From cowboys, to doctors, from artists to an iron chef, these were some of the chosen careers of second graders at Landis Elementary School on Saturday. This snow make-up day lent itself to several of the North Carolina State objectives, particularly in social studies where students are asked to learn and describe types of employment and ways people can earn an income. Students in Gail Oakley’s and Roxanne Wiggins’ classes were asked to participate by dressing in their chosen career and then writing about that career. Parents, and school personnel were also asked to participate by coming to speak.
Sharon Beck, school nurse, explained to the children about her job at Landis and some of the other schools that she works for in the district. One of the parents also spoke about the importance of nurses and their jobs in doctor’s offices. Another parent, Shane Fite, is biomedical equipment technologist for Carolina’s Medical Center. He explained that one of the reasons for the high cost of a hospital stay is the cost of some of the equipment. He also brought a blood pressure/heart monitor to demonstrate to the students.
Rick Chabala is a mortgage consultant, and he explained the importance of math in his career and made each child promise “I will learn math!”
Mrs. Byrne works in merchandising for Lowe’s Home Improvement corporate headquarters in Mooresville. She explained how she helps customers to choose the right materials for their home. She also told the children about Lowe’s policy of making sure that their customers and their employees are happy.
Mr. Bond is an artist of an unusual material; he constructs artwork using neon lighting. He displayed one of his designs, a rabbit. He also creates artworks for various customers.
Special guests included Beverly Roberts, principal at Landis Elementary, and Mr. Fox, assistant principal, who also plans to come later to tell the children about his career.
Several parents were also kind enough to bring some of their products for the children to take home.
The excitement in the room was contagious and many children, as well as parents, were heard saying, “What a fun day! I learned so much!”
Students enjoyed learning so much that no one was overheard complaining about the fact that it was a snow mak-up day.