Eileen Caldera’s fourth grade at Dr. Gilbert L. Porter Elementary School class got the answer to “What does the school board do and why is important to my future?” during a Mar. 20 visit by M-DCPS School Board member Carlos Curbelo.
Curbelo’s visit to the school at 15851 SW 112 St. was a highlight of the school’s participation in the Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW) program this year. In this unique program, teachers and business volunteers collaborate to teach lessons that connect classroom learning with the realworld workplace and expose students to career options.
In addition to the classroom lessons, a fieldtrip to the partners’ work sites gives students hands-on experience with people in the workplace and the skills needed to be successful in real world jobs. Current KAPOW partners at the school include Baptist Hospital, First Investors Corporation, College of Business and Technology, and Payroll Solutions Unlimited.
“KAPOW has worked tirelessly to keep our children engaged and focused on succeeding, Curbelo said. “I was honored to spend some time with these wonderful students.”
Dr. Gilbert Porter Elementary uses the KAPOW program, taught by business volunteers in monthly lessons, to fulfill school improvement goals. Activities contained in each KAPOW lesson help teachers use KAPOW lesson content to support classroom instruction in reading, math, science, social studies, writing, art, and technology. Students also learn the importance of workplace skills such as teamwork, positive work habits, and decision-making.
For more information about the KAPOW program, contact John Casbarro, president, Learning for Success Inc., at john.casbarro@gmail.com, or go to the website at www.kapowlfs.org
