Akron Public Schools prepares all students for college, career, life

Tuesday, October 24, 2006 ― Akron Public Schools works, and so do its students! From career education to special education, APS provides the programs and training that prepare students for careers, college and life right out of high school.

Students interested in health care are invited to a Healthcare Career Night on Wednesday, November 1, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at North High School. APS has partnered with Akron General Medical Center, Children¹s Hospital Medical Center of Akron and Summa Health System to highlight health care careers and opportunities in the community. Education partners including The University of Akron, Kent State University and the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine will also be on hand for the event. North High School is
located at 985 Gorge Blvd.

Students looking for a jump start in health care may consider one of APS’ career education programs, such as Buchtel High School’s Diagnostic Medical Technology program. The program focuses on nursing but is designed for any student with an interest in health careers. Students get on-the-job training in a clinical rotation at a local long-term care facility, working as a nursing assistant or volunteering in health care. Students earn a certificate allowing them to take the State Tested Nursing Assistant test. Some students can even earn college credits during their senior year! Other health services programs include dental assisting and therapeutic medical
technology.

But Akron’s career expertise isn’t limited to medicine! Take a look at just a handful of other non-medical, career-minded offerings available to Akron Public Schools students. To arrange a visit and see any of these programs in action, call Leah Knapp at 330/761-2930.

Animal Management ― Ellet High School’s Animal Management program features a pet store and grooming area right in the classroom! Students receive on-the-job training in animal anatomical and physiological systems, laboratory skills, animal husbandry, and grooming. Ellet¹s grooming shop is open to the public, with cats and dogs among the most popular pets groomed. Professional grooming tools and techniques are used to set patterns for show dogs or pets.

Computer Aided Manufacturing ― Reading blueprints, using precision tools, operating machinery, developing programming skills, and setting computer-controlled machines such as lathes, mills and robots are just a few of the specialized skills that Garfield High School’s machine technology students learn. Students graduate from this program with National Institute for Metalworking Skills certification.

Special Education ― Survey any student in the city about his or her favorite subjects, and lunch and recess will probably come back at the top of most lists. The simple skills so many take for granted become life lessons for some of Akron’s most special students. Multiple disability and orthopedically impaired students from East, Garfield and Kenmore high schools visit Barrett Academy each day to assist their elementary counterparts with lunch and recess. High school special education students spend an hour each day serving lunch and supervising recess for Barrett’s special education students. As they do so, these students are learning important supervisory, organizational and leadership skills.

Students who graduate from high school prepared for work or college are vital to a strong city. A well-educated workforce is important to attracting and keeping businesses and jobs in Akron. This program is a fine example of schools and communities working together to provide educated workers. Issue 6 ensures programs like career education will continue to grow and develop the educated workforce necessary for a thriving city.

Issue 6 is a 7.9-mill operating issue for Akron Public Schools that will generate about $23 million annually. Issue 6 will cost the owner of an $80,000 home about $16 per month. Akron’s economy and businesses cannot grow without good schools. Issue 6 protects our educational programs and our children’s future. Issue 6 keeps Akron’s economy and neighborhoods strong.

For more information about Issue 6, visit www.forakronschools.com. To arrange a visit and see any of the above programs in action, call Leah Knapp at 330/761-2930.