Port Jefferson Station, NY:
March 3 was no ordinary day at the
Terryville
Road
Elementary School
of the
Comsewogue
School District
.. There
was a buzz in the halls and excitement filled the building as the
students began their day. Students
were dressed up and there were guests bringing an assortment of
visiting objects, both alive and inanimate.
This second career day featured business people from the
Terryville Chamber of Commerce, alumni from
Comsewogue
School District
and area businesses.
This
was no ordinary career fair. For
example, a Corvette from Ramp Chevrolet was parked in the garage with
a master technician ready to educate 5th grade students
about how Corvettes and his job have changed in the past 26 years.
Students were fascinated with the car and the computer
technology that commanded movements in the windows and doors.
Second graders were treated to an equestrian, owner of
Boyle
Road
Equestrian
Center
, who brought a horse and pony. A
musician added drums to the day and the chef brought cupcakes to ice.
The exterminator brought plastic bugs.
The contractor brought tools.
The business people brought coffee and equipment.
The postal carrier was dressed in his uniform, bag and all,
with a videotape of how the post office works.
The banker explained how banks operate.
The storeowner from 7/11 spoke about how to run a store with
inventory. The lobsterman
brought lobster cages. The
librarian read books. The
performer helped the children act out a story.
The electrician explained the dangers of being electrocuted and
showed equipment. The
personal trainer demonstrated how to bandage up a sprain.
The health educator warned about drugs and alcohol.
All in all,
24 business professionals gave of their time to teach students
about their careers and their industries.
Was this because they wanted future equestrians, contractors,
store owners, postal workers and exterminators?
No. The success of
the day was built on an understanding of the community giving back to
the school district and promoting positive relationships between
business and education. One
more caveat is that this career day actually enhances education and
complies with the NYS standard called CDOS.
Recognition for the success of this day goes to the hard work
of the educators who planned it, the businesses who supported it and
the Comsewogue Business/Education Partnership,
Comsewogue
School District
’s link to creating programs and events that bridge the gap between
business and education..
The partnership is one of almost 70 throughout
Long Island
and is supported by the Long Island Works Coalition, a not-for-profit
organization that was formed to promote a strong economy and workforce
through education and business initiatives on
Long Island
.
Terryville
Road
Elementary School
is truly “Helping the Future Today.” (an
LI Works Coalition quote). The
school thanks all of the following business people for their time and
dedication: Ron Newman,
Donna Maisano, Chris Pappas, Edy
Meyer, Glenn Richard, Bob O’Rourk,
Andrew Rella, Indhira
Ramirez, Bonnie Anderson, Chris Yearwood,
Matt Brown, Sam Curra, Susan Heaney,
Jennifer Iannaccone, Michael Gongas,
Chris Carranante, Frances D’Orazi,
Rob Coffman, Laureen Maloney, Peter
Carnegie, Ray Annicelli and Myrna McElhiney.
