J.A. Biz Town

The fifth grade students spent three weeks working on the curriculum for Junior Achievement BizTown.  The curriculum is aligned with the Oklahoma P.A.S.S. skills.  The students work on real life skills.  Some of these include writing a resume, filling out a job application, interviewing for a job,  writing checks, keeping their check register balanced, writing friendly letters, and addressing envelopes.  The students were interviewed by Mr. Peters (C.V. Superintendent), Mrs. Ketchum,and  Mrs. Jamison (C.V. teachers).  

Once the students have been assigned jobs, the CEOs and CFOs must fill out the paperwork for their business in order to acquire a start up business loan as well as write ads for the television, radio, and newspaper.  When the students arrive at JA BizTown, they actually work in a real job like situation.  The students hold a mock election and elect the mayor for BizTown.  Chenoa Webb was the elected official this year.  The students earn two paychecks, which are placed into their BizTown checking accounts.  They are given a lunch break, plus an afternoon break.  During this time, they can visit the shops and purchase items with their earnings.  The businesses are all trying to pay back their business loans and turn a profit.  Some of the businesses include a bank, city hall, a non-profit organization, restaurant, distribution center, post office, newspaper, and a radio station.  This wonderful experience could not be possible without parental support.  Each business has one to two adults assisting the students during the day long session.