Classroom News
Fire Science: Fire Science students have been able to use the Galesburg Fire Department’s new training tower. This has allowed students to simulate interior firefighting, high rise operations as well as search and rescue procedures. Early Childhood I: Early Childhood students have begun their observation and field experience hours at Bright Futures Pre-K Center. Additionally, students have started working on their ECE Level I credential and learning content preparing them to be in an ECE classroom. Automotive I & II: Automotive students had the opportunity to tour the service department and shop at Kunes Toyota in Galesburg on Monday, August 21. Students were able to participate in hands on activities and get a look at the inner workings of the service department at Kunes. Within the next couple of weeks, our goal is to get our job shadowing & internship opportunities will be off the ground with Kunes and we are looking forward to our students being able to work side by side with industry professionals. Culinary Occupations: Culinary students have been learning about what all is included in the Hospitality Industry. After covering how the food service industry started, they went to the kitchen to learn where their equipment is and had their first cooking lab making perfect cookies! Law Enforcement: Law Enforcement students have been learning about the basics of procedures for traffic stops. After some instruction in the classroom, they have been able to practice what they’ve learned by doing mock traffic stops. Building Trades: Building Trades students have completed safety testing and are working onsite replacing a deck. Students in this class will also begin working on their OSHA10 credential over the course of the next couple of weeks. Additional projects for this program will include assistance in installing the Fit Pit at Steele Elementary School, continuing to work on the new home build south of Knoxville, and working with Habitat for Humanity on projects around Knox County Health Occupations: Students are learning nursing skills such as hand washing and “Donning & Doffing” PPE. This month, students also became BLS CPR certified for Health Providers. Students are learning the theory and skills and will be ready to start the Clinical rotation in October! |
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Mark Your Calendar
News for the 2023-2024 School Year
The first day of GAVC classes for the 2023-2024, school year is Thursday, August 10. Please remember students enrolled in GAVC Courses will follow Galesburg CUSD#205 calendar, even if their home school is not in session.
Students enrolled in GAVC /CSC Welding will begin classes on Monday August 21, 2023. Students should remember to watch their CSC email accounts for important updates from CSC regarding the program.
We are looking forward to another great year, have a great summer!
Students enrolled in GAVC /CSC Welding will begin classes on Monday August 21, 2023. Students should remember to watch their CSC email accounts for important updates from CSC regarding the program.
We are looking forward to another great year, have a great summer!
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We are excited to share five GAVC students will be competing at the SkillsUSA National Competition in Atlanta, GA in June. Students will be competing in Audio/Radio Production, Photography and Additive Manufacturing.
Best of Luck to all our students! |
End of Year Spotlight
Congratulations & Best Wishes
Congratulations to Ms. Bickell on her retirement from
teaching! Ms. Bickell is retiring after 34 years of teaching
in Galesburg CUSD #205. She taught Family & Consumer
Science at Lombard and Galesburg High School. Ms.
Bickell has taught the GAVC Early Childhood Education I
& II programs. Ms. Bickell, thank you for your service and
dedication to our students and to education as a whole.
Congratulations & best wishes in retirement! You will be
missed!
teaching! Ms. Bickell is retiring after 34 years of teaching
in Galesburg CUSD #205. She taught Family & Consumer
Science at Lombard and Galesburg High School. Ms.
Bickell has taught the GAVC Early Childhood Education I
& II programs. Ms. Bickell, thank you for your service and
dedication to our students and to education as a whole.
Congratulations & best wishes in retirement! You will be
missed!
GAVC Student of the Year
Our GAVC Student of the Year is Colton Way! Colton is a Senior at Knoxville High School. Colton is enrolled in both the Building Trades & Automotive programs at GAVC. Building Trades instructor Mr. Shenaut had the following to say about Colton: “Colton arrives early to class and is ready to go. He is one of the first to volunteer on tasks in the classroom, shop or on site. He will be an asset wherever he decides to go.” Automotive Instructor Mr. Gardner said the following of Colton, “Colton impressed me with his focus and determination. He also impressed me by the way he worked with his classmates. His hard work and effort will get him very far in life and there is no doubt in my mind he will succeed.” Colton plans to continue his education at Bradley University in Peoria, IL to major in Construction Management with aspirations of becoming a Construction Site Superintendent. Along with a plaque and a check for $100, Colton will also receive $500 towards a new laptop donated by Delabar Education System. Congratulations, Colton!
CTE Signing Day
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A special thanks to all our families for attending our CTE Signing Day to recognize our GAVC seniors continuing in a Career Technical Education field following graduation. Our Center is very fortunate to have a variety of business partners that are willing to invest in our future workforce.
Please join us on Tuesday, May 9, as we celebrate our GAVC seniors going on to pursue a career in a CTE Field.
We will also be awarding our GAVC Student of the Year along with our GAVC scholarships sponsored by Limited Rods of Western Illinois. Hope to see you there! |
Congratulations to all of our 2022-23 GAVC Students of the Month!
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September- Izabella Nelson, Jr., Williamsfield High School October- Colton Way, Sr., Knoxville High School November- Angelina Swan, Jr., Galesburg High School December- Nick Makwala, Jr., Galesburg High School January- Anaya Spinks, Jr., Galesburg High School February- Ethan Inniss, Sr., Knoxville High School March- Truley Dillon, Jr., Williamsfield High School April- Addie Kramer, So., Galesburg High School May- Molly Mattan, Sr., Monmouth-Roseville High School |
2023-2024 CTE Openings
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Students looking for a CTE class for the 23-24 school year please reach out to your school counselor for more details. Currently we have openings in the following programs:
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Classroom News
February Student of the Month
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January Student of the Month
Our GAVC January Student of the Month is Anaya Spinks! Anaya is a junior at Galesburg High School and is enrolled in the Culinary Occupations program. Mrs. Barrett had the following to say about Anaya“Anaya is a great student to have in class. She has almost perfect attendance for the year and is very respectful to her classmates and myself.Anaya always gives her all to whatever lab or
project we are working on. She is always eager to learn new techniques in the culinary field. The two competitions we have had she has worked very hard at and has been extremely creative. Anaya always contributes to class discussions and gives ideas for cooking labs that go along with the culinary concepts we are learning about. I have enjoyed having her in classes for the past couple of years. If I owned a restaurant, she would be an absolute pleasure to employ.” Congratulation, Anaya
project we are working on. She is always eager to learn new techniques in the culinary field. The two competitions we have had she has worked very hard at and has been extremely creative. Anaya always contributes to class discussions and gives ideas for cooking labs that go along with the culinary concepts we are learning about. I have enjoyed having her in classes for the past couple of years. If I owned a restaurant, she would be an absolute pleasure to employ.” Congratulation, Anaya
December Student of the Month
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Our GAVC December Student of the Month is Nick Makwala! Nick is a junior at Galesburg High School and is enrolled in Health Occupations at GAVC. He was nominated by Health Occupations instructor, Mrs. Lorie Larsen. Mrs. Larsen had the following to say about Nick: “Nick is one of the kindest students I have ever met! He is so kind, so courteous and so respectful. I have yet to open a door whenever in his company. Nick rarely misses class. He is excited to learn and discusses with excitement what he has learned. At clinical, the staff, residents and visitors love Nick and enjoy him. He works hard and is always willing to jump in and help without asking. He is very enthusiastic to learn the skills it takes to become a CNA. Nick is a great kid! I am blessed to get to know him and teach him. The world needs more people like Nick. Nick plans to continue his education and eventually become a doctor. He is interested in becoming a surgeon. He is well on his way to becoming a successful health care professional!” Congratulations, Nick!
