District News

‘Success: 101’ class helps eighth graders chart a plan for the future

 

Oct. 24, 2011

 

“Where will I be in 10 years?”

That is the question about 25 eighth grade students at Canajoharie Middle School are in the process of answering thanks to a new 20-week course called “Success: 101.” In the class, the students analyze career possibilities, create a personal profile and plan out a path that coincides with the lifestyle they choose.

That means if a student wants to live in a $400,000 house in Providence, R.I. and drive a Lexus, the instructors – science teacher Kathleen Bowerman and guidance counselor Sherri Buteau – help them with everything from choosing a career and planning a budget that will make that happen.

“The students have really responded to the class and seem to enjoy it,” Ms. Buteau said. “They also learn a lot about themselves and what they want for their lives.”

The class meets every other and students use a workbook broken up into chapters such as “career possibilities,” “lifestyle of the satisfied and happy,” and “a housing budget.” Next semester, 25 more eighth grade students will take it.

Mrs. Bowerman says the class focuses on early goal setting and says it has been an “eye opening experience” for many students.

“We look at different lifestyles and if the students choose a certain one, we focus on how they are going to get it. We want to put them in the right direction,” she said. “Of course, they don’t have to decide what they want to be now, but we figure if their ideas match the lifestyle they choose.”

Alex DiLorenzo said he likes the class and it has helped him figure out where he might want to settle and live.

“I think I may want to live in North Carolina because I like the weather,” he said. “I also found out I do have some career choice and some I didn’t even know about.”