It’s a new semester and co-op students are already working hard, at work and school.

Interrelated Co-op is a class at EHS that allows students that have a job to leave after fourth hour. Only seniors can take the class.

Senior Zachary Paul, who works at Grandview Farms, said the class is undemanding. “It’s a fairly easy class and it has almost no homework,” Paul said. “It gets on the difficult side if you miss a lot of days like I did.”

The little homework they have is very valuable to the students in the class because they  have a good balance of work and school.

“Having a light homework load in co-op allows for me and the other kids to work more hours and have less stress after work,” Paul said. His goals for this semester are to get an A or B in the class and to graduate.

Students in this class learn about the workforce and different safety precautions. The class also offers dual credit.

Senior Wyatt Lippolt, who works at Dugan Tool and Die, said the class is pretty easy and allows him to excel at his job.

“It shows me what can happen if I’m not getting my work done efficiently and safely,” Lippolt said.

His goals don’t differ much from last semester, but he hopes to “get better grades and do (his) best at work.”

The students also gained a new teacher this semester after Sarah Wright retired. Theresa Laakko has taken her place.

“I did teach the class and go on some employer visits as a student teacher and also taught the classroom portion a few years ago,” Mrs. Laakko said. “So new yes, but with some experience.”

Mrs. Laakko also teaches other business classes and is excited to teach co-op.

“For my co-op classes, my goal is to prepare the students for any situation they may encounter in the work world currently and after high school,” Mrs. Laakko said.

“I will continue to develop my other classes and help students make that transition from high school to college, certification programs or the workforce.”

Paul thinks the class is very beneficial for students who are ready to start working.

Paul said, “Co-op is a great program for kids who want a jump start in the labor force.”