Work-study students get A for attendance

Students who don't miss any days have a chance to win a car.
& lt;a href=mailto:denise_dick@vindy.com & gt;By DENISE DICK & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CHAMPION -- Vanessa Sprague never liked school much and her attendance proved it.
Since enrolling this year in the Occupational Work Experience/Career-Based Intervention program at Trumbull Career & amp; Technical Center, however, she hasn't missed a day.
"My dad still can't believe I've made it the whole year," said Vanessa, 17, and a senior from Bristolville.
At the end of the year, all of the students who achieved perfect attendance for the year have their names put into a raffle to win a car.
OWE/CBI targets students who aren't served in a traditional classroom, said Larry Crawford, TCTC academic supervisor.
It allows students to attend school part of the day and work for part. Vanessa works each school day from 6 to 7 a.m. and from about 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chilson Manufacturing in Bristolville. The company makes folders of samples of siding used on buildings.
She spends about an hour and 45 minutes in school each day in English and OWE/CBI classes.
"It's my senior year, and I wanted to do good and I'm looking forward to maybe getting that car," Vanessa said.
She plans to go to college next year to study physical therapy although she hasn't decided where.
Life lesson
The OWE/CBI course teaches students what's expected of them at work, how to behave, dress and present themselves.
If a student doesn't come to school on a particular day, he or she can't report to work either, said Mary Jo Napolet, a teacher.
"That's one of the things they learn is the importance of attendance when entering the work force," Crawford said.
Working while still attending school allows Vanessa to get the credits she needs to graduate while earning money for college.
"I know what to expect if I don't further my education," she said. "I know I don't want to work in a factory the rest of my life."
Napolet witnessed a change in Vanessa since she enrolled in the program. When she first started, Vanessa was contemplating college but hadn't really decided. She's since set that as a goal, picked a course of study and made honor roll the whole semester.
"I've just always liked massage and learning all of the different muscles," Vanessa said of her career pick.
Students get credit for their time at work and get evaluated on their performance.
"The program really makes a difference for a lot of kids that might be at risk," Crawford said.
Napolet has the special qualities of "tough love," needed to apply discipline when it's needed, but the people skills to provide comfort and support, too, Crawford added.
& lt;a href=mailto:denise_dick@vindy.com & gt;denise_dick@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;