College and Career
At Lawnton Elementary, part of my job is to teach students of all ages soft skills realated to their college and career readiness standards. Soft skills include being responsible, respectful, effective communication skills, and exploring careers related to strengths and interests. Many of these soft skills are built and used throughout their time in the Central Dauphin School District.
On top of the teaching on the soft skills throughout the year, I also take many of my classroom lessons and other STEAM times to teach our career standards using SmartFutures which is an online software we use for students to learn about different careers, skills, and more. Below is the letter we share with families when we begin these career lessons.
Dear Parents and Guardians of CDSD Students,
What: CDSD purchased Smart Futures, an online K-12 career planning and portfolio platform, that helps schools easily implement the PA Academic Standards for Career Education and Work. All schools in CDSD are expected to incorporate a minimum number of career lessons and artifacts within their classrooms across different grade bands. The career artifacts cover the following four content areas: career awareness and exploration, employability skills, growth and advancement, personal interests and career planning.
At the elementary level, students in grades K-5 are required to complete a total of six artifacts by the end of their 5th-grade year, according to Pennsylvania State requirements. To facilitate this, CDSD Elementary School Counselors have developed the schedule below.
Where: Please see the chart below as to where Smart Futures Activities fit in the curriculum:
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How: Smart Futures is accessed by students through their district's Clever account. This can be found under the "Student Links" section. The first time students access their account, they will be prompted to choose an icon that represents them. They will then be able to work through any lesson in their corresponding grade band. Teachers may (and are encouraged) to assign lessons as classwork or homework for a grade.
When: In the 2026-2027 school year, lessons/artifacts listed above were rolled out in a lesson with school counselors. Students were asked to complete their Smart Futures Lessons by March 5th; counselors will work to ensure that all students have met their requirements for the school year.
Who Can Help? Please reach out to your school counselor, Caitlin Wagner, or building principal, Dr. Michelle Bangert, for questions or assistance.
Thank you,
CDSD Elementary School Counselors
For any additional questions, or interests in what else I provide for career preparedness please do not hesitate to reach out to me!