We’re excited to welcome our new student leadership team and look forward to a great year of leadership, teamwork, and SkillsUSA spirit! ❤️🤍💙
Please join us in congratulating these students as they step into their new roles. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish together!
#SkillsUSA #StudentLeadership #CTE #SkillsUSAMaine
Our Culinary Arts students absolutely outdid themselves with homemade dumplings and wonton soup! From prepping and chopping to folding dumplings and bringing everything together, the kitchen was busy with some serious hands-on learning.
It looked incredible, smelled even better, and was a wonderful example of the skills our students are developing every day. ❤️
Great job, Culinary Arts , you knocked this one out of the park! 👏🥟🍜
#CulinaryArts #CTE #HandsOnLearning #StudentSuccess #FutureChefs
🔧📻 Hands-On Learning in Action! 📻🔧
We love seeing our students put their skills to work!
🔹 Bryson Poole recently worked on repairing a sensory learning tool from the Calais Alternative School. The 12-year-old piece of sensory equipment had a broken wire in the vibrating module that needed to be soldered back into place so it could function properly. Bryson got hands-on experience troubleshooting, repairing, and bringing this important learning tool back to working condition!
🔹 James and Lylia also put their STEM skills into action by completing STEM kit radios. They didn't just learn about radios—they learned what each individual component does and how all the parts work together to make a functioning radio.
And the best part? 📻 They can actually tune in and listen to WQDY!
These are the kinds of experiences that turn learning into real-world skills. From soldering and repairs to electronics and radio technology, our students are learning by doing, creating, troubleshooting, and understanding how things work.
Great work, everyone! 👏🔧📻
Maine recently passed the Bell to Bell, No Cell policy restricting student cell phone use in school. Our school board has updated the local policy to reflect this restriction and to outline the consequences for violating the policy. The new policy is listed in our student handbook, which can be found here: https://aptg.co/pfM2JZ
St. Croix Tech is centered on experiential learning, meaning our students learn by doing. Throughout our various programs students could be using tools and machinery, preparing food, programming computers, serving their community, driving trucks, caring for patients, or taking care of small children. This is hands on - minds on learning and there is no need to be fumbling with a cell phone when you are preparing for a career.
We have seen this policy be successful in other districts in Maine over the last few years and we have no doubt that our students will enjoy a learning environment with fewer distractions. Students are required to have their call phone powered off and stored in a backpack, purse, or locker from 7:30 until 1:50. This includes any accessories, such as ear buds or smart watches. The local policy includes consequences that, with repeated violations, could result in having the phone confiscated, detention, and suspension.
Rather than focus on the negatives, let's remember that St. Croix Tech provides students with career and technical education leading to certifications, licenses, and college credits. Our programs place students in real world working environments. We want our training to be held to the highest standards so our students can achieve their greatest success.
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to email me at ssluzenski@calaisschools.org or to call me at 454-2581. Thank you everyone for your support and I am looking forward to a great year!
Stanley Sluzenski, SCRTC Director
St. Croix Tech has for sale by bid:
Miller Arc Welding Machine Model SRH-444, two available
May be viewed at the St. Croix Regional Technical Center, 34 Blue Devil Hill, Calais, ME, until August 28, 2026. Please call 454-2581 between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to schedule an appointment to view items.
All bids must be submitted by Friday, August 28, 2026, to the Director, St. Croix Regional Technical Center, 34 Blue Devil Hill, Suite 1, Calais, ME, 04619 or stcroixtech@calaisschools.org.
We reserve the right to accept or reject any and all bids. Items to be sold “As Is, Where Is” with no implied warranties or guarantees. The buyer is responsible for removal of items.
SCRTC has an opening for an Early Childhood Education Instructor
The Calais School Department (St. Croix Regional Technical Center) is seeking an instructor for the Early Childhood Education program starting for the 2026-2027 school year. This CTE program prepares high school students for careers in pre-school and elementary education.
