number two is the quality education we provide so students become lifelong learners and feel prepared for whatever comes next.” That next step might be a four-year university, a two-year college, a skilled trade, the military, or the workforce. “We teach many important things,” Dr. Musick adds. “The most important is how to be the best parent, spouse, employee, and community member they can be. We help young people become productive citizens who contribute and thrive.” Support for educators is equally intentional. The district partners with Region 6 Education Service Center for professional development in counseling and academics, while students benefit from layered support. “Next Step provides social-emotional and counseling services, and T-CHAT from Texas A&M University gives our junior high and high school students access to online counseling,” Dr. Musick says. “We encourage everyone to use these supports so teaching and learning can flourish.” CAREER EXPLORATION WITH LOCAL INDUSTRY Career exploration starts before high school and leads into four-year pathways aligned with local industries. Kristi Ramsey, Principal of Navasota High School, explains,“We offer multiple CTE programs of study and fine arts pathways, many beginning at the junior high. We frame some courses as ‘jumpstarts’ so students can try things, get experience, and discover what interests them before they commit.” Eighth graders move from curiosity to choice through an intentional process. “Each spring, our counselors visit the junior high, and in January, we host a program of study fair,” Ramsey says. “Student ambassadors from every pathway set up tables, and families can tour facilities and meet teachers at a CTE open house. The goal is informed decisions about a four-year pathway that fits.” Local relevance drives program design. “We’ve looked closely at the job market in and around Navasota,” Ramsey says. “Healthcare is strong, so our health science program is robust. Manufacturing is a significant aspect, so our Applied Agricultural Engineering program, specifically our welding 297 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 NAVASOTA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
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