Students in LC 3 completed an Aspirations Unit which included career exploration, budgeting, habits of mind and reflections on success and growth mindset. Throughout the fall, students worked on various aspects of the project, which included a presentation for 8th graders by Samantha Brink from Sanford High School on Career Pathways options and Extended Learning Opportunities in high school. Throughout the process, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills were emphasized. Both grades completed the Career Key in Naviance and used their results as a springboard to explore specific careers or career fields. They were encouraged to connect these to their coursework, both in junior high and in high school. Post-secondary options (college, specialized career training, apprenticeships, military, etc.) were discussed. Students were asked to visualize their “Life in 20 Years” and build a budget around their vision, which included a future home and car along with household expenses and student loans. They also explored the concepts of growth mindset and habits of mind, identifying both strengths and weaknesses and role models that exhibit the qualities they aspire to develop. Eighth grade students created their own definitions of success and interviewed someone who they felt was successful. Students presented their projects to their parents during student-led conferences on November 7th.
Submitted by:
LC 3, SJHS (Karen Birch, Sue Coveney, Sam Hilt, Anders Larson and Amy Politano)