Canal Winchester Messenger - November 14th, 2021

PAGE 8 - MESSENGER - November 14, 2021
Students learn about the working world
By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
Canal Winchester eighth graders are getting a head
start in entering the workforce through a Careers in
Canal elective course taught at the middle school.
“Last year we had the opportunity to really reflect
and evaluate our related arts course offerings,” said
Principal Kelly Zywczyk during an October presentation
to the Canal Winchester Board of Education. “We
listened to staff and students and surveyed them.”
Out of that survey came the creation and implementation
of the Careers in Canal course. The course introduces
students to career opportunities in the local area,
financial concepts related to employment, and skills
necessary to obtain and keep a job.
“This is basically designed for eighth graders going
into to the workforce as early as the summer between
their eighth grade and freshman year,” said Assistant
Principal Brent Palsgrove. “We’re focusing on how to get
a job, now that you have your job how do you keep it,
and how to move up. One of the things we wanted to
focus on were jobs in the surrounding Canal Winchester
area that they can gain as an entry level position. The
areas we focused in on where our students currently
work are food service, customer service, hospitality and
tourism, and logistics and skilled trade.”
Palsgrove said hospitality and tourism have become
a large area of interest with all of the shops located
downtown and events taking place throughout the year.
He said the prospects for employment in Canal Winchester
are open to students as young as 14.
“We want our kids to be prepared to meet the workforce,”
said Palsgrove. “There are great opportunities
here in our local community.”
“Teaching Careers in Canal has been a
great opportunity for my students to make
many real world connections.”
- Heather Estep
CWMS Work and Family teacher
Financial work-related concepts discussed in the
classroom by Work and Family teacher Heather Estep
include financial institutions, paychecks, deductions,
savings/checking accounts, credit and credit cards and
loans.
“Mrs. Estep also talks about skills like how to look
people in the eye–the interpersonal skills that many
kids lack,” said Palsgrove. “How to talk to people, how
to communicate.”
Zywczyk said since Careers in Canal is a new course,
it was important to get student feedback. A survey was
conducted on Oct. 1. One eighth grader said they were
interested in the course because they knew they might
have to work while in high school and they wanted to
get as much information as possible about getting a job.
Students also said they learned it takes a lot of work to
get a job, the importance of a resume, and gaining a new
outlook on teenage workers in fast food restaurants.
“Teaching Careers in Canal has been a great opportunity
for my students to make many real world connections,”
said Estep. “They ask many great questions
during our discussions and lessons to further seek
knowledge about being a teenage employee who is prepared
and knowledgeable and eager to join the workforce.
They are truly interested in knowing how to be
successful in life and embrace our daily lessons.”
CW’s Christmas in the Village
www.columbusmessenger.com
Canal Winchester’s 15th annual storybook Christmas celebration
kicks off the holiday season in downtown Canal Winchester on
Dec. 3 and 4 from 6—9 p.m.
A free public event, Christmas in the Village features Santa visits,
a holiday craft bazaar, model train displays, ice sculpting, kids’
activities, a gingerbread house contest, holiday music, and more.
Santa Claus will arrive downtown to start the event each night by
officially lighting the Christmas tree at Stradley Park (behind the
city’s municipal building at 36 S. High St.).
On Dec. 4, arrive early to watch the Brockstrong Light up the
Night Holiday Lights parade. (For information about the Holiday
Lights Parade, visit www.cwholidaylightsparade.com.)
Many businesses, shops, and restaurants in the city’s historic
downtown will offer special activities and attractions during Christmas
in the Village, from visits with classic cartoon characters to
special crafts or giveaways.
This year also features new, specially themed activities at the
Historical Complex (10 W. Oak St.) as part of the Canal Winchester
Area Historical Society’s inaugural “Storybook Christmas: A Christmas
Carol.” Visitors will take a step back in time and be transported
to the storybook tale, complete with Dickens characters and figgy
pudding tasting. (For information about the Historical Society activities,
visit www.cwhistory.org.)
A complete listing of Christmas in the Village attractions can be
found at www.destinationcw.org or www.canalwinchesterohio.gov.
Christmas in the Village is a partnership between the City of
Canal Winchester and Destination: Canal Winchester.
CW Library Branch
The Canal Winchester Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library,
115 Franklin St., is located in the rear portion of the former
school at 100 Washington St. For information visit www.columbuslibrary.org
or call 614-645-2275.
Look king for an ex xcuse
to
start recycling?
Novemb er 15th is America Recycles Day.
Correct recycling can make a big difference tur rning waste
into new resources and supporting local jobs. SWACO makes
recycling rig ght easy.
To find out how to get started or for recycling
go to recycleright.org.
tips,
RecycleRight.org