Del Sol High School (DSHS) Education Pathway students recently stepped out of their own classrooms and into the inspiring world of early childhood development. The students visited the Moorpark College Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center for an immersive, firsthand look at preschool education in action.
During the visit, students toured the state-of-the-art facilities and observed professional ECE educators interacting with young learners. The experience bridged the gap between high school coursework and post-secondary opportunities, giving students a clearer picture of their future options.
A major highlight of the trip was a presentation by Moorpark ECE faculty member Johanna Pimentel. She shared industry best practices for running a successful preschool center, emphasizing that safety and creating a joyful learning environment are foundational to a child's growth.
The tour gave our future educators valuable insight into teaching as a career and the profound impact they can make. Students returned to campus energized, expressing excitement at seeing the theories they study in their DSHS pathway classes come to life in the real world.
The Triton Talk crew continues to elevate Pacifica High School through the district’s only daily student-produced livestream. This year, students upgraded the studio by transitioning from PC to Mac systems and replacing the green screen with blue walls for enhanced visual production. New segments included Talk of the Tide (staff recognition), Catch of the Day (student spotlights), daily cafeteria updates, and Interactive Corner, featuring awareness topics and cultural heritage celebrations. Students also gained industry experience through visits to KEYT-TV and FotoKem and produced Split Decision, a student film developed over five months and submitted to the Gold Coast High Schools Film Festival. The project was led by producer Angelina Dominguez, with Makayla Nguyen serving as lead filmer and Andrew Pike as audio specialist. Meleah Rudy and Abigail Dominguez worked as key grips, while Carden Rudy and Lola Bauer starred as lead actors alongside supporting cast members Gabriel Petschow and Aldo Andrade.
At Channel Island High School (CIHS), culinary students participated in weekly cooking labs where they develop essential culinary techniques, food safety practices, and teamwork skills. Program highlights include an exciting cupcake competition and a comprehensive three-course meal project that challenged students to plan, prepare, and present a professional-quality dining experience. Students also enjoyed educational field trips to the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and the Oxnard College Culinary Program, where they toured facilities, learn from industry professionals, and enjoyed prepared by culinary professionals at both locations. In addition, students had the opportunity to earn industry-recognized culinary certifications by successfully completing certification exams, helping them build valuable credentials for college and career pathways.
Our Adolfo Camarillo High School Architecture and Product Design students have been incredibly busy this month putting their skills to work for two amazing local causes:
Bringing Beetlejuice to Life: Students are partnering with the Conejo Players Theatre to design and build custom props for an upcoming production. This hands-on experience gives students a taste of industry-standard set design and the fast-paced world of live technical theater.
Building for a Cause: In the shop, students are also busy crafting six Little Lending Libraries. These functional pieces of art will be donated to a charitable organization and auctioned off to raise vital funds. It’s a perfect example of how our CTE pathways blend rigorous technical craftsmanship with community service.
Congratulations to these multi-talented Scorps for making a difference through exceptional design!
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, Channel Islands High School celebrated an exceptional milestone in student achievement, filling half of the campus gymnasium with families and friends to honor over 300 Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway completers. Each celebrated student received a formal Certificate of Achievement verifying their comprehensive pathway completion and successful passage of rigorous Technical Skills Assessments—industry-backed proficiencies explicitly detailed on their certificates to strengthen future employment, vocational, and university applications. Highlighting the evening's achievements, the medical program recognized 23 outstanding students who secured their state licenses and can begin immediate employment as professional Medical, Dental, and Certified Nursing Assistants. This milestone event stands as a direct testament to the unwavering dedication of our CTE faculty, and we extend our highest commendations and best wishes to these CIHS graduates as they leverage their industry credentials to launch high-skill careers and postsecondary journeys.
