Letter: School needs JA volunteers

Can you help make a difference? Junior Achievement of Hudson needs your help!

Over the last 14 years, Hudson public and private elementary students have experienced the Junior Achievement curriculum as part of their social studies program. Junior Achievement is an economics education curriculum designed specifically for students in grades K-6 and grade 8.

The program features volunteers from the community, called consultants, who visit the classroom and conduct the activities. The volunteers teach five lessons, approximately 45 minutes each, using the curriculum developed for the grade level. All lessons plans and class materials are provided.

The program helps students understand the characteristics of the U.S. economic system; the relationship of basic economic concepts to their lives; interdependence of citizens, businesses and government; function of free enterprise; and the relevance of education to the workplace

Most JA volunteers give the program very high marks and many continue to serve in that capacity year after year. There is always a certain amount of attrition, however, so each year the board relies on new volunteers to fill in the vacancies.

You should also know that many employers have been very supportive in providing time during the workday for this type of community service.

If you are interested in being a volunteer, please contact Lori Williquett or Anita Stilwell at (715) 377-3705 or send an e-mail to williqlj@hudson.k12.wi.us as soon as possible. We have many openings left at the elementary level.

Junior Achievement has been a great asset to our district but it can only stay vital if we continue to get a willing group of volunteers. We hope you will consider this opportunity of service to your school and students.

Tags: opinion, hudson, letter, ja, volunteer