MERCEDES, Texas – Next week South Texas Independent School District (STISD) will host an information session for the community to educate families about the district’s Half-Day Program for students with special needs.
The free community event will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the STISD Teaching & Learning Center, located at 7001 E. Expressway 83 in Mercedes.
STISD Special Programs staff will present on available Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs and benefits for participating students, including the opportunity to earn industry-based certifications. A light lunch will be provided for attendees.
Through the Half-Day Program, students take the majority of their academic classes at their home high schools and take a combination of CTE and academic courses at STISD for up to 4 credits per year.
Each STISD high school offers at least one program:
- Health Professions (Mercedes): Health Science (Healthcare Therapeutic, Healthcare Diagnostic, Exercise & Wellness) and Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (Animal Science)
- Medical Professions (Olmito): Health Science (Healthcare Therapeutic, Healthcare Diagnostic, Exercise & Wellness) and Hospitality & Tourism (Culinary Arts)
- Science Academy (Mercedes): Manufacturing (Welding) and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (Automotive)
- World Scholars (Edinburg): Law and Public Service (Law Enforcement)
The purpose of the Half-Day Program is to teach students in a real work environment so they gain a marketable edge in the workforce. Further, students gain the confidence they need to continue their education after high school. Graduates of the program have solid technical and social skills. Students can also compete in academic extracurricular organizations such as HOSA-Future Health Professionals and Skills USA.
For additional information, contact the Special Programs department at 956.514.4237 or visit the Special Programs section of the district website at https://www.stisd.net.
