Career Day at Arnold Elementary School

If you had traveled to Arnold Elementary School (AES)  last Friday, you could have seen a veterinarian, an architect, a microbiologist or a Secret Service agent during the school's annual Career Day.

The event, put together each year by AES guidance counselor Dena Smith, provides an opportunity for parents of students to visit the classrooms and share their expertise and job experiences with younger kids.

“It’s one thing for us to tell students they need certain skills later on in life,” said Smith. “It’s another when adult guests explain what it takes to do their job." 

In one classroom, David Price, a production manager for a company that makes drywall and cement, brought along video to show students how different machines make and assemble products.

“In my job, it is very important that we protect our ears, eyes, and head with protective gear,” he explained when discussing the importance of safety rules.

Chris Ganoung, a technology installation manager, brought along fiber optic cable to show students how one small wire could bring power, cable, and communications into the home. Ganoung has designed fiber optic systems across the country.

“It is amazing that something smaller than a strand of your hair could be so powerful in our lives,” he said.

Detective Tom Middleton of the Anne Arundel County Police Department brought along some impressive show-and-tell props for his presentations, including a mobile operations vehicle used for hostage negotiations.

Stefani McArdle, deputy division chief for the state Public Defender System, used the Dr. Seuss book “The Lorax” to walk students through how a trial works. (The Lorax is a children's book written by Dr. Seuss that chronicles the plight of the environment and the Lorax - a creature who speaks for the trees -  against the greedy Once-ler.)

After reading the book, McArdle, acting as judge, divided a class of fourth-graders into the two opposing sides, encouraging them to make arguments in support of their character.

“You need to convince me that I should rule in your favor,” she explained. “Then let’s see if we can figure out a compromise.

Student Emma Snead was excited to hear about different professions during the day. "I liked all the presentations," said Snead. "I learned a lot."