By: By: Rich Smith
DPS Behavioral Health Coordinator
The 2nd Annual Dickinson Public Schools Elementary Career Day was held on the Dickinson State University campus at the Biesot Activity Center (BAC) on Friday, September 22, 2023. While the rain made some preparations challenging, there was plenty of sunshine beaming from those who presented and attended the event. Almost thirty vendors presented to all fifth-grade students across the district. Sixteen vendors held a table inside the BAC for the career fair portion, and another twelve vendors held a vehicle fair outside in the parking of the BAC. Over 350 students attended the event. Lincoln Elementary student Avery Hanson said of the event, “it was really fun, and all of the stations were really fun to go to. I liked to learn about all of the different jobs and what they do.” When Avery was asked what the biggest takeaway for the day was for her, she said, “how important teamwork is to work together.”
It was not only the students having fun during Career Day. Ty Sanford, Assistant Director of Deadwood Alive, said student questions were engaging and made the event very enjoyable to attend. “It was a tremendous amount of fun. They walk up and see all of the animal pelts and skulls we had here. They asked a lot of great questions, which animal that was or I know what that is, my dad has that on the wall. We get to talking about the animals and a little about what I do as an actor.” Ty can see a bright future for both Career Day and the partnership with the vendors. His remarks on future involvement were that he saw great potential by stating, “We deal with education and history, and if we can get a younger generation interested in that as well, through the animals and exhibits there, that would be great.“
Career Day plans for next school year will focus on the expansion of students to include more elementary students, collaborating with middle and high school efforts, and continuing to connect the jobs from various vendors to the skills in the classroom. Richard Smith, DPS Behavioral Health Coordinator said, “We appreciate and hold a great amount of respect for all of the businesses and agencies that come to support our students and community. Our commitment is to the right work so that we have a direct sequence of what a Career Day means for students as they learn in the classroom today for a better tomorrow. We believe that the relevance of today’s event is direct to the classroom. The more we organize for a most effective Career Day, the more our students will be set up for success. Further, our community agencies and businesses will see a direct impact with a pathway for employees, awareness of the profession to attract and retain staff, and we keep our greatest asset home, our youth. Smith also wanted to make mention that the event has been such a great launch because of the collaboration of DPS schools and departments. “We are incredibly grateful for the Dickinson Public Schools Foundation, our transportation department, and school mental health providers that made today possible.”