Barker hosted the 5th Annual 8th Grade CAREER WEEK, March 18-22nd. Classes infused different career activities throughout the week. Amy Hamann, Barker Curriculum and STEM Coach, organized the week of events for Barker 8th grade students. Below are some exciting highlights of the week:
Monday, March 18th, Career Week Opening Speakers (past Barker students), Kenny Smith (Artist and Business Owner) and Lane Van Sickle (Nurse and Volunteer Firefighter) spoke to students highlighting setting & writing down goals, being positive, importance of education, and not being afraid to fail.
Wednesday, March 20th, Career Guest Speaker Day---8th grade students attended 3, 30-minute scheduled sessions on careers of their choice. Guest Speakers brought “tools of their trade” to share and show students. The following were guest speakers that were at Barker for the event representing 11 different careers:
Electrician--Roland Hunter, LaPorte County Electrician Training Center EMS/Ambulance Driver--Anji Miller, LaPorte County EMS (with an ambulance) Engineer--Candice Lopez-Henrich & Robert Manning, Sullair Corporation Firefighters--MCFD (with fire truck the T-Rex) Fishing Guide/Business Owner--Jay Anglin', Anglin' Outdoors (with his fishing tour boat) Funeral Director--Pat Reynolds, Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel Military Careers--Major McGrath, MCHS JROTC program Photographer--Kyron Williams, Art Space--MC Uptown District (with his drone used in photography) Police--Det. Jillian Ashley & Det. Marty Corley, MCPD Veterinarian Asst.--Kim Winland, MC Animal Hospital (with animal friends) Welder--Michelle Kazmierzak, AK Smith Career Center Senior Welding Student
Thursday, March 21st was a Job Shadow/Job Tour day for 8th grade students. Students attended a Job Shadow/Job Tour of their choice. There were several group Job Tours to choose from for students that were not able to set up a Job Shadow. Arranged Job Tours included:
AK Smith Career Center: Mrs. Peterson, Principal; Mrs. Barnes, Counselor; and Mr. Biggs, Asst. Principal
Franciscan Health: Elaine Criswell and Kathy Kohler
Michigan City Police Department: Sgt Chris Yagelski and Rhonda Swistek
Purdue University Northwest Westville Campus Engineering Department: Mrs. Lori Staack, Mrs. Rodger Veatch, and Prof Athula Kulatunga (Head of the Engineering Department) Students will create a slideshow of their Job Shadow/Job Tour to present next week to other students about their experiences of the day.
Friday, March 22nd, Closing speaker, AK Smith Career Center Principal, Audra Peterson wrapped up the week with tips and career attributes of successful workers. Mrs. Peterson also discussed the many opportunities the middle school students have available to them at MCHS and AK Smith Career & Technical Center.