Hardin County Schools officials have officially launched the district’s new Work Ethic Certification program with its high school seniors.

Seniors at Central Hardin High School, John Hardin High School and North Hardin High School have until August 30 to return a form that notes their intention to participate. Superintendent Nannette Johnston and HCS Early College and Career Center Dan Robbins spoke to seniors Wednesday, Aug. 21 and Thursday, Aug. 22 about Work Ethic Certification.

“The Work Ethic Certification program has the ability to change lives and tremendously affect economic success in this region,” Johnston said. “The participants in this program will be more than ready to take the next step after graduation; no matter if it is college or career. We hope all of our high school seniors choose to participate.”

As a participant, they must demonstrate proficiency in eight standards (listed on the adjacent page) in order to earn the certification. The certificate will serve as validation that students have successfully displayed strong work habits fostering success in higher education and the workplace.

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, a HCS Work Ethic Certification program partner, will be asking business and industry to show their support by granting Work Ethic Certification graduates a job interview. An interview may not lead to a hire, but it will give the graduate the priceless experience of an interview.

“Hardin County Schools wants certified graduates to learn what it’s like to interview with a prospective employer,” said Brad Richardson, Hardin County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. “Chamber members willing to provide graduates with that interview experience, even if you aren’t hiring, would be of great benefit no matter what the student pursues after graduation.”

Combined with the criteria and standards they must meet, Work Ethic Certification participants will receive Junior Achievement Success Skills curriculum instruction from community volunteers. The 2013 Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class has chosen this program for an ongoing project. The Leadership Class will send its members into the classroom this school year.

“We’re excited that our 2013 leadership class is stepping forward and helping to develop the future workforce of our region. It’s a win-win for the students and local employers,” Richardson added.

Along with the interview, Work Ethic Certification graduates will also wear special cords at their respective graduation ceremonies and earn program seals on their diplomas. They will be able to apply for scholarships from post-secondary institutions that have a presence in the Hardin County community.

“All of our schools promote high expectations for our students which includes the components of the work ethic standards,” Johnston said. “These standards raise awareness of solid work ethic practices and encourage students to develop personal habits in these areas. We are asking all of district’s teachers to emphasize work ethic skills and all of our schools to acknowledge behaviors that correlate with our Great Eight (the eight standards listed below).”

There are eight standards to which Work Ethic Certification program participants will adhere. They must meet criteria and gain points within each standard to earn the certification. They are:

Standard #1: Attendance & Tardiness

Students are expected to work hard to miss very few (if any) days of school.

Standard #2: Personal Responsibility and Accountability

Students are expected to meet discipline standards consistently, follow classroom behavior guidelines, respond quickly and respectfully to behavior corrections, cooperate in class.

Standard #3: Academic Performance

Students are expected to perform at or above their grade level. They work hard and are dedicated to promoting their future.

Standard #4: Work Habits and Persistence

Students are expected to have strong work habits, a high level of determination and stick with a job until it is completed correctly.

Standard #5: Punctuality, Preparedness and Organization

Students are expected to be punctual, prepared, and organized get to class on time and have all of the materials they need for class and approach their work in an organized fashion.

Standard #6: Respectful Interactions/Communication

Students are expected to be respectful, polite and considerate of other people and their property.

Standard #7: Cooperation and Teamwork

Students are expected to work cooperatively with others to problem solve, work together to complete projects and handle conflict professionally.

Standard #8: Community Service

Students get involved in service projects that help people in their community.

“We can’t wait to get this off of the ground,” Johnston added. “We are thankful to the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement for all of their work on this initiative. I’d also like to thank our business and industry partners in advance for helping our graduates with interviews.

“As more Work Ethic Certification graduates walk across the stage, we hope that more hard-working and qualified employees enter into our local work force. As that happens, productivity will go up and more money will funnel in and out of our local economy. This is a win-win for everyone.”