The Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) programs at Hamilton High School, Templeton Middle School and Silver Spring Intermediate School have all been awarded “Program of the Year” by the Wisconsin Technology Education Association (WTEA). This distinguished honor was made possible thanks to the support from Hamilton School District community members.
Hamilton High School has been named “High School Program of the Year.” Silver Spring Intermediate School and Templeton Middle School share the honor of “Middle School Program of the year.” WTEA recognizes all three AET programs for providing students with rigorous training and skill development in the areas and concepts of technology and engineering.
Only one Wisconsin school is recognized per year, at each level. This is the first time a middle and high school program from the same school district have simultaneously been awarded. The committee can choose to award this to multiple schools from the same district if they are delivering comparable programs, such as Silver Spring Intermediate and Templeton Middle Schools.
“The Applied Engineering and Technology Department does an extraordinary job of blending life skills, safety, innovation, real world application and providing students with the opportunity to gain skills that can lead to future careers” said Hamilton School District Superintendent Paul Mielke, Ph.D. “Our business partners are astounded at the opportunities that kids are being provided and how well prepared they are for future employment.”
In 2018, the Hamilton School District community passed a referendum which helped to fund a complete renovation to the AET spaces at Hamilton High School. The teachers and administration worked tirelessly to align their curriculum with real world applications and input from the current business and manufacturing community. The end result was a revamping and revitalization of curriculum that has resulted in a record number of students taking advantage of the newly offered opportunities that did not previously exist.
Interest in AET programs extends to younger students as well. Silver Spring Intermediate and Templeton Middle School’s Applied Engineering classes have generated so much interest they are always filled to capacity.
“I would be remiss if I also did not mention the dedication of the teachers in our Applied Engineering and Technology Department. Schools are only as successful as the staff who are in the classroom everyday” Dr. Meilke noted. “The teachers in the Applied Engineering and Technology Department are constantly innovating and adapting while they support and nurture the daily needs of the students. They are the heartbeat of the program and Hamilton is very fortunate to have them.”
The District’s AET program includes courses in Architecture and Construction, Engineering, Graphic Arts, Machining and Automation, Welding Fabrication and Woodworking.
Awards will be presented at the WTEA Banquet held in Wisconsin Dells in March.