Batavia sophomores recently participated in our spring semester “leaving to learn” field trip experience. The idea evolved from a concept promoted by Big Picture Learning that advocates putting students in the center of their learning through community exposure to real workplaces; in this way, students can develop concrete ideas about what career fields they’d like to pursue.
Sophomores in the Intro to Careers and Finance toured four local businesses and service organizations. For some the experience solidified their career goals while others explored options they had not previously considered. In all experiences, students learned the importance of “soft skills,” those skills vital in any career such as reliability, timeliness and proficiency in oral and written communications.
From diesel mechanics to welding and primary education to emergency medical services, sophomores toured businesses and interacted with employees, getting a synopsis of the career, required skills and education, as well as the future outlook for employment in the field. They also learned about educational programs available at GCC. The BHS team that planned this experience truly appreciates the businesses that took time out of their workday to host the sophomores.
Our sincere thanks to:
Walmart, Christina Tapp
Baskin Livestock, Bill Baskin and Paul O’Neil
Mercy Flight EMS, Pam Cherry
Batavia Fire Department, Chief Dan Herberger
Jackson Primary School, Maureen Notaro, principal, Assistant Principal Jessica Torrey and teachers: Rob Vanderwerf, Lindsey Heassler, Kristen Fix and Kristina
Statewide Machinery, Jennifer Houseknecht and staff
Pellegrino Auto Sales, Guy Pellegrino and staff
Boshart Enterprises, Carol Boshart and staff
Oatka Milk Products, Sandy Seacat and staff
GCC, Ebony Ross and staff
Pellegrino Auto Sales, Guy Pellegrino and staff
Would you like to host our students at your business? BHS will be repeating this experience next fall and spring. Sessions will be approximately 40 minutes and run between about 8:45 am and 1:45 pm; students are accompanied by an adult chaperone. If you are interested in participating in the spring, please contact either Omar Hussain, high school assistant principal at ohussain@bataviacsd.org or instructor Eileen Ognibene at eognibene@bataviacsd.org.
BHS students learn about firefighting and emergency services at the Batavia Fire Department
At the Batavia Fire Department students tried out the breathing apparatus