We Need You... Rainshadow Students

There are two different surveys on this page. The first, below this writing, is the annual school climate survey. We would love your feedback, as it will help use to make the school a better place. Feel free to be honest, add to the comment box, whatever.

The survey to the right of this text is a survey related to what you want to do after high school. It is a transition survey. Again, if you fill it out, it will help us to know how we can support you while your in school to prepare for what you want to do later. It will also let us know what kinds of things you, as a student body, aren't clear about.

Thank you for all of your help, and stay tuned-- the results will be posted. We'll also be creating a survey for your parents and family members!

Keep up the good work!


Transition: "a passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another."


So, you're in high school now.  It may be your first year of high school, full of changes and new experiences.  Or maybe you can hardly remember what it was like to be a freshman, and your gearing up for the end of this chapter of your life. Whatever the case, there are times when you need some help and support with understanding the changes that are happening in your life.   

NOW WHAT? 

This site was created for you to investigate you.  It's a place for you to look at your goals, dreams, and aspirations.  But more, you can investigate the practical steps for getting from point A to point B.  Do you want to go on for more education? Training?  Or do you just wish to get a job right out of school? What are your options?  

Before you start, please fill out this survey so that we can best serve your needs:  Transition Survey

Please only fill the survey out one time, so if you filled it out on the pop-up, that is perfect!!

SPOTLIGHT ON: California Careers Info. Link


Who do you want to be?

Click on the link to the left for California Careers Info.  On that link, you will find an additional link to the site, "What do you want to be?"  This site provides video clips of individuals who chose to do different careers, and are currently in college.  Watch their stories, and remember not to limit yourself in your ideas about what you might like to do.  This site also has an interactive quiz and other fun games that will help open your eyes to all the possibilities!!

Tips for Setting Goals

Make your goals SMART!  That's right,

S=specific
M=measurable
A=attainable
R=realistic
T=timely

When you decide on something that is important for you to accomplish, be as specific as you can be.  Think about WHAT you would like to do.  Use action words such as direct, organize, coordinate, lead, plan, etc.  Then, think about WHY this goal is important to you and why you want to do it at this time.  Finally, think about HOW you are going to do it (what will you need?  by when will it happen?

When you decide on a goal, make sure the steps involved are measurable.  For example, if you wish to earn passing grades in all your classes for the next quarter, you must be able to measure your grades throughout that time period.  If you can't measure it, you can't manage it.  You have to be able to see that a change is occurring and that progress is being made toward your goal.

Know yourself, and what you are able to do.  Don't set a goal so far out that it is difficult for you to achieve.  You need to be stretched when working toward a goal, but not so stretched that the goal becomes unattainable.  Make sure the goal you set stretches your abilities and can actually be achieved.

Finally, set a timeline for your goal.  This timeline should be long enough to achieve the goal, but not so long that you completely forget about what your plan is.  

So, remember the SMART strategy when you are setting goals for yourself!  

Monday, April 20, 2009

Setting Up a Bank Account

So, you've just gotten a job.  You've worked for two weeks, it's Friday, and you're collecting your first pay check.  Now what?  Sure, you could go and cash the check at a variety of places, or you could make one of your first steps toward independence:  SET UP A BANK ACCOUNT!


What would this do for you?  Well, it would begin helping you to establish credit.  It also will allow you to budget and save your money.  Setting up a bank account also allows you to deal in more than just cash.  

Before you set up an account, here are a couple of questions for you:

1.  Have you ever had an account before?  If so, with whom?  
2.  Do your parent(s) have an account at a specific bank?  Which one?
3.  What banks are located close to you?
4.  Are you interested in a checking or a savings account?  Both?

Now, you will need to investigate which bank is right for you.  Some banks will require a minimum balance for you to keep the account open without getting charged a monthly service fee.  You probably won't want to have that.  Many banks do offer incentives for young people to begin banking with them.  This is usually in the form of a student account, and usually it is a free checking account.  

The best advice is to talk with your parents about their account.  Visit with the bank, and talk with a representative about the types of accounts they offer.  You can also check the bank's website, although sometimes the language can be confusing.  Once you decide to place your money in a particular bank, your representative will walk you through the process.  You will need to be able to provide personal information, like your birthday and address.  You will also need to know your social security number, or bring in your social security card.  Many banks will also require some sort of photo ID, like a driver's license, id card, or government issued card.  Be prepared to be able to prove your identity.

Once you have set up your account, you will be able to write checks, use an ATM, use your card for point of sale purchases, and watch your money grow in an interest bearing account (if you start a savings account).  Banks have many other features as well.  You'll learn more as you begin the process for yourself.

Happy hunting!

Posted by Toby at 10:00 PM  

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