Even though they are several years away from entering the workforce, students at Park Avenue Elementary School are already thinking about their futures. The school recently held College and Career Week, which culminated with Career Day when a variety of professionals came in to speak to the students. The children learned about careers in business, law enforcement, health care, government, education and more.

Guidance counselor Kimberly Balducci explained that the purpose of exposing students to different careers in elementary school is to show them the importance of the next several years of their education. Speakers talked about their job responsibilities and expectations, the necessary schooling for their careers, and the importance of setting goals.

“I hope the students learn about careers they might not have know about,” Ms. Balducci said. “It’s never too early to get them thinking about their futures. It shows them that what they’re learning now is important.”  

The school partnered with the Amityville Chamber of Commerce and Amityville Parent Teacher Council to bring in speakers. Earlier in the week, a kick-off assembly was held with Amityville Memorial High School graduate and current Edmund W. Miles Middle School teacher David Jackson, who told students to have inquiring minds and always be opening to learning new things.