In January of 2023, Bardstown City Schools students were given an opportunity to develop and be recognized for their work ethic. The district continues to implement the Work Ethic Certification program for the 2023-24 school year to further prepare students for successful transitions to work and education beyond their BCS experience.
At Bardstown Elementary the Work Ethic Certification is awarded to fifth graders who complete a series of accomplishments that includes activities, courses and experiences to foster career readiness and portrays The Bardstown Graduation. Fifth grade students who complete the voluntary criteria each year will be recognized.
What Is The Criteria for Fifth Graders?
Academics
In the 12th grade year, students much achieve a GPA of 2.5 in core content and/or Career and Technical Education courses.
Attendance
Minimum of 90 percent attendance rate. Excused absences, unexcused absences, tardies, and suspended days are included in the attendance calculation.
Behavior
No severe discipline events and no more than two minor discipline events during the student's 12th grade school year.
Community Service
A minimum of 16 hours of community service throughout high school years. The community service log must be completed and signed by parent/guardian and representative of the community organization for service hours to be counted.
Extracurricular
Must be involved in at least one school or community sport or extracurricular/co-curricular activity, such as a club, student career and tech organization, academic team, etc.
Communication
Present an independent project, either orally or written, displaying proficiency in work ethics, and core content (reading, writing, math, science, social studies). Project must emphasize the importance of work ethics and how the academic concept(s) can be applied to be successful in the workforce. Professional attire required at presentation. Student must provide evidence of presentation (video, photos, slide deck, writing sample, etc.)
Transition Readiness
Seniors must meet the Postsecondary Readiness Requirements as outlined by the Kentucky Department of Education in order to receive the work ethic certificate. Eligible students will receive a special cord to wear at the graduation ceremony.
Work Ethics Seminars – 12th Grade Only – Attend all 4 Work Ethics Seminars.
- 9th Grade Year – Character and Professional Ethics
- 10th Grade Year – Professional Networking and Communication in the Workplace
- 11th Grade Year – Interviewing 101
- 12th Grade Year – Ambition, Initiative, and Effort in Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Students should use this Community Service Form to keep track of their service hours. When the student has reached the required number of service hours the student will turn the completed form into their BHS Best teacher.
Each student’s school-related extracurricular activities are logged in Infinite Campus. Parents can check to see if their child’s activities are correctly logged by logging into their Parent Portal account and checking their student’s schedule. Activities will appear at the bottom of your child’s schedule. See an example here.
Yes, due to the Work Ethics Program being launch in the second semester of the 2022-23 school year the criteria to earn the certificate will be prorated. All requirements for behavior, attendance, and GPA will be for the spring semester only. Additionally, community service hours are cut in half. For example: 12th graders will only to earn a minimum of 8 community service hours.