NHS To Offer Two New Business Courses

On February 14 the Newtown Board of Education voted to approve two new business courses to be added to the existing program. The two new offerings are titled Banking and Investments and Personal Financial Literacy. Each of these courses would be offered for one semester to juniors and seniors. They may be taken for either a business credit or for an elective math credit.

The Business Department and the College/Career Center at Newtown High School are striving to develop a personal finance program that will provide students with basic financial skills that will enable them to apply effective financial decisionmaking as they transition into postsecondary education and careers.

Student representative Sophia Cerreta spoke to school officials asking for the approval of the two new courses. Sophia has attended outside personal finance workshops and found them to be very informative and helpful.

“The benefits of adding these new classes are immense,” Sophia told the board members. “These courses can prepare students for the world they are about to enter. I implore you to add these two new courses to the curriculum.”

The addition of the business courses was unanimously approved by board members. Responding to Sophia’s statement, Board member Paul Mangiafico said, “I’m thrilled to see this. It is absolutely vital. Becoming more financially astute is critical; you will use this information all the time. You have my wholehearted support.”

Fellow board member Andrew Buzzi agreed. “I deal with this everyday in my line of work. It is critical for students at the age of 18 to begin to understand these concepts. Of course this should be required here, these are life skills, necessary life skills in order to be successful. I am glad to see another great piece of curriculum added, thanks to you Alice Jackson [assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum development].”

Personal Financial Literacy is designed to develop and enhance math and critical decisionmaking skills. The curriculum will include units from the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountant’s curriculum, simulations, Internet activities, case studies, and role-playing to help increase financial literacy.

Banking and Investments will follow the Personal Financial Literacy course. A math teacher will partner with a business teacher to incorporate math as a tool to solve workplace problems. The goal of this course will be to improve student CAPT performance and reduce the number of students required to take remedial courses in college.

Additionally, internships in actual banks following this course will provide opportunities to integrate classroom and work-based learning at the high school. Students will have the opportunity to earn work experience credit, develop and enhance their employability skills, and apply math theory in real world settings.