Personal Finance Syllabus

GJSD Course Syllabus 2019-2020

Personal Finance

Mr. Mikesic

Email: emikesic@gjsd.net

Phone: 814-533-5601 Ext. 5508

Course Description

Personal finance is a mandatory class for graduation for seniors. Personal finance includes more than just working with numbers as each unit/topic covered during the school year affects our everyday lives.

We will cover how to make career decisions and employment. The students will learn how to search careers for their desired career choice. The class will consist of detailed explanations, and examples to gain a deep understanding of topics covered. Questions are always welcome and I want to ensure that the students comprehend the material.

Other topics to be learned by the students include: money management; bank services that include maintaining a checking account using a checkbook, using a check register, and preparing bank reconciliation; payroll involving computing gross earnings for straight time, overtime, and double time; taxes; financial security (investment and retirement); interest (simple and compound); insurance (health, life, auto, and property); NorthStar Digital Literacy; Everfi; and mortgages.

Personal Finance will prepare the student with a solid understanding of how the subject matter covered in this course provides the necessary foundation to enter the business world with mathematical tools for a variety of career paths and also help the students with their everyday financial dealings in their personal lives. It will be necessary to use the skills that we learn constantly to maintain a high rate of proficiency.

Course Units:

Choosing, Planning, Acquiring, and Maintaining a Job; Digital Literacy; Everfi; Gross Pay, Deductions, and Net Pay; Banking Services; Interest, Savings and Investments; and Insurance.

Types of Assignments:

Classwork, projects, quizzes and tests.

Resources:

• Onetonline, NorthStar Digital Literacy, Everfi, NextGen Personal Finance and numerous other financial Websites.
• Guest speakers from the following agencies/banks: CareerLink; 1st Summit Bank; 1st Commonwealth Bank; Puchko Financial.

Course Objective:

• You will be able to identify and understand the meaning of the vocabulary in each chapter by reading all material/directions before you start to work.
• Analyze choices and develop tools to get and keep temporary, part-time, or full-time employment both now and in the future.
• Examine trends at the workplace that affect your career and opportunities for advancement.
• Explore methods of attaining financial security.
• Discover how to make good decisions based on a person’s needs and wants involving material items and resources.
• Study various types of risks individuals might come in contact with and how to manage these risks.
• Focus on the role of consumers in determining what is produced and sold - consumer rights and responsibilities.

Classroom Rules:

• Attendance:
  • It is absolutely necessary that you attend class everyday. This course will follow a rigorous and continuous schedule in which fundamentals and new concepts are introduced and reviewed every day. When you do miss a day, it is your responsibility to see me regarding your makeup work.
  • If you are absent the day an assignment is due, that assignment is due the day you return. If you are absent on the day of a quiz or a test, be prepared to take that quiz or test on the day of your return. All makeup work must be completed within three (3) days of your return to school, or you will receive a zero.If you are absent, you must get an absent excused slip from the office.

Behavior:

• We are all mature individuals in this room and we are expected to behave accordingly. I expect you to come to class promptly everyday and have all of your materials. Responsible and respectful behavior is expected at all times. Putting your head down on the table/desk and sleeping will not be tolerated. Pay close attention to the points listed in the Student Code of Conduct.

Tardiness:

• You must arrive to class on time! You are expected to be in your seat and ready to begin class when the late bell rings. If another teacher, secretary, administrator, or any other school official causes you to be late to class, make sure you ask them for a pass.

Cell Phones:

• Students are not allowed on cell phones during class instruction.

Grading Policy and Procedures:

• Grades can be determined by using the following grading scale:

93% - 100% A

82% - 92% B

70% - 81% C

60% - 69% D

0% - 59% F

Academic Dishonesty:

• Any act of academic dishonesty (cheating on tests, quizzes, assignments, etc.) will not be tolerated and will result in a zero on the work assigned; a call home; and a referral log.

Tests/Quizzes:

• Quizzes and tests will be given throughout each unit. Tests and quizzes will be announced two (2) to three (3) days in advance. A review for the test will occur prior to the test which will give you the chance to ask any questions you may have on any material that you may not completely understand. If you are absent on the day of the test, you must make arrangements to take a makeup test.

Daily Classwork Points:

• Daily assignments/projects are an integral part of the curriculum. Hence, you can earn 5 points daily for working on assignments. If you do NOT work, you will earn a zero.

Let’s have a great senior year!

Please return this paper to Mr. Mikesic no later than Tuesday September 3rd.

I have read and understand the overall course structure as well as the student requirements and responsibilities.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

It is extremely important that teachers and parents have an open line of communication to discuss the progress of students within the classroom. Because of this, I would like to know the best means to communicate with you. Please fill in the information below to ensure that we can maintain communication throughout the course of the school year. Thank you.

Address___________________________________________

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Home Phone_______________________________ Best Time to Reach________________

Work Phone________________________________ Best Time to Reach________________

Cell Phone _________________________________ Best Time to Reach _______________

Email Address _____________________________________

What is your preferred method of contact? ______________________________________

Please write any questions, comments, or concerns you may have below: