The cheers of hundreds of second-grade students filled the gymnasium at the Emporia State University Student Recreation Center during the start of a lively half-day visit to campus packed full of activities.
About 300 second-grade students from Emporia Public Schools, along with their teachers, spent time on activities in a variety of areas, including:
- Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center
- Art galleries in King Hall
- Esports arena
- Honors College
- The Teachers College with the Imaginarium
The first-ever Second Grade Career Day was a collaboration with Emporia Public Schools.
“This was a good experience,” said Kristy Randel, second-grade teacher at Village Elementary as the morning session wrapped up. “Our students get to hear from somebody else, and it reinforces the things we are saying to them at school.”
Randel appreciated that many activities were designed to align with the district’s second-grade standards. These included learning about insects at PAROC and the importance of understanding directions while learning about the teaching profession in Visser Hall.
“Helping to spark curiosity, excitement and confidence in students starts early,” said Taylor Kriley, known as “Dr. TK,” ESU’s vice president for student success. “Inspiring them to dream big about who they want to be when they grow up begins at the very beginning.
“What a wonderful opportunity for us to partner with the district on hands-on career exploration. A big thank you to the elementary school principals and the superintendent, Allison Harder, for bringing this vision to life!”