Students learn and earn in school's work/study program |
Submitted by James Quatromoni Hull High Community Outreach Coordinator
The Community Outreach Program at Hull High School has developed rapidly over the last two years of operation. Hundreds of thousands of real dollars have been saved in helping students interested in vocational education to remain in the district through internships. In addition, the outreach program has been able to benefit from a grant partnership with the South Coastal Workforce Investment Board.
Since mid-2008, our school district has been awarded two major workforce development grants. The programs that have functioned under the umbrella of these grants have clearly had a sizable impact on many young people within Hull High School. These programs have benefited the students in helping prepare them for the challenges that today’s workplace present.
The objectives of South Coastal Workforce Investment Board are simple – to meet the needs of the South Coastal region by providing quality career development and placement. As the liaison to workforce development programs in the area, the investment board’s mission is to provide an effective career development and placement system that is accessible and responsive to the needs of individuals and businesses. One key way that the board strives to reach its mission is through awarding grants.
By collaborating on grant writing, Assistant Superintendent Joy Turpie and I have helped the Hull Public Schools win two major grants; one has already been renewed for the entire 2009-10 school year. In combination, these grants have brought more than $100,000 in development dollars to our district.
“This is one my favorite grants,” Dr. Turpie pointed out, “because of what it does for our kids.”
The premise of our program is one that is mutually beneficial to our town and the student participants. As a community, our resources are being stretched to their maximum. Working to find creative ways to “get the job done” has become standard practice from department to department.
Additionally, our students are receiving countless hours of instruction in preparation for MCAS, the SATs and the college application process. Within the Hull Public Schools, we have also committed to work with our students to create better employees. College simply many not be in the cards for some of our students. As we work to teach them valuable academic lessons, we have begun to focus on valuable workplace lessons.
Students involved in our grant programs receive instruction in a classroom setting covering the following topics – HVAC, landscaping, plumbing, painting, carpentry, general maintenance, and business paperwork. Much of this training has been provided by Hull Public Schools Director of Facilities Tom Gould.
The students are then scheduled to work in the field under the supervision of department employees and case managers – Liz Londergan and me. Current locations that we have placed the “student staff,” as we have called them, include: Hull High School, Memorial Middle School, Jacobs Elementary, and the town’s department of public works.
“The students worked alongside school personnel, learning and implementing skills at all three schools,” said Hull Public School Business Manager David Twombly. “Hopefully, their experience in this program will provide them with necessary skills to become employed after graduation.”
“The Hull High students we hosted as part of the grant program provided a range of service to our grounds crew this summer,” said Town Manager Philip Lemnios. “Their assistance was invaluable and they were all great kids. Everyone should be proud of these students and hopefully this program will continue next year.”
During their time in the program, the classroom and in-the-field instruction helps teach student-staff new skills. Caseworkers counsel students as to workplace best practices, while also arranging for time with adult mentors to provide a further positive influence.
“Summer programming is essential to keep kids engaged in learning,” said Hull High Principal Mike Devine. “It is so important to keep kids around teachers and other positive role models.”
When issues arise, as they often due with teenagers, our staff works with participants to adjust and learn. This is a vital aspect to our programming. Missteps are valuable opportunities. In a typical workplace, especially one as competitive as today’s market, workplace mistakes can quickly lead to dismissal. In helping student-staff learn what is acceptable and how to strive for greatness through trial and error, we are hopeful that they are being set up for future employment successes.
“Having the student take pride in their accomplishments was important,” said Memorial Middle School Principal Lynda Feeney. “Follow-up and feedback was provided on a daily basis to allow the students to set their own expectations when given new tasks or responsibilities.”
For their efforts, students receive a paycheck. Real dollars in their pockets have been a tremendous motivator. All wages paid to participants are picked up by the grant through the SCWIB. Though the district, our town, and the students are receiving a valuable service or experience, it is not costing the town even one cent.
“As the students are paid, the program teaches the value of money,” said case manager Liz Londergan. “We have worked with many student-staff in how to open a bank account and properly manage money.”
“I watched over this summer as participant interpersonal skills developed,” said high school Assistant Principal Scott Sivo. “Teamwork was established as students worked together with their newly acquired skills – to get the job done.”
Truly, this program’s success has been the collaboration of the school department, town officials and our student-staff. Town Manager Phil Lemnios and DPW Director Joseph Stigliani facilitated the placement of students within the DPW. From administration to teachers to custodial staff, a district-wide collaboration was necessary to make this program work on the school department side.
In the interest of providing an experience to our students, we pulled it off. In my eyes, this is clearly and example of creative thinking that makes our schools and our town more efficient, and a better place to be.
During the grant writing process, Dr. Turpie and I discussed the impact that this program could have on participants if we were to be funded. It was exciting to look ahead. Consider the student’s comments in regard to their experience.
“I have really learned to take pride in my surroundings,” said student Rob Hill. “I’ve worked at this school now, and I want it to be a nice place.”
“I enjoyed learning new things, and how things worked,” added student Billy Kenneally. “But the best part was helping the town out. I felt like I was doing my part during these tough times.”
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