Save the date for an All Chocolate Affair

On Sunday, April 21st, come support area Culinary Arts programs and enjoy a selection of savory and sweet chocolate dishes. This event will showcase the skills of high school students, including the Clifton Culinary program, led by Chef Thelma Hall. The event will be at the George Washington Carver Museum at 1165 Angelina Street, 78702 at 4:00PM. For more information, contact info@broadcastyourlove.org

Plant Sale March 9th

On Saturday, March 9, 2013, Clifton's Horticulture Program will be having a plant sale in the Greenhouse. The sale is from 8am to 1pm at 1519 Coronado Hills Drive. Plants include geraniums, ferns, vegetables and more.

Plant Sale Flier(PDFs will open in a new window)
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Work Matters

Austin I.S.D.'s Supported Employment Team presented at the Texas Transition Conference on February 21, 2013. The title of the presentation was Work Matters:  Making it Work for Everyone”. This was a panel presentation that included: Renee Borders, Supervisor of A.I.S.D. Supported Employment, a parent, Shelley Scott whose son, Matthew, works at The State Capitol and was placed by Gina Matizzi-Fuller in 2008.  One of our employers – Marcelino Garza with Walgreen’s, Gina Mattizi-Fuller – Employment Consultant with AISD Supported Employment, and our student worker, Andrew, who was placed by AISD Supported Employment in 2000 at South Austin Hospital – Andrew is still successfully employed there!

Austin ISD Supported Employment is in its 16th year of making work happen for students with disabilities.  Practice shows that youth benefit from work during high school.  The number one indicator of whether a student with a disability will be employed after high school is whether or not the student was employed prior to graduation.

Thanks O'Henry!

On Tuesday, February 5, Clifton welcomed over 40 students from O'Henry Middle School. Students took a tour of the facility to learn about future possbilities. This is a great way for middle schools to address transition.

Wow!

So far this year, Clifton students have earned 92 certifications! 60 students earned Texas Food Handlers Certifications, 24 students earned OSHA 5 Hour Workplace Safety Certifications, and 8 students earned OSHA 10 Hour Workplace Safety Certifications. More certification testing is coming soon.

Also, six Clifton students have earned a combined total of 32 credit hours of articulated credit from Austin Community College through Clifton's Ag Mechanics program.

Congratulations!

Clifton's Teacher of the Year is Hospitality teacher Aaron Mason!

Summer Employment Opportunity

Goodwill Summer Youth Employment Program is now interviewing applicants for Summer 2013. Students will be matched up with a paid employment opportunity in the community for 5 weeks in the summer, working 20 hours per week. Parents should call 512-637-7196 to schedule an appointment and register for training. This is highly recommended for students who will be entering Practicum in the future, or for any current Practicum student who will be continuing their education next year and is not currently employed.

Project Search

Project Search is now accepting applications for the 2013-14 school year. This is a 9-month internship program for students who have completed all of their high school requirements and are interested in building work skills to enter employment in a hospital setting in the future. Several interested students have already taken a tour of Project Search at Seton Medical Center to learn more about the program. If you would like to take a tour, please contact Miss Larson.

Travis County Youth Show

On January 11 and 12, many Clifton students competed in the Travis County Youth Show. Students from our Ag Mechanics, Animal Science, Culinary Arts, Horticulture and Hospitality programs participated. Clifton students won 5 Grand Champion awards, 9 Reserve Champion awards, and 25 Blue and 20 Red Ribbon awards. Eight of the sheep shown by Clifton students placed high and were auctioned.

January Visitors

This month, Clifton welcomed AISD Associate Superintendent of Academics Dr. Suzanne Burke, Associate Superintendent of High Schools Edmund Oropez, Director of Secondary Education Operations Timothy Gadson, and Director of Special Education Raul Nuques. We are very fortunate to have such support.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The Austin Mayor's Commitee for People with Disabilities 33rd Annual Employment Awards were held on October 29, 2012.

Two of the Internship sites for Hospitality Practicum II received awards:

Distinguished Service Award: Melissa Graves, Director of Human Services, Doubletree Hotel

Chairman's Commendation Award: Holiday Inn, Lady Bird Lake

Congratualtions and thank you to our community partners!

Disability Mentoring Day

The following Clifton students participated in the 10th Annual Disability Mentoring Day on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. More than 100 high school and college students with disabilities participated in the event. DMD activities include spending the morning shadowing career mentors in the community, and in the afternoon, celebrating the day with their mentors and family. Our own Clifton Culinary program provided treats for the get together. There was also an expert panel discussion on personal experience and the world of work.

