A parent/guardian can be the most influential person in a child's life. It is important that parents remain involved in their child's education, from Kindergarten through high school and beyond. Parents can help students make informed decisions for their education and career plan.
Tips for Parents/Guardians: "How to Get Involved and Stay Involved"
- Talk to your child about his or her dreams, interests and abilities.
- Encourage your child to explore several different occupations.
- Work with the Guidance Counselor and Career Specialist to develop your child's Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) and help your child choose a career cluster.
- Encourage your child to learn about technology.
- Serve as a school volunteer whenever possible.
- Attend parent conferences, PTO Parent Night sessions and any other programs, classes or activities offered for parents. Work with your child's teachers, principal, parent educator, counselor and other administrators to make school a positive experience.
- Make sure your child completes his or her homework and brings it to school the next day.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest so he or she will be prepared for the school day and arrives at school on time each day.
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Job Skills
Getting a high school diploma and continuing your education after high school is very important. In addition to having a good education, employers are looking for individuals with work skills such as:
- Honesty/Integrity: Being honest with your supervisor. Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.
- Teamwork: Being able to work well with others.
- Communication: Being able to talk with your supervisor and others to convey instructions and work orders.
- Listening: Listen carefully. Ask your supervisor if you do not understand the instructions.
- Punctual: Arrive at work on time.
- Dependable: The employer can count on you to do your work and do it well.
- Technology skills: Understanding basic computer applications; learning various computer programs.
- Willing to Learn: Being willing to learn new skills and improve your current skills.
Information accessed through the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) Reports located at
www.scchamber.net.
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Career Day
Career Day is an exciting event held each year! Students will attend three conference-style sessions, based on their individual career interests. Guest speakers will share information about their occupation and their organization. Students will learn about job requirements, including education and training, increase awareness of the community, and learn about the needs of the competitive workforce. It is important that middle school students investigate as many different types of careers as possible. In the 8th grade, all students must complete an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP), with assistance from their parent, career specialist and guidance counselor. High school courses will be scheduled to support the student's career cluster of choice. Career exploration activities in middle school help students make informed decisions regarding their educational and career plans.
If you have any questions about the career day activities, please contact Karen Brock, Career Specialist, at 843-658-6830, ext. 144.
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Career Clusters
A career cluster is a group of occupations that relate to an industry or profession. South Carolina has adopted sixteen (16) career clusters. The Education and Economic Development Act of 2005 (EEDA) requires all high schools in South Carolina to offer courses in at least three (3) career clusters. Chesterfield County offers courses in Twelve of the Sixteen clusters.
A career major is an area of study within a larger occupational field or career cluster. EEDA requires all students in South Carolina to complete an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) in the eighth grade and declare a major of study in the tenth grade. Students may complete more than one major in high school.
South Carolina's 16 Career Clusters
* denotes clusters offered in Chesterfield County
* Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
* Architecture and Construction
* Arts, AV Technology & Communications
* Business, Management and Administration
* Education and Training
* Finance
* Government and Public Administration
* Health Science
Hospitality and Tourism
Human Services
* Information Technology
* Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
* Manufacturing
Marketing, Sales and Service
* Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
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