Winterim is a unique three-day opportunity for our Middle and Upper School students to learn about topics that are not traditionally offered in a school setting. During this time, 7th-10th grade students will attend on-campus courses of their choice, and 11th-12th grade students are encouraged to find an off-campus internship, at which they can observe a working professional's life. This year's Winterim will be held January 4th-6th.
On-Campus Course Information
Students who participate in on-campus courses will follow the normal school day schedule during Winterim and may wear FBA spirit wear each day. Students will choose a morning and an afternoon course. Some courses will be offered in both sessions, but students must select two different courses. Some courses require fees as noted, which will be collected via FACTS. Students will complete a Winterim Journal for each session which will be graded. Winterim participation is an essential part of the Student Life program and required to earn the Student Life credit for the spring semester.
Morning Class options
Off-Campus Internship Information
Winterim Internships add to the Upper School experience by providing Junior and Senior students with the opportunity to make connections between what they have learned in the classroom and work in the professional world. These real, working-life experiences can assist students in making college and career choices and provide the potential to gain an additional adult mentor in their field of interest. Through the internship, students may realize that God is calling them to a career in the same field where they interned. They could also realize that their gifts do not align with this career. Either way, an internship is a valuable tool in providing a better understanding of living out one’s faith in the workplace.
Internship Hosts
Internship hosts are community partners who support the mission of First Baptist Academy and help to guide students and foster their talents. It is the student’s responsibility to find and set up an internship with a host. We encourage students to find their own internships through family, friends, or community relationships.
Requirements
A Winterim intern must accumulate a minimum of 20 hours during the three day Winterim schedule, cannot be paid, and must have his/her own transportation. An application will be required for internship approval. The internship will be evaluated through the student’s daily Winterim journal and a host evaluation.
Student Expectations
Juniors and Seniors may apply to do a Winterim Internship. It is the student’s responsibility to line up the internship, and students are encouraged to begin this search early. It is a privilege to participate in Winterim as an intern and involves significant responsibility on the part of the student. The internship is a formally structured learning experience that starts before the first day on the job. Student interns and their parents are expected to review and understand the following guidelines and responsibilities:
- If one host is unable to take you for the minimum requirement of 20 hours, then you will need to find other hosts/sites in order to complete your required hours (a separate application is required for each host/site). It is your responsibility to understand how many days and hours they can take you before you turn in your application and contract.
- Contact your host(s) and make an appointment to meet him/her and visit the location sometime during the months of November or December. Things to review/determine with your host include:
- Introduce yourself.
- Get acquainted with the location.
- Determine the host’s expectations of you and confirm your
schedule. - Learn where you should park.
- Understand appropriate dress for the position.
- Ask about snack/lunch breaks so you are prepared appropriately.
- Provide a copy of First Baptist Academy Winterim Overview and Host Expectations.
- Obtain your host’s signature on the Winterim Contract.
- Be on time on your scheduled days. Employers expect you to be prompt and responsible. If you are ill or anticipate being late, notify your supervisor as well as the FBA office.
- Businesses do not have snow days. If there is a snow day at school and your parents feel it is not safe for you to drive, contact your internship host to let them know. Your internship hour requirement will be reduced by 7 hours for every FBA snow day during Winterim.
- Be professional:
- Carefully listen to and follow the instructions of your supervisor. o Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Be available and willing to work.
- Ask how you can help and then do the job completely. Never leave a mess for someone else to clean up.
- Cooperate with your co-workers and others with whom you come in contact. You are the guest. You can learn by listening and watching as well as by doing.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Dress similarly to those with whom you are working. Almost every job comes with some form of dress code.
- Following the internship, thank your host appropriately. For example, send a thank you note saying specifically what you appreciated about the opportunity.
- Represent yourself and First Baptist Academy in the best possible manner. Be consistent with our school standards for conduct. Your effort, attitude, and actions affect future opportunities for our interns.
- Students will be assessed to determine credit for their internship. Assessment is based on the following criteria:
- Successful completion of the internship.
- Timely and thoughtful completion of the Winterim journal.
- Host completion of online survey including recommendation for pass/fail based on your performance in your internship.
Family Expectations
Parents/Guardians should be aware of the following expectations:
- The student’s internship location and working environment are not First Baptist Academy. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that the standards held by First Baptist Academy are the same as those standards held by the internship host or business. You must be comfortable with the environment that your student has chosen. Please talk with the internship host if you have any questions.
- Parents agree to provide adequate insurance coverage for the needs of the student intern and will not hold First Baptist Academy, the internship host, or the internship business responsible in any manner.
- Transportation to and from the workplace is the responsibility of the family. First Baptist Academy, the internship host, nor the internship business will be responsible for any transportation liability.
- Commitment: The student’s internship must include a minimum of 20 hours over the three days of Winterim (January 4-6).
- Application: Students will be required to complete an application identifying their host and anticipated activities.
- Contract: The student, parent/guardian, and host will sign a contract indicating they understand the expectations for the Winterim internship.
winterim internship overview and host expectations
WINTERIM INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
KARI CLARK
Winterim Internship Coordinator
Office Hours: M,W,F | 7:45am-3:45pm
For any questions about Winterim, please contact KARICLARK@FBAEAGLES.ORG.