New year begins at JVS

BLOOMINGDALE -- Incoming juniors and their families explored their new surroundings during orientation at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.

The new students had time to tour the facility, meet their instructors and learn the rules of the school one day before classes officially started on Tuesday. Visitors received a checklist and made stops at various stations where they collected their JVS polo shirts, picked up Chromebooks, signed up for student clubs, gained information, practiced locker combinations, completed Final Forms, received their parking pass, purchased JVS gear and paid student fees. They also visited their lab to meet their instructor, drop off supplies and obtain their class schedule.

"We have about 218 juniors, including five new applicants today," said Principal Heather Hoover, noting that 187 seniors were also enrolled for the 2026-27 school year. "We're still taking applications until next week and quite a few labs still have room."

The JVS includes 18 career-technical programs, including animal science management, auto collision, auto service technology, carpentry, computer networking, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, electrical trades, health technologies, heavy equipment operation, multimedia and design, power mechanics, Transition to Work, welding and the recently added HVACR and Fire/EMT courses.

She added that some spaces have been altered in the wake of upgrades, with the CNT lab temporarily housed in Room 600 until remodeling is complete around late September or early October; HEO set in Room 430 while work on its facilities is underway; and the culinary arts program lodged at the Crestview Inn Café.

"We're excited to see the new kids coming in and the seniors returning," Hoover said. "We're implementing a new curriculum in the Language Arts and math departments and we've also added [College Credit Plus] courses this year."

Hoover, Superintendent Ted Gorman and Dean of Students Andy Long ended the event with a parent meeting in the commons area and highlighted school policies and other important information. Hoover outlined the new dress code, saying polo shirts and class uniforms would be worn throughout the week with dress-down days on Friday, while Long said his role was to handle attendance, discipline and everything to help the students succeed. He also shared school start times, details about excused and unexcused absences and other pertinent details as the pupils begin their classes.

Gorman summed up the experience, saying the goal was to prepare students for the future.

"We have a wonderful staff here that is going to get your students trained and certified and then the key is debt-free," he said. "We believe that when you leave here, you’re either going to get enrolled -- whether it’s in a trade school or a four-year college -- or you’re going to get enlisted or you’re going to be employed. The more I get around in our county, I see more and more JVS workers. They have trained here ... and they’re giving back, working and making good jobs in our community."

Juniors Colin Lindsay and Lilly Martin both said they were ready to start the year at the JVS.

"I'm excited," said Lindsay, who was enrolled in the electrical trades program. "I'm here for the opportunity."

"I'm really excited," added Martin, who was taking part in the animal science program. "I love animals and plan to do it as a future career."

Meanwhile, juniors began their first day on Wednesday with seniors stopping by to collect their Chromebooks and any schedules, drop off supplies and check in with their instructors that afternoon, then all 403 students resumed classes on Thursday. For more information about available programs, contact the JVS at (740) 264-5545.