5113.13

Students

Work-Study Student Employment/Work-Release

In cooperation with various local and area businesses and industries, the District shall establish and maintain work-study and work-release programs for students who are at least sixteen (16) years of age. Student work-release allows eligible students to be released during the school day to work for an employer.

Insofar as feasible, each of those work experience programs shall be tailored to meet the vocational needs of the individual students by their school counselor, who shall guide them in selecting appropriate academic courses, and by the vocational coordinator, who shall ensure proper placement in the most relevant training/employment. Students' course schedules and graduation requirements take priority over work-student or work-release.

Program Conditions/Roles and Responsibilities

•  Through the work-release program, students may earn eligible credits provided that the curriculum for those credits aligns directly with the course and other program requirements.

•  The principal or designee, in collaboration with school counselors, will determine the maximum number of work hours for each student.

•  The student must receive approval for work release from the principal or designee.

•  The student must obtain written consent from the parent and/or legal guardian.

•  The student must obtain a Promise of Employment letter from the prospective employer and apply for and be issued working papers.

•  The student must show proof of employment, which will be reviewed quarterly by the principal or designee.

•  The student is responsible for maintaining good academic standing, attendance, and behavior in both school and vocational settings.

•  The principal or designee is responsible for ensuring that student work-release is compliant with Connecticut's Student Work-Release Policy, including but not limited to:

o  Discussing the student work-release program with each student;

o  Verifying eligibility and reviewing quarterly with the student; and

o  Adhering to all applicable laws, including the Guidelines and Procedures for the Employment of Minors in Connecticut.

Eligibility Requirements:

•  Work-release may be provided to any student who is at least 16 years of age and who is enrolled in the district's high school and must comply with state labor laws.

•  The student must be in good standing academically and on track to graduate within four years, as determined by the school principal or designee.

•  The student must have an acceptable attendance record and must not be considered "chronically absent."

•  The student must have a record demonstrating their ability to comply with school behavioral expectations and be deemed able to comply with workplace attendance and behavioral expectations.

Legal References:  Connecticut General Statutes

4-124II. Model Student Work-Release Policy

Public Act 24-45, An Act Concerning Mandate Relief, School Discipline and Disconnected Youth

Policy adopted: