Required Classes

STORY BY COLE SCHUCK » Many students have been complaining that they do not have enough freedom in choosing what classes they take at EHS – not enough electives and too many required classes. So when freshman found out that they are being asked to complete yet another required class to graduate, many were not happy.
This class is Personal Finance taught by Mrs. Brown. In the past, Personal Finance had been an elective class, along with the other finance classes that Mrs. Brown teaches. In this semester-long class, students learn a variety of financial skills ranging from how to understand your first paycheck to how to pay your taxes.
Mr. Abel said that the school board decided to make this a mandatory class because of its real-life relevance and practical importance to students. No matter what students plan on doing after high school, they are going to need to know how to manage their money.
“Students will learn how to save, for now and in the future,” said Mrs. Brown. “They will learn how much their possible future career will make them a year, and then learn how to manage their money based on that amount.”
Mr. Abel said that this idea had been discussed and suggested in the past, and this year it was decided that now is the time. Mr. Abel said that making the class a required class had been requested by the state because of how important personal finance is and how much it will help students to prepare for their future. Starting in 2020, the Freshman class and younger will have to take Personal Finance sometime between their sophomore year and their senior year. Mrs. Brown made the decision that the class would not be open to freshman.
“Honestly, I’m not happy about taking Personal Finance,” said Freshman Clayton Spring. “I never planned on taking it… but I know it will help me.” Spring, along with many freshman, says that he understands that the class is helpful, but still doesn’t want to have another required class to deal with.
On the other hand, there are plenty of Freshman that are not affected by this change because they were planning to take the class anyway.
“I was planning on taking it my sophomore or junior year, so I am not that mad about it,” said Freshman Aaron Brown.
Personal Finance is another required class that students will have to take at some point, but it is intended to prepare students for their future, which is what school is all about.
“Students will be able to manage their money so that they are ready for their first job.” said Brown.