In Spring Branch ISD (SBISD), career exploration doesn’t wait until high school. This week, hundreds of Pre-K through first-grade students are discovering that learning can be hands-on, interactive and fun at the district’s annual Children’s Barnyard event, where agriculture, animals, and curiosity take center stage.
Hosted at the district’s newly refurbished Agriculture Science Center, the event brings learning to life for the district’s youngest students through activity stations led by older students enrolled in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. Over two days, nearly 800 students will rotate through stations exploring agriculture, food systems, animal care, and the science behind it all. The message is clear: T-2-4 starts early!
What Is CTE and why it matters
Plain and simple: CTE helps students connect what they learn in school to real careers and real-world skills. SBISD's CTE program has been named a CTE District of Distinction for two consecutive years by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT), for high-quality programs, strong student engagement, alignment with industry needs, and meaningful real-world learning experiences.
Events like Children’s Barnyard help students and families understand that CTE isn’t just about careers later. It’s about discovering interests, building confidence, and connecting learning to the real world from the very beginning.
Learning from students, Not just teachers
One of the most powerful parts of the event is who’s doing the teaching.
At each station, younger students learn directly from older CTE and FFA students who guide activities, explain concepts, and model leadership. It’s a full-circle moment: students who once attended Children’s Barnyard themselves are now mentors demonstrating Core Characteristics like communication skills, responsibility, and pride in their learning.
"Seeing older CTE students lead, teach, and mentor our youngest learners is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when exposure starts early. This is what building a future-ready workforce looks like," said CTE Director Christina Ricelmumwen. "Students learning by doing, growing in confidence, and discovering pathways that are open to Every Child."
“It was a great experience working with younger students and introducing them to parts of agriculture they may not have known about,” said Will Dudley, Stratford High School Class of 2026.
“It was fun connecting with a different age group through a shared interest,” added Isabella Bentancur, Northbrook High School Class of 2027. “My favorite part was teaching the students about my pig and letting them brush him. They were so excited and a little nervous at the same time.”
For Pre-K and first-grade students, it’s eye-opening. For families, it’s reassuring. And for the district, it’s proof that early exposure works.
World-class programs need world-class spaces
Children’s Barnyard also highlights the progress of the district’s 2022 Bond, which is well underway and delivering modernized, high-quality learning environments across SBISD. The renovated Agriculture Science Center reflects that commitment through flexible, safe, and engaging spaces where students can learn by doing. Facilities support not only today’s programming, but tomorrow’s workforce. When students see themselves learning in professional, purpose-built environments, expectations rise and outcomes follow.
Click here to learn more about the 2022 Bond Program.
A Vision that grows with students
SBIDS's T-2-4 vision is built on the belief that Every Child deserves opportunity, exposure, and support starting with the earliest learners. Children’s Barnyard is one meaningful example of that vision in action:
Career awareness begins early
Learning can be joyful and hands-on
CTE pathways are open to Every Child
SBISD is preparing students not just for school—but for life
As CTE Month approaches, the district encourages families to connect with their school campuses and CTE educators to learn more about how programs grow with students year after year.
From the barnyard to the future workforce and beyond, SBISD is helping students imagine what’s possible and giving them the tools to get there.
View complete photo gallery here.