FS Groove

Welcome to My Finance Class, the official website for Financial Services and BPA at Northwest High School.

Your first step toward a successful future in business & finance starts right here ...

Stay connected on social media for news & updates about Financial Services ...

“Not only has BPA contributed to an impressive resume, I’m also fully convinced that I wouldn’t have ever found my passion without this class.”

Kemi Igbonegun, 2024

“I will remember my time in FS because it has taught me so many things. Not just the material taught but also valuable life lessons and moments where I could learn about myself.”

Michael Brockert, 2023

“My favorite thing about this class is how everyone is close with each other, we are like a little family. I also like how you help us understand things by putting them in the perspective of the real world.”

Alexis Bach, 2022

"My favorite thing about the class as a whole would probably be the people, everytime I stepped in the room there was such a positive vibe and we could always joke with each other and just talk for hours."

Isaac Weitz, 2021

"Financial services made me meet friends that will last for a lifetime and has made me have many connections with the business world through BPA."

Adrian Dykes, 2020

"Clark is the greatest teacher ever. He is the heart of this family. There is no other teacher who would dedicate as much of their free time as Clark does."

Dylan Hodge, 2019

“I will remember this class because it has taught me vital life lessons, allowed me to gain new friendships, and most importantly, allowed me to become a member of BPA and gain experiences that I never would have gained if I hadn’t joined this class.”

Diajah Kidd, 2018

“When I first sat down for the first day of Financial Services, I never expected to learn what I have now. We got to spend two bells together ... learning about business, sharing jokes, making friends, and most importantly building memories. I loved every moment of it.”
Ryan Cartwright, 2017

“This class will live on with me later in life and the useful information that I learned will stick with me as well. I wish this class was brought to the attention of more people and people realized what they were missing out on, because this class is awesome.”

Trevor Barton, 2016

“Financial Services was my favorite class this year! Not just because we got doughnuts after every test and were able to sit in comfortable chairs … but because we learned about things that I am actually interested in and can apply to my life.”

Stephanie Russell, 2015

“My two years in Financial Services have been amazing and if I could, I would do it all over again!”

Antenajia Carter, 2014

"Financial Services has helped me discover what I want to do with my future … now, I am ready to see where business can take me in life.”

Lakisha Myrick, 2013

“The best thing about Financial Services is coming into the family environment every day. I have so many memories from this class and it’s amazing how close I have grown to my classmates.”

Sterling Clark, 2014

“You learn more things in Financial Services than you will in any other class.”
Cody Roberson, 2015

The FS Groove

Much like in college, the key to your success in Financial Services is to stay organized, manage your time wisely, and keep deadlines in mind. Refer to the weekly sheets for your assignments and due dates; use the quarterly syllabus to plan further ahead. Tests and major projects should never be a surprise. Use the class website as a resource at school and as a way to stay connected from home. You can find details below on all of the daily/weekly routines and expectations in the class ...

QUESTION OF THE DAY 10pts daily, due by end of class At the beginning of class, there will be a "Question of the Day" on the screen (also available on the class website). You should do your best to write a complete response (25 word minimum) to the question and EMAIL it to me. If you aren't sure about what to write, please ask! No credit will be given for late QODs, unless you were absent that day.

	CURRENT EVENT 100pts weekly, due by Sunday at midnight Every week, you will be responsible for finding a recent news article which relates to a relevant business, finance, or entrepreneurship topic. The criteria include: A 250 word paragraph that (1) summarizes your article, (2) explains how it relates to class, and (3) provides your own personal reflections on the topic. Typed in MS Word or Google Docs and attached to an email. Use MLA format for the paper and cite your source. No credit will be given if your current event does not meet all of these criteria. Sample of Current Event in MLA Format MyFinanceClass Flipboard

STAR SHEET 10pts daily + 10pts for weekly reflection Your class participation grade will be based on your own self-evaluation of your achievement (subject to my approval). You must, however, turn in your STAR sheet every day for credit. At the end of each week, complete the weekly reflections box on the STAR sheet for an additional 10pts. Extra credit is also available.You’re a star … and this is your chance to shine!

	DESK TRAYS Every desk has a set of trays on it - one for every student who sits at that desk. These are color-coded by class to make it easier (green for FS Seniors, yellow for FS Juniors, purple for Financial Foundations, and blue for Pre-Apprentice). Your STAR Sheet and any other work that you want to have collected goes in your desk tray at the end of class. Any work that is being returned to you will be placed back in your tray at the beginning of the day.

LATE WORK All class work that is turned in late - without an excused absence OR without first getting my approval - will lose 25% of the grade per day it is late. This means that if there is an assignment due, it must be turned in (either in your desk tray by the end of class or emailed by the end of the day) to avoid penalty. Forgetting to turn it in is not an excuse. Leaving it at home is not an excuse. Your home printer (or email ... or computer) not working is not an excuse. Please let me know by the end of class if you were not able to finish in time - I may grant you an extension under certain circumstances. Remember, you are preparing to be professionals in the workplace. You must take responsibility for handing in your work on time! Be like a Ninja Turtle ... cowabunga!!!

WWW	USE THE WEBSITE Make use of the class website (the one you're on right now!) to access the Question of the Day, Worksheets, Projects, Weekly Sheets, Resources, Textbooks, or other important information.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS Promptness. You are expected to arrive to class on time every day and be in your assigned seats ready to get started when the bell rings. Students with unexcused tardies or skips will receive an automatic teacher detention. Preparation. Bring all necessary items to class each day. When there is homework assigned, you will be expected to come to class with the completed assignment and be prepared to discuss the material. Participation. This will be an interactive classroom, which means that we will be learning from each other as we explore various topics. Every person in the class brings unique experiences and opinions, but the only way we will learn from each other is if everyone participates. Your grade will reflect class participation on a weekly basis. Productivity. Challenge yourself to be productive at all times! Be attentive and use your time wisely. If you do not feel well, notify the instructor … no napping in class. Stay on task, ask for help when needed, and study! Responsibility. Act rationally and choose wisely. Recognize your own role in building an enjoyable and productive community of learners. Understand that there will be consequences, both good and bad, for your actions. Think before you act! Respect. Be respectful of yourself, your environment, your fellow classmates, and your instructor. Every student has the right to a safe and secure classroom; you do not have the right to impede or jeopardize that in any way. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Take care of our classroom, equipment, books, and supplies.

Don't be a Turkey ... Get in the Groove!