Regional Occupational Program
(ROP)
Contact Info
Mark Hodges
Senior Director,
Regional Occupational Program
Jim Howes
Assistant Director,
Regional Occupational Program
Michelle Cuartilon
Department Coordinator,
Regional Occupational Program
Laurie
Stewart-Rider
Administrative Secretary
Main phone #: (831) 466-5760
Fax: (831) 466-5769
Visit the Regional Occupational Programs web site:
http://www.rop.santacruz.k12.ca.us
Student & Personnel Services: Regional Occupational Program (ROP)
Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and the Santa Cruz County Fair
The Regional Occupational Program (ROP) visited the Santa Cruz County Fair this year for the first time in nearly ten years and met with several hundred students, parents, and fair visitors. The purpose of the ROP presence at the fair was to share what ROP staff and instructors provide students throughout Santa Cruz County.
Former ROP Assistant Director, Pat Johns, who has worked with the Ag History Project since retirement and is the Codiga Center & Museum Director provided ROP staff with the necessary information to display at the fair and parking and entrance passes for instructors. Pats role at the fair was helpful and appreciated.
The level of service provided by fair staff was excellent. The fair manager, Michael Bethke and the fair board plan to include education in the fair and their strategic plan and discussions have included the possibility of ROP playing a role in their plans.
While at the fair ROP staff discussed the classes and services the County Office of Education (COE) and ROP provide the districts. Many visitors were not aware of the COE and ROP role in education and Santa Cruz County. ROP staff explained the various courses offered to students and how courses lead to high paying careers and continuing education. New courses include a culinary class offered at the Louden Nelson Center. The culinary class was developed in partnership with Alternative Education.
It was an experience to walk the fairgrounds early in the mornings as the fair comes alive with food, animals, and visitors. The amount of effort and energy invested by young people in their displays and animals is impressive. Early morning hours are probably the best at the fair because the fair and its purpose are just waking up.
The ROP Mission Statement:
Santa Cruz County ROP provides students with opportunities to acquire career training and technical skills to prepare for lifelong learning and success in the changing workplace.
For more information about ROP programs, contact Jim Howes at 831 466-5761
Photographs courtesy of the Santa Cruz County Fair Board.
