School Matters

Published Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Learning center holds job seminar class

As part of the summer school curriculum, the Albert Lea Area Learning Center held a work experience/ job seminar class which students attend classes and get credit for their work experience.

On June 10, job seminar students went to Owatonna to explore job opportunities in the manufacturing industries. They toured the Crown, Cork and Seal Company, which employs 130 workers and produces tin cans; SPX (Owatonna Tool Co.) which employs 1,500 workers and manufactures motors for testing and other electronics parts; and Truth Hardware which employs more than 1,000 workers to make window accessories for Andersen, Marvin and other window companies.

On July 2 and 3, the job seminar students were connected to Manpower and the Workforce Center as possible places to find employment. Students were also given a tour of Riverland Community College to introduce them to the programs offered at the college, especially in their technical areas. Students toured manufacturing and the healthcare employment in Albert Lea. John Forman led a tour at Alamco Wood Products, a wood laminating company. Frank Anderson conducted a tour at Bridon Cordage, which manufactures twine. Dawn Thompson gave students a tour of Good Samaritan Society, showing them the opportunities the healthcare industry has to offer.

Program offers experience for autistic students

For the past two years, Extending School Year has had the opportunity to offer a social-communications/social skills experience for autistic students. This program started in June with students visiting the Albert Lea Audubon Science Center, Holiday Lanes and Burger King. In July students had the opportunity to do a scavenger hunt at Wal-Mart and plan a party (including making invitations, planning food, games, and prizes). Before the field trip students discuss appropriate behaviors and role play “possible” situations that could happen when they are in these settings.