John F. Kennedy Students Discover Possible Professions During Career And College Readiness Month

Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District

January was Career and College Readiness Month at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, with students take part in daily activities that exposed them to various career opportunities. The month concluded with two culminating events, designed to provide JFK’s students with a plethora of information on future careers.

Third and fourth graders participated in a virtual Career Week during the last week in January. Volunteers who could not come in person offered to create videos giving students a glimpse of their careers. Medical Monday featured nurses, a pediatrician, dentist and veterinary assistant; Technology Tuesday featured a media professional, DJ, 911 dispatcher, technology teacher and software engineer; Wisdom Wednesday featured actors, a school counselor, dietician and prosecutor; and Trade Thursday featured an engineer, tradesman, custodian, salesman and car wrapper. Lastly, on Dress for Success Friday, students dressed for their future careers, teachers wore their colleges’ shirts, and guests included a project program manager, Orangetheory Fitness instructor, police officer, college counselor and firefighter.

Meanwhile, fifth graders took part in an in-person Career Day on Jan. 27. Volunteers from different professions visited JFK to talk about what they do and what it takes to be part of their profession.

“College and Career Readiness is one of my favorite months here at JFK,” Principal Kelly Benson said. “Students are able to listen to people talk about so many different jobs. It really opens their eyes to all the possibilities out there for them. Students learn about what it takes to be in a wide range of professions. There is something for everyone. This is made possible because we have so many community members willing to volunteer their time and speak to our students. I love when I am able to see a student’s eyes light up when they are excited about becoming something in the future. It is a great month for all of our students here at JFK.”