Guest Speaker: Pam Kroon, Kreilkamp Trucking Inc.

Pam Kroon from Kreilkamp Trucking Inc. came in to speak to the group about her job as a safety director. She covered the flow of transportation and how goods go from the original source to the consumer. She earned a bachelor’s degree for her occupation. It also took a 10 week class at a technical college to get a CDL, which is necessary to be a truck driver. She spoke on the different types of careers in the area of transportation and how to get into them and answered many questions from the students regarding her career.

By: Kiera Fischer

Guest Speaker: Brian Breit

Brian Breit, a Moore Design architect, came in on September 22, 2014 and discussed with the students how his job works and how you design a house, as students are exploring the architecture career cluster. Brian started by telling the students to list all the rooms they believed a house needed. These included; a bedroom, a restroom, a kitchen, and a living room. Then he said to list what is in a kitchen. After this he told us that the kitchen is the heart of the home and that you should design a home the opposite of completing a puzzle. The middle first, then the outside last. He also told us that everyone’s house is designed based on their daily routine. You commonly have the house designed for your convenience.

By: Adam Fehring

Guest Speaker: Stephanie Egner CCA Project technician for the Land and Water Conservation Division/Planning and Parks Division

Stephanie Enger Fields Questions from Pathways Students

Ms. Enger Showed Various Soil Samples

Stephanie Egner , a soil conservationist, came to Pathways on September 11, 2014 to explain to the students how she helps other farms with her love of agriculture. She does so by teaching farmers safer farming techniques. For example, she shows the farmers how to protect the tilled soil with grass to prevent it from washing into streams, ponds, or lakes and polluting our groundwater. She even demonstrated this by bringing some dead grass and covering some soil and pouring water on it. Without the dead grass the water was dirty but with it it was very clean. She helps keep our water clean and we should congratulate her on that.

By: Adam Fehring

2014/2015 Inaugural Post

The Pathways blog team has been busy acclimating to the new year at Pathways, with many new projects, students, technology, even a new teacher! Accordingly, the team has been focusing on their schoolwork and the fresh year’s challenges. However, now the team is back together, and they will be filling in the exciting events of the first few months of the second year of Pathways Charter School!

New this year for the blog- posts will be attributed to the students who worked on them, and each team member  will provide their own introduction after their inaugural story.

Thanks for the patience and support!   

Pathways Charter School Blog adviser- Coach O’Connor

TBT: Desk Deliveries

Today, Coach Pabich's new front desk arrived via semi.

 

Coach Orth and Coach O'Connor couldn't help but think about the desks that arrived roughly a year ago via semi. The always popular Node Chairs were delivered via semi and then assembled by Pathways' staff late last August.

TBT: Charter School T-shirt Circa August 2012

Pathways Staff is currently ordering the shirts for the 2014-2015 school year. Here's a look at the original t-shirt design circa 8/2011, when the school was still known as P.A.C.E. Academy.

TBT: Exploration Lab

WBSD staff discuss potential improvements to the space that would later be known as the Exploration Lab.

Guest Speaker: Christian Ricco

Christian Ricco, an artist from Milwaukee, visited Pathways during the Arts, A/V, and Communication career cluster. He spoke about his career and explained that, "Life as an artist is figuring out how to be a problem solver." He advised students to not "...discount the connections you make now. You never know when you are going to bump into that person in the future." Finally, Christian gave advice to students who are interested in at. He said to go see the art that's being communicated by others right now.

Guest Speaker- Craig Farrell

Craig Farrell, Executive Director of the West Bend Chamber of Commerce, joined students to speak about the hospitality and tourism opportunities of the greater West Bend area. Mr. Farrell highlighted the one trillion dollar industry in US by pointing out how our local area earns slices of that pie. He pointed out the geocaching opportunities around here (There are over 1300 geocache sites in West Bend!), and used that as an example of tourism in our area. Above all, Mr. Farrell gave the students the following advice: "If you love your job, you'll never work!"

Burning Calories

Aleigha O'Brien and Clarissa Kober take data on their iPads.

Richard Austin performs the experiment. 

Students learned how to calculate calories burned (literally) while they were exploring the Finance career cluster.

Field Trip: Museum of Wisconsin Art

As students wrapped up the Arts, A/V, and Communication career cluster, they visited the Museum of Wisconsin Art.  The size of this wall mural proved to be a crowd favorite. 

Editor's Note

The Pathways Blog Team with guest speaker Cindee Mennig.
From the left: Austin Kosmatka, Cindee Mennig, Kiera Fisher, Adam Fehring.

As the school year came to an end, Pathways' Blog Team was busy trying to complete projects as well as posts from the prior year. At one point, I tried to get the Blog Team together to get them to work on a post. One student said, "I want to, but I really need to work on completing this project that is due next week."

I am so grateful to the blog team of Adam Fehring, Austin Kosmatka, and Kiera Fisher for their hard work throughout the year, but especially for all the extra skills they learned such as how to prioritize their time, take photos of a guest speaker, interview, work collaboratively, etc.

