Career Learning Chronicle
December 2025
A Note from Mrs. Morris, Career Learning Principal
December is all about helping our students step confidently into their future as we explore The Professional You. This month, students will work on creating polished resumes, drafting meaningful cover letters, and assembling professional portfolios that show off their achievements from certificates to work samples to letters of reference.
We’ll also be hosting mock interviews, giving students a chance to practice answering common interview questions and presenting themselves professionally. It’s one of the most fun and valuable experiences of the semester.
Learning coaches, this is a wonderful opportunity to ask your student about their career interests, help them review their resume, or share stories about your own job-search experiences. These conversations go a long way in helping students feel prepared and confident.
Let’s finish the semester strong and celebrate all the growth happening in our CTE classrooms!
All the best,
Mrs. Morris
Your encouragement makes a huge difference. When families talk about career goals, help students practice communication, and celebrate milestones, students feel more prepared, confident, and motivated to grow into “The Professional You.”
How Learning Coaches Can Help at Home
1. Review Your Student’s Resume Together
Talk about jobs, skills, or activities they may have forgotten to include.
2. Help Gather Portfolio Items
Look for:
- Certificates
- Awards
- Photos of projects or hands-on work
- Letters of reference
- School or community work samples
3. Practice Interview Questions
Try quick round-robin style conversations at dinner or in the car.
Great starters:
- “Tell me about a time you showed responsibility.”
- “What’s a skill you’re proud of?”
- “Why would an employer want to hire you?”
4. Share Your Experience
Tell your student about a memorable interview (good or bad!) and what you learned from it.
5. Celebrate Progress
Every small step, finishing a resume draft, adding a portfolio item, practicing a question, is growth worth celebrating.
Nakayla M. - Culinary Arts
We're proud to recognize Nakayla M. for outstanding achievement in the Culinary Arts courses this semester. Nakayla consistently demonstrates professionalism, a strong work ethic, and great attention to detail in her learning labs and classroom projects. She has set a great example for peers. Congratulations on a fantastic semester so far! We can't wait to see what you cook up next!
~Mrs. Taylor Stanley
7th Grade Career Explorations
FFA National Convention
On October 31st, OHVA’s FFA Chapter officers and their advisor attended the National FFA convention (Future Farmers of America) in Indianapolis, Indiana. There, they got to attend seminars, career events, and much more! FFA is a nationwide organization dedicated to teaching youth about agriculture, modern technology and AG methods, along with the exploration of careers and leadership skills.
~Payton Slaven, OHVA FFA Reporter
OHVA’s FFA Community Service Events
On November 2nd, several FFA officers and their advisor participated in OHVA’s 11th annual bake sale for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Toy Drive. There they raised over $900 to be put towards buying toys for kids who will be in the hospital during Christmas. If wanting to participate, Email Mr. Kenneth Wolf to send you fliers that can be printed off and distributed to local businesses to hang in windows.
~Payton Slaven, OHVA FFA Reporter
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.