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Classroom News
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Health Occupations: Nursing clinicals have started! Students are learning how to care for residents at Seminary Manor. They are using skills at Seminary Manor they have learned in class. Skills such as taking vital signs, assisting with showers, baths, oral care, nail care, shaving, serving meals, etc. It is avery exciting time! |
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The Law Enforcement students enjoyed a visit from GAVC alumni Jake Taylor and Jake Thompson as they demonstrated the K9 Unit and shared details about their job duties at the Galesburg Police Department. Office Taylor was a past student of Mr. Riggs while Officer Thompson was a student of Mr. Nicholas.
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Building Trades has been working with Habitat for Humanity on various projects across Galesburg. On October 20 & 25, they helped complete demolition on the old Farm Bureau building in preparation for renovations for the Galesburg Symphony. They are currently working with HFH to complete a wheelchair ramp in Galesburg. The program is also working with another family who is building a home. They have been on site there and have done some grading work using the transit. Next week, they will be installing windows in the home. We will continue to look for projects across our serving areas to provide our students with on-site learning.
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Manufacturing Day
We hosted the Manufacturing & Trades Showcase on Oct 27, 2022. We had 16 business partners and
industry employers here for the show and students were able to participate in hands-on activities and
network with employers. We had close to 1,100 students attend the show. In addition, we had a
manufacturing roundtable discussion during lunch and we were also able to recognize our October
Student of the Month during lunch. Thank you for allowing your students to attend this great event, and
we look forward to an even bigger event next year! I’ve included some pictures below.
industry employers here for the show and students were able to participate in hands-on activities and
network with employers. We had close to 1,100 students attend the show. In addition, we had a
manufacturing roundtable discussion during lunch and we were also able to recognize our October
Student of the Month during lunch. Thank you for allowing your students to attend this great event, and
we look forward to an even bigger event next year! I’ve included some pictures below.
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To celebrate Manufacturing Month,please join us on Thursday, October 27, from 8:30-2:00 for our Trades & Manufacturing Showcase. Students will have the opportunity to:
- Meet industrial partners and business leaders in our region
- Learn about career pathways in today's manufacturing world
- Become inspired by the CTE offerings at GAVC & CSC
- Experience opportunities in the manufacturing and trade industry
IMTS 2022
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CTE Students Kick Off The 22-23 School Year! |
First Day Information
The GAVC would like to welcome students for the 2022-23 school year! Classes will begin on Wednesday, August 17. Students are welcome to stop by the GAVC building to see where their classes are located and take a look around.
Students enrolled at CSC for Auto II and Welding will begin classes on Monday, August 22. Please check your CSC email for important updates regarding your classes. CSC Students can pick up textbooks from the GAVC office on August 18-19.
We are looking forward to having you attend the GAVC!
Students enrolled at CSC for Auto II and Welding will begin classes on Monday, August 22. Please check your CSC email for important updates regarding your classes. CSC Students can pick up textbooks from the GAVC office on August 18-19.
We are looking forward to having you attend the GAVC!
GAVC Openings
Students interested in pursuing a career and technical education pathway while still in high school the GAVC has the following openings for the 2022-23 school year:
- Fire Science
- Building Trades
- Culinary Occupations
- Web Development
- AR/VR
- AP Computer Science
- Auto I
- Engineering Design
- Intro to Teaching
OSF JUMP Summer STEAM CAMP
Students looking for an opportunity to become immersed in the different areas of HealthCare STEAM, check out the link below to learn about summer camps held July 18-22 at the OSF Jump Simulation Training Center in Peoria.
https://jumpsimulation.org/events/all-events-courses/steam-events
Cost: $295 for a week of camp
Middle School Camp 8 a.m.-Noon
High School Camp 1p.m. -5 p.m.
Build skills in health careers through interacting learning!
https://jumpsimulation.org/events/all-events-courses/steam-events
Cost: $295 for a week of camp
Middle School Camp 8 a.m.-Noon
High School Camp 1p.m. -5 p.m.
Build skills in health careers through interacting learning!