Some of the posts the team started, but did not finish due to time constraints. These posts will be updated and posted throughout the summer as time allows.

If you see any of the above Pathways Blog Team, be sure to congratulate them on a job well done!

Peer Profile

PEER PROFILE #5

Name: Prairie Haubrich

Age: 14

Why did you come to Pathways? For the new opportunities Pathways provides

Favorite project so far: The Arts/AV project (Creating a narrative with artwork reflective of an era and the biodiversity of a location)

Plans for the future at this point: I want to be a neurologist, political figure, or a psychologist

Guest Speaker: Beth Engel

Beth Engel displays a pair of ballet shoes.

Bethany Engel or Beth is owner and teacher at All of the Above dance company. She started dancing at the age of three. Beth continued to dance throughout her life and then set out to Maryland for college. There she fell into a teaching job and then came back to Wisconsin and started her own dance studio. Having a studio brings the good and the bad. Beth confirms, "Sometimes my job can be incredibly hard, not only the physical aspect, but also because I expect perfection out of myself and my students". Other problems such as pain, prices and parents come with owning a studio. There are many styles of dance that are taught and each is  very unique with their own type of shoe. There is a recital at the end of each season all with a theme. Those themes are mixed in with the music, dances and transitions. Dancing is a passion which stretches your muscles, mind and medical visits.

Field Trip: WBHS Arts/AV/Communications Locations

On May 5th, Pathways students took an Arts A/V tour of the West Bend High Schools.

First, the students started off with Mr. Tim Harder in the studio area. They were shown the green screen and production room where videos are made to advertise events for the high school as well as weekly announcements. Mr. Harder also displayed the graphics room and explained some of the complexities of different types of printing, from ink on Tshirts to 3-D. He also highlighted elective courses that might be taken in this area, which could accumulate to a semester and a half of college credit!

 Next, students were given an exclusive backstage tour of the auditorium by Lights and Sounds director Mr. Jeremy Woods. He explained everything from how the curtains raise and lower to the names of all the various parts of the theater. He also took students into the control booth at the top of the auditorium. He demonstrated how to control the lights and sound, and even put on a mini performance starring Pathways Director Mr. Harder. Jeremy explained that Pathways students can join the plays and musicals at the high school. Several Pathways students were involved in the the past year’s performances.

Guest Speaker: Nick Dettmann

Mr. Nick Dettmann works for the West Bend Daily News and came in to Pathways to talk about how his job works. He writes articles for the sports section as well as special events and he edits the top reporters’ segments for the newspaper. He talked about some of the famous athletes he has met including Brett Favre, Clay Matthews, and Shaquille O’Neal, who he claims is as funny in real life as he appears on t.v. He remarked about the emotions that sometimes come out through a sports story, such as covering this year’s Boston Marathon and reflecting about last year’s tragedy. Dettman says the hardest part about his job is, " ...the internet. It makes our job go 24/7, all the way around the clock. If there is information people want to know, we have to get it." He shared the struggles of his job, but also the successes. His crowning achievement was publishing his own book 2 years ago. Check out his book A Life Worth Dreaming About at your local bookstore.

Guest Speaker: Justin Weninger from Horicon Bank

9th Grader Justin Mesick (left) asks guest speaker Justin Weninger of Horicon Bank a question as 7th grader Sami Ahrens (right) listens intently.

Mr. Justin Weninger came to Pathways to discuss his career in the Finance Career Cluster, as he works at Horicon Bank. He asked students questions about what they thought the bank business was all about. Mr. Weninger also asked the students what they thought the important parts of the bank were. He explained that important traits were needed for a bank manager. He explained to the students, "You must gain the trust of the customer as you develop a good relationship with them." He also explained the inside details of how a bank works. Banks have many different pieces that fit together as a puzzle. Mr. Weninger gave advice about using banks now and in students' futures saying: "When you are a young adult working on getting a good relationship with a bank, start little and work your way up."

Pathways Charter School New Logo

The Pathways Logo has changed to reflect a more professional environment. Coach Patrick O’Connor remarked of the change, “While I appreciate the effort to design the previous logo, students noticed during the marketing cluster that the logo seemed too elementary. If we are expecting students to act professional, the logo should reflect that attitude.” Student Simon Uecker stated, "the new logo correctly defines the atmosphere and the professionalism the school is striding for." The color of our blog has changed a bit because of the school's logo change. Continue to enjoy our updated blog posts.

Peer Profile

PEER PROFILE #4

Name: Sunny Duchow (Sunny is a new enrollee at Pathways. She entered the district in March 2014)

Age: 14

Why did you come to Pathways? My Mom and Kiera and Frannie (Who attend Pathways) all encouraged me

Favorite thing about Pathways: Here at Pathways, I feel comfortable, but I also feel challenged.

Plans for the future at this point: I want to be in the medical field and I want to travel.

Guest Speaker: Cindy Mennig from WBHS

From Left: Austin Kosmatka, Cindy Mennig, Kiera Fisher, and Adam Fehring.

