Celebrations
Connecting with our Business Partners 2021-2022
A group of 42 students and teachers attended a virtual field trip focused on the Carpenters Union and Apprenticeship Program on January 13, 2022. The attendees gathered in the Black Box Theater at the CAT Building and heard from Business Advisory Board partners Melissa Clark, the Marketing Manager for The North Atlantic States Carpenters Labor Management Program, and Peter McAnearney of the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters Local 291. They were joined by Richard Bogardus a Training Coordinator in the Albany area. The three shared about the levels of apprenticeship, benefits of a carpentry career, advancement opportunities within the field and how to begin to prepare for this type of employment while still in high school. This virtual field trip was not recorded, however a similar session last year was recorded. Click the link below if you want to learn more about a career in carpentry!
Q & A with Mohon Grads
On December 20 and 21 students in Mrs. Sacks's Internship Program had the opportunity to meet with Mohonasen graduates from previous year's programs. The recent graduates shared valuable information about life after high school and their career paths thus far.
Shared:
"Get to know people in your classes, your classmates can be a valuable resource if you get stuck." "Do not be afraid to ask your professor for help, they want to help you, they like to know that you are engaged in their class." "Take college classes in high school if you can." "Your high school teachers can be a great resource for help, reach out to them." "Knowing what you personally need to be successful is key, for example, if online classes are not for you, avoid them and schedule only in-person classes." "Work and college can be a lot to balance." "Go through your class syllabus and mark a calendar with tests and big assignments." "Talk to people about your future plans, be open to new ideas and opportunities." "Try some electives that are outside of your comfort zone, it may open up new doors." "A lot of the education/human services class coursework was easy because of the FACS classes I took in high school."
Participating in the panel: Sapphire Taylor ‘20, Sabrina Viscusi ‘19, Alexa Madden ‘21, Gabby DelBrocco ‘17, Marissa Corsaro ‘19, Gianna DiGregorio‘17, Ashley Samborin ‘19, Alexa DeRuscio ‘18, Kailynn Haley ‘20, Julie Maitino ‘21, Jenna Walker ‘18, Alyssa Belcastro ‘18, Logan Morrissey ‘21
Thanks to all who participated!
Students and faculty who wanted to learn more about various local trades and apprenticeship programs gathered for an informative workshop on December 9, 2021. Tim Coleman, a regional recruiting specialist for the UA Local 669 Sprinkler Fitters led the in-person gathering.
During the presentation in the high school LGI, Tim shared how the various trades all cooperate to complete a finished product. He discussed how to become part of an apprenticeship program and highlighted the benefits of doing so:
Earn while you learn
College credit at no cost
Multiple retirement plans
Benefits and Incredible pay
This workshop was not recorded, but you can watch Tim's online presentation from February 2021 here: Tim Coleman's Presentation. For more information on local Trades and Apprenticeships, check out the BAB Internship & Apprenticeship tab on this website.
Alicia Mero, and staff from Bryant & Stratton College's Admissions Office, joined several of Mrs. Sacks's FACS classes on Monday and Tuesday November 22-23. Presentations focused on Attitude & Mindset were shared, with an emphasis on factors that change our attitudes and how we can use this knowledge to promote a growth mindset.
Learn more about Bryant & Stratton HERE.
Staff from Schenectady County Connects (Schenectady County Job Training Agency) recently partnered with the Mohonasen Business Advisory Board (BAB) to provide high school seniors with a series of workshop focused on developing interview skills.
Seven interactive presentations were shared on Nov. 22 & 23 at the CAT Center’s Black Box Theater. Nearly all members of the Mohonasen senior class took part in the event, which was held during Participation in Government and Economics classes throughout the two-day period.
Students focused on best practices and learned up-to-date interview techniques. As a follow up, they will be offered the opportunity to participate in a mock virtual interview, a newer format that has become increasingly popular.
Business partners from our advisory board donated prizes for a student drawing including Starbucks merchandise, Plato’s Closet gift cards, and Visa gift cards. We thank Heidi Goodman from the Watt Street Starbucks, Gary Spadaro of Plato’s Closet and Kim Ploof of Saratoga National Bank for their donations and support!
Connecting with our Business Partners 2020-2021
Mohonasen Career Exploration Event Flyer (1).pdfBAB hosts virtual Career Exploration Event
In partnership with Schenectady County Connects, the Mohonasen BAB supported a new event designed to help students explore a variety of careers. Over the two day span 192 people logged into the event. Some of the comments by attendees:
There are more career choices than I really ever thought about.
I have options that I look forward to exploring.
There are a lot of jobs out there that pay well, that I could do!
There are so many job opportunities right here in Schenectady.
I should keep my options open and try new things.
I feel a bit better about what I might do for a career.
I need to be more aware of what I am doing.
I definitely know what I want to do when I graduate now!
There is more than one option for your career.
Many thanks to our business partners and to those businesses and agencies who jumped in to help make this opportunity a great experience for our community!
8th Grade Career Day
May 13, 2021
Career Day looked a little different this year at Draper Middle School. The annual event, planned by the DMS School Counseling staff, was skipped last year and returned this year as a virtual experience. Students chose four sessions to attend of the thirteen different career areas that were featured. Interactive workshops kicked off following an energizing keynote address from Mike Saccocio, Executive Director of the Schenectady City Mission. Saccocio engaged the students, encouraging them to think of a career as "an opportunity to make a difference." He asked the eighth graders to think about what they like, or where they may struggle as a springboard for their career exploration. Above all, he said, "Today is a day to think about your future and make the best of it."