•   Erika Roberts - Austin ISD Police and Cafe Express
•   Peyton Murphy - Omni Southpark
•   Maria Cervantes - Holiday Inn - Lady Bird Lake
•   Blanca Tovar - Holiday Inn - Lady Bird Lake
•   John Lee Requejo - Sterling Affairs - Catering and Events
•   Eddie Gomez - Sterling Affairs - Catering and Events
•   Marvin Medina - Zilker Botanical Gardens
•   Thomas Torres - Holiday Inn - Lady Bird Lake

Thank you!

Thanks to the 125 people who attended Clifton's community input meeting on the AAFR planning! Your input and support is so valuable.

Please join us

On Wednesday, October 3, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm for pizza, discussion, and a tour of Clifton.

Austin ISD is preparing a master plan for facility and program improvement, referred to as AAFR (Annual Academic Facilities Recommendation). Clifton programming and facilities will be a part of the master plan. We would like your input in looking at both facility improvements and programming.

6:00-6:30pm pizza and drinks

6:30-7:30pm meeting

Please RSVP at 414-3614

Welcome and welcome back!

On Monday, August 27, we will begin the 2012-2013 school year. In addition to a new Child Care program and a new A day/B day schedule, we have some new staff members. We welcome Jennifer Larson, who will teach Hospitality Practicum II, and her new Teaching Assistant, Marie Killion. Delia Botbol is our new Child Care Teaching Assistant, and Kent Chandler is our new Teaching Assistant in Ag/Mechanics. It's going to be a great year!

Now recruiting new Clifton students!

Clifton is now seeking students for the 2012-13 school year. We are changing to an A day/B day schedule to provide students more opportunities to get the credits they need on their home campus. Please call 414-3614 to schedule a tour.

2011/2012

In memory of former Clifton Horticulture teacher Steve Miller.

These bluebonnets are just one example of the legacy that Mr. Miller left at Clifton.

Clifton 2012-13

We are now at 89% capacity for next school year. Still accepting applications, especially in our new child care program.

Disneyworld!

Looks like the Horticulture students are having a great time. We'll get the full story when they return.

A Clifton Success Stories, Volume 1

Oralia was a student at Clifton from January 2008 to May 2010. She decided to come to Clifton because she thought it was an awesome school! She attended the Business Program with Mrs. Wine. She learned many things, but she says the most important lesson she learned was, no matter how hard the situation, never give up on your dreams.

In her third year at Clifton, Mrs. Borders helped Oralia find her job at Faith Presbyterian Child Development Center. She is happily surprised that she still works there and she enjoys making money. She works 40 hours a week as a Teacher Assistant. She is also working on earning her Child Development Certificate at the ACC Eastview campus. Her goal is to keep working and to get a place of her own.

Oralia would like to tell students that Clifton is an awesome school and you could learn a lot by going to Clifton. She also says the staff is amazing! We at Clifton miss Oralia and are very proud of all she has accomplished.

Clifton joins AISD's Advanced Academics Services Department

Due to Clifton's commitment to preparing students for the world of work and college, we are joining Austin ISD's Department of Advanced Academic Services. Clifton students earn certifications and articulated course credits to help them get a head start on their future. The Department of Advanced Academic Services provides support for an array of programs including Gifted and Talented, Pre-AP and Advanced Placement program, Middle Years Program and International Baccalaureate, academic magnets, and college readiness.

We're going to Disneyworld

Nine second year Horticulture students are flying to Disneyworld and staying at a resort at Disney. Students must have worked in the greenhouse and grown the plants that were sold to the public. The funds raised from the plant sales have completely funded the trip. They are very excited! They leave on April 30 and return on May 4. They are going to have fun but also learn about horticulture. Landscaping is a huge business for theme parks, so they hope to learn more.

Clifton works!

Clifton's Career Prep and Supported Employment work together to find jobs for students. Here all the students who are working and who placed them in the position:

• Shea Clark - Walgreen's on Airport - Supported Employment
• Alden Sutton - Cafe Express on Lamar - Supported Employment
• Joe Robledo - Bake House on Manchaca Rd. - Placed by Crockett, job coached by Supported Employment
• Zeke Aviles - CVS Pharmacy on Riverside - Career Prep
• Ismael Carillo - Catfish Parlour on Ben White - Career Prep
• Marcus Clark - Family Dollar on Stassney Lane - Career Prep

In a difficult job market, these students received assistance in the job search process and learn how to keep their jobs.

