Clarksville-Montgomery County School System Ninth Graders to get a Reality Check

Montgomery County, TN – For the second year, ninth graders in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System are going to get a reality check.

The Reality Check Program, which was underwritten by a grant from Bank of America, is a real life simulation activity designed to give students the opportunity to experience the responsibilities of a 25-year-old and providing sole or primary support of their household.

It consists of 13 “stations” that students must visit. At each station the student will make decisions appropriate for their household while staying within a monthly budget based on the family and education status provided.

The stations are staffed by volunteers from local businesses, such as car dealers, electric companies, realtors and more who help students understand the impact of their decisions on their financial health.

A day before the event, students are given an “Envision Your Life” form. Students try to see themselves in nine to 10 years and select the level of education they aspire to reach, the kind of housing, car, etc.

On the day of the event, students receive an assigned career, family and income scenario. During the event they must go to each of the booths and make a decision regarding a typical expense they would face as a young adult. The volunteer records their decision on the check register, deducts the amount on the check “register” and checks off that they have visited that booth.

As part of the 100% Graduation Initiative, CMCSS wants students to realize how important it is to stay in school. This type of activity increases student awareness of the connection between education, income and careers. They become aware of the cost of living in a typical household and other quality of life factors.

Students also have fun interacting with volunteers from the community.

Below is this Year’s Schedule

2012 Education Foundation Reality Check Dates and Times
School	Date	Time Frame	# of freshmen	In-school POC
West Creek high School	October 24 (Wednesday)	7:00-2:25	341	Matt Slight
Northeast High School	November 1 (Thursday)	7:00-2:25	290	Patrick Digby
Kenwood High School	November 8 (Thursday)	7:00-2:25	338	Frank Wilson
Northwest High School	November 13 (Tuesday)	7:00-2:25	310	Teresa Muckleroy
Clarksville High School	November 20 (Tuesday)	7:00 – 2:25	371	Jean Luna
Rossview High School	November 29 (Thursday)	7:00-2:25	342	Frank Myers
Montgomery Central High School	December 6 (Thursday)	7:00-2:25	246	Steven Robert