Seniors Participate in Job Interview Skills Workshop February 25 and 26
The Schenectady County Job Training Agency (SJTA) partnered with our Business Advisory Board to provide Mohonasen senior students with a workshop focused on developing interview skills. The workshops were provided virtually for the students Thursday and Friday, Feb. 25 and 26, in cooperation with our PIG and ECO teachers, Mal Martin, Cory Gregg and Scott Sabourin.
There were 10 workshops presented throughout those two days, with a goal of reaching all or most of our seniors. Students learned about interview best practices, including the most up to date information about virtual interviews, which are used by many businesses at this time.
Career Preparation Starts Young at Mohonasen
Counselor, Amy Stannard shares about the Career Exploration activities taking place at Bradt and Pinewood: "At the elementary level, career exploration is important to begin as young as Kindergarten. We talk about goals and exploring interests and strengths to help students connect that you really can find a career that you will love and be successful at. We use a Student Career Planner that moves with students from grade to grade throughout elementary school.
We also have an annual 5th grade Career Day, where parent volunteers, district employees, and community members are invited to come in and present about their career. We ask that they share about their career, what led them to that career, and what type of training or education they needed. Typically, career presenters rotate from classroom to classroom to present, this year we did it virtually. Presenters moved from breakout room to breakout room to present."
This year's online 5th Grade Career Day
We are so excited about our brand new Business Advisory Board logo!
Thanks to the Logo Collaboration Team: Business Partner Dan DeMarco, of DeMarco Designs, George Reluzco, Technology Teacher, and students Ben Fusco, Lucas Braccini, Kyra McCarthy, Anne Phan and Michael Kelly. The team worked to find a logo that connects BAB to Mohonasen, but sets us apart from other groups. Ben Fusco, a student member of BAB, submitted the design that the group chose to develop into the final product. Thanks to the team for all of your hard work!
Interested in Learning More About the Council of Carpenters?
On Thursday, March 18th, Business Partners Melissa Clark and Peter McAnearney, from the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters shared information about the Carpenters Union and the training process for a career in carpentry.
"It's an interesting career if you choose it, there are lots of projects in your local community. You can stay close and make a great living," Peter explained to the attendees. Melissa, a Mohonasen Alum, shared about Sisters in the Brotherhood, a pre-apprenticeship program for women, which leads to direct entry into the Carpentry Apprenticeship Program.
Is a Trade Profession in Your Future?
On February 9th, Timothy Coleman, a recruiting specialist from a national trade union, hosted a virtual forum to teach Draper and MHS students about the many opportunities that await them in the trade professions.
The Sprinkler Fitters union is part of the pipe trades, but that is not all Mr. Coleman discussed. As Baby Boomers continue to retire, more trade profession jobs will become available. There are many opportunities in several fields, Mr. Coleman said, including painting, carpentry, roofing, welding, plumbing, HVAC, iron working, refrigeration, truck driving, and more!
Mr. Coleman also shared a message about the value of labor unions, including the ability to earn a living wage, collective bargaining, health and retirement benefits, and retiring with dignity.
Click here to see the video recording of the meeting: Tim Coleman's Presentation
On January 19th students in Ms. Blanchard's Career & Financial Management II class enjoyed a virtual presentation by Alicia Mero, High School Admissions Representative for Bryant & Stratton College in Albany. Alicia led a lively discussion about how high school and college differ, why students sometimes drop out, how to thrive in college, the various costs of college, and how to pay for it. She also shared about the college's Jump Start Program for high school seniors. This program allows students to take a free college class in the area of Business, Criminal Justice, Medical Assisting or Psychology. More information can be found on the college website.
On January 8, 2021 students in the Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP) class attended a "Resume Writing & Interviewing Skills" workshop presented online by Alicia Mero a High School Admissions Representative from Bryant & Stratton College. Mero shared timely tips for online interviews, how to field difficult questions, and what should and shouldn't be on your resume.
"This workshop was super helpful," said Nick Morgan, Business Advisory Board Student Representative. "It helped me learn exactly what to do on an interview. I have never been on an interview before so this presentation helped me understand how to prepare myself for an interview, and how to act during an interview. "
Mrs. Sacks, FACS teacher, Work Based Learning Coordinator and member of the Mohonasen Business Advisory Board, expressed, "The opportunity to connect and network with experts in the community only benefits our students. Engaging with professionals helps them prepare for life in college and career. "
The Mohonasen Community is so thankful for the opportunities our Business Partners help provide!
On November 24, 2020 students in Mr. Reluzco's Engineering Design and Development class focused on soft skills and employment during an "Attitude & Mindset" workshop. Alicia Mero and Jordyn Whitman, both High School Admissions Representatives for Bryant & Stratton College in Albany, presented virtually to the class. They highlighted the role that attitude plays in the workplace and the benefits of fostering a "growth mindset" in all aspects of life.
Students were engaged in the experience, "Alicia and Jordyn helped students to see the difference that even the smallest change in perspective can bring," said Klementina Cemerys, a senior in the class. She also commented that, "Inclusion of real examples and tips for career planning were an excellent addition to the workshop."
Alicia Mero, one of Mohonasen's newest business partners, added, "Bryant & Stratton is always excited to partner with educators and provide classroom presentations that will help students as they move toward their next steps after high school. It is our goal to offer education and experiences that prepare students for their future career and life pursuits."
Students Explore Careers at Mohonasen
2019-2020
