Rotary Happenings: Rotarians learn about CHOICES for students
A sad reality of our education system is that 7,000 American students quit high school daily. Yes, that is daily, and it is in our America. A staggering statistic that leaves one with a feeling of disbelief. These children will make considerably less money than a high school graduate. Middle school is a time in a teen’s life where things start to get more complicated — more homework, harder classes, and changing minds and bodies. With so much change going on that’s new and different, it’s easy to understand how making positive choices, such as focusing on school work, can be challenging.
This is where CHOICES Education Group, a stay-in-school workshop for middle and high school students, steps in. Our recent speaker was Leo Mueller, executive director of CHOICES. The workshops are led by volunteers from the community — positive adult role models helping students think about how their decisions today affect their futures. Their focus is aimed at eighth-graders, who are at a pivotal point of transitioning to high school.
CHOICES uses a teacher-approved curriculum that makes the case for staying in school and introduces teens to skills for success, including time and money management, decision making, a mock job interview and goal setting. SMART — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely — Goals is also introduced in an effort to help students make good choices. Trained volunteers engage teens in interactive exercises during the workshop and share their real-world experiences and insights.
Mueller has been with CHOICES since its inception in 1985 and has served as executive director since 1996. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Union in Seattle, Washington, where he has served as youth service chair and, more recently, as club president for the 2019-20 year.
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club holds a meeting on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at the Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, at 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel, and via Zoom. To attend in person, email Bill Harkey at William.Harkey@gmail.com; attendance is limited to 20 people. To take part via Zoom, call 239-472-7257. For more information, visit sanibelrotary.org or www.facebook.com/sancaprotary.