publications= pamphlet for the 9th graders (www.questbridge.org and www.studentaid.ed.gov)
presentation for 11th grade teachers (on my hard drive)
a project added to the 11th grade curriculum (lesson plans)


Juniors: 170
Seniors: 151

take my poll

Thinking about college?
Moving out is challenging but it can be even harder when having to worry about college. Luckily, most colleges offer information for the freshman students to help them transition from high school to college. There are many changes that you will face.
1. Leaving home, the place where you feel comfy and you know your surroundings
2. living by yourself or with people you don't know
3. managing money for food and supplies you will need
4. managing time between all your classes and a job
5. taking out loans and having to repay them once you get out of college
6. learning your way around the campus
7. knowing all the insider information of whats going on
This is just a few things that I thought of, and it may be easier if you take a few simple steps before hand to help you be a little more prepared. Visit the college/university and talk to a counselor about what you plan on doing. Take a tour around campus. Learn the area, where good restaurants are to eat at and/or to get a job. Sometimes its even better if you can talk to a freshman or any college student already there and ask them questions about the college. Like if you know someone who goes to that college then go stay with them for a weekend and let them show you all the 'secret' spots and cool places to hang out.
Don't get too overfrustrated with the big change. Just take it step by step and explore before you settle in.
How does this relate to my 'real world' project?
Knowing how to manage money, save money, get a job, manage time, what is involved with financial aid, and knowing just how to prepare yourself is a big way to help prepare.


By Katelyn LaBree
One thing I personally disagree about school systems is that they teach you all the stuff that you end up forgetting as soon as you leave school, instead of teaching high-schoolers about making it in the real world. Your parents aren't going to be there holding your hand for the rest of your life so it is important that you learn now how to live in the future.

Here is my presentation from class that I didn't finish -> http://www.slideshare.net/guest055038/the-real-real-world-reformatted-presentation-presentation/

http://flippingburgersandbeyond.blogspot.com/2008/06/parental-responsibility-for-teens-over.html
Learning to live in the real world

Do you know how to manage your money? (this doesn't include getting your paycheck and blowing it at the mall and saving just enough money for gas that week)
Do you know what is involved with renting or owning a place you can call your own?
Do you understand what a mortgage is?
Do you have an emergency fund set aside in case your car decides to get a flat tire?
Can you manage time between work and your life?
And don't forget, you may have to do this while taking college classes.... stressed yet? You shouldn't be! This should all come naturally right? No! That is why we need to learn this now while we are still ahead!

This is my main goal in my project is to educate students to be ready for the real world.

There is a book written by Chad Foster called Teenagers Preparing for the Real World.
Some of the things mentioned are:

pursuit of dreams communication skills people skills early career preparation

networking skills integrity (moral and ethical principles) making good choices community services

"Today, every time you turn around, someone is telling you what not to do: don't do drugs, don't smoke, don't drink, don't sleep `till noon, etc. I have a feeling that you've heard enough about what you can't do. Maybe the time has come to tell you what you can do if you want to succeed.
Now is the time to begin to understand the value of people skills, networking skills, early career preparation, integrity, communication skills, dreams and community service. All of these are critical for anyone who wants to succeed and I believe most teenagers want to succeed.
This book is about the skills of success. It was written for those who want to succeed. What you do now will make a difference. All teenagers are on a journey. It's the same journey that I used to be on. In order for you to succeed on your journey you will need two things - a good education and good preparation." (Chad Foster, author of Teenagers Preparing for the Real World)

"A wise man knows everything.
A smart man knows everyone.
A successful man knows both." - Old Chinese Proverb

"Before we address that question, let's consider another one: "When will you earn it?" This one's a little easier to answer. Most of you will earn it 40 hours a week, for 50 weeks each year, between the ages of 22 and 65. We're talking about 86,000 hours of your life!
Since most of us don't like to spend one hour doing something we don't enjoy, I'm sure you can see the importance of choosing the right job. Trust me: 86,000 hours is a long time to be miserable. Your choice of careers is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make - and no one else can make it for you." (Chad Foster, author of Teenagers Preparing for the Real World)

