A Message to Parents …
Employers are facing unprecedented levels of competition on a global scale which may eventually impact the ability of your children to obtain good jobs and maintain the quality of life that you would wish for them. As a result, the business community is uniting to support the implementation of higher school standards and increased student accountability.
Many businesses have committed to assist in the development and implementation of higher performance expectations for students through a program called School Counts!
As an adult, you are well aware of the demands of the workplace, and will appreciate the ability of this program to communicate these realities to your children.
School Counts! is a program of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Business & Education Partnership in conjunction with the Tri-Chamber Foundation.
How does School Counts! work?
The program is simple: it expects students to keep their grades up, come to school every day, be on time, and take academic courses that challenge them. School Counts! encourages students to make the most of their important high school years and acquire the learning habits they will need to succeed in the future.
School Counts! Criteria:
The School Counts! credential certifies that an individual has:
- Obtained a grade of ‘C’ or better in every course
- Achieved a 95% attendance and punctuality record
- Completed high school in eight consecutive semesters
- Taken more than the minimum graduation requirement
Why should my son or daughter sign a School Counts! pledge card?
Studies have shown that employers care more about attendance and punctuality than they do about many other skills. Research indicates that performance in school is one factor that can predict how well an individual will do in a job. Students who work hard and meet program criteria will receive a School Counts! certificate of achievement which can be presented to potential employers during a job interview.
