Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Reality Town

Another fun activity that the Work Based-Learning Program helps with is Reality Town at BEMS.  This Activity was a great success and the counselors at the middle school worked very hard to make it happen.  What is Reality Town? Reality Town is a simulation in the library.  During the simulation students learn about tax withholdings as they examine their personalized pay stub that includes their name, chosen career, and their Reality Town family scenario which states information about their spouse, or lack thereof, and the age and gender of their children.
Students are then instructed to make financial decisions regarding their Reality Town family and their monthly expenditures as they visit 22 different businesses including groceries, housing, medical office, child care, etc, which are staffed by local professionals, community volunteers and parents.

With each choice they make at the eighteen different businesses, students establish their Reality Town lifestyle, and determine their monthly budget.  Financial Counseling and Supplemental Income Businesses provide struggling students with additional help and financial resources to aid them in their Reality Town adventure.

My First Job

This year's My First Job Activity was awesome! The speakers did a fantastic job and the students were very well tuned in to what was being taught.  Thanks to all the speakers for taking the time to come and share their expertise.   Darryn Hodgson (Member's First C.U.), Kristen Floyd (Workforce Services), Brent Baugh (Brigham Implement), Julie Bott (B.E. Credit Union), Scott Uyematsu (Vulcraft), Jenn Dinsdale (Smith's), Matt Hansen (Hansen Motors), Lance Siddoway (Kents), Mark Suchan and Bryce Bradfield (Malt-o-Meal), Dennis Kiefer (America First), and Bob Marabella (All American Real Estate). 
P.S. the hundred bags of cereal that Malt-o-Meal gave out was a nice addition.