Guest Speaker: Justin Weninger from Horicon Bank

9th Grader Justin Mesick (left) asks guest speaker Justin Weninger of Horicon Bank a question as 7th grader Sami Ahrens (right) listens intently.

Mr. Justin Weninger came to Pathways to discuss his career in the Finance Career Cluster, as he works at Horicon Bank. He asked students questions about what they thought the bank business was all about. Mr. Weninger also asked the students what they thought the important parts of the bank were. He explained that important traits were needed for a bank manager. He explained to the students, "You must gain the trust of the customer as you develop a good relationship with them." He also explained the inside details of how a bank works. Banks have many different pieces that fit together as a puzzle. Mr. Weninger gave advice about using banks now and in students' futures saying: "When you are a young adult working on getting a good relationship with a bank, start little and work your way up."

Pathways Charter School New Logo

The Pathways Logo has changed to reflect a more professional environment. Coach Patrick O’Connor remarked of the change, “While I appreciate the effort to design the previous logo, students noticed during the marketing cluster that the logo seemed too elementary. If we are expecting students to act professional, the logo should reflect that attitude.” Student Simon Uecker stated, "the new logo correctly defines the atmosphere and the professionalism the school is striding for." The color of our blog has changed a bit because of the school's logo change. Continue to enjoy our updated blog posts.

Peer Profile

PEER PROFILE #4

Name: Sunny Duchow (Sunny is a new enrollee at Pathways. She entered the district in March 2014)

Age: 14

Why did you come to Pathways? My Mom and Kiera and Frannie (Who attend Pathways) all encouraged me

Favorite thing about Pathways: Here at Pathways, I feel comfortable, but I also feel challenged.

Plans for the future at this point: I want to be in the medical field and I want to travel.

Guest Speaker: Cindy Mennig from WBHS

From Left: Austin Kosmatka, Cindy Mennig, Kiera Fisher, and Adam Fehring.

Cindy Mennig, a Business Education Teacher at the West Bend High School, came in March 19, 2014 and talked to the Pathways’ students about how she came to work within the finance career cluster. She also told us the possible courses students can take in high school as electives to the core classes taught at Pathways and brought in a student that completed some of these courses. The student, Tim, also highlighted the benefits of joining Future Business Leaders of America, which Cindy supervises at the High School.

Peer Profile

PEER PROFILE #3

Name: Adam Fehring

Age: 13

Favorite thing about Pathways: The Individualized Study Plan because it's easier to see how you're doing instead of a class average. It's more based around my needs and future success. 

Favorite project so far: Creating a cell analogy because I got to use my art skills and technology skills together in one presentation.

Plans for the future at this point: Architecture

Guest Speaker: Todd White from Edward Jones

On March 5th, Todd White Financial Advisor from Edward Jones discussed the foundations of investing with students. He also explained the concepts of a bull and bear economy. Mr. White also gave students advice. For example, he explained they can control their saving and spending habits. He also talked about having an emergency fund. Finally, he described how to control your personal debt level.

Field Trip: Moraine Park Technical College

On Tuesday, March 4th students were treated to a field trip to Moraine Park Technical College to look at how Information Technology is utilized in post-secondary education. Students got to use high tech digital drawing tools and also experienced a college course experience.

Students Richard Austin, Shawn Sworske, and Aleigha O'Brien work on a Wacom  digital drawing tablet. 

Joe Sibiliski demonstrated how animation and dedication can lead to job opportunities.

Hayden Waala uses a Wacom digital drawing tablet.