Work Ethic Certification
Work ethic certification remains a priority for all LaRue County School students
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Job Outlook 2020 survey, 80.4% of hiring managers indicated that new hires entering the work force should be able to demonstrate a strong work ethic. The only attributes scoring higher on the survey were problem-solving skills (91.2%) and the ability to work as a team (86.3%).
From kindergartners to high school seniors, LaRue County Schools students have an opportunity to develop and be recognized for their work ethic. The district implements the Work Ethic Certification program to further prepare students for successful transitions to work and education after high school. “This is all about helping our students develop the habits that lead to success,” said Amanda Reed, Assistant Superintendent for Student Achievement. “We want all students to learn personal attributes like dependability and working well within a team.”
In addition, the program is designed to improve attendance, grades and students’ involvement in school, the community or the workforce. Students who complete the voluntary criteria each year will be recognized. Graduating seniors will earn special seals on their diplomas.
Work ethic education is now required in all Kentucky public schools, and districts may determine most of their own criteria. The LCS program criteria are as follows:
For all grades - 96 percent attendance rate with no more than the equivalent of seven excused or unexcused absences. No severe discipline events and no more than two less severe discipline events. (Attendance criteria has been waived for 20-21 school year due to Covid-19)
For third through 12th grade – A minimum C average with no failures.
All students receive essential workplace ethics instruction embedded in their school coursework including adaptability, diligence, initiative, knowledge, reliability, remaining drug free and working well with others.
For Elementary students, complete two hours (kindergarten – second grade) or four hours (third-fifth grade) of community service by helping an agency, neighborhood or an individual outside your home.
For middle and high school students, participate in two of the following activities: School or community sport, school or community extracurricular activity, work-based learning experience, or six community service (6 hours for middle and 10 hours for high).
Work Ethic Certification allows us to be more intentional about teaching the essential skills that employers tell us they need most. We know this program will be a win for our students, our local businesses and our overall community. Even though our Work Ethic Certification program is relatively new and was interrupted by a pandemic, we still had 271 students earn the certification this past school year; 117 elementary students, 56 middle school students, and 98 high school students.
Of the 98 LCHS students earning Work Ethic Certification, 20 were graduating seniors from the class of 2021. As they walk across the graduation stage Friday evening, the following students will receive a diploma with a distinctive seal signifying this exclusive accomplishment:
Michael Chapman Lauren Makuakane
Katelyn Eads Mary Beth Mattingly
Nicole Fantasia Evan Morris
Delaney Frye Isaiah Pruitt
Abi Gibson Preston Self
Emma Grimes Amya Stillwell
Olivia Hazelwood Ethan Tharp
Kayla Highbaugh Shianne Thompson
Thomas Hoppes Isabella Thurman
Graham Kinzel Biven Turner
While we are extremely proud of those attaining this special honor, we anticipate the numbers growing over the next few years as we continue to integrate the work ethic criteria throughout our transitional readiness plan.