In a heartwarming collaboration, Hueneme High School Advanced Patient Care students teamed up with the CTE Little Vikes program to set up an interactive, doctor-themed station designed to teach the preschoolers that a visit to the doctor doesn’t have to be scary. The high school patient care students brought medical concepts down to a child's level by demonstrating real clinical tools, including stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and thermometers. They also led an engaging "glow germ" station, where the Little Vikes applied glow-in-the-dark germs to their hands and learned the proper techniques to completely wash them away. Ms. Nicole Cook, the HHS Medical Teacher, noted that the collaboration was a massive success for both age groups. While the preschoolers left with an understanding of healthy habits, the high school students gained vital, real-world experience that goes beyond clinical textbooks. By interacting with their youngest peers, the Advanced Patient Care students practiced authentic, patient-centered care and learned firsthand how to communicate complex medical ideas through the lens of kindness, reassurance, and patience.
The excitement moved to the Ventura College campus for the second week of competition. Four district teams—the Adolfo Camarillo Scorps (Team #6934), Pacifica TriTron (Team #7323), Rancho Reapers (Team #8533), and the Oxnard Metal Jackets (Team #7327)—demonstrated impressive technical skills and teamwork. All four teams operated under student leadership and delivered strong performances on the field.
The season kicked off at the Port of Hueneme/Fathomwerx Lab, featuring the Hueneme Thunder Vikes (Team #10166) and the Oxnard High School Metal Jackets (Team #7327). The Thunder Vikes made a strong showing with an expanded roster of 35 students this year. Meanwhile, the Metal Jackets debuted a female driver who was inspired to join by her older brother, a former student who continues to give back as a team mentor.
In the third week of action, the Scorps, TriTron, Reapers, and Thunder Vikes traveled to Glendale High School for another high-stakes round of competition. These teams returned to the arena stronger than ever, showcasing technical improvements and an infectious team spirit. We are incredibly proud of all our students, team mentors, and teachers for their hard work and dedication throughout this challenging season!
Medical Pathway students from OUHSD high schools gathered for the Medical Olympics, a hands-on event designed for real-world application. Each school sent 25 students, who were placed in mixed-school teams to foster collaboration and teamwork. The event was designed to allow students to step beyond the classroom and apply their knowledge in real-world, hands-on scenarios. This direct interaction allowed students to build confidence, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of both the technical skills and the realities of working in healthcare. Learning alongside professionals in the field gave students valuable insights into different career paths and helped them see how their classroom learning connects to real-world applications.
Students rotated through interactive stations led by healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, and firefighters to practice critical skills such as airway management and injections, stop the bleed protocols, staple suturing and athletic taping, and manual blood pressure measurement. Community partners like VC Health and Farm to School provided career resources and nutrition, while mental health outreach reinforced whole-person care. The day concluded with relay races and a networking lunch, bridging the gap between classroom learning and future healthcare careers through direct professional mentorship.
Dream It, Be It, Inspiring Young Women to Explore Careers
The Dream It, Be It event, held in partnership with the Oxnard Soroptimists, encouraged 10th–12th grade girls to explore career opportunities and develop meaningful goals for their futures. Sponsored by the Soroptimists, the event welcomed approximately 70 young ladies who had the opportunity to hear from women representing a variety of careers, including EMT, finance, real estate, cosmetology, law enforcement, the Port of Hueneme, and radiology.
Students participated in career exploration activities, including a career assessment led by our College and Career Technicians, enjoyed lunch, and engaged in meaningful conversations with industry professionals. The day concluded with the awarding of a scholarship to one outstanding student, making the event an inspiring and impactful experience for all participants.
In January, Rancho Campana Arts, Media and Entertainment students went to the Ventura Botanical Gardens to take photos and videos. They were then able to make flyers and short commercials using their pictures and footage to provide exposure about the gardens. You might see some of their work on the gardens’ social media!
Kate Blumenthal, RCHS photography teacher, taught students how to take official U.S. passport photos. This is a great new skill that students can use to help others. A big thank you to Sr. Arriaga for helping the students practice!
In February, students took a walking tour to see buildings designed by famous architect Jeff Shelton. Students took photos of the cool buildings for their projects and created flyers and videos to help promote tourism in Santa Barbara.