Qualifications: Minimum of three years of experience in preschool or elementary/K-8 education, strong commitment to safety and continuing education, and eligible for Maine CTE Teacher conditional certification and criminal history record check.
Applications are available at:
Superintendent of Schools Office
32 Blue Devil Hill
Calais, ME 04619
(207) 454-7561
or email alyons@calaisschools.org
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4083/Csd/7ea5b4d1-3c96-4872-add1-9752f58b9c04/Teaching-Application.pdf?disposition=inline
Position will close when a suitable candidate is found.
E.O.E
Throughout this project, students experienced a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, including measuring, layout, assembly, tool use, problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork. From start to finish, they took pride in creating something they could truly call their own.
A special thank you goes to Mr. Duffy for the outstanding job he has done guiding these students through the process. His patience, knowledge, and dedication helped make this project both educational and fun.
It’s always exciting to see students engaged in learning by doing, building confidence while developing practical skills that can serve them well in the future.
Great work, everyone! We are proud of what you accomplished! 🛹🔨👏
#TradesExploratory #HandsOnLearning #CareerAndTechnicalEducation #FutureReady #CalaisMiddleSchool #StudentSuccess
🏆🔧✏️ Celebrating Our National SkillsUSA Competitors! ✏️🔧🏆
We are incredibly proud of our students who represented Maine at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta! A big shout-out also to Welding Instructor Ryan Johnson and Business Studies Instructor Robyn Leighton
After earning Gold Medals at the Maine SkillsUSA Championships, Destiny Holmes advanced to nationals in Welding Sculpture, and Sa Li advanced in Pin Design. Competing against some of the most talented students from across the country is a remarkable achievement in itself.
While they did not place at the national level this year, they returned home as winners in every sense of the word. They demonstrated dedication, skill, professionalism, and the courage to compete on a national stage while proudly representing Maine and our school community. Both students also earned Skill Points for meeting the national standards in their competitions.
Experiences like these build confidence, leadership, career skills, and lifelong memories. We could not be more proud of their accomplishments and the hard work that brought them this far.
Please join us in congratulating Destiny Holmes and Sa Li on an outstanding year and for representing Maine with excellence! 🇺🇸💙💛
#SkillsUSA #NLSC #SkillsUSANationals #MaineSkillsUSA #CareerAndTechnicalEducation #FutureLeaders #GoldMedalWinners #ProudMoment
👏 Congratulations, Destiny and Sai! We are proud of you both! 🎉
Yesterday, students and staff enjoyed our annual End-of-Year BBQ filled with good food, laughter, and plenty of school spirit. One of the highlights of the day was recognizing our seniors and raffling off seven prize baskets as a small way to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments throughout their time at SCRTC.
As we head into the final weeks of the school year, we are proud of all our students for their dedication, growth, and achievements. Thank you to everyone who helped make today's event a success!
Congratulations to our raffle winners, and thank you to all who joined us for a fun afternoon together. Enjoy the photos! 🎉
#SCRTC #CTEProud #StudentSuccess #CareerAndTechnicalEducation #EndOfYearBBQ #FutureReady
Kelsey Sault, Liam Travis, Parker Bailey, Michael Barnard, Maggie O’Rourke, Sadye Cottrell, Dylan Knight, Madison Lyon, Destiny Holmes, Isabella Bishop, Lainey Ellsimore, Alexis Bowen, Payton Beal, Rayna Sanford, Phil Benner, Connor Croman, Alexander Chesebrough, Eliva Ham, and Jack Cronister.
These students were formally inducted on March 21, during a ceremony at which Fire Chief Bill Lee served as the guest speaker.
As graduation gets closer, I’m excited to explore an opportunity that could help open doors for our students after high school! 💚
I am looking to see which students and families may be interested in getting together after graduation to complete the process for:
✔️ Educational Technician (Ed Tech) Certification
✔️ Maine fingerprinting requirements
✔️ Public school substitute eligibility
Having an Educational Technician certification and fingerprinting completed can help students pursue employment opportunities in public schools as an Ed Tech or substitute teacher while continuing their education and career journey.
