IN Millcreek Winter 2018 | Page 32

u MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT: BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE! t The Millcreek Township School District strives to offer its students rigorous and practical courses. The “Surviving and Thriving Adulthood” course is available to McDowell students (grades 11 and 12) as an elective. This course is designed to create a smooth transition from high school into the “real world.” Units of study have been designed to assist students in creating a foundation of knowledge and skills that will better equip them to handle adult challenges and obstacles. “I often read or hear that schools don’t prepare students for their adult life that follows high school. This course is the perfect example of how our District addresses this topic,” said Sarah Webb, McDowell teacher. This class is important as we prepare well rounded individuals to enter the “real world.” At McDowell, we pride ourselves in our ability to provide academic opportunities and purposeful learning experiences for our students. We also want to ensure they are prepared at the highest level possible for life beyond our classrooms. This class looks at the world in which we currently live and attempts to provide students with a skills set to facilitate their successes. We want our students to find success not only in their secondary educational opportunities, but also in their everyday lives. Many of the topics and skills taught in this class are those which are rarely taught in school settings. Rather than our students learning on the go, or worse yet after failed attempts, we are preparing them for the challenges that may arise and suppling them with the skills and resources to tackle them. This course is run slightly different than the average high school class. Students challenge themselves to create ownership of the learning and guide the topics of discussion based on current trends. Students apply and practice the content and skill. The teacher presents the discussion topics, but the students’ responses will guide the learning process. UNITS OF STUDY INCLUDE: • Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships • Issues Affecting Young Adults • Community Involvement Here are samples of some of the units of study and the lessons that comprise each unit. • • • • Personal & Career Success Financial Literacy Family Studies Adulting 101 In addition to the units outlined in the curriculum, students are required to read/study the book “The 7 Habits of Effective Teens.” Chapter by chapter, students are moving through the book learning about these habits and how to incorporate them into their daily lives. Students are learning the habits and then immediately being able/ challenged to put them into practice. As a result, students are able to relate the habits to their own lives and see how making small, deliberate changes can yield success. 30 MILLCREEK How to: • Send a thank you (when, why, how) • Storage of personal data (electronically and hard copies) • Create a personal calendar (electronic or hardcopy per preference) • Electronic storage options and consequences (iCloud, Google™ Drive, etc.) • Warranties • Manners and social etiquette • And much, much more! • Dressing for success • Time Management • Study Sills • Stress Management • Lifelong Learning: why it’s important and sample methods to achieve. • Professional Workplace behaviors • Need for and benefits of financial security • Budgets • Bank Accounts: How to open, manage, and maintain • Retirement planning/ awareness of need for • Managing Credit: Understanding credit scores and cards • Insurance: Types of insurance available, understanding terms of policy. • Buying vs. Leasing • Spending needs/opportunities of a young adult: providing own food, outfitting a dorm/apartment, managing bills