The Video and Film students wrapped up filming their own movie called “Time Bomb.” They are busy editing the film and adding the finishing touches and plan to enter into the Gold Coast Film Festival in May.
Students from the Oxnard Union High School District recently attended the Skilled Trades Summit. This event helped students learn about important jobs like building, electrical work, plumbing, welding, and fixing cars. Instead of just sitting in a classroom, students got to see how these jobs work in the real world. They talked to professionals and learned what kind of training they need to start these careers. It was a great way for students to see how what they learn in school is used in real life.
During the event, students moved through different stations to practice skills with experts. They learned about the technical parts of the jobs and why safety is so important. There were also talks about what it is really like to work in these trades. Students learned that these jobs are in high demand, pay well, and offer many ways to grow. This experience helped students feel more confident and gave them a chance to ask questions about their future careers.
The Skilled Trades Summit was a helpful way for students to explore different career paths. By meeting professional mentors, students could imagine themselves being successful in these important industries. By the end of the day, everyone had a better understanding of how vocational training can lead to a great job right after school. The school district is proud to help students get ready for the workforce with hands-on events like this one.
Career Expo Invites OUHSD Students to meet Partners
More than 500 students from the Oxnard Union High School District recently attended the Career Expo. This successful event gave students a chance to speak directly with professionals and learn about many different career paths. It was designed to help students connect with local employers and see how what they learn in school is used in the workforce. Many different groups participated, including people from public safety, healthcare, and skilled trades. Students also talked to representatives from community colleges, the military, and labor unions to learn about training and apprenticeship programs. This experience helped students see firsthand what it is like to work in fields like firefighting, law enforcement, and engineering. It was a great way for students to build professional networks and start thinking about their future career goals.
This year, the Career Expo celebrated its 41st anniversary since it began in the spring of 1985. Gary Davis, former superintendent of OUHSD and a member of the Rotary Club, has attended the Skilled Trades Career Expo each year since it first started forty years ago. He is proud of how much the Career Expo has grown and the impact it has had on OUHSD students throughout the years.
The 2026 Gold Coast High Schools (GCHS) Film Festival is a premier event designed to showcase and celebrate student filmmakers throughout Ventura County. Organized by the teachers of Ventura County and sponsored by the OUHSD CTE Department, the festival serves a vital regional purpose as the very first county-wide film festival dedicated to connecting high schools across the area. It brings together a community of 13 founding schools across multiple school districts including Fillmore Unified School District (SD), Moorpark Unified SD, Oxnard Union High SD, Santa Paula Unified SD, Ventura Unified SD.
The festival provides students with an authentic, professional industry experience and a platform to make a meaningful cultural impact. The event mimics major industry galas, starting with a red-carpet arrival and photos, followed by formal screenings at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center. Students compete across 8 distinct award categories—including Cinematography, Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay—allowing them to receive recognition for specialized filmmaking skills, culminating in an Audience Choice voting segment and an award ceremony.
2026 WINNERS FOR GCHS FILM FESTIVAL
Best Picture - Moorpark High School
Best Director - Santa Susana High School
Best Cinematographer - Buena High School
Best Talent - Hueneme High School
Best Sound - Oxnard High School
Best Editing - Channel Islands High School
Best Screenwriter - Camarillo High School
Audience Winner - Rancho Campana High School
The Green Technologies Academy recently hosted a highly successful Career Networking Luncheon, bringing together a dynamic group of industry professionals and 12th-grade capstone students. The event gave students a unique opportunity to explore the rapidly growing field of green technology and hear firsthand from experts working in sustainability, environmental conservation, construction, energy, and public service. Representatives from local organizations and industry partners shared their personal career journeys, discussed current workforce opportunities, and answered students' questions about future career pathways. This invaluable real-world insight was made possible by the generous participation of local partners, including the Oxnard Water Division, Ventura County Water, Ventura County Agriculture Weights and Measures, Center for Employment Training Tri-Counties, Tri-Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, Tri-County Regional Energy Network, United Water Conservation District, The Port of Hueneme, IBEW Local 952, and ESG Consulting. The luncheon provided meaningful, lasting connections for our 12th-graders as they prepare to take their next steps into college and careers. Events like these bridge the gap between graduation and the workforce, highlighting high-demand careers that support sustainability and environmental stewardship right here in our communities.
