Chartiers Valley is launching a new program to help prepare students to become career ready.

This year, the district will join the RIASEC framework which asks students about their aspirations, skills, and interests in different jobs to help them learn about careers and fields of study. RIASEC includes six characteristics: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional.

“It is a hands-on, interactive, college and career exploration,” Franczyk said. “It’s a different way of looking at how to explore careers and what students’ strengths are.”

Lessons will be rolled out this year at the kindergarten through fifth grade levels. Middle school students will take the RIASEC quiz this year. A rollout at the high school is planned for next year.

“We’re getting students to learn what their strengths are and how to use them as a career,” Franczyk said.

Lessons include what career paths are available to students and how students can tap into their strengths to find a career for them. Ideally, Franczyk would like to have community members discuss their careers with students.

District counselors had recommended using the RIASEC program, Franczyk said. Other districts that use the RIASEC model include Avonworth, Duquesne City, Elizabeth Forward and South Fayette.

Franczyk said her goal by the end of the school year is to have students excited about future career opportunities so they can identify what career paths they might like to pursue.

Outdoor classroom

A beautiful day at Chartiers Valley could have some students learning in the elements.

The Intermediate School will debut a new outdoor classroom this year. The space consists of a greenhouse, picnic tables, whiteboards, chairs and a pergola. A mural and plants are in the works.

“We’re really trying to showcase that learning doesn’t have to be stuck inside the classroom,” said Peter Schintz, Intermediate School Principal.

Teachers can sign up for to use the space for classes. Schintz emphasized that traditional lessons can take place outside and learning can happen anywhere.

The space where the outdoor classroom is located previously was an empty grass area. It was paid for with grant money and fundraisers from the school’s Parent Teacher Group. The group also volunteered to build the space.

“I went to them with this crazy idea, and the PTG made it happen,” Schintz said.

New hires

The following staff will be joining Chartiers Valley this school year:

James Pegher, Middle school assistant principal Hannah Dziamniski, Primary school assistant principal Kelly Irvine, Administrative assistant/school board secretary Kayla Losekamp, Primary school life skills teacher Christian Owens, Primary school emotional support teacher Robert Marek, Manager of transportation Bethany Ward, Primary school counselor

Long-term substitutes include Scott Hindman, a German teacher at the middle school; and Ryan Ponchione, a math teacher at the high school.

The hirings were approved by the school board Aug. 13.

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