Make way for a new CTE program! A program aiming to equip students with essential skills for a sustainable future. This innovative program is designed to address the growing demand for professionals in fields such as forestry, wildlife management, and environmental science.

We sat down with our very own ENL teacher Mr. Neuss to discuss what this amazing program entails. Through a quick Q&A session, uncover insights on the program’s mission, goals, and core curriculum.

Q: What inspired you to create this program?

Mr. Neuss : “I believe that there’s many different ways for students to show their skills, so what inspired me directly to do this natural resources program was my 25 years of experience in tree service and for the last 12 years, I’ve been a certified arborist, so it’s one of my passions besides working with young people.”

Q: Can you describe the curriculum and topics within this program?

Mr. Neuss: “The first year in this CTE program would be a very broad exploration of the many different careers in natural resources. Then in the second year you can focus on one, possibly two professions you might want to pursue later in life, and you would study those professions in detail and earn a certificate from a program called you science that Patchogue Medford utilizes to fund certification programs for the students.”

Q: Do you plan to incorporate any hands-on activities into the program?

Mr. Neuss: “Absolutely. We want to bring students out to get their hands on in nature. We actually do some pruning of plants and growing of plants where we utilize the greenhouse. We also want to be able to get a nursery of trees growing somewhere on the property and maintain the south courtyard. I also would love to teach students how to climb trees in a safe way so that they can cut them.

This CTE program is not just about education; it is about fostering a sense of responsibility towards the planet. As the program gains traction, it promises to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards ready to tackle the challenges facing our natural resources today