Madison Elementary School Career Day

When: Thurs., March 10, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Where: Madison School. Guest presenters will be in upper-grade classrooms.

What: 11 speakers from our community have volunteered to come to talk to
students about their careers—how they chose to do what they do, what
they like about their job, what activities are involved in their job, what they
had to do to get where they are (education, training, life experiences),
what academic and life skills are required in their job, etc.

Grades 3-5 students are participating. They will rotate between
classrooms to hear several different speakers throughout the morning.

Who: The current speaker list is as follows:

• Kayko Sampson: Head Zookeeper & Education Coordinator, Fejervary Zoo
• Jenell Hester: Graduate Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach, St. Ambrose University
• Hon. Mary Howes: Associate District Court Judge, Scott County District Court
• Hugo Proulx: Former Quad Cities Mallards Hockey Player & Program Coordinator/Coach, Quad Cities Sports Center
• Rick Stebens: Civil Engineer, Army Corp of Engineers
• Dr. Michelle Yates: Emergency Room Physician, Genesis East Medical Center
• Mark Anderson: Human Resources Director, Davenport UPS
• Mark Newsome: President & CEO, Interactive Technologies Group
• Bob Betsworth, RN: Manager of Progressive Cardiovascular & Cardiac Outpatient Units, Genesis East Medical Center
• Bryan Tyler: Head Chef, Iowa Machine Shed Restaurant
• Neil Smith and Terry Hansen –professional musicians

Why: Career Day has a couple goals. First, we want students to begin thinking
about their futures in the world of work. Many students may not be making realistic decisions about their future career goals at this stage, but we still want them to be able to envision long-term goals for themselves—even if those goals change as they get older. We also want them to realize that actively exploring interests and developing talents can lead them on to opportunities in life. We think this focus on individual interests, goals, and future possibilities creates more motivated learners.

A second goal of Career Day is to help foster ties between our school and individuals, organizations, and businesses in our community. This is a great opportunity to bring in community members to participate in the education of our students. We are excited to give our students the opportunity to become acquainted with people who hold various roles in our local community.

This year’s Career Day planning committee includes Joe Wynsma (guidance social worker), Julie Wilkinsion (5th grade), Beth Bearbower (4th), Mary Beth Dircks (4th), Brian Nickell (art) and Toi Allen (2nd).

This is Madison’s second annual Career Day. For more information, please contact Joe Wynsma at Madison, 326-5391.