FRANKLIN LIVING—

The Franklin County Schools system enjoyed a great first semester of the 2019-2020 school year. The hard work and dedication of our employees and students have been demonstrated through many successes throughout the district.

Phil Campbell High School is one of 30 schools in the state of Alabama that has a Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates program. It is modeled after the Jobs for America’s Graduates program that originated almost over 40 years ago. The JAG National Network, www.jag.org, comprises 39 state organizations and 1,400 program affiliates delivering services in the 2018-2019 school year.

PCHS was initially chosen through the Alabama Department of Education competitive grant writing process in 2007. Although selected, the Franklin County Board of Education is required to meet certain guidelines and reapply for a continual grant each fiscal year.

Jobs for America’s Graduates is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the number of high school students not receiving a high school diploma each year. This program provides young adults with the life and work skills required to enhance their performance for either the workplace or college setting.   

Of the six National JAG models, Phil Campbell High School uses the multi-year program, which is designed to promote the importance of education, work readiness skills, community involvement and citizenship. It also promotes social awareness and higher order thinking beyond the high school scope. A non-traditional program, JAG focuses on each student’s strengths as well as improving their weaknesses.

Tina King, the JAG career specialist at PCHS, identifies and provides educational support and success strategies for her students. She delivers an array of services, including counseling, employability skill development, community involvement and leadership development. Mrs. King works alongside the PCHS faculty to identify prospective candidates and to ensure their success both in and out of the classroom.

The PCHS JAG Program spends ample time hosting guest speakers from across the state to speak to students about various careers, social and community issues and involvement. Students are encouraged to participate in both leadership and career development conferences throughout the school year and to be involved in the PCHS chapter of the Alabama Career Association, JAG’s student organization.

Students participated in the Joint Leadership Development Conference held at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Dec. 9-10, 2019, where students gained valuable life skills that will enable them to be productive citizens.

For more information about the PCHS JAG program, contact Mrs. Tina King at 256-331-2150 or via email at tinaking@franklin.k12.al.us.

Greg Hamilton is superintendent of Franklin County Schools. He and his wife Jessica have four children: Taylor, Carolyna, Dakota and Ty.