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Redfield fifth-graders run simulated town through Junior Achievement’s BizTown program
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Summary
Redfield Elementary fifth-graders completed a six-week Junior Achievement curriculum and a one-day BizTown simulation where students took business roles, elected a mayor and worked with trained parent and community volunteers, Principal Amanda Rand said on SUSD Spotlight.
Amanda Rand, principal of Redfield Elementary School in the Scottsdale Unified District, described a six-week classroom curriculum that culminates in a one-day Junior Achievement BizTown simulation that gives fifth graders hands-on experience with business roles and civic duties.
"BizTown is this incredible opportunity for our fifth graders," Rand said on SUSD Spotlight. She said students spend about six weeks on lessons that include checkbooks, resumes, interviews and the mechanics of running a business, followed by a full-day simulation on the Junior Achievement campus. "They do resumes, they do interviews," she said.
Mathias, a fifth-grade student at Redfield and the elected BizTown mayor for his class, described the day as a chance to practice leadership and community tasks. "Be open to new things. Like, try new things and don't be afraid to, like, do something new," Mathias said when asked what he would tell incoming fourth graders preparing for the program. He said his mayoral duties included writing and delivering an opening speech and helping circulate currency during the simulation.
Rand said community volunteers and parents are trained by Junior Achievement to run BizTown businesses and to interview students for roles. Students take on positions such as CEO, CFO and sales manager; Mathias named AeroTech and ASU Gammage among simulated stores he remembered.
Rand said the program is designed to teach students about free enterprise and citizenship and to align with fifth-grade standards. She also emphasized the program’s role in building speaking and leadership skills: "They're getting those opportunities to really become leaders and be ready for sixth grade and middle school," she said.
Parents and community members interested in observing or scheduling a tour of Redfield School may contact the school office to arrange a visit, Rand said on the program. She noted the school sometimes offers virtual tours by FaceTime and that regular tours are available.
For more information about BizTown and Junior Achievement offerings at Redfield, Rand directed listeners to the school's office and the district’s online resources.
