The first meeting of the 2011-2012 school year was hosted by Jerry O'Connor with American Airlines. Jerry is the longest-serving member of the Apex Business Alliance.
Joyce Grainger, with EMC, is the Chairperson for the Apex Business Alliance. Paul Murphy, with Prudential, has agreed to serve as Chairperson when Joyce is unable to attend. The meetings will be held on the first Friday of each month, from 7:45 am to 8:45 am. Please note that the start time for meetings is now 7:45 am.
The Superintendent's Breakfast, celebrating the volunteers for the School-To-Career program, will be held on September 21, 2011, from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, at the NCSU McKimmon Center. Please RSVP to Joy Frankoff (919-431-7677) by Wednesday, September 14th.
Ricky Frankoff, with Apex Middle School, introduced himself to the group. This was his first meeting representing Apex Middle School.
Deborah Henry, with Lufkin Road Middle School, discussed the following:
- Career Fair: The Lufkin Road Middle School career fair is scheduled for the morning of February 17, 2012.
- College Fair: The program will enable students to visit various North Carolina colleges and universities.
- Job Shadowing: Selected students will participate in "job shadowing" at EMC.
- HOSA Project: The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) project will be conducted again this year.
Katie Catlett, with Salem Middle School, discussed the following:
- Truck Fair: The date has not been finalized.
- Reluctant Learners: Speakers will be brought in to help motivate students designated as "reluctant learners."
- Job Shadowing: Selected students will participate in "job shadowing."
Diane Cadavid, with Apex High School, discussed the following:
- Schedule of Events: Diane provided copies of a Handout with the schedule of events for the 2011-2012 school year. Please note that the handout specifies the events where volunteers or speakers are needed.
- Career Connections: The first event for the current school year will be held on September 23rd, addressing Careers in Nursing. It will be held at the Apex High School Media Center. They are seeking a male nurse to participate as a speaker.
- Career College/Trade School Fair: The event, scheduled for November 17th, is new this year.
- Mock Interviews: Gary Letkemann and Stephen Stanko indicated they would like to help with interviews.
- Great Explorations Career Fair: The county-wide career fair will be held in November. The specific date and location have not been finalized. They need event volunteers and speakers for a variety of career categories.
- Business Spotlight: Each meeting of the Apex Business Alliance features a "business spotlight" presentation or tour by a participating business or organization. Please bring multiple copies of a one-page handout describing your organization. Also, please discuss ways in which your organization would like to connect to the classroom. Diane provided two examples from previous business spotlight presenters (American Airlines and WakeMed Apex HealthPlex).
The Business Spotlight portion of the meeting included a tour of American Airlines Reservations with Jerry O'Connor.
The next meeting of the Apex Business Alliance will be held on Friday, October 7th, from 7:45 am - 8:45 am, at the Apex High School Media Center. The meeting will be jointly hosted by Apex High School and Jen Benoit of Tutor Doctor. Please note that the start time for meetings is now 7:45 am.