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Today is a special and bittersweet day at the GAVC as we honor Mr. Houston as he retires! We are sad to see him go but very happy he will be able to enjoy extra time with family and friends! |
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Congratulations to our Skills USA Team Members Kylie Anderson, Alice Greene and Axel Holt as they will be traveling to Atlanta Ga, to compete at the highest level at the SkillsUSA National Championships! |
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Intro to Teaching students are finishing the year in their cooperative classroom sites. High school students have the opportunity to gain insight into the career of teaching through this GAVC class. After a term learning about the foundational elements of teaching, these Rising Educators are placed into a local K-8 classroom. With the mentorship of professionals already succeeding in the field, Intro to Teaching students have the opportunity to learn, teach, and build a foundation to a classroom of their own in the future. |
CTE Signing Day
Congratulations to GHS senior Luke Hawkins for signing with Martin Tractors to begin his career following graduation. Luke will be attending Spoon River College enrolling in the Diesel Power Tech program in the fall.
Luke completed the Welding, CNC and Auto program then enrolled in the Work Coop program. Career and Technical Education was a perfect fit for Luke!
Luke completed the Welding, CNC and Auto program then enrolled in the Work Coop program. Career and Technical Education was a perfect fit for Luke!
College and Career Fair
Thank you to our many business partners that was part of our College and Career night at GHS. Students were able to talk with local employers and learn about job opportunities in our region.
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CTE Scholarships Awarded
Congratulations to GHS senior Kaleb Trone and AAHS senior Trevor Baker for being selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Limited Rods of Western Illinois.
Good Luck to our students competing at SkillsUSA
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A Silver Streak send off for our SkillsUSA students as they will be competing in Peoria at the State Leadership & Skills Conference.
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CTE ScholarshipsWe are proud to announce the Limited Rods of Western Illinois is offering two $1,000.00 scholarships to a GAVC senior that plans to attend a two-year college or a technical school and complete a degree in Automotive Technology or a CTE Trade.
Scholarship applications can be picked up in the GAVC office and are due Friday, April 8. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 11. |
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The GAVC is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Check out the programs we offer and get a jump on a future career. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Abel or your high school counselor for more details. |
New Technology Programs
We are excited to share two new courses will be added for the 2022-2023 school year. Students looking into advanced technology options can now enroll in GAVC Drone Operation and Maintenance or GAVC Emerging Technologies. If you are interested in enrolling in one of these new courses please see your high school counselor or Mrs. Abel.
GAVC Welcomes Trade Unions
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The GAVC welcomed members of the local trade unions to share with students about career opportunities available in our local region. Students were able to talk one on one with the representatives and hear about each career field.
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Guest Speakers Kickoff CTE Month |
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We were excited to kick off CTE Month with a guest speakers visiting several GAVC classrooms.
The GAVC Law Enforcement class welcomed Staff Sergeant Eric Grear from the United States Army. Staff Sergeant Grear shared with students about the opportunities available in the Army in the law enforcement division. Staff Sergeant Grear shared his experiences of serving as a Military Policeman before becoming a Recruiter. Mike McLean a superintendent from Russell Construction came and discussed his job with our Building Trades students. He shared with them about the apprenticeship program available with the carpenters union. He also described to them how the union workers work for the union and do jobs for the construction companies. Students were able to ask questions about carpenters as well as other unions on the current job and Mike described his responsibilities. He also gave them an idea of what pay and benefits could be like for them. They also discussed where college or a trade school would or would not be beneficial in this field. |
Congratulations 
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We are excited to share that GHS senior Kaleb has committed to Wyotech following graduation.
Kaleb is enrolled in the automotive program and is looking forward to continuing in the CTE field. |
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CTE Success
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We caught up with GAVC alumni Sal Pica recently to hear his CTE success story following graduation. Sal was enrolled in the GAVC Welding and CNC programs while in high school. This jump on a career path took Sal to John Deere where he has been employed as a production welder. Sal credits his start in the CTE programs for preparing him for a career with a high demand high wage.
Students interested in learning more and enrolling in a CTE program can contact the GAVC office or their high school counselor. |
Internship and CTE Opportunities
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Congratulations to Abingdon -Avon Senior Trevor Baker for securing a internship with Pegasus Mfg to complete his CNC Certificate.
