Work-Based Learning (WBL),  formally known as Structured Learning Experience (SLE),  is a program for general education and students with learning differences to explore work experiences in the community. The program is open to students in 11th and 12th grade (at least 16 years old) along with students enrolled in specialized programs in the school district (Life Skills/ASPIRE). The goal of WBL is for students to continue their high school education in local work settings to apply the skills they have learned and gain work experience.

• Supervised work experience designed to provide students with exposure to a variety of careers and job skills. 

• All WBL experiences adhere to applicable State and Federal Child Labor Laws and other rules of the State Department of Education and Labor. 

• May be paid or unpaid depending on the type of WBL

• Students may earn course credit.

• Must be at least 16 years of age. 

• Must be in good standing with attendance and academic performance. 

• Meet with the Child Study Team and/or Guidance Department.

• Complete a WBL application.

• Meet with WBL Coordinator and/or staff member. 

• Complete all required paperwork such as surveys, journals, timesheets, state-mandated forms, etc.

• Balance school and work life (with the support of school staff and employer

• Minimum of 15 hours "experience" weekly

• Maintain local “employment”/work in the school building  (paid or unpaid work experience)

• Communicate effectively with school staff about work experiences, observations, deadlines, and performance. 

• Be enrolled in WBL and WBL Career Exploration courses as a part of their school schedule.

• Meet WMRHSD graduation requirements.

• Demonstrate professionalism and a positive attitude at all times in the workplace. 
  

Students, if you are interested in enrolling in this program fill out this form (click here) and speak to your guidance counselor/case manager for more information. 

Listed are some of the local establishments students have worked at.  We appreciate all our job sites' participation in the program and are excited to continue to add more local businesses to our program.  Thank you for your participation and for supporting our students.

Local Business Partnerships*

• Five Guys 

• Walgreens 

• Dunkin Donuts 

• Starbucks

• Presents of Mind 

• Long Valley Public Schools 

• ETF Builders 

• Harrington Construction

• Long Valley Green Market 

• Hoffman’s Supply

• Heath Village 

• Marshalls 

• Shop Rite of Flanders 

• Paragon Village 

• Black Oak Golf Club 

• Dean’s Gourmet Market 

• Hackettstown NJ Fishery 

• Alstede’s Farm 

• The Learning Experience 

• 11th Hour Rescue 

• Hair Designs by Kim 

• TJ Maxx 

• Pet Supplies Plus 

Local business owners/managers interested in partnering with our school district please contact our Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Michelle Jaross (mjaross@wmrhsd.org) for more information. 

• WBL benefits students, local businesses, and the community. 

• Greater community involvement and support of local schools and communities.

• Students are placed in fields that relate to their interests and/or abilities. Students are provided on an as-needed basis with on-the-job support by Job Coaches who assist in learning a task and developing accuracy.

• Employers are supported by motivated workers who are eager to learn and succeed. 

• Students are not entitled to job placement of a WBL; however, if a job opening exists, employers are welcome to offer employment to those who successfully complete their training. 

Contact Us:

Michelle Jaross
Work Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator, Transition Coordinator
District Cell- 908-645-2081 
mjaross@wmrhsd.org 

Kelsey Matkowski
Work Based Learning Instructor (West Morris Central)
(908) 879-5212 ext 3838
kmatkowski@wmrhsd.org 

Jessica LoScalzo
Work Based Learning Instructor (West Morris Mendham)
(973) 543-2501 ext 5122
jloscalzo@wmrhsd.org