Through an exciting partnership with the California Restaurant Association ProStart Program, 12th-grade student Evelyn has been selected to collaborate with industry giant The Cheesecake Factory for the upcoming Culinary Clash competition. This unique event pairs top restaurant executives with a ProStart student sous chef to design and execute a high-end menu item using a set of required ingredients. The high-stakes, three-month mentorship program culminates in an exclusive live tasting event where students showcase their skills in front of industry leaders. As part of her preparation, Evelyn recently visited The Cheesecake Factory's Oxnard location, where she connected with the company’s first female Area Kitchen Operations Manager (AKOM) alongside the Area Director of Operations (ADO) team, both of whom will be attending the competition to cheer her on. During her immersive site visit, Evelyn met with the executive chef and toured the prep room, coolers, dish room, and line, gaining invaluable hands-on kitchen experience. Impressed by her talent and work ethic, The Cheesecake Factory team extended an exciting offer for a position in their prep room, which Evelyn will officially interview for and finalize following the conclusion of the 2026 Culinary Clash. This incredible opportunity highlights the strength of a three-year partnership between the district and The Cheesecake Factory, spearheaded by Senior Project Manager of Kitchen Operations, Chef Chris Miller-Root. Chef Miller-Root serves as a pillar of support for the culinary program, consistently volunteering his time to provide students with industry mentorship, career guidance, work-site tours, and mock interviews, while also serving on the CTE advisory committee. This collaboration exemplifies how local business partnerships carve direct, successful pathways from the classroom straight into the culinary workforce.
The first-year cohort of the OUHSD R.E.A.D.Y Program!
The first year cohort for the OUHSD R.E.A.D.Y! Apprenticeship program will be completed this May with 32 apprentices registered with the state of California Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Apprentices will have completed three college courses in Early Childhood Education while participating in on-the-job training after school. They will complete two additional college courses next year, qualifying them for a Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education. This certificate provides several future employment options for apprentices.
Apprentices on-the-job training has prepared them for the workforce as they consider a career that involves working with school-aged children. The apprenticeship students are considering future careers as Teachers, Pediatricians, Pediatric Nurses, Child Therapists, and Speech Pathologists. Some have used this as an opportunity to explore whether working with children is something they see in their future. Apprentices have expressed that being in the program has helped them to be more reliable, responsible, and helped them with time management. In addition, having this experience in high school and getting paid as an apprentice has been beneficial to them.
OUHSD EDUACTION PATHWAY STUDENTS LEVEL UP WITH PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
The future of local education is looking bright! Throughout May, approximately 120 Education Pathway students from Adolfo Camarillo, Pacifica, Channel Islands, and Hueneme High Schools took a major step toward their future careers by challenging the ParaPro certification exam.
To ensure students were fully prepared for the road ahead, the testing day kicked off with an industry-focused presentation from the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) Human Resources Department. Students gained vital insights into paraeducator employment requirements, salary structures, and benefit packages, providing them with a clear roadmap to employment in their own community. Additionally, representatives from the Ventura College Early Childhood Education faculty shared exciting post-secondary opportunities, including their innovative new Speech and Language Assistant program.
Following the informative sessions, students transitioned into exam mode and received their ParaPro results immediately. Huge thanks to our inspiring and sacrificial CTE Education pathway teachers and congratulations to our dedicated Education Pathway students for finishing the school year strong—we look forward to welcoming you into local classrooms as professional educators very soon!
