Letter from the Principal
While this newsletter is experiencing a delayed start (it always takes a little extra time for Clifton to get set up in our district communication systems due to the unique nature of our campus), it comes at a fantastic time: our building is buzzing with energy, labs and internships are in full swing, and our students have already accomplished so much.
Looking back at the first nine-week grading period, it's remarkable to see how quickly our students transitioned from learning foundational concepts to diving into real-world application. Whether it's gaining familiarity with hand tools, striking the acetylene torch, mastering a center part, piping a rosette, placing EKG leads, or engaging residents at a local assisted living center, our students demonstrate every day what it means to be college and career ready.
Career and Technical Education is about active learning, discovery, and turning passion into skill. Walking through our classrooms, I am constantly re-energized by the focus, creativity, and growth mindset our students bring to their pathways. The students who entered our campus in August are not the same students we have as we close out October, which is a testament to their hard work as well as the dedication of our staff and industry partners.
As we move forward into the second nine weeks, our focus remains on providing engaging instruction to support every student in reaching their career goals. We encourage you to talk with your student about what they are learning and to follow us on social media (linked in the header) to learn more about a day at Clifton. Thank you for your continued support of your student's learning and our campus. We are excited to share students' journeys, achievements, and upcoming events with you throughout the year.
In partnership,
Sachi Edson
Looking Ahead
- November 2: Student & Staff Holiday
- November 3: Student Holiday & Election Day
- November 6: Clifton Luncheon
- November 23-27: Fall Break
Campus Highlights
Speed Interviews
Our goal is to prepare students for success outside of school, which includes interviews. Earlier this month, 2nd and 3rd-year students participated in "Speed Interviews" with guest interviewers from Austin ISD Central Office, post-secondary schools, and industry. We always receive great feedback from students and interviewers alike about this event, and we've even had former students return to let us know how helpful the experience was for future interviews.
Student of the Month
Every month, Clifton teachers select one student across all their sections to be recognized as "Student of the Month." These students show initiative, leadership, and commitment to their chosen pathway. Students are announced on the PA system, receive a certificate and goody bag, and are celebrated with communication home and to their high school campus. We recognized our first round of Students of the Month in October and will be celebrating our second round next week.
Attendance Recognitions
Last week, Clifton celebrated students with 90+% attendance for the first 9-Weeks Grading Period with a nacho pop-up. Starting this grading period, we will also celebrate student attendance every 3-weeks with a raffle ticket system. As a reminder, any student who drops below 90% attendance for the semester (more than 3 Clifton absences) will need to make up hours to earn credit for the class. Please encourage your student to show up consistently and turn in any medical excuse notes.
First Luncheon
Last Friday, our Culinary Arts students hosted our first Clifton Luncheon since May 2025, and the very first in our new cafe space. 1st-year students served as "Front of House," interacting with customers in the dining space. 2nd and 3rd-year students prepared the meal and 3rd-year students also managed the kitchen the morning of the event. We're excited to have these back at Clifton and can't wait for our future luncheons, each of which will hosted by a different 3rd-year student.
Steel Day
Earlier this month, our 2nd and 3rd-year Ag Tech (Welding) students attended Steel Day at Patriot Erectors. This was a great opportunity to network and see new products/processes in the industry. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a welding competition on site.
Respiratory & Nursing Academies
This month, Clifton had 10 students who were selected to participate in either the Respiratory Academy at Texas State Round Rock or Nursing Academy at Concordia University - the highest number of students from any Health Science program across the district. Students had the opportunity to participate in hands-on simulations and engage with current students and instructors across the campuses. The Nursing Academy even included a disaster-response scenario.
Certification Corner
Clifton programs offer a range of certifications to support students in their future careers. In the first-year of our programs, we offer several Industry-Driven Certifications (IDCs), which are certifications that are often required to enter the career field. Examples include OSHA 10, Food Handlers, and CPR First Aid. In our advanced courses, we offer Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs), which are more comprehensive. Examples include Cosmetology Operator License, Food Protection Manager, and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). Within the Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability system, earning an IBC designates a student as "College and Career Ready," carrying the same weight as qualifying scores on the SAT or TSI. Both types of certifications set our students apart from other high-school students/recent graduates and help ensure they have the best chance at post-secondary success.
So far this year, we're excited to share that...
Industry-Driven Certifications
- 42 1st-Year Ag Tech (Welding) and HVAC students earned their OSHA 10
- 52 1st-Year Culinary Arts students earned their Texas Food Handlers
Industry-Based Certifications
- 21 2nd-Year Ag Tech (Welding) students earned their American Welding Society D9.1 Sheet Metal Welding
- 6 3rd-Year Culinary Arts students earned their Food Protection Manager