Career Learning Chronicle
October 2025
A Note from Mrs. Morris, Career Learning Principal
Hello everyone! October is a great time to start thinking about life after high school and all the exciting paths that lead there—universities, community colleges, trade and technical schools, apprenticeships, the military, or jumping straight into a career. Understanding your options now helps students make informed choices, and it also highlights how important grades, earned credits, and practical skills are in opening doors for the future.
This month, we encourage students to explore what excites them, set goals, and begin building the skills they’ll need to thrive—both academically and in daily life. Families, you play a key role in this process. Celebrate the small wins, help your student reflect on progress, and engage in conversations about their interests, plans, and next steps. By working together, we can ensure every student is prepared for success beyond high school.
~Mrs. Morris
LC Tips: Post-Secondary Planning
Here are some ways LC's can support students this month as they explore their options:
- Talk about choices – Ask your student what they know about universities, community colleges, apprenticeships, the military or training programs.
- Review GPA together – Encourage consistent study habits and celebrate progress; remind them that grades matter for scholarships and admissions.
- Look into credit opportunities – Explore CCP, CTAGs, and Bilateral Agreements that might save money and time after graduation.
- Practice lifestyle skills at home – Have your student cook a meal, do laundry, or budget for groceries—these skills will help them thrive in dorms or shared living spaces.
- Visit campuses or training centers – Even a short visit can spark motivation and open new ideas for the future.
Get Ready! Get Set! Keep Going! Video Series
The Broadcast Educational Media Commission partnered with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to launch a new video series aimed at helping Ohio students with disabilities prepare for their careers. This resource is designed specifically for Ohio students with disabilities, providing important information to help them jumpstart their careers and navigate their career pathways.
The content emphasizes early planning, actionable steps for post-graduation, and features inspiring success stories. The video series is available in American Sign Language and audio-described formats.
Be a Nurse for the Day at University of Toledo
Aspiring high school junior and senior nursing students are invited to participate in the hands-on experience, "Be a UToledo Nurse for the Day." In this unique opportunity, students will get an inside look at life as a UToledo nursing student.
During the event, students will attend a nursing lab with our current nursing students and engage in one of five interactive sessions. The sessions focus on essential nursing skills:
- Tracheostomy Care and Suctioning
- Monday, October 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM
- Monday, October 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM
- Nasogastric Tube Insertion
- Monday, November 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM
- Monday, November 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM
- Neurological and Musculoskeletal Assessment
- Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM
Students may select one session. Registration is required and spots are limited, so early sign-ups are encouraged.
For sessions details and registration, please visit: www.utoledo.edu/nursing/events/student-for-a-day.html
STEM Day at MVNU
Interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, or Nursing?
MVNYou Monday (STEM Focus) is just for you!
STEM Visit Day — October 13, 2025
This unique opportunity will give you hands-on lab experience and an up close look at what it is like to major in one of a number of high-quality and in-demand STEM degree programs at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Your AI Horizons Challenge
The Your AI Horizons Challenge is a nationwide challenge inspiring high school students to envision AI-driven careers. The U.S. Department of Education invites high schools to propose AI solutions that reimagine traditional ways of working. Through this challenge, students will explore artificial intelligence’s impact on industries and their future careers.
For more information or to begin the challenge, click here.
Isabella G. - Finance Pathway
The Finance Pathway is excited to share that accounting student and BPA member, Isabella G., will be competing in the BPA Personal Finance Virtual Business Challenge!
This dynamic event encourages BPA members to test their financial literacy skills. Participating teams will be making personal finance decisions for a simulated person. The concepts students will be managing include opening bank accounts, paying bills, filing taxes, applying for jobs, enrolling in educational courses, paying for goods, applying for credit cards, determining schedules, budgeting, and more.
Teams will be ranked based on their person’s net worth after running the simulation for two virtual years. Competitors are scored on their cumulative profit, with top prizes of $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place.
Good luck, Isabella! 🎉
7th Grade Career Explorations
Students in Mrs. Greenfelder's 7th Grade Career Explorations class have been exploring the many careers available in STEM, IT, Education, and Health Science. Recently, they have brainstormed new app ideas and discovered that there are plenty of careers in Health Science that do not have direct contact with patients, but still help people.
Programming and Software Development Pathway
🚀 Programming Pathway Launch: First App Build Begins!
Students in Mr. Alonzo's Mobile Apps class are already rolling up their sleeves to begin building their first mobile application! With curiosity high and creativity flowing, this marks the official start of their journey into app development.
Rather than waiting weeks to get started, students are jumping straight into hands-on learning—exploring design, functionality, and the tools developers use to bring ideas to life. This first project will challenge them to think critically, collaborate effectively, and begin shaping real-world solutions from day one.
We’re excited to watch their skills grow and their apps take shape. Stay tuned for updates as their coding journey unfolds!
Early Childhood Education Pathway
Students in the Early Childhood Education Pathway are starting their journey to complete their certifications to be able to job shadow after winter break at their local YMCA. Students have been tasked with completing their first certification: First Aid and CPR.
Learning Coaches, please check with your students to make sure they have submitted their first industry-recognized credential (First Aid and CPR).
Remember…"You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." -A.A. Milne
I look forward to all your future success as Early Childhood Educators!
~Mrs. Shay Jackson
Personal Concerns and College/Career Planning
If you are a CTE pathway student and would like support in the areas of academic planning & progress towards graduation, college and career planning, or have personal concerns (social, emotional, mental health, etc.), please reach out to your school counselor:
CTE Pathway Students with last names A-K: Mrs. Alonzo at salonzo@ohva.org or 419-482-0948 ext. 7131
CTE Pathway Students with last names L-Z: Mrs. Bard at tbard@ohva.org or 419-482-0948 ext. 7283
If you are a CTE Explorations student or are not participating in a CTE pathway right now, please reach out to your assigned school counselor, who is the teacher listed in your Finding Your Path course and School Counselor classroom. Click here for counselor contact information.
