IN Canon-Mac Summer 2024 | Page 36

anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

WQED and Canon-McMillan Schools Partner to Expand Career Exploration Program

Expanding upon the success of last year ' s World of Work Marketplace held at the

Frank Sarris Public Library , WQED ' s collaboration with Canon-McMillan Schools has broadened its reach to include Hills-Hendersonville and Borland Manor Elementary Schools this academic year .
Megan Hoffman , a school counselor within the District , was instrumental in the initiative ' s success . Building upon the previous year ' s accomplishments , fourth-grade students at Wylandville engaged in interviews within their neighborhood learning community last winter and spring . These interviews , which provided valuable insights into various professions , were edited and published by WQED for their World of Work Career Map , accessible on their website .
Recognizing the significance of this program , WQED sought to further its impact by partnering with additional schools this year . Hoffman ' s transition from an elementary music teacher to a full-time counselor serving Borland Manor and Hills-Hendersonville Elementary Schools helped the involvement . To streamline the process , the project was modified to focus on interviews within the same business , making it more accessible for students .
Students from Hills-Hendersonville embarked on a tour of Hartman Independent Company , where they gained insights into diverse roles such as CEO , tool repair , warehouse / delivery , purchasing and retail operations . Similarly , Borland Manor students visited a Scarmazzi model home , where they interviewed professionals in interior design , construction , sales , brand management and purchasing . Also , a select group of students had the unique opportunity to explore behind the scenes at Sarris . The students interviewed employees from a variety of departments within the company and had the chance to talk with Mr . Sarris himself .
The culmination of these interviews was showcased at the Frank Sarris Public Library during WQED ' s World of Work Marketplace . This career fair , tailored for elementary school students , provided an immersive experience where workers from the Canon-McMillan community offered demonstrations and insights into various professions . This initiative aligns with Pennsylvania ' s career education standards , aiming to expose students to a wide range of career possibilities within their community .
In addition to these experiences , several students from Hills-Hendersonville and Wylandville Elementary Schools were selected to participate in a podcast recording for PBS Kids ' newest show , " Lyla and the Loop ." This national initiative provided students with the opportunity to engage in problem-solving activities alongside Lyla , potentially featuring them in an episode of the show ' s new podcast .
These initiatives showcase the commitment of Canon- McMillan Schools and WQED to provide students with enriching experiences that foster career exploration and critical thinking skills , preparing them for future success .
34 CANON-MAC