North Springs Students Excel In Career, Technical Education Courses

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- There is no better time to highlight the success of North Springs Charter High School’s career academy programs than in February, which is recognized across the country as Career and Technical Education Month.

The school has a number of special events planned, culminating with its 2017 College & Career Expo set for Friday, Feb. 24.

"Our career programs and pathways in graphic design, business, health science, information technology, audio/video, JROTC and work-based learning are growing," said Principal Scott Hanson. "We serve nearly 800 students and our teachers are working hard to give students amazing, real world, relevant experience."

In December, AV/Tech teacher Aldo Bacallao and his students created a public service announcement for the Sandy Springs Police Department to help curb vehicle break-ins.

North Springs students organized, worked as actors, recorded and edited the announcement, said CTE Department Chair Scott Greb. They also also used an original music created by magnet students using the music department's new recording studio.

“Thanks to great advisors and student leadership, our Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter is one of the largest in the state," Greb added, noting the chapter just earned a record-breaking 40 awards at regionals where more than 100 students competed. Thirty-five of those pupils will take part in the state championship.

Other CTE successes at North Springs:

• 13 business law and entrepreneurship students successfully passed the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification exam and are now industry certified and more are working to do the same.
• 50 students in the national student Health Science Organization of America, known as HOSA, excelled at regionals and will now also compete at State. The program has grown with two full time teachers and two health science certifications.
• Graphic Design students are creating a national print ad for Olympus, a worldwide chauffeured services firm headquartered here in Sandy Springs, while a team of web design students are creating a website for their trade association. In addition the graphic design studio just opened its own print shop.

The JROTC Program also falls under the CTE umbrella, and North Springs is one of eight Fulton County schools to offer the program. Senior Max Friedman leads all eight battalions as Fulton County Cadet Brigade commander.

“We are also proud that he has just been accepted into the Citadel,” said Major (Ret.) Todd Powers, the teacher who directs the program.

Over the next five weeks, 41 cadets will be competing in four Drill Invitationals, including one the North Springs Battalion will host Feb. 25.

Last but not least, North Springs’ new work-based learning program has more student applicants than spots for next year. Over 240 students applied, and teacher Brian Patterson said he will only be able to accept roughly half that number.

The program which provides paid and unpaid internship opportunities to students on and off campus, has become very popular and highly competitive.

“Students realize the value of gaining real-world work experience before leaving high school and we have some amazing opportunities thanks to both our students and the business community,” Patterson said.

Photo 1: AV Tech teacher Aldo Bacallao and students Logan Thompson, Anthony Smith, Devante George and Levi Rochester with Sandy Springs Police Capt. Mike Lindstrom, Officer Cory Begeal and Sgt. Sam Worsham. North Springs created a video for the police designed to curb car break-ins.

Photo 2: Jacob Cohen works for InventHelp in Sandy Springs as part of his work-based learning experience.

Photo 3: Isaac Chambers is marketing intern for Chick-fil-A as part of his work-based learning experience

Photo 4: North Springs' new Microsoft Office Certified Specialists include (Front row): Jazzemin Neal, Natalia Torrens-Soto, Kaylan Banjoko, Jaylin Grier, with teacher Kimberly Daniel and (Second row): Tiyon Carter, Jack Pines, Leo Sachs, David Glass, Sincere Coward, Erek Karadeniz

Photo 5: 31 of 35 North Springs Future Business Leaders are headed to the State FBLA competition in Athens after record-breaking success in regionals. North Springs FBLA chapter is a Superior Gold Chapter and one of the largest in the state.

Photo credits: North Springs Charter High School