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Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held Thursday, December 9, from 3:15-7:15. To schedule a conference with your student CTE instructor please visit skyward family access.
Students Gain Hands on Experience
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This was an exciting week for the Early Childhood Education students. They were able to return to the classroom and gain hands on experience assisting in the classrooms. Students will complete their internships at Silas Willard & Steele Elementary through the end of the school year. |
Clinical's Begin
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Health Occupation students have started their clinical experience at Seminary Manor with Mrs. Larsen. Students are required by Illinois Department of Public Health to complete 40 hours of clinical time and to test out on 21 skills which include bathing, dressing, and feeding to successfully complete the course. |
GAVC Ribbon Cutting
10/4/2021
Parent Teacher Conferences
10/4/2021
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 7 from 3:15-7:00. To schedule a conference with your student CTE instructor please visit skyward family access.
Hands on Learning
10/4/2021
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Automotive I, students have been learning general auto shop safety as well as learning how to safely lift vehicles using a two post lift and also using a floor jack and jack stands. They have also been learning the parts of the car and performing under hood inspections, under car inspections and safety inspections on cars.
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GAVC Open House
10/1/2021
Schedule Update
9/10/2021
Due to ongoing safety concerns in an active construction site, we have elected to delay the return to in-person school for all students until Monday, September 20. 2021. Students who are currently receiving in-person instruction will continue to do so. The District has been working closely with Russell Construction to ensure that all students and staff are able to move freely throughout the building during the entire school day. We believe that providing 5 extra days of construction coordination will give us the safest possible learning environment. We understand that this remains an ongoing hardship for our students, staff, and families. We appreciate all the continued support and patience.
If you have any questions regarding your GAVC class please contact our office at 309-973-2005.
If you have any questions regarding your GAVC class please contact our office at 309-973-2005.
CTE Program Openings
8/23/2021
Students interested in pursuing a career and technical education pathway while still in high school the GAVC has the following openings for the 2021-2022 school year:
- Fire Science
- Building Trades
- Culinary Occupations
- Web Development
- AR/VR
- AP Computer Science
- Auto I
- Engineering Design
- Intro to Teaching
Welcome
8/23/2021
The Galesburg Area Vocational Center is excited to welcome students to our new vocational center at 940. W. Fremont St.
Students enrolled in Health Occupations and Fire Science will begin in person classes on Thursday, September 2.
All other programs will begin classes remotely on Thursday, September 2, then begin in person classes on Monday, September 13.
Please contact the GAVC office if you have any questions regarding the start of the school year.
Students enrolled in Health Occupations and Fire Science will begin in person classes on Thursday, September 2.
All other programs will begin classes remotely on Thursday, September 2, then begin in person classes on Monday, September 13.
Please contact the GAVC office if you have any questions regarding the start of the school year.
Dual Credit Classes
8/20/2021
GAVC dual credit students enrolled in Welding, Auto II and Networking will begin classes on Monday, August 23, at CSC.
CNC Machining will begin classes on Thursday, September 2.
CNC Machining will begin classes on Thursday, September 2.
GAVC Enrollment Openings
8/2/2021
The GAVC is excited to welcome students back for the 2021-2022 school year! Students enrolled in CSC programs (Welding, Networking & Auto II) classes will begin on Monday, August 22. Students will be contacted in the next few days regarding items needed for your class. All other GAVC classes will begin on Tuesday, September 2.
If you have not enrolled and are interested in a program please contact your high school counselor or Mrs. Abel for more details.
If you have not enrolled and are interested in a program please contact your high school counselor or Mrs. Abel for more details.
New Programs Begin This Fall
6/15/2021
New Opportunities in the Education Pathway
5/27/2021
The GAVC is excited to announce we have partnered with Delabar Education System to bring our students new opportunities for the 2021-2022 school year. Students interested in learning more about the education pathway can enroll in one of the three programs: Early Childhood Education I, Intro to Teaching or the Education Pathway Program. All three programs allow students to learn gain knowledge and understanding of the education profession.
