Learning Journey dates will be sent to principals and school leads via Smartsheet for confirmation. Once confirmed, teachers will receive a Smartsheet email with their assigned Learning Journey date(s).
Learning Journey dates are randomly assigned. All dates are final. If a date(s) needs to be cancelled, the school principal must email a cancellation request to ELO planning assistant Mary Grant two weeks prior to the assigned date(s). All cancellation requests must copy the regional superintendent on the correspondence. Rescheduled dates are not guaranteed.
Questions? Contact the Extended Learning Opportunities office at 414-475-8238 or email grantme@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
This Learning Journey implements a curriculum and instruction (C&I) framework to ensure that students develop skills not only for academics but also for professional development. The C&I framework provides standards-aligned instructional materials for teachers at each grade level.
Teachers will receive a binder from Junior Achievement that contains the Finance Park curriculum and teacher guides. Teachers are expected to review and implement all curriculum provided by JA and submit all simulation forms to Junior Achievement in preparation for their Learning Journey. Below are a few helpful forms to guide teachers through the JA Finance Park curriculum (they are also available in the teacher binder):
Did you know that Learning Journeys align to an academic and career planning (ACP) framework and provide instruction, activities, resources, and opportunities for students?
To enhance student's ACP process, teachers must implement and complete the grade 8 post-trip ACP activities that are available in Xello.
Teachers are required to include their Learning Journey program and instructional materials in their academic and career plan for administrative approval. This Learning Journey implements the ACP framework to ensure that students develop skills not only for academics but also for professional development. The ACP framework emphasizes holistic learning objectives in career awareness (K3–grade 3) and career exploration (grades 4–8). Connect with your ACP team or school counselor for more information!
All students are expected to participate in their school's Learning Journey program. Principals and teachers are responsible for all student behavior and interactions at the Junior Achievement Education Center. We highly encourage schools to recruit multiple chaperones to support high-impact student learning and engagement.
Teachers are responsible for proper preparation for this Learning Journey (field trip forms, lunches, chaperones, etc.).
Two permission slips are required for this program: the MPS field trip form and the JA Finance Park Parent/Guardian Consent Letter. Please give the JA Finance Park Parent/Guardian Consent Letter to the JA capstone education manager, Carla Ritzman, upon your arrival at the facility.
Students are required to bring a bagged lunch and beverage on this Learning Journey.
If a teacher needs to arrange lunch(es) on behalf of a student(s) or change the time of a lunch period, please connect with your school kitchen manager and submit an order at least two weeks before your Learning Journey date. For more information, review The Principal's Guide to School Nutrition 2024–2025 and review what is new in the Department of Nutrition Services for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Transportation will be arranged and paid for by MPS Central Services on your school's behalf. Transportation details will be sent to teachers and principals via Smartsheet. Plan accordingly for an approximately 30-minute bus ride to and from the venue. Schools cannot charge students for busing.
Questions regarding transportation or requests for special accommodations, such as wheelchair or walker needs, should be directed to ELO planning assistant Mary Grant or ELO associate Anitra Stampley.
This Learning Journey is provided free to all MPS grade 8 students. Transportation is booked and paid for on behalf of schools by MPS Central Services.