LEARNING FROM THE COMMUNITY — Pupils at Stanton Elementary School learned about careers from local officials and business representatives during the Jobs on Wheels program held March 18. Spearheaded by guidance counselor Megan McNear, preschool through second-grade pupils had the opportunity to talk to members of the community, including representatives from the local safety forces, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Jefferson Landmark. The purpose of the program was so each child could begin thinking about their future and what type of career they might like to have when they are older. -- Contributed

HAMMONDSVILLE — It was all about wheels and the workforce as students took part in Career Week events at Stanton Elementary School. The school has been holding a March into Career Exploration event this month, where children are participating in a series of themed activities as a way to expose them to potential jobs they may seek as adults.

Guidance counselor Megan McNear spearheaded various activities in which pupils received a close-up look at the vehicles used by those in area safety forces, as well as others during the Jobs on Wheels program held March 18.

“During Career Week, we talk about Edison’s Three E’s, which are enroll, enlist and employ,” stated McNear. “We try to discuss careers. The preschool to second grade then did the Jobs on Wheels event.”

School officials reached out to law enforcement, emergency services and others to take part, resulting in visits by the Saline Township Police Department and EMS, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department through the school’s resource officer, the Irondale Volunteer Fire Department, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife officer, Columbia Gas, Jefferson Landmark and Knox Township. Pupils interacted with the representatives and learned about their jobs. McNear said she received positive feedback, with children and teachers all enjoying the experience.

“They got a chance to see the vehicles and talked to the representatives about what they do and how they use their vehicles for their jobs,” McNear said.

“It’s career experience to get them excited about their futures,” she continued. “It felt like the kids connected better by seeing the vehicles. It was the first year for Jobs on Wheels, and I think we’d like to expand it and get the other grades involved. Maybe next year we can get a different variety of vehicles.”

McNear stated she was thankful to those who participated, saying this activity gave the pupils something to think about.

“I hope the kids took something positive from it,” she concluded. “If they get interested in different careers, then that was the goal.” A variety of activities took place throughout the week, including Entrepreneurism Day where children wore shirts bearing the name of a college, Armed Forces or clothes related to careers based upon the Three E’s. Other themed days involved Dress to Impress, coinciding with school picture day, and Pajama Day, which teaches pupils to “dream big.” McNear invited parents of third and fourth graders to produce a brief video discussing their careers, which were shared with their classes to discuss. Fifth- and sixth-grade classes received a glimpse of adulthood by playing the game of Life.

“I sent fliers to parents and they discussed their jobs and training,” McNear stated. “The fifth and sixth grades were playing a game of Life, where they received a job, a salary and had to budget. They picked their house and car. It gets them thinking about real life. It’s not just careers, but a real-world application. They can dream big and explore at this age.”

McNear has conducted events during prior years, tying lessons into each day by using dress-up themes and guest speakers. She has worked with career counselor Leah Eft at Edison High School and guidance counselor Tiffany Moses at John Gregg Elementary School.