Students report hands‑on experience as Bath Central highlights work‑based learning, Xello planning tools

Bath Central School District administrators on April 22 described a growing work‑based learning program and demonstrated Xello, the college and career planning platform used to log student community service and internship hours.

Administrator presenters said the district’s registered work‑based learning program recorded about 1,479 student hours through March and that partnerships with local hospitals, veterinary clinics, media outlets and emergency services provide a range of paid and unpaid placements. “They’re getting to see all of it,” a presenter said of hospital placements that include sonography and MRI exposure.

Several students spoke during the presentation. Matthew, a student who also serves as a junior member of the local fire department, said, “I’ve been in the fire department for almost 4 years now,” and described hands‑on participation in calls and training. Administrators showed how the district uses Xello to track weekly logs and journals of student activities, which staff then approve as work‑based or community‑service hours.

The Xello demonstration covered college search and application syncing with the Common App, course‑planning features, career inventories and a budget simulation (the “Real Game”) used to teach financial literacy. Presenters said the platform streamlines recordkeeping for work‑based learning, college applications and ACE/dual‑enrollment reporting.

Administrators credited local partners — including hospitals, the Bath Veterinary Clinic and a local radio/media partner — for internship opportunities and said the district is developing a job board and other supports to connect students with employment and CTE pathway options.

What’s next: Staff said they will continue expanding employer partnerships, refine Xello reporting for families and return to the board with further recommendations about family access and course articulation as ACE/CTE plans advance.