Welcome to Quick Class Reviews, a section interviewing students in some of our semester-long elective courses. This is the first in a series of articles explaining courses around De Pere HS.
As the first semester in De Pere ramps up, most students are curious about what these different courses entail, wanting a unique dive into the knowledge each one offers. Registration is next month in December, so please schedule a meeting with your counsellor for more information.
In this article, I will examine some of the business and technology courses. These two courses, Personal Finance and Microsoft Word and Excel, are taught by the dedicated Mrs. Herrild and are foundational for the business world.
Each year, hundreds of students secure jobs, receive paychecks, and eventually pay taxes on their earnings, which contribute to the government and various services. Having financial literacy is not just essential; it’s a game-changer for navigating the business world.
Firstly, there is Personal Finance. On Dec. 7, 2023, Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin legislature passed “Wisconsin Act 60,” which required that students graduating after 2028 receive at least 0.5 credits in financial literacy. This is what Mrs. Herrild fought for.
“Personal finance is a beneficial class for me,” said Riley VandenHeuvel, a junior currently in the class. “I have learned a lot about financing and gained knowledge of different financial options. The class has also taught me how to understand some business terminology related to loans. However, the class can feel rushed in some units with a lot of content, like the saving for college unit.”
Now, let’s get to the overview. The first central area covered is taxes, which encompasses tax refunds and the process of paying taxes to the government. The following focus areas include paying for post-secondary education, banking and budgeting for financial independence, and managing credit and debt.
“It’s a great class, especially if you don’t know much about finance,” said Noah Buesche, a senior in Personal Finance. “In the beginning, it’s a lot about prepping for college with money, then it’s about day-to-day life with finances. The bad thing I feel about Mrs. Herrild’s room is a bit too hot.”
Most other seniors interviewed said that the class is beneficial in high school and down the road in life. One aspect of the class that resonates with most students is Mrs. Herrild’s personal approach. She is very open about her own finances, which she believes is one of the most personal factors in life.
Whether for independence, education, success, happiness, relationships, or feeling content, the saying is true when “Money talks.” Mrs. Herrild is there to guide students through that, understanding their unique financial journeys.
Next, I am shifting to Microsoft Word and Excel (MWE).
“This course is the first chance for our students to use any Microsoft software, which is the mainstay of nearly every college and business outside of K-12 education,” said Mrs. Herrild about this class. “Whether students are going into the workforce, the military, or college, this class is a valuable opportunity to develop skills that will take them beyond DPHS. By taking this one-semester course, students can earn up to four NWTC college credits, one each for Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.”
As I interviewed a few Juniors who take Microsoft Word and Excel, they said that the coursework was very light and generally did not require time outside of class.
“For many years, the Business Department has taught one one-semester course per school year,” said Mrs Herrild. “However, this year we were excited to offer two one-semester courses. We hope that trend continues as more students and parents understand the value of what this class offers.”
These classes serve a valuable purpose in financial literacy. It is essential to understand these things so that when kids grow up, they are wise with their hard-earned money.
