"Mapping the Future" Career Day
Vilonia Primary Students participate in career awareness activities each spring during Mapping the Future Career Day. The goals of Mapping the Future Career Day are:  (1) to provide a meaningful character-building opportunity for students to learn more about themselves and (2) to promote student understanding of the connection between good character traits and future career choices. Career Day involves students, staff members, parents, and community members.  All students are encouraged to dress in "character" depicting their career interest.  A highlight of the opening assembly is a Historical Showcase, which begins with an address by Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by the principal. After researching the background of historical figures who showed good character and never gave up, students write a script, and dress in time-period clothing for their presentation. Parents are invited to participate as Career Day speakers to share information about their jobs, emphasizing the importance of good character in the workplace. Following the Historical Showcase, students listen to presentations by community members, and parents representing various occupations. Career Day is having a positive impact on students resulting in a stronger sense of community in the classroom, participation in Good Character Club and increase in students recognized for good behavior.