IN Norwin Spring 2017 | Page 43

make certain our students are learning and growing towards their highest potential,” Dr. Kerr said.“ Every time I visit our autistic and life skills support classrooms, or any classroom for that matter, the instructional walkthrough renews my spirit and strengthens my commitment as an advocate for children and youth.”
Dr. Kerr added that the greater Norwin community has a shared responsibility to make certain that all children have educationally sound and developmentally appropriate programs and services that meet the individual needs of each child.“ The School District will continue to make educational and financial investments based on best practices, proven teaching methods, and strategies for long-term success,” Dr. Kerr said.
At the event, Norwin School District also honored Marsha and Gene Rayman of North Huntingdon for their extraordinary commitment to Norwin students. Mr. and Mrs. Rayman have hosted an educational field trip for Norwin School District’ s Secondary Life Skills classes for
Norwin School District honored Marsha and Gene Rayman of North Huntingdon for their extraordinary commitment to Norwin students. Left to Right: Robert Perkins, Board of Education President, and his wife Jan Perkins; and Marsha and Gene Rayman. the past three years. They host it at their Buttermilk Falls camp near New Bethlehem, Pa., where students enjoy a day of hiking, quad riding, fishing, making s’ mores by the fire, learning fun facts, outdoor craft-making, and participating in an outdoor workshop presented by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources / Bureau of Forestry. Game Commission Officer Steve Ace led those activities for Norwin students and staff. Mr. Perkins and his wife Jan chaperoned the Buttermilk Falls educational field trip and interacted with the students during various learning activities.
This year’ s program was made possible by the extra efforts of two Norwin High School teachers: Mrs. Annie Grimes-Essay, Life Skills Support Teacher & Peer Mentor / Buddy Club Co-Sponsor; and Mrs. Malissa Cheplick, Special Education Transition Coordinator. American Education Week presents all Americans with an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education.

orwin

NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Norwin Financial Reality Fair Emphasizes Budgeting Lessons

Two hundred fifty students from

Norwin High School learned about budgeting at a“ Financial Reality Fair” held November 2, 2016. This was the 8th Fair hosted by Norwin Teachers Federal Credit Union, with volunteer assistance from Lesco FCU, Parkview Community FCU, Stanwood Area FCU, and U $ X FCU, Covelli Law Offices, and many business partners through the Norwin Chamber of Commerce. Students took budget
Norwin High School senior Elizabeth Pusateri asks a question at one of several kiosks at the Financial Reality Fair. Photo by Norwin High School Yearbook Staff. worksheets, pencils, and calculators( cell phones) and visited kiosks set up throughout the High School gymnasium. The kiosks represented various expense categories faced by adults, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, and utilities. Students had to make decisions based on the information they were given at each kiosk.
Next, students performed some budget calculations and analysis. Volunteers from the participating organizations helped students with basic computations and explanations to complete a budgeting exercise.
Finally, students gave their feedback about the Reality Fair in a large-group discussion. Topics included decision-making process, needs vs. wants, adjustments to monthly expenditures, credit score rating, monthly salary pre-tax figure, required and voluntary deductions, and savings and loan strategies.
" Financial Reality Fairs are the epitome of our credit union’ s motto of‘ People Helping People’ at work,” said Amy Lichwa, CEO of Norwin Teachers FCU.“ Not only are we able to promote financial literacy among our youth, we are able to come together as a business community to accomplish our goal. Financial literacy is simple math; however, it takes planning and determination to be financially stable. This is the lesson that we wish to share with our youth."
Norwin High School Business Teacher Mr. Doug Aftanas played a leading role in coordinating the event, along with other members of the Business Department. Mr. Tim Kotch, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, has been a strong supporter of the Financial Reality Fair, and he is also a member of the Board of the Norwin Teachers Federal Credit Union. The Norwin Chamber of Commerce, led by President Rosanne Barry Novotnak, helped to staff the kiosks.
Norwin | Spring 2017 | icmags. com 41