HCTEA Tours


HHS Staff Get Inside Look at Local Businesses

 

HUTCHINSON, KANSAS – Staff members at Hutchinson High School had the opportunity to tour local businesses on Monday, September 12, 2022, as a part of their professional development training.

 

Monday, September 12, 2022, was a professional development day for the staff of USD 308. As a part of their PD, Hutchinson High School and the Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy  (HCTEA) partnered with the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce to offer tours of ten local businesses so that staff could get an inside look at industry within the Hutchinson community. Available tours included:

 

·   Takako Industries

·   Collins Bus Corporation

·   ONEOK

·   First Team Sports

·   Tyson

·   Woodwork Manufacturing & Supply

·   Luminous Neon

·   Superior Boiler

·   Dillons

·   American Packaging

 

Laci Janzen, Economic Development & Downtown Manager for the Hutch Chamber, welcomed staff members before the tours commenced, and encouraged them to learn from their tours so that they can share with students the importance of entrepreneurship and local commerce.

 

Rhyanna Reilly, an ELA teacher at HHS and KSDE Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist, toured Takako Industries. “I had no idea what Takako was or what they did, but they provide so much for our community! I was impressed with how much they’ve given back to Hutchinson – from donating to our community parks to making connections for United Way. We were all interested in connecting how we can provide support as educators for companies like Takako. We discussed how what we do in the classroom sets up kids for success post-classroom, such as collaboration and reading comprehension skills. It was such a cool experience!” said Reilly.

 

“Our focus for planning the event is to connect our teachers at HHS and HCTEA with local business and industry. We hope to strengthen conversations and create partnerships focused on curriculum taught, work-based learning, and career opportunities available to our students right here in the Hutchinson area,” said Travis Riebel, Director of HCTEA.

USD 308 and the Hutchinson Chamber have partnered on several other industry-based programs such as Signing Day and Career Quest. This partnership has given students in various grade levels the opportunity to explore different careers and trades and create goals for their lives post-graduation from USD 308.