Tonganoxie High School is hosting a Reality U event on Monday, December 2, 2024, for eighth and tenth grade students. The goal of Reality U is to bring financial awareness to students and teach them that their performance in school today can affect their financial future. Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice financial skills during this event.
Volunteers are an essential piece of Reality U’s success, as they staff the booths and provide students with information about available products/services they will purchase. You will be provided everything you need to share with the students at your booth, including a full description of the products/services. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at this event, please register online. There are four 90 minute sessions. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for more than one session. You can read more about Reality U online.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with family, colleagues, and community members, even if they do not reside in our district. Thank you so much for your support!
Below are descriptions of the activities at each booth:
Financial Services Booth – The students have the option to open a savings account and investments for the future at the financial services. Payment on student loans is also included in the financial services booth.
Child Care Booth – Some students will have children of varying ages. Since they are working adults, child care is necessary. They cannot rely on grandparents for childcare. Fees are based on the age(s) of the child(ren).
Utilities Booth - This booth includes gas, electric, water, and trash removal. Rates should be current regional costs. Rates vary according to the size and age of the housing.
Phone & Fun – This booth includes cell phone, Wi-Fi, and cable television choices. It also includes internet connections as well as dining out, movies, video rentals, concerts, vacations, etc. Students select the frequency and type of entertainment monthly.
Housing Booth – Information sheets are provided to the students to make housing selections. Both rental and homes for purchase are available. The total purchase price is broken down into monthly payments that include the mortgage payment, taxes, maintenance cost, and insurance.
Car Insurance Booth – Information regarding insurance choices are aligned with the vehicle purchased at the transportation booth. Life insurance premiums are available for purchase. A student’s driving record is determined by the roll of a pair of dice. Options include a clean driving record, a warning, traffic violations (texting), and Driving Under the Influence.
Supermarket Booth – Monthly groceries are based upon the type of food purchased (generic to name brand) and the family size as well as eating out expenses.
Shopping Center Booth – Information sheets indicate general costs associated with haircuts, beauty products, etc. Clothing is also included, and rates are based on family size, career, and personal preference.
Transportation Booth – Vehicle choices as well as cost of maintenance, fuel and repair costs are included on a variety of makes and models.
Chance – All students roll dice to determine the booth outcome. Each number has a corresponding outcome (e.g. saving $ with coupons, broken arm, speeding ticket, tax refund).
Medical Center – This booth includes medical & dental information with rates based upon current costs. Students that don’t have insurance may experience the consequences of paying the full amount for medical care.
Q&A – This booth provides advice for students who go “negative” during Reality U. They are counseled regarding their spending decisions. Students are encouraged to live according to their incomes and to make appropriate adjustments.