Chesterton, IN. 2-22-2011 – The 8^th Grade Reality Store is set for March 17, 2011 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Chesterton High School at 2125 S 11^th Street.  In preparation for their future, students from Chesterton Middle School and St. Patrick’s School will be learning about making career and life choices as they participate in the Reality Store.

The Reality Store is sponsored by the PIE (Partners In Education) Committee of the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce and the Duneland School Corporation, with Laura Herrod, and June Russell as chairs of the event.

Approximately 120 community volunteers are needed to help with the Reality Store for the day.

At the Reality Store students will have the opportunity to spend their one month’s “salary” on such essentials as taxes, food, housing, insurance, savings, etc.  If any money is left over, they may go to an investment counselor or a rewards station to consider spending the remainder.  If they go broke before the end of the exercise, they will go to a counselor to determine what measures they need to pursue.

The students perform an interest inventory to find general categories of careers that might suit them.  Working with their eighth grade teachers and based on their educational experiences thus far, the students will try to find a match.

You can volunteer to take part in the Reality Store, for either a half a day or the whole day.  Morning sessions are from 7:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and afternoon sessions are 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.  Lunch will be provided.

Volunteers should contact June Russell at the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce Office at 926-5513 or by e-mail at jrussell@chestertonchamber.org.