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Rising Phoenix students tell school board program gave them a head start but carries heavy workload
Summary
Two students in the Rising Phoenix program told the Two Rivers school board the program offers college-level advantages and practical skills but can impose heavy homework loads; the board funds 10 students in the program and heard staff say youth apprenticeship participation has tripled since 2020.
Logan Rakovsky and Bryce Ordant, seniors in the Two Rivers High School Rising Phoenix program, told the school board on Monday that the program has given them college-level experience and practical skills but demanded a heavy workload.
"This program has totally changed my life," Logan said, describing a schedule that last year included "2 to 4 hours of homework every night" and multiple college courses. He urged the district to consider spreading course loads so students who work or have other obligations can participate more sustainably. "That would really help out students," he told the board.
Bryce said the program has placed him "two years closer" to his goal of becoming a physical therapist and has helped him build time management, organization and resilience. Both students thanked the board for funding that allowed 10 students to participate this year.
Lisa Klein, the students' advisor, opened the presentation by noting expansion in district work-based learning and youth apprenticeship: "Youth apprenticeship is up to 42 students this year; in 2020 it was 16." Klein also described district strategic-plan goals connected to the program.
Why it matters: Rising Phoenix gives students an associate's-degree pathway and practical workplace experience, which students said reduces future college time and cost. At the same time, the board heard concrete implementation concerns — chiefly course load and scheduling — that staff and the board may need to address if the program expands.
Board response and next steps: Board members thanked the students and staff and noted the financial support the district has provided. The district did not announce immediate policy changes; the students' remarks were recorded for future planning and curriculum discussions.
