The Mason County Career Magnet School pilot year is underway.
Principal Jeremy McCloud said of the 224 students attending the school, there are 12 students from Mason County who are spending their entire day at the Area Technology Center building.
According to McCloud, the students attending all day can choose two certifications to complete while also completing their regular required coursework.
“We have a math teacher in the mornings, an English teach in the afternoons and they are taking their history and science classes online,” McCloud said.
The certifications offered include automotive, computerized manufacturing and machining, construction technology, industrial maintenance electrical, health sciences and welding technology.
McCloud said the students will also eat lunch at the school.
According to McCloud, there are benefits to offering the certifications in an all-day setting.
“Our overall goal is to have multiple, stackable credentials when they leave high school,” McCloud said. “One of the biggest benefits of this program is the cost savings offered through dual credit courses through Maysville Community and Technical College. This is an incredible opportunity because it places students up to one semester ahead in terms of both tuition and studies when they graduate.”
Students attending the all-day program said they are excited about it.
Jojo Tull, a student working on a welding and electrical technology certification, said, “I like it more than regular high school. The faculty treat you like adults — it’s relaxed, but with high expectations.”
Ethan Phillips, who is working on a construction and auto mechanics certification said the program is like having hands-on experience on a job site.
“It’s like being on a job site, more hands on, and engaging,” he said.
Mason County Superintendent Rick Ross said the all-day program is a great addition for students.
“It allows students more opportunity for multiple certifications,” he said. “The students can work where they feel they will be most successful.”
McCloud said only Mason County students are attending the all-day pilot program, but it will be opened to students in Bracken, Robertson and Augusta Independent schools in the 2020-21 school year when the Career Magnet School on Tucker Drive opens.
