Byline: KATHLEEN DOOLEY Staff writer
Patricia Wood's eighth-graders are learning more than sewing and cooking in family and consumer science classes at Koda Middle School.
They're acquiring practical skills for life.
``People don't realize the course offers them so much more than in the past,'' said Wood, as 27 Koda boys and girls sat at computers behind her, searching for career exploration sites during a 10-week session on careers.
Students worked on finding careers that suited their personalities and lifestyles. They learned to make their own resumes, and used the Internet to search for openings in major companies.
Working on such Web sites as Monster.com and Career Zone, they conducted a job search.
Ryanne Miller, 13, was having a blast scrolling down the Abercrombie & Fitch site.
``It's a good way to be prepared for the future. I'll know how to do this when I get older,'' she said.
Megan Owens, 13, said she wanted to work in a clothing store.
``Learning how to get jobs is very helpful,'' she said.
Dan McManamon, 13, had his eye on Starbucks Coffee.
``I could be a shift supervisor. I want to go into finances some day,'' he said.
Earlier, the lesson focused in entrepreneurship and some classes set up a holiday shop. Students made resumes stating positions they sought and discussed the qualifications needed.
Koda principal Bruce Ballan, vice principal Jill Bush and guidance counselor Nancy Burke selected shop employees based on interviews. The venture earned about $200 and was presented to Ronald McDonald House.
Michael Huang, 13, thinks the class will help him find a career someday. ``When I'm ready, I'll know where to go,'' he said.
Wood said students can use their knowledge now and prepare resumes for baby-sitting, showing their experience and abilities. To teach the class, she had to get on board technologically herself. She has been teaching family and consumer science for the past 18 years, she said.
The next venture for the classes is a career program on Jan. 31. Representatives from arts and humanities, business and information systems, engineering, health, agricultural sciences and more will gather in Gowana auditorium starting at 4 p.m.
Shenendehowa Superintendent of Schools Robert McClure will be the keynote speaker after which students will hear speakers that interest them.
CAPTION(S):
KATHLEEN DOOLEY/TIMES UNION PATRICIA WOOD, an instructor at Koda Middle School, shows Lauren Kerr how to find information during a career search on the Internet.