Students will have the opportunity to gain field experience and work one on one in classrooms when enrolling in Early Childhood Education I or Intro to Teaching.
Please contact your high school Counselor or Mrs. Abel to enroll.
Students will have the opportunity to gain field experience and work one on one in classrooms when enrolling in Early Childhood Education I or Intro to Teaching.
Please contact your high school Counselor or Mrs. Abel to enroll.
Calendar Update
5/20/2021
We will be following a 1 hour early dismissal on Thursday, May 27, 2021.
2021-2022 Registration
5/19/2021
Registration for the 2021-2022 school year is underway.
Learn more about GAVC programs and how you can get a jump start on a future careers. Please see our video as you prepare for your classes next fall.
https://youtu.be/XUxNWmEmQKc
Learn more about GAVC programs and how you can get a jump start on a future careers. Please see our video as you prepare for your classes next fall.
https://youtu.be/XUxNWmEmQKc
End of Year Information
5/18/2021
The last day of GAVC classes is Thursday, May 27. Area students should return your chromebook and charger to your GAVC teacher before or on May 27.
We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation during such a challenging school year.
We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation during such a challenging school year.
Congratulations
5/17/2021
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Congratulation to our 2021 award winners!
Ben Rohn- Dolores Ryner Scholarship Amanda Wilson - CTE Student of the Year Mollie Young- Roy Damberg Scholarship Katelyn Engel-Daves Autobody Scholarship Reid Hawkins- Evelyn Titus Memorial Owen Wolfe - Allric Anderson Scholarship |
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2021-2022 GAVC Open Enrollment
5/7/2021
Students interested in CTE programs for the 2021-2022 school year can contact their high school Counselor or Mrs. Abel.
Students enrolling in dual credit programs will need to complete the CSC registration requirements. Please contact Mrs. Abel if you have any questions.
Students enrolling in dual credit programs will need to complete the CSC registration requirements. Please contact Mrs. Abel if you have any questions.
Attention GAVC Students & Families
4/16/2021
Beginning Monday, April 19, classes held at the GHS campus will move to remote for two weeks. Students should check their GAVC email over the weekend with additional details. Classes will meet following a normal schedule for remote learning. Classes will resume at the GHS campus on Monday, May 3.
Dual Credit students that attend CSC for Auto II and Welding will continue to follow a normal schedule.
Please contact the GAVC office if you have any questions.
Dual Credit students that attend CSC for Auto II and Welding will continue to follow a normal schedule.
Please contact the GAVC office if you have any questions.
Updated Calendar
3/23/2021
We will dismiss one hour early on Friday, March 26. CSC classes will follow a normal schedule.
On April 13, juniors and seniors will be taking their SAT. Students will not report to their GAVC or CSC classes on this day. Please see your high school counselor for additional details.
On April 13, juniors and seniors will be taking their SAT. Students will not report to their GAVC or CSC classes on this day. Please see your high school counselor for additional details.
Back in the Classroom
3/12/2021
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This was an exciting week for the Early Childhood Education students. They were able to return to the classroom and gain hands on experience assisting in Kindergarten classrooms. Students will complete their internships at Silas Willard Elementary through the end of the school year.
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Search and Rescue
3/11/2021
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Fire Science students were learning search and rescue and to make it more interesting they did it blindfolded to get the true experience of being in a confined space unable to see. This was a true learning experience!
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Hands on Training
3/10/2021
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Dual credit students in Beginning and Advanced Machining have been working on projects and learning new equipment.
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Congratulations to GHS senior Mikayla Lewis for being chosen as our CTE Student of the Month. Mikayla has successfully completed the Health Occupation program and working in the healthcare field.
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Ryner Scholarship Due
2/24/2021
Students just a reminder, Dolorus Ryner scholarship applications are due Thursday, February 25, to the GAVC office. Please contact Mrs. Abel if you have any questions.
CTE Student of the Month
2/25/2021