As I’ve gotten to know the South Milwaukee School District more, I continue to be impressed its people and its programs — not to mention its students.
The district is unafraid to try new approaches to reach kids and help them succeed in a world changing at a dizzying pace.
One great example: the district’s work to ensure students are “job ready.”
I’ll let Chris Daniels, the district’s work-based learning and virtual high school coordinator, explain more in this “guest blog.”
The School District of South Milwaukee has developed a program to promote students to potential employers as “Job Ready”. Students who possess the attributes of good employees and have demonstrated those qualities in the school setting can apply for and receive the certification.
The program came about after talking with members of the business community and hearing that they want employees with strong work ethics and employability skills. To address that need, the district formed a K-12 committee to come up with a way to assess those attributes. From April 15 to May 15, sophomores through seniors can apply for the certification. Once certified, students can take that certification into the business community to show that they would be good employees.
To qualify, students not only have to meet minimum grade point and attendance requirements, but they must complete service to the greater community. Furthermore, they must be assessed by a sponsor teacher who will review an essay as well as personal traits including Communication, Cooperation/Interpersonal Skills, Integrity, Motivation/Leadership, Problem Solving/Common Sense, and Work Habits and Attitudes.
All students meeting the criteria will be given the “Job Ready” certification, and are encouraged to use it as part of their portfolio when applying for employment. While the district cannot guarantee employment and is not responsible for securing employment for “Job Ready” students, the program has been endorsed by the South Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, and the district encourages employers to hire students with this endorsement.
If you have children who could benefit from the “Job Ready” certification, please encourage them to apply. Also, please support local businesses who display the “Job Ready” poster and hire our students. If you are a business owner or manager, we encourage you to hire some of our amazing students who have demonstrated to us that they are “Job Ready”. Working together, we can continue to create the next generation of business leaders and quality employees and keep our community strong.
For more information on how the program can benefit you, your children or your business, please contact me at cdaniels@sdsm.k12.wi.us, or at 414-766-5140. You can also learn more by reviewing the “Job Ready” application at the following link: http://goo.gl/MMVSD
South Milwaukee Blog 