1. Find your passion and pursue it
   
   
2. Buy an address book and fill it
   
   
3. Meet all kinds of people
   
   
4. Ask a million questions
   
   
5. Stay in touch with as many people as you can
   
   
6. Read everything you can
   
   
7. Uncover your natural talents
   
   
8. Try a few jobs before college
   
   
9. Dream and pursue your dreams
   
   
10. Always do the right thing
    
    
11. Volunteer for community service
    
    
12. Remember, success is a journey not a destination

Moving out for the first time is one of the biggest steps you’ll take in life. It not only represents your freedom, independence and a sense of growing up, it also tests your ability to make it on your own.
Since most of us will be renting our first place, we will begin there. There are usually two ways to go. You can rent month-to-month, which means you are able to move out whenever you want, but it also means the landlord can kick you out or raise your rent almost at will. The other way to go is a lease. The lease locks you into a predetermined number of months. For most apartments and condos, a one-year lease is standard. Landlords will usually charge you less if you sign a lease with them. Keep in mind that if you sign a one-year-lease and decide to move out after two months, you’re still on the hook for the additional ten months. Make sure you really like living under that roof and plan to stay there for the lease period or you may want to stick with a month-to-month.
Whenever you rent an apartment or a house, there will always be a deposit required. This deposit will vary based on:
1. The amount of the rent.
2. Your credit score.
3. Are you signing a lease or renting month-to-month?
4. Is the landlord buying a new car that month?
You can usually expect to pay first month plus a security deposit equal to first month’s rent. If you are renting an apartment or condo, many times there is a reduction or special deal offered by the complex. For example, you may be able to pay first month’s rent plus a small deposit of say, a few hundred dollars. If you have pets, and the landlord allows them, you will be required to pay a deposit for the pet. In some cases, the landlord may require you to pay first month’s rent plus last month’s rent and a security deposit. The important thing to remember is to find out exactly what will be required before you sign anything.
OK, moving day. You’ve taken ten minutes and packed up all your worldly possessions. Mom is standing by the door weeping because her baby is now ready to fly the coop. Even though you needed them to give you 20 bucks to go out last week, you are ready to be an independent adult. Dad is also standing by the door, but he’s got a slight grin on his face. Why you ask? He is planning how to turn your room into his office or new entertainment center! But forget about that for now. You’ve found the apartment, signed the rental agreement, paid your fees and are moving in. Now what?
1. Have the phone turned on.
2. Have all the utilities turned on.
3. Have cable activated if you’re using cable or even have a television.
4. Move all your stuff in (which is usually a bag or two).
5. Get some furniture in that place (beanbags are popular in first apartments).
6. Get some food in the fridge.
7. Make sure you have at least a towel or two and don’t forget the toilet paper.
8. A vacuum cleaner would be nice.
9. Get hooked up for Internet access (might be part of your cable or phone service).
10. Get some plates and silverware and maybe a glass or two (you may get tired of paper plates and plastic silverware).

This is a fun and exciting time in your life. Sitting in your new apartment for the first time is great feeling of accomplishment for both you and your parents! (www.selfgrowth.com, Joe Kahler)


Important parts of moving out on your own- My opinion
What you think is going to happen:
You will move out, rent an apartment, split the cost with a roommate, buy food, pay some bills, work, and sleep. All honkey dorey right?
Reality Check:
Rent or buy? Which one is better for your credit?
Splitting the costs with a roommate... what costs? Utilities, water, sewer, trash pick-up, electric, cable, phone bill, etc.
Food? The most common food is milk, bread, and eggs and other foods as well but this is what you will find yourself buying the most. Don't forget about taxes!
Work? When will you work? When will you do the grocery shopping, how will you manage your money from paycheck to paycheck, what if you run out of money and you can't get food!!!
Are you going to be able to sleep at night!~!!





