Every year at Scarlett Middle School, students and teachers, especially in the English department, spend most of their 3rd quarter preparing for Portfolio Day. During this time many of the students have their first experience writing a resume, and compiling work to present in a formal job interview.

Eight graders like Fiona Waltje prepared for this day in their English class. “Preparation for Portfolio Day begins early so that we can make sure resumes and cover letters are perfect. Typically this happens toward the middle of March.” In this time they have researched jobs that they are interested in, like a doctor. They have written resumes specifically for that position, and compiled work they have done in all of their classes, as well as outside their classes. I focus on the competitive aspects of interviewing and the need to emphasize those things students are good at and could translate into workplace skills.” said Mrs. Daniel, The ELA Curriculum Leader and Teacher at Scarlett Middle School.

It is also a very memorable day for older students. Ninth grader Emma Mayhew still recalls what portfolio day was like for her. “I interview to be a politician,” she said. “I had to really think about what I thought was good for my portfolio, I put in things like  Academic Society, and what I know of Computer technology.” Though she wished there had been more jobs to interview for, Emma really enjoyed Portfolio day. “It taught me how to make a resume.”

Portfolio day uniquely prepares these students for the future life. Mrs. Daniel said, “I think Portfolio Day gives students an early opportunity to connect work they do at school with real world options for work in their future…I think they develop a deeper understanding of what things they need to do to approach a job search with some idea of what to expect, some confidence with regard to actually participating in interviews and a glimpse at what it feels like in a real setting.”