Career Week at B.F. Day was a Success

Watch First Bell and B.F. Day Career Week Interviews

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Thank You Guest Speakers!

Our B.F. Day Elementary held its annual Career Week this week thanks in large part to the school’s counselor, John Taylor, and counseling intern, Shelly Frappier. Throughout the week, fourth and fifth grade students heard from guest speakers who talked about their pathway to their career, obstacles they overcame, and responsibilities of their career. There were representatives from public service, arts, public safety, technology, and trades. The week ended today, with a special visit from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

Thank you to all our speakers for sharing their journeys with our students. Our fourth and fifth graders stayed so engaged throughout the week. Thank you to our families that continue to support school counseling at B.F. Day. Career Week is celebrated during National School Counseling week. We’re looking forward to Career Week in school year 24-25, and already thinking about our upcoming panelists! ~ B.F. Day Principal Natalie Zisko

Ways to Continue Career Conversations at Home From Counselor John Taylor

Hello B.F. Day Family, In creating a comprehensive school counselor program, my focus is supporting students social/emotional well-being, their academic skills and their future aspirations. This school year we are building on last year’s first ever career week at B.F. Day. Career Week activities will span from kindergarten all the way up to 5th grade. Kindergarten thru 3rd graders participated in classroom discussions and activities in the classroom that are designed to provide an opportunity for students to learn about their teacher’s career path, as well as learn more about their own strengths and interests. 

For our 4th and 5th graders, students were visited by various professionals from the community. Fourth and 5th graders saw seven speakers in all for career week. In addition to sharing aspects of their career, speakers shared moments of resiliency and perseverance that may have been required to achieve their goals.

What are some fun ways to continue career related conversations at home?

• Share your own career path with your family
  • How did you end up in your current job? What do you like about it? What don’t you like? 
  • Did you have to receive special training (college or on-the-job training) to be good at your job? 
  • Did you always want to have that job?
• Family and friend interviews
  • Has your student learned about the careers of your own family members or friends? Have your student choose someone they know to interview about their career. 
  • Help them brainstorm questions they would like to ask during an interview.
• Help a child with an interview.
  • Your student could identify jobs that they are interested in, by talking to anyone you know in your community (a neighbor, a church member, etc.) has that job. 

Talk about an everyday object your child uses (e.g. smartphone, ice cream) and brainstorm the jobs that helped develop, manufacture, sell, distribute and/or maintain that item (All Grades)

Create a “My future” growth chart

• Each year ask your student what they want to be when they grow up or after high school.
  • Mark it on the wall in the same way you would your child’s height. 
  • You may choose to make the chart more horizontal.
• Each year, update the chart with… When I grow up, I want to be…

Friday Game Night- Play a game of Career Charades

• Have each member of your family brainstorm careers and write them on individual pieces of paper. Set a timer for 2 minutes and have each player act out the profession and see who can guess it!

Additional resources in a PDF in the emailed Dayette or check in the office: Books that explore careers and expand on workers in the community.