William Floyd High School seniors in the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Cosmetology and Medical Assisting programs recently participated in a collaborative educational event. Cosmetology students provided hairstyling and manicure services to their peers in the Medical Assisting program. In exchange, Medical Assisting students demonstrated procedures such as CPR, EpiPen administration, and EKG operation, giving Cosmetology students the opportunity to try these techniques.
Both groups engaged in hands-on activities that allowed them to learn new skills from another CTE program. According to the school, “Both groups of students enjoyed this great opportunity to gain insight into another CTE program and learn some new skills!”
The William Floyd High School CTE program includes eight academies designed to prepare students for careers or college. The Cosmetology Academy offers a two-year licensing course recognized by New York State, which covers hairstyling, hair coloring, haircutting, skin care, nail technology, make-up application, braiding, chemical texturizing and hair extensions. Students complete 1,000 hours of instruction using professional-grade equipment and can apply for state licensing exams upon completion.
The Medical Assisting/Introduction to Health Professions Academy introduces students to healthcare systems and careers as well as anatomy and physiology, nutrition and diet therapy, infection control practices, vital signs monitoring, first aid and emergency care procedures such as CPR and EKG use. Training is provided on-site in a classroom laboratory setting. Program graduates are eligible for national certification exams.
The William Floyd School District operates 10 schools serving over 9,400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in New York State. The district provides comprehensive education that includes STEM courses; career training programs such as accounting, engineering and medical assisting; arts; athletics; and extracurricular activities (source). The district emphasizes collaboration among students, parents and educators to support student development (source).
Superintendent Kevin Coster leads the district with April Coppola as board president (source). The district has been recognized for its music education program and business department (source). It maintains its central offices in Mastic Beach on Long Island’s south shore (source).
