Innovation on the Prairie at Faulkton Area School District 24-4

September is Workforce Development Month, a time to “raise awareness about the importance of the workforce industry.” However, many don’t realize that much of the preparation and knowledge to join the workforce is acquired during the formative years. Faulkton Area Economic Development Corporation is spotlighting the people who invest in our future workforce members, the Faulkton Area School District 24-4.

At a Glance: Faulkton Area School District 24-4

Faulkton Area School District 24-4 (Faulkton Area Schools) is dedicated to preparing Faulkton students for the world after high school and believes that education is more than just academics. It’s about developing the whole person from encouraging middle schoolers to keep challenging themselves while staying true to who they are and what they believe to helping high schoolers understand the younger students are looking up to them as they challenge themselves academically, athletically, and as an active member of the community.

Faulkton Area Schools offers a positive and supportive learning environment that helps students reach their full potential paired with developing essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. “Faulkton Area Schools is a small school district with big opportunities for our students. We have a dedicated staff and together, we provide a curriculum and extracurricular activities that make our students competitive at any stage,” said Nikki Melius, Family and Consumer Science Teacher.

What Is CTE? 

CTE stands for Career & Technical Education. The National Center for Education Statistics defines CTE, “ … as courses and programs that focus on the skills and knowledge required for specific jobs or fields of work.” Successful completion of CTE programs benefits the workforce in the following industries:

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Business Management & Administration
• Education & Training
• Finance
• Government & Public Administration
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Law & Public Safety
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
• Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) 
• Transportation & Logistics

Faulkton Area School District Is CTE Ready

The Faulkton Area School District has approved CTE programs for students in grades 6th - 12th and was recently awarded South Dakota’s Dept of Education’s CTE Innovative Equipment Grant. This grant allowed Faulkton Area Schools to purchase necessary equipment. “It was a great opportunity to expand the reach and resources. We have access to better prepare our students for industry-driven careers. … With this grant, we were able to expand the following classes:

• Ag Metal & Fabrication
• Animal Science
• Ag Mechanics
• Ag Structures
• Advanced Ag Structures

We were also able to purchase equipment that can be used to enhance our student leadership in the building,” Falyn Hempel, Ag Ed Instructor & FFA Advisor.

FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. It’s one of three components of agricultural education and focuses on the organizational part of students wanting to learn about agriculture and leadership. However, over the years, the premise has expanded to include multiple industries outside of agriculture. “Today, the National FFA Organization … provides a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”

Hempel has been the FFA advisor for five years and is quite dedicated to the task. As an advisor to Faulkton’s chapter and District 6, she says, “We work to provide career and leadership opportunities to members of FFA. We also strive to do as much community service as possible. As the advisor, I make sure we are sharing information with members and teaching them soft skills for employment. By teaching them how to communicate with people of different ages, such skills will carry over into their everyday lives down the road. It’s also what employers look for in a potential employee.”  

FCCLA stands for Family, Career & Community Leaders of America and it “... offers intra-curricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families. …” We spoke with FCCLA Advisor Nikki Melius about the program and she said, “Family is the central focus of FCCLA. Oftentimes, members are creating and completing community service projects with great impact. Students have recently developed projects that address human trafficking, cancer research, care bags for air flight patients, organized a fundraiser for veteran hunts, and many projects that impact the students of our school. Any time a student can develop leadership skills, it is a beneficial part of their middle or high school experience. … In CTE, we are innovative in helping students explore career interest areas and how their skills, talents, and interests can be utilized in jobs in our communities.”

A Word from Superintendent Vander Vorst

“Faulkton Area Schools works to provide the best opportunities for students in extracurricular activities and academics. We have a highly qualified staff that is prepared to meet the needs of all students. This happens through professional development, community support, and the commitment of teachers and students to do their best. .. Our goal for the 24/25 school year is to provide students with the opportunity to learn and be life and career-ready with academic and hands-on skills to compete in the global economy. This happens through a variety of experiences in and out of the classroom. Teachers are professionally ready to meet the needs of all students who enter our environment. Our students continue to have well-above-state average test scores and are determined to be successful as they participate in internships and learn new skills to help meet industry expectations,” Superintendent Grant Vander Vorst. 

We Believe in Possible! 

Faulkton Area Economic Development is always available to help you with your local business needs. Phone 605-380-8444 or email Beverly King, Board President, at beverly@kinginsurancesd.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn!