1/24/2018 Full-time student, Full-time CNAA lot of students in high school work part-time jobs. A lot of those jobs might be at grocery stores, the mall, or at fast food restaurants. My situation is a little bit different than that. I’m a CNA at Yorktown Manor. Working in healthcare comes with a lot of responsibility and maturity. It’s not an easy job on my mind or body, but I have to make the most of everyday.
Anyone who works and goes to school or even plays sports and goes to school will tell you how exhausting it can be. Going to school for eight hours, working for six hours after school, and still having to do homework and shower when I get off work, is exhausting. I don’t get to bed until 1-2 am some nights. I wake up Monday-Friday and come to school for eight hours. When school gets out, I have to go straight home and get ready for work. I work from 4-10 usually every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and I’m required to work every other weekend. I usually even pick up shifts on my weekends off, too. Working as a CNA not only pulls on my heartstrings daily, but it also is very hard on my body. I’m constantly lifting and moving residents, constantly dealing with death, and going to school on top of all that. It gets really exhausting. People tend to only look at the negatives in healthcare. Even though it is hard work mentally and physically, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. My residents depend on me daily, and oftentimes I’m their support because their family doesn’t want to be. It means the world to me to be their support. I started working as a CNA for the first time in September. I grew up watching my mom be a nurse, working long hours, and sleeping anywhere in between. I knew it wasn't easy work from watching her, and I definitely was in over my head in the beginning, even though I knew it would be challenging. Time management was a very hard thing for me to learn. I generally work anywhere from 30-40 hours a week and go to school full time. In the beginning, I didn’t use my time wisely. I slept and played on my phone instead of using that time to catch up on homework. I stayed up late and was late to school. Now I’ve learned to use my time efficiently, and it made everything so much easier. I feel like having this job my senior year has prepared me for how my life will be in college, and I’m very happy I did this early. Now that I’ve mastered time management and figured out how to work and go to school full time, I feel like I can do anything! 5/23/2017 Spring FlingBy Reece Malchow Every year students are able to participate in a day of fun filled with water balloon tosses, relays, tug of war, and icy cold flavored snow cones. Students who don't participate get to relax by sitting in the bleachers and talking with friends from all grades. Unfortunately, this year Spring Fling did not go as planned. It was cancelled due to weather and then was rescheduled to a day which showed rain and which was coincidently Senior Skip Day. The count for the Senior class was altogether three people, and festivities were cut short due to a sudden downpour. However, this didn't get students down who were determined to enjoy the evening of fun filled planned activities no matter the obstacles.
Freshman, Gracie Bond, participated in every event which included the 4/1, balloon toss, capture the flag, and the wet sweat pants race which was cut short. "My favorite event was the wet sweatpants race and next year I think it'd be fun to have dodgeball as the main game." "The only thing I expected differently about it was that several events would be going on at once and not just one at a time. I also think there should be more opportunities and games to play, so everyone who wants to do something is able to." Sophomores Virginia Carter and Tabitha Snyder agree that there should be more events going on for other students who weren't able to sign up for events on time or for those who don't favor athletic events. "They should have other options like board games, corn hole, twister, or other games." Some students didn't want to participate in certain games while others hoped to but, unfortunately, were unable to. James Howard, junior, said that he wanted to be a part of the balloon toss since he did it last year and enjoyed it. However, when the event was announced everyone waiting at the entrance rushed over before he had the chance to head over. He and other students commented on how they wished events could include more people instead of only allowing a few people from each grade, especially since there were still several balloons left over by the time the event was done. Mrs. Trehearne, leader of the student council, says that she is open to having corn hole or other activities going on as long as it's not chaotic, but she was unaware of how students felt until it was mentioned to her. She says overall Spring Fling was in the middle when asked if it was a Reece Malchow negative or positive experience. The events and participation were positive overall, but the weather and Senior class participation leaned on the negative end of the spectrum. Students for years have enjoyed Spring Fling and are glad that there is a variation with the games but are hoping some changes will be made. In the following years, hopefully the student council leaders will consider adding a few more elements to carry on as a tradition for Spring Fling as every other event has to make the whole experience even more enjoyable than it already is. 5/23/2017 If You Could Re-do the YearBy Kaileigh Clifford The end of the year is something everyone looks forward to seeing. The last few weeks become a time to reflect what you’ve accomplished through the school year. If you could re-do your school year, what would you do differently?
Katie Cook, freshman, says if she could do over the school year she would play sports. She says she could have made it better by attending school more often. Katie says the biggest change she sees in herself since the beginning of the year is trying harder to turn in all her assignments. She says she plans on bettering himself next year by turning in more of her assignments. Katie says her favorite thing about this school year was the teachers and her least favorite thing was doing NWEA testing. Aerionna Strahan, junior, says if she could change something about her school year it would not procrastinate as much, “With projects I always wait until the last minute to do them”. She says to make this school year better she would have done more school work. Aerionna says the biggest change she sees in herself is being nicer to other students, “I’ve became a better person”. She says her biggest plan to make next year better is to start projects ahead of time instead of waiting until the night before it's due. Aerionna says her favorite thing about this school year is all the seniors leaving and her favorite thing has been getting to hangout with friends and meet new people. Alexys Clifford, freshman, says if she could change anything about her school year she would try harder the first half of school. She says to make her school year better she could have done her school work more often, “When I do my school work it makes me feel better”. Alexys says the major changes she sees in herself since the beginning of the year is she tries harder, “At the beginning of the year I didn’t care, and I didn't try hard at school. Now I'm working hard to get good grades”. Alexys says to make next school year better she’s going to try not to focus on what other people think and make herself happy instead. She says her favorite thing about this year was being in high school instead of middle school because she has a lot more freedom. Alexys says her least favorite thing was not getting to go on her fieldtrip to swim at Ball State with the rest of her grade because of her grades. Kaleb Norris, 6th grader, says if he could change something about his school year he would have turned in more school work in. He says to make his year better he would have taken his homework home and completed it. Kaleb says the biggest change he sees in himself since the beginning of the year is “growing up” or acting more mature. He says to make next school year better he's going to do more of his school work. Kaleb says his favorite thing about this school year was getting to come to the middle school and be with his friends. His least favorite thing has been having to get up so early in the morning. Ethan Heffernan, junior, says if he could change anything about his school year he would have done more of his homework. He says he would have made his year better by doing more of his homework. Ethan says the biggest change he sees in himself since the beginning of the year is losing weight, “I’ve lost a lot of weight since wrestling, and it made me much more confident”. He says his plan to make next year better is to get a job. Ethan says his favorite thing about this year was wrestling and his least favorite thing was having to be around people he doesn’t get along with. It seems like at the end of the year the biggest regret people have is not putting the effort into their assignments. Work hard and good things will come to you. Nothing in life is handed out because if it was it wouldn't be worth receiving. Next year will be a great one for the Warriors! 5/22/2017 Life after GraduationBy Alycia Grubb As the year is winding down, it is a bittersweet moment for seniors. Seniors are trying to figure out their plans after graduation such as selecting college plans, choosing a major, and figuring out the next phase. They tend to have a mixture of emotions running through their head ranging from sad, happy, excited, overwhelmed, etc. The end of the year tends to be the most stressful for seniors as they have projects to finish, finals to study and, prepare for graduation. Seniors tend to make the best of their last few days in high school whether it be trying their hardest in class or making a lifetime of memories with friends. However, senior year is the absolute best year of high school.
“Senior Year is for the tears, facing the fears, loudening the cheers. You find out how close you are to some, and how far away you are from others. You’ll have your lasts and get ready for the firsts. Then look back on it and remember it forever.” -Unknown Melissa Pryor said that she is excited and anxious about graduating from high school. She is anxious about getting out already, but not about life after high school. “I’m excited because all school does is hold me back.” Melissa is traveling to Florida for a month after graduation along with heading out west in an RV. She plans to attend Ivy Tech in 2018 to get a degree in Visual Communications, but she wants to go to the Art Institute in Indianapolis for a film class. “I am not going to miss high school one bit, and I have been ready to get out of high school ever since the first day of my freshman year.” Her favorite memory of senior year was taking a road trip over Spring Break to New Mexico with her friends. “I’m taking a year off to travel and really understand the world before I throw myself into college.” Majenica McLeland said, “I would definitely say I’m both scared and excited. I’m really used to coming to the same place and seeing the same kids every day. Going to a new city, a new school, and meeting a bunch of new people is scary. The unpredictability about where life will take me after this point is scary, too. I’m excited, though because this is all I’ve ever known, but there’s so much more to the world.” Majenica is attending Depauw to major in English Writing and cheer. The summer before she leaves, she is going to enjoy much of her time with her boyfriend, family, and friends. “I don’t think i’m going to miss high school; I’ll miss some of the people, and I might miss how easy my life was in some aspects, but I am more than ready to leave.” Mojo will miss the people the most because they are all like a second family to her; She likes knowing everyone and feeling close to everyone around her. “My favorite memories from high school are definitely cheerleading and homecoming.” Her favorite memory from senior year was Spring Break in Myrtle Beach, with her best friends; it was a trip to remember for her. Bri Sharp said that she is happy to get out of school, but she is going to miss the friends along with the teachers she has at Wes-Del. Bri’s emotions range from overwhelmed to excited. “I have horrible emotions, and it’s always at once.” She plans to get registered for college after graduation, and work in order to buy a new car before heading off to college. “I’m going to miss high school, but only the teachers who I will come back to see.” She’s excited to leave because it allows new beginnings to happen. Her favorite memory of senior year was going on the Disney Trip with Wes-Del Band while on spring break. “I’m planning on attending Ivy Tech for general courses, and transferring somewhere for Zoology.” Bri as well said that Mrs. Opel will be the teacher that she will miss the most. Senior Year brings a mixture of emotions that some of us start to feel at the beginning of the year or some of us start to feel them as the end of the school year comes to a close. They have worked hard to get where they are; they are ready to receive their diploma that they have deserved, and are ready to kiss high school goodbye. In the years to come, seniors will wish that they were back in high school, even if it were for only a second. Here’s to you, seniors. It’s a new chapter of your lives. New beginnings. 5/22/2017 Dress CodeDress code always seems to be a battle between the students and administration in any school. This isn't any different here at Wes-Del. In most cases students disagree with the dress code, and it becomes a game of them pushing the limits. Students seem to break the dress code most often at the beginning and the middle of the year.
Students opinion on the dress code varies but most disagree with it, especially the female students. Female students claim that they are usually the subject of the dress code and that male students rarely get a dress code infraction. Student, Haylee Rivera says that it's easier for boys to buy clothes that are dress code appropriate and that it's harder for girls to find clothes that are dress code appropriate. Haylee also says she has personally been written up for a dress code violation. She was written up for a dress that she and many others thought was school appropriate. Students say many teachers may not understand the style of clothes girls are wearing now and how hard it is to find school appropriate clothing. Students often violate the dress code by wearing too short of dresses, skirt or shorts and for wearing leggings. Students also say they notice some teacher dress code more than others. Student, Mckenzie Jeffris, says she thinks some teachers enforce the dress code to show their power and authority and others don't simply because what their students are wearing isn't their main concern. They also say there are certain teachers all the students are aware that won't hesitate to dress code a student. Mckenzie says she hasn't ever been dress coded, but often sees other students get dress coded by certain teachers. To some it is also evident that some students get dress coded more than others whether that be based on age, gender, or a particular student in general. Students Haylee Rivera and Peyton Swoveland agree that middle school students rarely get dress coded, and they see them wearing things they feel that they would never get away with in the high school. They also say that particular students get dress coded more often than others. They think that may be due to the teachers they have throughout the day. Overall students disagree with the dress code and think changes should be made. Students such as Mckenzie Jeffris think the dress code shouldn't be so obviously directed towards female students and should be more gender equal. Students also think it should be taken into consideration how hard it is to find clothes that conform to the dress code. Mckenzie thinks students should be able to wear what they feel comfortable in. Some schools switch over to uniforms rather than dealing with a dress code. Although Wes-Del hasn't switched over to uniforms, the students here do feel as if the dress code is pretty strict and administration are good at enforcing it. 4/26/2017 ISTEP OpinionsBy Kloee Benadum Standardized testing such as ISTEP isn't a new occurrence in schools across the state. However, every year the test names or tests themselves seem to change a little. Currently students in grade six through eighth, and tenth grade students all test. It has switched on and off for the last few years on whether students will take ISTEP or the NWEA. It is now a state requirement that students in tenth grade pass the ISTEP to graduate.
The testing gets an overall bad rap from the student body. Students don't want to take it and teachers don't want to give it. It interrupts the school day schedule for both students and teachers. Students miss out on a portion of their day each day of testing, and some teachers don't get to have some of their students in class. Teachers have to proctor the tests, and miss their classes. Sophomore, Tiffany Clark, says it's hard for her because she misses some of her classes, but the teachers continue on with class so she gets behind in school work. When it comes to testing there are multiple approaches students could take. Some students completely blow it off, while other students stress out about it. Sophomore, Tiffany Clark, says that testing gives her anxiety, and she is stressed out the whole week of testing. For her she constantly thinks about passing the test because for her it would be embarrassing if she didn't pass. It also stresses students out knowing there is no way to study or prepare themselves for the questions they will be given before the test. On the other hand, some students don't stress about the test at all and just try their best knowing that's all they can do. Student, Kory Candelario, says he doesn't stress about the test and is more laid back about it but doesn't blow it off either. He takes it seriously but doesn't overthink it if he doesn't know an answer. Students also say they notice the effect that testing has on their school environment. Kory Candelario says he notices some of his peers being stressed out during testing days. When asked what advice he would give a student about to test, he said he would tell them not to worry too much about it because they can't prepare or study for it and for them to just try their best. Students also notice their teachers being a little stressed out during testing. Tiffany Clark says that having anxiety when taking a test makes it much harder for her than if she didn't have test anxiety. There are two different rounds of the ISTEP test, one on paper and an online portion. Students, Kory Candelario and Tiffany Clark both say they prefer to test on paper. Kory says he feels like he can comprehend the question better when it's right in front of him on paper rather than on a screen. Tiffany also says it is easier for her to concentrate on a test when it's on paper. Even though the student body and the majority of the teachers don't like standardized testing it has to be done. Even though students may find it to be unnecessary, they still need to do the best that they can on it and try to pass it because it is not a graduation requirement. Not only do the test scores tend to define the student, but they also define the school. The schools reputation to some extent depends on those test scores. By Kaileigh Clifford Many students have often wondered why there is a lack of field trips or class trips in high school. There is a class trip in middle and elementary school, but there aren't any in high school. Students have to be part of a group or certain class to go on a field trip. Short of signing up for a class or club just to take a field trip, students would like more options.
Damon Wilson, junior, says the last field trip he remembers taking was his 8th grade year an Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field. Damon says he believes taking more trips would help him understand certain classes more because he learns better with hands on experience. If he could choose a class trip to take, he would want to go to Chicago and see all of the museums there. Damon says having no class trips makes school “pretty boring” with nothing to look forward to during the year. According to Mrs. Lee not having class trips does affect how she teaches her students. Since she is not able to take a class trip she tries to make up for it by doing a “mini unit” about Indiana government, but not having a visual makes it harder for students to truly understand. Mrs. Lee says if she could go anywhere, she would take her 8th graders on a 2 day trip to Indianapolis to look at state government and meet some government officials. “I know there's a popular idea of taking kids on a Washington DC trip in 8th grade, but I would really like to give students more information about their home state before we look at a national level. It's hard to believe, but some students have never even been to downtown Indianapolis.” Kayleena Strahan, freshman, says the only field trip she has taken while attending WD were going to Second Harvest Food Bank and Camp Adventure. However she doesn’t think field trips would help her understand more about her classes. Kayleena says if she could take a school field trip anywhere, she would like to have take a trip to Washington DC trip in 8th grade that most other schools take. She says not being able to take a high school class trip is a downside to going to WD, and she thinks her class should be able to take one. Majenica McLeland, senior, says she's taken quite a few trips at WD, like going to Saint Louis and Ball State. However most of them have been because she is part of a specific class or group and few have been class trips. She says taking trips make her classes much more interesting and getting out of the classroom helps her focus. Mr. Ponto says a big part of having no class trips is a lack of money, “It costs a lot of money just in fuel to take a big group of kids somewhere, especially when it takes 2-3 busses”. He says another big factor is that state testing is such a big deal for students to pass, “When you’re not at school you’re not learning how to pass a test”. Mr. Ponto says the reason students don't take the DC trip 8th grade year is because the school doesn’t fund it, “All the money comes from student fundraising. If a family can't pay for it they cannot go unless they find someone else to pay for it. If there was a group of students and teachers willing to put forth the effort to raise some money we could do it here”. He says unfortunately, there's not much students can do to make trips more available. Mr. Ponto says taking field trips could be beneficial for students, “The best memories I have of school is taking trips like the DC trips and going to the zoo”. He says being able to leave the building is more memorable and it helps students learn more as well as giving them a break. However it does not help students pass ISTEP or ECA and there’s so much pressure to pass tests from principals, to teachers, to students, that trips are hard to make time for. Over all lot’s of people agree class trips could be beneficial for students and it helps make lasting memories. Change starts with the students and if we can get students behind funding there's a bigger possibility of having class trips. Unfortunately for some trips they may never be available because of the lack of time during the school year. 3/1/2017 Peer PersuasionKaileigh Clifford How much do your peers truly affect you? If students say something is cool, do you immediately agree and think it is, too? What about the way you dress or who you talk to? Do others influence those actions for you?
When asking Mr. Mealy about peers effects on each other, he says he believes a big part of students’ attitudes are affected by their home environments. If they are having a hard time at home they are more likely to come to school and take their anger out on others. Mr. Mealy also agrees that students attitudes are affected by their teachers. He says it could possibly even start with him, “If I'm having a bad day, and I come in and interact with the teachers, then they may get that attitude from me and pass it down to their students”. Another big factor could be who the students hang around with or surround themselves with. He says a big issue with high school and middle school students is that everyone is trying to be liked, everyone wants to fit in and worry about what others think. Whatever group students hang around with, they typically are trying to gain or already have acceptance from them, which in turn students do whatever they can to make sure they continue to be liked. Mealy says, “If you're comfortable with who you are, then you won't always be looking for other peoples acceptance and approval.” He agrees when you don't fit in with what's “popular” then you can have a harder time simply because people don't understand you. In highschool people search for that acceptance and understanding. When you don't find that friend or that group, it can be extremely hard until you leave high school and see what else is out there. Alexys Clifford, freshman, agrees that her peers do affect her. She says if they don't like you or you don't fit in they will be mean to you and make you have a harder time. Alexys says students definitely will act different depending on who's around. “Kids will be mean to someone just because certain other people are around”. She says her teachers don't really affect her mood too much because she knows she gets to leave after that period. Alexys says if you do your own thing and don't follow what's popular you can have a harder time at school because students tend to pick on those students more. Mason Williams, junior, agrees with other students in saying his peers affect him. He says he tends to follow what his group of friends does, “If they make good decisions, I make good decisions”. He says he see’s a lot of students act like they have problems with other students because of who's around but will be nice and get along if they’re alone. Mason says his teachers definitely do affect his mood, because if the teacher is more strict that can cause students to be in bad moods or if the teachers are more laid back it can make the class a lot easier. He says he tries to surround himself with students that are “going somewhere in life”. Ms. Clark says other teachers attitudes affect hers, “if someone’s having a good day it makes me feel a little better”. She says students tend to act like who they surround themselves with, if they are hanging out with a good group of students, or a bad group of of students who mess around they tend to follow. Clark agrees with Mealy and says the biggest factor in a student's attitude is their home life and how it's going. She says another big factor for high school students especially is whether they’re getting along with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Clark says she thinks students can be affected during school hours if they don't “fit in.” However it just depends on who they hang around with. “If they’re in the ‘popular group’ they tend to try to do whats popular”. She says classes affect her mood. For example if the majority is “down” it's harder to teach, but if they’re in a good mood it makes it easier because she can have more fun with the class. Deonah Garrett, junior, says her peers tend to mainly affect her in a negative way because typically students will be mean, and it puts her in a bad mood. She says she sees students act differently on a daily basis because of who is around. “Boys will try to act big and bad because their friends are around”. Deonah says her teachers do affect her mood because they are usually in a good mood, so if they’re in a bad mood it puts her in a bad mood as well because the whole environment changes. Deonah agrees that kids who don't fit in with what's popular have a harder time. “They’re considered ‘weird’ and students will bully them”. She tries not to surround herself with too many people because she says not a lot of students are motivated enough to do positive things with their lives. Being the odd one out is always hard, especially in a place like high school where students are forced to see the same people every day. Keep in mind that after graduation, none of this really matters. Students will go off and do their own thing and surround themselves with people they want to. Don't let other people's opinions keep you from being happy. Stay true to yourself, and be kind. 3/1/2017 Saving SweetheartsBy Alycia Grubb Here at Wes-Del, Sweethearts is a traditional dance that is put on every year, in the middle of February. It’s a time where students can get dressed up and dance the night away with their fellow peers or significant others. This is where high school memories are made and cherished forever, especially for Wes-Del seniors.
Mrs.Gill, Wes-Del teacher and student council adviser, says her view of Sweethearts is a celebration of Valentine’s Day, like a Valentine’s dance. Mrs. Trehearne and Mrs. Gill don’t want students to feel like it is a couples only dance. It is fine for the students to get dressed up and come to the dance with a friend. Students do not have to be labeled as dating or a couple. Mrs. Gill explained that the date for Sweethearts is set a year in advance to be around Valentine’s Day. They schedule a DJ, plan decorations, and take care of overall school rules pertaining to a dance like security, tickets, refreshments, decorations, and communication to the students. Mrs.Gill wants the dance to appeal to a large majority of the student body and has been trying to add new things. In the years to come, Sweethearts will still be traditional but “bring a friend” will be emphasized. While Sweethearts requires a lot of work to get accomplished, it can be rewarding. “I enjoy dressing up and seeing students all dressed up,” Gill said. Jenny Harrell, junior, enjoys going to Sweethearts every year. To her, Sweethearts means going on a date with your boyfriend/girlfriend and having a good time. However, it is very uncomfortable for her when she goes single and sees one couple after another. “It is awkward when you are single and there are five slow songs, one after another.” Even though Sweethearts is traditonal, Jenny wishes Wes-Del would do something different to accommodate students who aren’t in a couple. “More schools have “Snow Balls” instead of Sweethearts,” she said. However, she enjoys it and thinks it is beautiful. Mrs.Opel, Wes-Del staff member, has knowledge about other schools’ dances. Delta hosts a dance for just underclassmen (freshmen, sophomores, and juniors) and “Winter Ball” only for seniors. “It’s a different dynamic for us at Wes-Del and we just do not have the numbers to put on dances like Delta does,” Opel explained. Delta has graduating classes of 280+, and they fundraise all year long to raise money for the seniors to have their own dance. Our graduating senior classes are too small and the school does not have money to put on all of those dances. As for wanting to break tradition and change Sweethearts to make it more like other schools, Mrs. Opel expresses that would not be a great idea. “Wes-Del has traditional and they work well. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” She thinks Sweethearts is an all inclusive dance for everyone because students have the opportunity to attend, dress up, go dance, laugh, and have fun. To go along with not wanting breaking tradition, Olivia Routh, freshman, did not want to break the tradition of Sweethearts either. “As a student council, we decided to keep the name as Sweethearts because we didn’t want to change traditions.” She thought it was a good idea to keep tradition because she doesn’t like changing tradition and it was best that they keep the name and dance going. Sweethearts is something that will take place at Wes-Del for years to come. Here at Wes-Del, we keep our traditions going, never stopping, and never breaking. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Traditions are extremely important at Wes-Del that won’t stop anytime soon. As a high school senior, some of my best memories have been made at Sweethearts; ones that will be cherished forever. Sweethearts is a beautiful dance where some of the best memories are made and kept in our hearts forever. 2/6/2017 Student Life Outside the Walls of WDBy Kloee Benadum After each senior class walks out of Wes-Del after graduation they are expected to start their adult lives. They are expected to go to college, enter the workforce, follow their goals, and most of all, they are expected to succeed. Their four years in high school and even their years in middle school are supposed to prepare them as much as possible for this huge adjustment.
Here at Wes-Del, classes that help in the students' career exploration are offered and even required. Teachers Mrs. Gill and Mr. Kubic teach a careers class that is required for freshman. There is even a careers class offered for middle school students now taught by Mrs. Chambers. These career classes help students in exploring different career options and the different opportunities out there. The students take career tests that suggest possible careers they would enjoy based on a series of questions. This class also requires students to participate in mock interviews. Along with the careers classes, child development, human development and other classes of that nature would be a good exploration for students interested in family-based careers such as social workers. Guidance counselor, Mrs. Chambers, feels that elective classes also play a big part in students career exploration. She says if students ever have an empty spot in their schedule she will advise them to try an elective that they may have never thought of taking. The student could find out they really like that class and explore the possible careers that stem from it. Some of the electives we offer are art, tech, journalism, drama, and Nutrition and Wellness. Wes-Del students are also exposed to job shadowing as well as mock interviews. This job shadowing allows students to actually get out and witness a career first hand rather than reading some vague description out of a textbook. This allows students to see if they will actually like a career they are considering. Teacher, Ms. Bland, thinks all students should be required to do several job shadows throughout high school. She said in previous years the students had been required to do two job shadows a year, and thinks it would be beneficial for students to start doing that agin. The MACC, Muncie Area career center, is also a big resource in career exploration for students. There, the students have the opportunity to learn different skills such as nursing and wielding, they also have the opportunity to do internships. A career fair would also be beneficial to have so students can see and experience what various careers have to offer. Guidance counselor, Mrs. Chambers, says there are plans for students to go to a career fair at another high school next year. Wes-Del's goal is for the graduating students to be as well prepared for their future careers and adult lives as possible. Mrs. Chambers says that the students who want to be prepared will be very prepared by the time they graduate. Overall, Wes-Del does a good job for academically preparing its students as well as preparing them for their adult lives. However there are still other things that would help students be more prepared, and students should be willing to prepare themselves for "the real world" as well. |
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