Spring has sprung

The Horticulture class rose garden is now a relaxing area with benches made by Ag/Mechanical students. The Clifton programs collaborate often with wonderful results like this.

Successful Sales!

The Pancake Breakfast made over $900.

The Greenhouse Sale made over $4000.

The Business cookbook sale made $55.

We thank our volunteers and staff for their hard work, and we thank all of our customers for supporting Clifton!

Plants and Pancakes and Cookbooks! Coming March 10

Clifton's Horticulture program will hold its Annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, March 10, 2012. 8am to 1pm. This is a tax free sale. There will be over 7000 plants available.

Vegetables:
Lettuce ($3 per 6.5 inch pot)
Tomatoes ($3 per six pack)
Peppers ($3 per six pack)

Herbs:
Thyme ($3 per 4.5 inch pot)
Basil ($2 per 4 inch pot)
Lavender ($3 per 4.5 inch pot)
Rosemary ($3 per 4.5 inch pot)

Hanging baskets:
Geraniums ($12)
Ferns ($5 to $20)

Natives:
Lantana ($2.50 per 4.5 inch pot)
Bulbine ($4 per 6.5 inch pot)
Pride of Barbados ($12 per gallon pot)
Aloe ($3 to $40)
Yellow Bell (esparanza) ($7 per gallon pot)

Annuals:
Dianthus ($3 per six pack)
Impatients ($3 per six pack)
Venca ($3 per six pack)
Ornamental Peppers ($3.00 per 4.5 inch pot)
Hybiscus (Luna) ($3 per 4 inch pot)
Geraniums ($5 per 6.5 inch pot)
Blue bonnets ($2.50 per 4.5 inch pot)
Petunias ($3 per six pack)
Marigolds ($3 per six pack)
Begonias ($3 per six pack)

Succulents:
$1 to $40

Roses:
Antique ($8)
Knockout ($15)
Ralph Moore ($20)

While you are here, come join us for our Hospitality program's Annual Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction, 8-noon. Tickets are only $7.00.

Also, Clifton's Business program will be selling student created cookbooks for $5.00. Each cookbook comes with a cookie made by Clifton's Culinary students!

Pancake Fundraiser Flier(PDFs will open in a new window)
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Plant Sale Flier (PDFs will open in a new window)
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The(digital)babies have arrived!

Mrs. Wine received 8 digital babies for next year's Child Care classes. These devices simulate a real baby. Students will learn to respond appropriately to the needs of infants in preparation for careers in the child care field.

ACC guest visits Ag/Mechanics class

Troy DeFrates, Professor from the welding technology department of ACC came by Tuesday, Feb. 28 to speak to the welding students. He came by Clifton to inform students of the upcoming open house hosted by ACC's Round Rock Campus. While here he also spoke about the welding contest that will accompany the open house.

More Certifications

Seven Horticulture students are currently scheduled to take the Texas High School Floral Certification on April 14 in Dallas.

The following Ag/Mechanical students completed their OSHA certifications: Ruben Landeros, Alajandro Riojas, Alex Rodriguez, Austin Shiel, and Ruben Serapio.There was a 100% passing rate for the students that attempted the test.

Certification update

The following Business students have earned Office Proficiency Assesment and Certification (OPAC) certifications in Power Point: Miguel Santander, Chris Reynolds, Victoria Trevino, and Diana Vara. This brings Clifton's total OPAC certification count to 29. They will attempt Basic Excel certifications in early April.

Cha-ching!

Second year Business students are learning cashier skills with hands on practice. Students are really enjoying this simulation.

Culinary News

Culinary Arts students will be preparing 75 box lunches for a program at Region 13 on Tuesday, April 3. They are also offering $5 Burger Frydays for Clifton students and staff.

Student Participation

Clifton students Aaron Sweeney and Jacob Guerrero attended Austin ISD's Diversity Fair at Austin High on Saturday, Feb. 4th. They assisted Mr. Dishner in explaining what we do here at Clifton. Thanks gentlemen!

Spotlight on Horticulture

The Horticulture class has set up and is experimenting with a hydroponic growing station. The system uses no dirt, just water and clay pellets. Plant roots are submerged in water 4 times a day while under grow lights. Nutrients are added to the water. In the future, Mr. Vader plans to have Tilapia fish in the water tank to provide the nutrients instead. Clifton students are lucky to experience this technology.

Campus Teacher of the Year announced

Congratulations to Horticulture teacher Clayton Vader, Clifton's Teacher of the Year!

Field Trip

The Hospitality class recently visited the oldest food and beverage establishment in Texas, Sholz Garten.

