demand careers in today’s competitive workforce. They cover a wide range of fields, including healthcare, agriculture, automotive, engineering, culinary arts, digital media and 10 more industries. By participating in these CTE programs, students gain valuable technical skills and develop critical thinking, leadership and problem-solving. How’s this for a report card? The Arizona College and Career Readiness Indicators are a set of measures used to evaluate how well students are prepared for post-secondary education and careers. These indicators are part of the Arizona Department of Education’s framework for assessing school performance and student readiness. At Buckeye Union High School District, 87% of seniors last school year achieved a significant milestone by earning one point or more on the ACCRI, demonstrating their readiness for post-secondary education or entering the workforce, per the state. This achievement is considered exceptional as it surpasses the average readiness levels seen in other districts in the state and the West Valley, highlighting the BUHSD’s strong emphasis on preparing students to be “Future Ready.” Over the past three years, the school district has shown tremendous gains, surpassing

the state average in key academic areas like graduation rates, reading and math. “This upward trajectory reflects the district’s commitment to academic excellence and targeted interventions aimed at enhancing student outcomes,” said BUHSD Superintendent Dr. Steven Bebee. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our educators, students and the broader community in striving for and maintaining high academic standards.” The proof is in the pudding At BUHSD, 955 of its CTE students earned an industry credential last school year. “These credentials not only enhance students’ resumes but also give them a competitive edge in the job market, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further specialized training in their chosen fields,” Bebee said. Career and Technical Student Organizations play a crucial role in preparing students for the workforce by providing hands-on experiences

A LEGACY WORTH

FARMING FOR Why Buckeye is about to lose most of the cropland it has left

623-269-1000 buhsd.org

BY ELIAS WEISS AND HANNA GHABHAIN

I I WASN’T EVEN HUNGRY. FOREWORD BY ELIAS WEISS And that was probably the worst part — not that I left food on my plate in front of the wrong lunch guest that day, but the reason why. Can I be forgiven for marooning a few wilted leaves in the salad bowl? Sure. But I wished I didn’t after making the realization. You know, Hollywood got a lot of it wrong. Accountants aren’t all Affleck-esque savants who crunch numbers with dry erase markers on panes of glass — they use QuickBooks. Cops don’t appear mid-mugging barking, “freeze!” and believe it or not, most hackers can appreciate a well-lit room. First, we’re going to make you the bad guy. Next, we’ll take your resources. Then, we’ll add 2.5 million people and ask you — where have the resources gone? – NICHOLAS KENNY