On Thursday, May 21st, and Friday, May 22nd, the inaugural Hueneme High School Patient Care Technician cohort reached a major milestone by taking their nationwide licensing examination. These dedicated students completed a rigorous, three-year program, qualifying for professional, nationwide certifications to enter the healthcare workforce. As licensed Patient Care Technicians, these individuals are fully prepared to perform essential medical tasks, including drawing blood, administering IV therapy, collecting diagnostic samples, setting up EKGs, and conducting laboratory work. Their training also includes monitoring nutrition, assisting with exercises, and providing critical emergency care, such as First Aid and CPR. The group achieved an impressive 78% student pass rate on their first attempt, successfully exceeding the national average. This trailblazing program was led by instructor Ms. Rosa Soliz, whose guidance helped students transition from the classroom into life-saving careers. Congratulations to Ms. Soliz and this first group of students for setting an incredible standard of success.
As the 25-26 school year comes to an end, we are very excited for the 26 - 27 school year and what our CTSO will be doing this upcoming year. We are extremely proud to support Angel Jimenez as he takes on the role of CA FCCLA State President. He is the first for our chapter to be elected to this State Officer position. Angel will lead and represent approximately 19,000 students towards next year’s goals for leadership and development at the state level. Our chapter at ACHS works hard to give students the opportunity to work with others, build relationships and learn first hand the responsibilities involved with leadership. In addition to supporting Angel as State President, the chapter is also happy to continue supporting Region 7 with 3 region officers. Amelia Arcelo, Ca’Lani Thomas and Adelina Ortiz will take on responsibilities at the region level to create and implement leadership experiences. This will be the most region officers ACHS FCCLA has in one given year. We’d like to thank everyone for their support and ask for your continued support in order for students to continue to have these valuable experiences which help them build their futures.
This year, our FFA members are proudly exhibiting 2 market steers, 6 market goats, 3 market lambs, 1 breeding ewe, and 14 market hogs at the Ventura County Fair. These livestock projects serve as Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and allow them to apply agricultural concepts in real-world settings. Through their SAE projects, students take full responsibility for the care and management of their animals, including feeding, exercising, grooming, maintaining clean facilities, monitoring animal health, and keeping detailed financial and production records. Exhibitors also spend countless hours practicing showmanship and learning proper animal handling techniques.
These projects directly connect to the agricultural courses students take throughout the school year. Concepts learned in the courses are reinforced through the daily management of their livestock projects. Students gain practical experience in nutrition, animal health, record keeping, budgeting, and decision-making while developing responsibility, perseverance, and strong work habits. The livestock project experience embodies the three-circle model of agricultural education—classroom instruction, FFA leadership activities, and SAE experiences—allowing students to develop valuable career and life skills while preparing for future opportunities in agriculture and beyond. We are proud of the dedication our exhibitors have shown and look forward to showcasing their hard work at the Ventura County Fair.
As we wrap up the 2025-26 school year, we dedicate this section of our newsletter to a truly foundational leader, Dr. Tom McCoy. Throughout his remarkable tenure, Dr. McCoy has been a fierce champion, trusted mentor, and visionary advocate for Career Technical Education across our entire district. By fostering a culture of innovation, he empowered our teachers and staff to build cutting-edge programs that equip students with both real-world industry skills and clear, confident postsecondary pathways.
Dr. McCoy, the entire CTE community is deeply indebted to you for your unwavering support and your passion for celebrating student success. Your legacy is woven into every greenhouse, computer lab, kitchen, film studio, auto shop, medical lab, wood shop, preschool lab, welding booth, and robotics lab in our district. We will truly miss you, and we send our absolute best wishes to you and your family as you embark on your next chapter!
Questions about these programs? Contact us!
Monica Phillippe
Director of Career Education
(805) 278-1607
monica.phillippe@oxnardunion.org
Constina Baylor
CTE Career Development Specialist
(805) 278-2930
constina.baylor@oxnardunion.org
Tammy Byrd
Director's Secretary
(805) 394-4772
tammy.byrd@oxnardunion.org