Hinckley-Big Rock Middle School Career Day 2020
A Look at What Could Be
Hinckley-Big Rock Middle School's annual Career Day was a big success on February 7th. As a school and a staff, we continued our focus on career readiness. When using the words "career readiness", we are referring to graduates who have the soft skills and motivation to pursue a self-directed goal, adapt to challenges along the way, and know the options to realize their post-secondary career. The goal of Career Day at HBRMS is to assist in the students’ development of a self-directed goal and broaden their knowledge about the options to obtain post-secondary careers.
The students at HBRMS had over 20 presenters who engaged in discussions about their professions and interests. We continue to get a variety of careers which required different post-secondary training. Students are introduced to Career Clusters (see below) through an Oklahoma Career Cluster Interest Survey as a way to gauge their interests.
The following is a list of careers that were represented: Pilot/Financial Planner, Cosmetologist, Electrician, Professional DJ, Pastor/Caterer, Veterinarian, Realtor, Computer Programmer, Small Business Jeweler, States Attorney, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Officer, IVVC/Auto Mechanic/Body, District Superintendent, District Student Services Director, Banker, Mechanic, Author, Nurse, Teacher/Sports Official, Agriculture Career, Chicago Cubs Digital Director for Marquee Channel.
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| Dr. McGuire address the student body prior to first session. Mr. Strouss sports and awesome ILL-INI pullover! |
I enjoyed being able to choose 4 different career speakers during the day. Colden S. 6th grade
Career Day is a good opportunity to start exploring jobs I may be interested in when I get older. Elias S. 7th grade
I enjoyed learning about the different types of jewelry design this year in Mrs. Simonson's small business discussion. MaKena S. 7th grade
Career Day is a good opportunity to start exploring jobs I may be interested in when I get older. Elias S. 7th grade
I enjoyed learning about the different types of jewelry design this year in Mrs. Simonson's small business discussion. MaKena S. 7th grade
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| 5th year participant Megan Flannery: Cosmetologist. Good luck on your new business in Yorkville! She is also the favorite daughter of Mr. Flannery, district bus dispatch/mechanic and Mrs. Flannery, HBRMS aide and bus driver. |
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| Mr. Keith Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Electric. Thanks for coming in and talking about your work in the electrical trades with us! |
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| HBR alum Matt Bish discussing his career as a financial planner and his private pilot license |
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| HBR #429 School Nurse Shea discussing the field of nursing in school and hospital settings |
I enjoyed for the second year in a row listening to Cosmetology and Nursing. I especially liked the new video this year with Mrs. Shea. Elisabeth Snelling 7th grade
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| IVVC Automotive Instructors Mr. Vincent and Mr. Winters discuss opportunities not only at IVVC but post-high school as well |
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| DeKalb County States Attorney Rick Amato |
I enjoyed hearing from Mr. Amato. I learned how to formulate (Word Gen. word!) arguments to prove your point. Michael Y. Jr.
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| HBR alum Josh Mills and SSG Ben Soloff putting a group of students through calisthenics in the National Guard session. |
I enjoyed learning my options in the military and being yelled at to pick my head up while doing sit ups. Jonan M. 7th grade
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| Back for a 2nd year in a row; DJ Scandell (Randall Ridderhoff) along with his number-one-fan and son Lucas K. 8th grade. |
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| DeKalb County’s Mobile Command RV major attraction this year. You should have seen the looks we got from Route 30 Friday morning! |
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| Mr. Sidman's high school buddy Tony Andracki introduced students to what the Cubs Digital Content Manager does at Marquee Sports Network |
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| Another 5th year participant: Mr. Tim Badal Pastor/Caterer |
At the conclusion of the presentations, students went online to the districts new program to help our students prepare for academic, career, and future success. XELLO is an engaging online program that helps students build the skills, knowledge and plans to be future-ready. The program uses an investigative and discovery-based learning process. Students better understand themselves, their future career options, and the 21st century skills they’ll need to succeed. For more information please contact our office. All our students should have a log-in for the site.
On behalf of the students, staff and myself I want to thank all our career representatives very much for presenting at our HBRMS Career Day. We believe educational experiences like this are critical in our students' development. We couldn’t have done it without such dedicated professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and time.
Thanks also to Mr. Bastian and Mrs. Burgh for helping organize the students schedule, Mr. Jourdan as our MC, and every other staff member for making the day a huge success.
Jeff Strouss
Middle School Principal