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COMING SOON
As steel pipes and drywall begin to take shape , people often ask about the construction across from Naaman Forest High School . They wonder about the building and when it will open . The answer always leaves them in anticipation .
Garland ISD ’ s new Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center ( GRCTC ) opens in August 2017 , offering fulfillment of a promise from the 2014 bond election . The GRCTC also offers endless career opportunities for GISD students . The campus , unlike any other , serves juniors and seniors from across the district . Students do not select the GRCTC during Choice of School . They simply select from the campus ’ more than 90 Career and Technical Education ( CTE ) courses
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during Choice of Subject with high school counselors . Students then remain at their current high schools and travel to the GRCTC for two class periods on either A day or B day . District transportation is available , or students can choose to drive their own vehicles .
“ I look forward to helping prepare students for a successful future ,” said Principal Erika Crump . “ CTE teaches skills that translate into professions . Because students in these courses receive real-world experience and hands-on training in some of the most high-demand fields , graduates often work their way through college or enter the workforce straight out of high school .”
The home to future firefighters , veterinarians , chefs and more , GRCTC expands the opportunities already available throughout the district . Students take introductory courses at their home high schools and then progress to advanced-level classes at the Center . Several new programs and certifications are also being added , including firefighting , dentistry and cybersecurity . Other features of note include a real-world stock market ticker and a bistro run by culinary students .
But high schoolers will not be the only ones taking advantage of this state-of-the art learning environment . The GRCTC boasts North Texas ’ first BizTown ®, which allows district sixth-graders to run a simulated city . A partnership with Junior Achievement of Dallas , participants operate businesses , receive a paycheck , pay for goods and obey city laws to learn financial education , entrepreneurship and civic duty .
“ Experiences like these make education more relevant , which is critical ,” commented Interim Superintendent Deborah Cron . “ We focus every day and every decision on how to enhance and support student learning .”
For more information and the latest on construction progress , visit www . garlandisd . net / grctc .