Congratulations!

Clifton students won 8 Champion, 6 Reserve Champion, 19 Blue and 9 Red ribbons at the Travis County Youth Fair this weekend! Click here for the details:

Clifton CDS Travis County Youth Fair Awards (PDF will open in a new window)
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Welding Contest

Clifton hosted a regional welding competition on Jan 7. Contestants included students from Clifton, Lanier, McNeil and Manor high schools. Clifton had 4 contestants (Brandon, Carlos, Jacob, and Marcos) Brandon placed in 4th overall and Jacob placed 5th overall. Congrats to all who participated.

Community Support

AISD Supported Employment was awarded $2000 from Amerigroup. This money is used to help support students moving into paid employment.

Clifton's Horticulture program received $3000 from Farm Credit Bank of Texas to support the work of our students.

New Clifton Program in 2012-13

Coming next school year...the Business program will be changing to Child Care Services. Students wanting to work in Child Care will be able to take Child Development and Child Guidance in the first year, and Practicum in Human Services in year two. Mrs. Wine is looking forward to offering this new program! Stay tuned for more details to come.

Certification News

All 5 third year Business students have earned his OSHA 5 hour certification in workplace safety. Congratulations to Zeke Aviles, Francisco Macias, Travis Rand, Joshua Hurta and Angel Salazar!

Clifton Business students are taking Office Proficiency Assesment and Certification (OPAC) tests to gain certification in office skills areas. So far, students have earned 25 certificates:

• Alphabetical Filing: Diana Vara, Chris Reynolds, Miguel Santander and Victoria Trevino, Jacob Guerrero
• Basic Math: Miguel Santander, Diana Vara, Peyton Murphy, Victoria Trevino, and Chris Reynolds, Jacob Guerrero
• Basic Word: Diana Vara, Chris Reynolds
• Numerical Filing: Diana Vara, Chris Reynolds, Jacob Guerrero
• Spelling: Diana Vara, Chris Reynolds, Jacob Guerrero
• Windows XP: Chris Reynolds, Diana Vara, Jacob Guerrero
• Windows Vista: Chris Reynolds, Diana Vara, Jacob Guerrero

Students will continue to work on more certifications, including Basic Excel and PowerPoint, throughout the year.

Student Participation

Clifton 4H has registered 16 Culinary Arts and Hospitality students to compete in the Travis County Youth Fair.

Disability Mentoring Day

This year, 22 Clifton CDS students have applied to attend Disability Mentoring Day. For more information on DMD, click this link Disability Mentoring Day (Opens in a new window)

Is Clifton right for you?

Clifton is accepting new students. If you or a student you know meets the following requirements, please consider a visit.

Qualifications:
In last 3 years of school in AISD
Receiving Special Education services
Has a goal of paid employment
Independent to work with minimal supports

2010/2011

Hospitality Fundraiser

Congratulations to Mr. Mason, Ms. Jones and their hospitality crew for their pancake fundraiser, and to Mr. Vader, Mr. Gallego, and their students for the greenhouse sale! Both classes' students were super professional and the fundraisers were a big success. Go Horticulture and Hospitality!!

Certification Update

Horticulture student Ashley Lener earned her High School Floral Certification at Texas A&M on Saturday, March 26. Congrats!!

The Business students have earned a total of 14 OPAC certifications so far, and are working on more!

Teacher Certifications

Congratulations to Mr. Mason and Mr. Vader for earning Special Education Teacher Certification.

Horticulture Creations

Clifton's Horticulture students created planter boxes that were on display at the AISD School Board Trustees meeting on Feb. 28.

Certification News

All 13 of the students in Hospitality Services have successfully completed the Texas Food Handler Certification program! Good job!

Business Bloggers

Check out the Business program's blog: Clifton Business Blog

Student Awards

Students from Clifton Career Development School Participated in the 2011 Travis County Youth Fair.  Students received a total of 33 awards during the show.  Nine of these awards were Class Champions (first place) and six were Reserve Champions (second in class).The Fair was held January 21-22 at the Travis County Expo Center.  Students participated in Ag Mechanics, Horticulture, Culinary/Hospitality and Goat showing events.  We are very proud of our students!!

Welcome!

Clifton welcomes 18 new students for the spring semester.

Student Awards

Students from both the Hospitality Class and Culinary Arts Class at Clifton CDS participated in the Travis County 4H Food Competition. We came away with five blue ribbons.

High Praise

Check out Dr. Carstarphen's blog post highlighting her visit to our campus: A National Model at Clifton Career Development School (Opens in a new window)