From Our Schools, Boyle County
Published 9:26 am Monday, March 26, 2018
- Photo contributed Lucas Ross enjoys working at Burkmann Feeds while he participates in the school’s co-op program.
Seniors look forward to cooperative education opportunities
By ALY ASBURY
BCHS
Boyle County High School offers students many opportunities to prepare for future success. Following its own mission statement “to inspire and equip all students to be successful citizens through the self-disciplined pursuit of their unique abilities,” various clubs, classes and programs are provided to achieve this mission.
One particular offering available for seniors is the cooperative (co-op) work study program. This course allows students to extend their classroom beyond the school walls. They are given the opportunity to earn course credit while working for businesses in the area.
Over 25 years ago, the class was conducted as a vocational offering. Students were given the opportunity to prepare for a vocation by leaving in the afternoon to get started in the workforce learning workplace skills.
Today, the program offers students the opportunity to learn not only technical workplace skills but also important soft skills. Currently, there are two staff members that offer co-op classes. Teachers Toni Myers and Michelle Feistritzer offer agriculture and business education co-op’s, respectively.
Myers says, “When ag co-op first started decades ago, it allowed kids to go back to their family farms and work. This has, of course, changed over the years in this area, but I do have some that still work on a farm, but it’s the minority.”
Presently, students can choose to acquire a job in any field of interest, or they can volunteer to do an unpaid co-op that may give them an opportunity to work in a particular career field that would normally require a certification or license. Students in the co-op class must follow guidelines and meet certain requirements to maintain good standing in the program. This includes meeting grade and attendance requirements as well as securing a certain number of work hours during the school week.
Myers explains, “Students cannot be failing a class, have poor attendance, or lie about their working hours or they will have to be removed from the program and placed into a different class.”
Like any other course, grades are earned for graduation credits. Teachers are given important feedback from employer reports that determines a large portion of a student’s grade. Copies of work schedules and pay stubs turned in by the student/employee are also included in the grade calculation.
Photo by Carol Senn
At this time of the year, Kelsey Gaddis is very busy assisting customers with tux measurements and prom dress fittings at Carol’s Bridal.
For business co-op, students must enroll in a course called career work experience that offers career guidance for each individual that culminates in a job shadowing experience. Resume writing and interviewing skills are also taught.
While taking the course, students become eligible to leave school in the afternoon for their work study experience. Every day in class, Feistritzer emphasizes the importance of developing good soft skills.
“Business co-op gives students the opportunity to utilize soft skills such as responsibility, self-discipline, and time management while bringing a positive attitude to their workplace.”
We spoke to two seniors involved with the program, and the first reason given for taking the course was “to get out of school and make money.”
As seniors now about to graduate, they realize co-op offers many more amazing opportunities than just leaving school. Kelsey Gaddis of ag co-op feels that the program has made her grow to be more responsible, and it also gave her a taste of what the real world is like.
“I would recommend taking co-op to all upcoming seniors. I would tell them that there are many ways you as an individual can benefit from this program. I have gained friendships with customers, employers, and also the employees that I work with at Carol’s Bridal.”
Business co-op student Lucas Ross, working at Burkmann Feeds, recognizes other advantages, “I would definitely recommend this to next year’s seniors. I would tell them that they would be able to gain more hours, money, work experience, and savings for college and the future.”
Myers says with enthusiasm, “I love working with seniors and watching them transition to the workplace.” Reciting the mission statement of BCHS, teachers with the co-op program work to achieve the goal of helping students discover their unique aptitudes and abilities and to realize what they are gifted to share with others. Students quickly learn how important workplace skills are and that every day is an interview.
Photo by Seth Stomberger
Loren Ladd truly loves people and is compassionate to all because of her love for God.
By ANNIE GOGGIN
Photo contributed by the Boyle County Key Club
Leaders of the Key Club share details of an upcoming community service project with its members.
Man’s best friend – and coworker Photo contributed
By Mitchell Paycheck
On Feb. 27, Officer Jeremiah Nimmo from the Louisville Metro Police Department visited Boyle County High School to speak about his daily life as a police officer. Similarly as he has done since 2009, he spent the entire morning in Michelle Feistritzer’s business classroom answering questions from students regarding law enforcement. “My favorite part about talking to a class is being able to let the students see a way of communication from a police officer that is not so professional and formal.” Nimmo stated. This year he got the chance to talk more about his recent experience with his canine unit and his friend Jaxson.
