Nontraditional Day was celebrated on Friday, February 15, 2013, at the New Albany High School’s Career and Technical Education Department. Susan Feather and Christy Paul, Student Services personnel, coordinated this event by utilizing funds from a grant awarded by the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Career Education and Workforce Development. These funds are made available to provide nontraditional services to eligible high school students in Mississippi.
Ninth grade students in Jalon Bullock’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) classes and ninth grade students in LaTrina Bynum’s Introduction to Engineering classes visited one of eight technical/skill classes offered in the Career and Technical Department. Prior to this special day the ninth graders filled out a form stating their interest in exploring a program as a nontraditional student.
During Nontraditional Day the technical/skill instructor and his or her students provided a How To Clinic related to the program to allow the ninth grade students time to learn about the opportunities available to those who choose to prepare to work in a nontraditional setting.
This is the eighth year New Albany has been selected to receive this grant. As a result of activities relating to Nontraditional Day, an increase in nontraditional enrollment has been recorded.
Prior to Nontraditional Day, Early Childhood Education students made posters to promote the day. These posters were displayed throughout the school to remind students of Nontraditional Day and the theme for the day, “Let’s Talk Nontraditional Careers”.
Monies from the grant were used to provide supplies for the following How To Clinics:
Auto Services-Learn proper procedure for checking oil and tire pressure
Business Fundamentals-Learn stress management techniques
Construction Trades-Build a bluebird house
Culinary Arts-Learn about healthy snacks
Drafting-Explore Computer Aided Drafting Design program
Early Childhood Education-Learn how to conduct activities for preschool children
Health Sciences-Learn proper handwashing techniques and other health concepts
Introduction to Engineering-Explore Computer Aided Design program
The ninth grade participants received a memento from the nontraditional class they visited. In addition, these students were given an informational brochure and letter to share with their parents to assist them in planning their course schedule for the 2013-2014 school year.