Extension Course
Offered: Summer Session I (June 18 – July 13, 2012)

How much spending money do you need on a monthly basis? What are you going to be responsible for paying versus your parents? If you run out of money, what are your options? Students in this course will build competency in personal finance and collaborate with peers on the potential financial pitfalls of managing their money as they transition to college life. This course will provide many opportunities for students to understand money management issues. Building skills and knowledge in personal finance require investigation and practice, just like solving an algebraic equation or writing a persuasive essay does. Managing money is a lifelong challenge that starts with developing good habits.

By the end of this course, students will understand and practice building a budget and managing cash flow. In addition, issues relating to protecting one’s personal identity and managing debt will be explored. Students will learn to communicate about money and will understand the impact of peer pressure and spending patterns. Students will work collaboratively to develop tips for using cash versus debit cards, generating income, and determining needs vs. wants.

Learning to discuss money issues and finding and using financial information will boost confidence that will spill over into other areas of responsibility. Building a foundation in personal finance is the first step in creating financial independence for a lifetime.

Audience for the Course: High school juniors and seniors will benefit from developing a general understanding of personal finance before making the transition to college. Many people view college as a first job, and just as with a job, understanding how to manage time and money is crucial.  Students should expect to spend four hours a week engaged in this course– approximately sixteen hours total.

About the Teacher: Most recently, Lorri Palko served as Associate Head of School – Operations at Atlanta Girls’ School where she led all internal business and financial operations. When she joined the Atlanta Girls’ School community, Lorri served the needs of girls through teaching math and economics, coaching various sports, and managing aspects of student life. As independent schools faced the recent recession, Lorri believed it was her calling to focus on the operational excellence of the school, which led her to the role of Associate Head of School.  Her servant leadership philosophy guided her work during these tough economic times. Prior to teaching, Lorri worked in the business sector for twenty-years, having served as president of two manufacturing companies, each with annual sales of over $200 million and over one thousand employees. Lorri achieved revenue growth, improved profitability, and increased market positions through a collaborative leadership style focused on the growth of employees and the community while being a steward of long-term financial sustainability.