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School Board Director Martin Barron, a volunteer with Consumer Jungle, helps a student calculate their garbage bill at the Sheena Town Waste Management station.
WestSide High School students recently engaged in a unique hands-on financial literacy program called "Sheena Town." The simulation, supported by nearly 50 volunteers from the North Central Washington non-profit Consumer Jungle, provided students with realistic financial scenarios to navigate.
Developed by WestSide CTE teacher Sheena Zacherle, the initiative expanded from a single classroom activity to a school-wide event during Wellness Day. Zacherle emphasized the direct connection between managing personal finances and overall wellness, noting that the skills learned in this safe environment offer practical applications for students now and in the future.
In "Sheena Town," students were assigned random jobs and life situations, complete with realistic paychecks, family details, and monthly budget worksheets. Throughout the event, they were tasked with managing their finances, including paying bills, determining transportation, purchasing groceries, selecting cell phone plans, and addressing unexpected life events such as car trouble, vet visits, dental work, and plumbing issues.
Local businesses participated by hosting "life happens" stations, allowing students to explore these services in more detail and gain valuable tips and community connections.