Cindy Mennig, a Business Education Teacher at the West Bend High School, came in March 19, 2014 and talked to the Pathways’ students about how she came to work within the finance career cluster. She also told us the possible courses students can take in high school as electives to the core classes taught at Pathways and brought in a student that completed some of these courses. The student, Tim, also highlighted the benefits of joining Future Business Leaders of America, which Cindy supervises at the High School.

Peer Profile

PEER PROFILE #3

Name: Adam Fehring

Age: 13

Favorite thing about Pathways: The Individualized Study Plan because it's easier to see how you're doing instead of a class average. It's more based around my needs and future success. 

Favorite project so far: Creating a cell analogy because I got to use my art skills and technology skills together in one presentation.

Plans for the future at this point: Architecture

Guest Speaker: Todd White from Edward Jones

On March 5th, Todd White Financial Advisor from Edward Jones discussed the foundations of investing with students. He also explained the concepts of a bull and bear economy. Mr. White also gave students advice. For example, he explained they can control their saving and spending habits. He also talked about having an emergency fund. Finally, he described how to control your personal debt level.

Field Trip: Moraine Park Technical College

On Tuesday, March 4th students were treated to a field trip to Moraine Park Technical College to look at how Information Technology is utilized in post-secondary education. Students got to use high tech digital drawing tools and also experienced a college course experience.

Students Richard Austin, Shawn Sworske, and Aleigha O'Brien work on a Wacom  digital drawing tablet. 

Joe Sibiliski demonstrated how animation and dedication can lead to job opportunities.

Hayden Waala uses a Wacom digital drawing tablet.

Guest Speakers from MPTC

Joe Sibiliski displays some of his work.

On Friday, February 21st, 2 sets of Informational Technology experts from MPTC spoke to Pathways' students. 

The first pair was Tom Ward and Joe Sibiliski who are both animators. Both hold the official title "Interactive Media Design Instructor." They shared previous projects they helped come to life, such as popular commercials and even movies like Fern Gully. One impactful comment made by Tom is that "people's skills are more important than their art." It always helps to hear people in the field repeat what Pathways' coaches say.

Dom Garafalo describes workplace conditions at an IT firm.

The second panel of speakers included Tammy Freund (web developer instructor), Dominic Garofalo (web developer instructor), and Joe Desiderio (technical support specialist instructor). Joe highlighted the difference between platforms and how that effects users. Tammy and Dom also showed the codes behind websites and how to get different scripts running on web pages.

Peer Profile

PEER PROFILE #2

Name: Frannie Kemp

Age: 14

Favorite thing about Pathways: Covering the same content in a different way (projects)

Favorite project so far: STEM project (creating a leg/cast- it was fun)

Plans for the future at this point: I have no clue

Peer Profile

PEER PROFILE #1

Name: Kiera Fischer

Age: 14

Favorite thing about Pathways: The learning atmosphere

Favorite project so far: The court case (We won our case!)

Plans for the future at this point: I would like to travel and act.

Guest Speaker: Melissa Kescenovitz from the Kettle Moraine YMCA

Guest Speaker Ms. Melissa Kescenovitz works as a child care specialist  and director of youth development at the Kettle Moraine YMCA. Kids that are aged 6 weeks to 13 years old come to the YMCA and to learn social and academic skills. She shared information about volunteering at the YMCA including the requirements to work there. She also gave students tips for working in childcare and gave the ins and outs of her profession. Ms. Kescenovitz says,"The toughest part of my job is the tattling. If so and so comes and says he/she hit me, I would say,'let's use our words and tell them to stop.' That is the toughest part of my job."

Guest Speakers from The Youth and Family Project

Pathways guest speakers Ms. Liz Paasch and Ms. Stacy Casper work at the non-profit The Youth and Family Project in West Bend. They shared the services offered there, and described their pathways to their careers as well as various other careers in the human services career cluster. They also quizzed students on mental health issues. Many students asked questions about the speakers’ diverse tracks to their current professions, exploring possible avenues into human services professions.

Guest Speakers Chris Schatz, Cindy Hinckley, and Denise Puffer

Guest Speaker Chris Schatz works for Moraine Park Technical College and came in to Pathways to talk about the Human Services career cluster. Those employed in the human services field work with other people to help. Human Services is an important career cluster in our world. Mr. Schatz says to be employed in this cluster, you have to have a “willingness to work with people, and help people.”

Guest Speaker Mrs.Cindy Hinckley and Mrs.Denise Puffer both work for WorkForce Development and help those at least 16 years old find a job in the West Bend area. They demonstrated the importance of following directions by giving students a “following directions test.” This helped drive home the significance in following directions in the workplace, and that skill needs to be developed at a young age according to our guest speakers.  They also explained that “the most important thing businesses are looking for in a person getting a job is education.”

Guest Speaker: Staff Sergeant Wil Stevens

Staff Sergeant Wil Stevens, father of Alex Stevens, came in to discuss how technology has advanced military operations and what is being planned for the future.  Staff Sergeant Stevens said, "Within my time, the way of communication is the most important military advancement.” Students have been marketing military technological advancements and Staff Sergeant Stevens gave them the opportunity to see how the historical advancement they researched might have been a precursor to current military technology.