Personal Finance is mandatory to graduate, but is that enough?
sent by Mrs. Stotler
These are the guidelines that have to be met in this class Students will -research applicable information (i.e. interest rates, costs, credit scores) and formulate plans to demonstrate informed decision-making as it is reflected in responsible financial decisions (as in major purchases, college funding, retirement planning, etc.).(Spending, Saving and Investing) -interpret the language and ideas of financial literacy (Vocabulary) -analyze the reasons people borrow money, compare the costs of credit versus cash, and summarize the effects of credit on personal finance and the global economy. Credit) -explain financial risks and evaluate available consumer protection against financial loss. (Risk Management) -analyze how the role of economic choices in scarcity, supply and demand, resource allocation, decision-making, voluntary exchange, competition and trade-offs impact production and consumption worldwide. (Choices, Scarcity) -research, critique and evaluate the roles of private and public institutions in the economy (Financial Institutions) -examine and evaluate various economic systems and the interdependence of global economies. (Global Economic Systems) -Distinguished Above Mastery Mastery Partial Mastery Novice -Twelfth grade students performing at the distinguished level in personal finance research and evaluate economic variables that will impact their post-graduate career. They apply and evaluate basic economic concepts with applications to personal financial literacy. They Twelfth grade students performing at the above mastery level in personal finance research and critique economic variables that will impact their postgraduate career. They judge basic economic concepts with applications to personal financial literacy. They examine and Twelfth grade students performing at the mastery level in personal finance research economic variables that will impact their post-secondary career. They apply and evaluate basic economic concepts as applied to personal financial literacy. They examine the rights and Twelfth grade students performing at the partial mastery level in personal finance discuss economic variables that will affect their post-graduate career. They describe various economic concepts as they operate in personal financial literacy. They explain the rights and Twelfth grade students performing at the novice level in personal finance list economic variables that will affect their post-graduate career. They examine various economic concepts as applied in personal financial literacy. They list the rights and responsibilities of an research and evaluate consumer rights and duties as applied in different consumer functions. They evaluate and critique various banking, credit, spending and investment practices with specific applications to the individuals, businesses, the United States and other nations. assess consumer rights and duties as applied in different consumer activities. They research and judge various banking, credit, spending and investment practices as they apply to individuals, businesses, the United States and other nations. responsibilities of an informed consumer citizen.They judge various banking, credit, spending and investment practices as they apply to the individual, businesses, the United States and other nations. responsibilities of an informed consumer. They discuss various banking, credit, spending and investment practices. informed consumer. They describe various banking, credit, spending and investment practices.
There is more but it is alot and this kind of sums it all up of what the class is like.




Don't let your teen leave the house before they know how to do these things. Struggling is a part of being on your own for the first time, but let's not handicap our children unnecessarily.
Teach your teen to

• Do laundry. Show them the basics like how and why to separate colors, how to use detergent and fabric softener.
• Clean and repair around the house. I'd suggest buying them a book that hits all the basics, if you can find one. Even though they probably won't own a home for awhile, it is good to know how to change a light bulb, paint a wall, clean carpet stains, etc. Have them help out at home as much as possible before they move out.
• Cook. Give them a basic cookbook like Betty Crocker. She tells them how to boil eggs and prepare the basics. Even if they watched you cook for 18 years, they won't remember all the details. Go through a few recipes that they can do quickly for little money. Those cooking lessons will be appreciated the most.
• Budget. Talk about a basic budget so they know what to expect. Encourage them to save some money and give some to charities. Discuss what will happen when they fail to pay their rent or car payment. What will your role be? Are you there for a one-time loan, a place to stay when they are out of rent money?
• Balance a checkbook and debit account. If they don't keep track of their account, they will have countless overdrafts. Show them the basics and double check their math after a couple of shopping trips. See that they know how to do it, even if they choose to ignore you later.
• Think and question. Remind them that all adults do not act like parents. They are not looking out for their best interest, in many cases. Hopefully they know not to trust everybody, but now is the time to remind them. Make sure they know they can call you if they aren't sure (like the first time they buy a car.)
• Get a job. Even if you pay for college, they need to learn how to get and keep a job. Be sure they need to make money and thus need a job.
• Volunteer. Remind them not to always think about themselves. Even when money is tight, they can give their time and talents to others. Reaching out helps grow character and compassion.

Although there are other things teens need to learn, these basics will go a long way. People who exhibit these skills learn all the others on their own. They grow and contribute to society. Pass these skills on to your children before they leave home. ( http://ezinearticles.com/?Checklist:-What-Teens-Need-to-Know-Before-They-Leave-the-Nest&id=625180 )