I would love to help walk students and families through the process together to make it as smooth and supportive as possible!
Please take a moment to review the information flyer below regarding:
📌 What the certification is
📌 The steps involved
📌 Estimated costs
📌 Potential employment opportunities
If you think your student may be interested, please reach out so I can begin gathering numbers and share additional information regarding timelines and next steps.
Thank you for continuing to support our students and program! 🍎✨
The Calais School Department is accepting applications for:
Culinary Arts Instructor at St. Croix Regional Technical Center
Position would begin November 04, 2026
Qualifications Include:
Minimum of three years of experience in Culinary Arts, strong commitment to safety & continuing education, eligible for Maine CTE Teacher conditional certification, and a criminal history record check.
If interested, please submit an application, cover letter, resume, transcripts, and certification to:
Office of the Superintendent of Schools
Alecia Lyons
32 Blue Devil Hill
Calais, ME 04619
Telephone: (207) 454-7561
alyons@calaisschools.org
A required teaching application can be found at:
https://www.calaisschools.org/documents/applications/26425704
EOE
#MaineCTE
Mental health support and healing can look different for everyone. For some, it may be time spent with family or friends, being outdoors, creating art or music, exercising, talking with someone they trust, or connecting with animals and nature. Even quiet moments of reflection and connection can have a powerful impact on overall well-being.
Horses, in particular, are often recognized for their ability to encourage calm, confidence, trust, patience, and emotional awareness. Experiences with animals and nature can provide comfort, grounding, and connection in meaningful ways.
At SCRTC, we believe in supporting the whole student and creating a community where kindness, compassion, and connection matter.
You are important. Your mental health matters. And you are never alone. 💜
Jesse worked through an error on the Flash Forge 3D printer involving the heat exchange extruder system by following a structured troubleshooting procedure to diagnose the issue.
Real-world problem solving, critical thinking, and technical skills like these are what Career & Technical Education is all about!
Congratulations to our outstanding students from Saint Croix Regional Technical Center who were selected as recipients of the 2026 Maine Blue Collar Scholarships!
We are incredibly proud of these students as they continue pursuing careers in the skilled trades and workforce pathways that keep Maine strong.
🔧 Jacob Richard
🔧 Jordan Barnard
🔧 Jayden Fitzsimmons
🔧 Peter Morrell
🌟 Maggie O'Rourke — CTE Student of the Year
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation and its generous business supporters for investing in Maine students and the future of the skilled trades.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition of your hard work, dedication, and future goals!
Your SCRTC family is proud of you!
May 1st is Principal & Director Appreciation Day!
Today, we are especially proud to celebrate one of our own at St. Croix Regional Technical Center.
Please join us in congratulating Stanley Sluzenski on being named the recipient of the SkillsUSA Maine Cornerstone Award.
The Cornerstone Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding support for Career and Technical Education and the SkillsUSA mission champions who help students grow, lead, and succeed.
One of the most powerful parts of his recognition said it best:
A cornerstone is set quietly, often long before anyone sees the finished structure. It carries weight. It holds things together. And long after others step onto the job site, it remains steady, dependable, and essential.
That description perfectly reflects Mr. Sluzenski’s impact.
Since 2000, he has mentored, coached, and championed students through every stage of competition and leadership. From guiding state medalists as a Building Trades instructor, to supporting his own children through SkillsUSA, to now leading as a director his commitment has never wavered.
This work has never been about medals. It has always been about growth, opportunity, and transformation.
As a leader, he continues to expand that impact advocating for CTE programs, strengthening connections across Maine, and ensuring students have access to meaningful, life-changing experiences.
Today, we celebrate not just an award but the foundation he has built.
Congratulations, Stanley and thank you for being a cornerstone for our students, our staff, and our entire CTE community.
#StCroixTech #MaineCTE
St. Croix Tech students are going for gold at the SkillsUSA National Conference.
#StCroixTech #SkillsUSA #MaineCTE
