Frank M. Witowski Jr.
"Frankly Speaking"

Published Dec. 28, 2005

CCHS seniors trying to juggle school and work get a break

A decision to allow qualifying seniors at CCHS to have a shortened school day has countless benefits. Without this opportunity, some seniors would be trying to juggle work and a full class load which could jeopardize their grade point average.

Recalling my high school senior year many moons ago, I am grateful I had this same opportunity.

The year was 1990. I was attending Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City, IL and I was able to enroll in a Distributive Club of America program. The DECA Club was a vocational program to allow students an abbreviated class schedule and earn credits while working a job. Receiving a grade for job performance from the employer ensured the student would not just quit the job for any reason or a school credit and class grade would be jeopardized. It taught responsibility to the student and allowed special interaction between the employer and the DECA instructor. The employer was presented a plaque at the end of the year for their participation in the program.

I landed a job at Sterk's Super Foods, a local grocery chain, where I bagged groceries and stocked shelves. I also won my first trophy at a DECA convention for my knowledge of the food/retail industry.

Being in the DECA program stifled some of my senioritis and kept me somewhat focused and helped me maintain good grades.

I think it's great that CCHS is allowing qualifying students to have a shortened day so they can enter the real world of work without jeopardizing their grade point average by trying to hold down a job and go to school fulltime. Other students may have the opportunity to enroll in a few college courses at a secondary college.

Early dismissal for high school seniors is actually not a new concept for CCHS. BOE Chairman Allen Foster, a 1988 CCHS graduate, said he left school early during the last semester of his senior year, which made it easier for him to work and save money for college while finishing high school.

The transition from high school to college and/or the workforce is very difficult and I am glad to see CCHS trying to prepare their students for the real world.

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Frank M. Witowski Jr. is a Crossville Chronicle staffwriter. His column appears periodically. He may be reached at 484-5145.