by Dr. Michael Rivard
Superintendent
Sartell-St. Stephen Independent School District’s mission is this: “Develop well-rounded citizens capable of becoming successful and contributing members of society by providing outstanding instruction in a welcoming environment where all students are given the support needed to excel according to their unique abilities, interests and aspirations.”
During the week of Homecoming, I had the opportunity to attend the September meeting of the Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association at Sartell’s own DeZurik company. CMMA plays a pivotal role in strengthening our local manufacturing industry by offering education, expanding development opportunities and connecting our schools with the manufacturing sector. This collaboration between industry and education is crucial, ensuring our students are able to explore the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s workforce.
In a previous column, I shared about our school district’s overall commitment to academic excellence (reflected in strong test scores and impressive graduation rates). Today, I’d like to highlight some of the experiences offered through our exceptional Career and Technical Education programs.
Sartell-St. Stephen offers a variety of CTE classes to ensure students can explore a variety of fields, whether it be in engineering, health services, construction, manufacturing or media production. Those programs play a crucial role in fostering technical skills and professional readiness among students, aligning with the district’s commitment to comprehensive education and student success.
Students are able to explore their unique abilities, interests and aspirations as they gain real-world skills to equip them with technical expertise and also foster creativity, innovation and problem-solving. These programs are an essential part of our educational framework, preparing students to thrive in today’s workforce.
Sartell High School’s CTE programming includes real-world experience with construction, metals, robotics, manufacturing and more. Classes like SabreCON Habitat for Humanity Home Build give students the chance to apply their skills, contributing to community service and gaining practical experience in the construction industry.
Sartell Middle School also offers dynamic learning experiences like Project Lead the Way and Science/Technology/Engineering/Math lessons. These programs not only engage students in problem-solving but also inspire them to consider future careers in the STEM fields, encouraging exploration and innovation from an early age.
In PLTW, sixth- and seventh-graders are given the opportunity to dive deep into projects. One project challenges students to bring Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion to life. As they engineer solutions, students gain a deeper understanding of how the laws of physics translate into real-world applications, thus laying a solid foundation for a future in engineering or technical careers.
Our middle-school students also embark on studies in fields like construction, audio visual creation, small engines, engineering and robotics, offering them a chance to experience Tech Ed courses and explore future vocational opportunities. Projects provide insight into how their learning connects to various career pathways, sparking interest in the wide world of STEM, and helping students see the relevance of their education beyond the classroom.
The immersive experiences offered in CTE and STEM, such as middle-school wood shops or high-school robotics labs, are laying the foundation for a generation of creative thinkers, problem-solvers and innovators. As we continue to strengthen the partnership between education and industry, our students will be well-prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring Sartell-St. Stephen ISD 748 remains a hub of opportunity, growth and excellence for years to come.
