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.