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New Flight Simulator Allows Hamilton Students to Explore

Aviation Career Path

Hamilton School District realistic,” she adds. “You can see Devils Lake
Hamilton High School (HHS) students as you fly over Baraboo, Wisconsin!”
are enjoying the rare opportunity to experi- Frafjord says the initial reaction from
ence what it’s like to be inside the flight deck students has been pure excitement. “Many are
of an aircraft thanks to the school’s new flight amazed at how realistic it feels and are eager
simulator. Students in Aviation is the Wiscon- to try it again. Beyond the fun, this simula-
sin-based nonprofit group that donated the tor connects to a rapidly growing career field
simulator ahead of the 2025-26 school year. in aviation and aerospace, giving students a
“We’re really excited about this simulator chance to imagine themselves as future pilots,
because it allows students and staff to experi- engineers or air traffic controllers,” she adds.
ence what it’s like to be in the flight deck and “It also opens the door to other career paths,
apply real-world problem-solving skills in a where the same critical thinking and decision-
fun, engaging way,” explains Hamilton High making skills are highly valued.”
School Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator, Students interested in learning more
Business and Information Tech Teacher Sheila about the HHS simulator are encouraged to
Frafjord. sign up for HHS Aviation Club.
Hamilton students and staff are reportedly
impressed with how detailed the technology is.
“Every single airport in the United States is on
that simulator,” shares Hamilton High School www.hamilton.k12.wi.us
Associate Principal, Extended Learning
Senior Matt Vicenik using HHS flight simulator
Coordinator Marquea Goike. “It is extremely

Physics Match Rocket Challenge KTEC Schools of Innovation Puts

ment, collect data, and Wisconsin on the Map in U.S. Department
refine their models until
their rocket is complete of Education’s CTE CHIPS Challenge
and ready for competition.
“The competition isn’t just
about whose rocket soars KTEC Schools
the greatest distance—it’s of Innovation in
about applying problem- Kenosha has been
solving skills, testing named one of 36
hypotheses, and learning semi-finalists in the
how scientific concepts U.S. Department of Education’s CTE
translate into real-world CHIPS Challenge and is the only
engineering challenges.” school in Wisconsin to advance to
Says Pronschinske. Phase 2 of the national competition.
On September 9th, The CTE CHIPS Challenge
the classroom turned – launched in October 2024 – is a
into a launchpad, as stu- multi-phase, $1 million competi-
dents put their rockets to tion designed to expand innovative
the test. Each group was student recruitment, training, and
given 3 attempts to shoot placement strategies in semiconduc- school in Wisconsin to advance to Phase 2 of
off a rocket. Groups tor fabrication and advanced manufacturing the CTE CHIPS Challenge is a tremendous
Kennedy Ziegeweid, Arcadia High School rotated in rounds with one group shooting off career pathways. honor for our community and a testament
Phase 2 of the challenge focuses on
School District of Arcadia 1 rocket at a time per round. All 6 groups had turning ideas into action. As a Phase 2 to our students and staff,” said Dr. Anders-
The physics students are blasting off at least one successful trial with the rockets. semi-finalist, KTEC will refine and roll out son. “We are thrilled to continue expanding
into new learning opportunities! In a hands- Following the final launch, all of the group’s its plan with support from challenge orga- our innovative programs and partnerships
on engineering challenge, students paired up distances were averaged out. The winning nizers. From now through the end of 2025, through this opportunity. Our students are
to take on a Match Rocket Challenge in Mr. group shot their farthest rocket 10.3 meters, KTEC’s team will benefit from expert guid- gaining the skills and experiences they need
Pronschinske’s physics class. Students were with an ending group average of 8.1 meters. ance, resources, and collaboration with peer to thrive in advanced manufacturing fields,
given matches, aluminum foil, paper clips, This challenge went further than just institutions to help bring their vision to life. and we couldn’t be more excited to lead the
skewers, and tape. With these materials they winning- it allowed students to work around The ultimate goal is to better connect KTEC way for Wisconsin.”
were to design and test small matchstick challenges, learn through experimentation, students with high-demand careers in the For more information about the CTE
rockets to try and get their creations to fly the and develop team work skills that they will use semiconductor and advanced manufactur- CHIPS Challenge go to https://ctechip-
farthest in the class. beyond the classroom setting. ing industries, in line with the CHIPS Act’s schallenge.com
In order to be successful, students had to workforce development objectives.
take into consideration principles of physics, Dr. Angela Andersson, Founder of
and investigate variables such as launch angle, www.arcadia.k12.wi.us KTEC Schools of Innovation, expressed www.ktecschools.org
rocket design, and stability. This project is full excitement about the honor. “Being the only
of interactive engineering as students experi-