First-ever Windham Maine PTA K-8 Career Fair draws large turnout

By Ed Pierce

Despite a nor’easter that dumped heavy snow on Windham and knocked out power for more than 90 percent of the town, Windham Maine PTA’s first Career Fair for Kindergarten to Eighth Grade drew more than 76 students, nearly 100 parents, and 19 presenters to Windham High School on Saturday, April 6.

Ernesta Kennedy, left, and Joanna Bridges
greet visitors to the Windham Maine PTA Career
Fair for Kindergarten to Eighth Grade students
at Windham High School on Saturday, April 6. 
Despite a sever storm and many in the area 
losing power, organizers say that the event
was a success and they expect even greater
turnout next year. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The event featured a variety of vendors who manned interactive booths, offering hands-on experiences and visual aids for students who attended. Students had the opportunity to engage in activities such as first response, nutrition, physical fitness, farming and agriculture, STEM, meteorology, and many other exciting career paths.

PTA President Tiffany Sinclair said that the event organized by members of the Windham Maine PTA and inspired by a School of Excellence survey that the organization distributed in late October.

“Studies and educational experts indicate that children tend to rule out certain careers based on gender and social status by the time they finish elementary school,” Sinclair said. “Our PTA views the recent event for K-8 students as beneficial, offering them a chance to explore a variety of careers and meet individuals from diverse backgrounds excelling in different fields. During the elementary years, kids are exploring who they are, and career exploration is a way for them to discover more about themselves and the world around them. This strategy helps children appreciate their interests and abilities, highlighting their potential value in the future. By implementing this simple change, we can broaden their perspectives instead of limiting them.”

With many different types of careers represented by presenters, students were able to take part in hands-on experiences and view a range of different visual aids at the event.

According to Sinclair, feedback from families, staff, and vendors was positive and they encouraged PTA members to host similar events.

The Career Fair is not the only event though that Windham Maine PTA members are planning as the school year winds down. Sinclair said the organization is working to honor RSU 14 staff with a special Transportation Appreciation Day on May 2 and Staff Appreciation Week running from May 6 to May 10.

“For the 2023-2024 Staff Appreciation Week, the PTA, families, and community members will collaborate to express gratitude for the dedication of the Windham staff. This will include snack bars sponsored by Aroma Joes, Windham, lunches supported by Duck Pond Variety, Westbrook, 10-minute massages from Freedom Massage and Wellness and SpaTech, Westbrook, and hydration stations backed by families,” Sinclair said. “We’ll also host our annual gift card raffle. Deckhouse, Portland Pie, Windham, Reny’s, Smoked, Oriental Trading, Otto’s, and Harbor Freight are just a few that have made contributions to this event so far.”

Besides those activities, Sinclair said that students from Windham Primary School and Manchester School will display their appreciation by participating in a spirit day each day of Staff Appreciation Week. She said these activities were carefully organized with input from administrators and staff to ensure inclusivity and easy parental involvement.

“The changing landscape of education demands a holistic approach that caters to individual learners rather than conforming to traditional teaching methods. Students encounter a variety of challenges, such as accessibility issues, financial constraints, living situations, mental and physical health concerns, and academic stress,” Sinclair said. “Educators often carry their students' worries and stress beyond school hours. During Staff Appreciation Week, it's crucial to recognize and appreciate their unwavering dedication to all students and the emotional burdens they often bear. We firmly believe that consistently showing love and gratitude can kindle a love for learning, motivating our team to nurture creativity and inspire our students.”

The lineup for Windham Maine PTA’s Staff Appreciation Week activities includes:

Windham Primary School
Monday: Snack Bar (Coffee and Tea sponsored by Aroma Joes, Windham, and community members)
Tuesday: Hydration Station (Supported by families and community members)
Wednesday: Lunch (Pizza sponsored by Duck Pond Variety, Westbrook, and community members)
Thursday: Massages (noon to 2 p.m. provided by Freedom Massage and Wellness, and SpaTech)

Manchester School
Monday: Appreciation Grams (Contributed by students and families)
Tuesday: Lunch (Pizza from Otto’s Pizza, Gorham, and community members)
Wednesday: Snack Bar and Massages (1-3) (Coffee and Tea from Aroma Joes, Windham. Massages by Freedom Massage and Wellness and SpaTech)
Thursday: Hydration Station (Contributed by families and community members)

Windham Middle School
Tuesday: Snack Bar (Coffee and Tea from Aroma Joes, Windham, and community members)
Wednesday: Lunch (Provided by Jersey Mike's, Windham, and community members)
Thursday: Massages (9 to 11 a.m. by Freedom Massage and Wellness, and SpaTech)

Windham High School
Tuesday: Massages (9 to 11 a.m. by Freedom Massage and Wellness, and SpaTech)
Thursday: Lunch (Pizza from Duck Pond Variety, Westbrook, and community members)

Windham Maine PTA believes in a team approach and welcomes the public to join them in their year-round mission, Sinclair said.

“You don't have to be a parent to champion and back the development of all learners,” Sinclair said. “Membership costs $11 per year and ensures you stay informed about our activities. Apart from annual support, we host monthly meetings held at the Windham Town Hall and provide chances for direct donations, event assistance, and redemption donations at Patman's. Simply label your bags with ‘Windham Maine PTA’ and drop them off to the right inside the entrance.”

Sinclair said Windham Maine PTA is currently seeking donations and gift cards for this year's Staff Appreciation Week. Contributions can be mailed to Windham Maine PTA, P.O. Box 6, Windham, ME 04062.

Follow WindhamMainePTA on Facebook and regularly visit its website at www.windhammainepta.org. For any inquiries, send an email to contact@windhammainepta.org <