Navigating adulthood can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with everyday tasks you’ve never been taught. This year, Solomon Middle School is tackling that challenge head-on by reintroducing a Life Skills course, offering students practical knowledge they can carry into their future. After a five-year absence, the course, taught by Mr. Luke Riordan, is already making waves, empowering students to learn essential skills like money management, car maintenance, and career exploration—one hands-on lesson at a time.
Amber Fouard, PreK-8 Principal, provided insight into how the class was developed. “Every year, we brainstorm new ideas for electives that are relevant for middle school students. Along with conversations about Individual Plans of Study for high school students, we realized middle school students also need exposure to different career and life skills.”
Fouard said the course focuses on decision-making, self-awareness, time management, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and career exploration. “The ultimate goal is to open the doors of possibility for their college and career goals, and for real-world circumstances as well,” she said. Riordan shared that he began developing the first section of the course based on his own experiences. Like all adults, there were times in life when he realized that he lacked the knowledge needed in stressful situations. While incorporating some of the things he wished he could have learned in school, he also regularly receives suggestions from colleagues and community members about topics they wish they had learned more about in school.
Part of the curriculum was also shaped by student input. One of the first assignments prompted students to reflect on their career interests and the skills they felt were essential to know before graduating high school. Even with that foundation, students have been surprised by some of the topics covered. Seventh-grader Lillian Harrison, for example, found the unit on personal finance particularly revealing. “[The lessons] about budgeting, net worth, gross pay, and rent were all new. I knew nothing about it before now,” she said, reflecting on how much the course had already taught her.
Students started out the semester with engaging, hands-on lessons about vehicle maintenance. More recently, they tackled money management and budgeting—an essential topic requested by students, despite being less exciting. These are just a few of the subjects they plan to cover, along with many others, including how to apply for colleges and scholarships.
gaining exposure to various career paths through the class’s guest speakers. Each week, the class welcomes a guest speaker from a different profession, So far, they have heard from a physical therapist, game warden, social worker, cosmetologist, military representative, marketing professional, police officer, and firefighter. Future speakers will include entrepreneurs and individuals from local businesses. Riordan added, “I try to get a variety of people—some who need degrees, some who went to technical colleges, and some who went straight into the workforce,” he said. Reflecting on the course’s impact, Riordan said, “The guest speakers have sparked interests in students they didn’t know they had. The exposure they’ve received has been so beneficial and opened their eyes to more experiences.” A prime example of this comes from seventh-grader Corey Davis. Despite not being interested in the particular career path that was being presented, he said, “It was still interesting to hear her stories and how she engaged with people,” he said, noting that it gave him a new respect for a profession he previously knew little about.
Grading in the class is based largely on participation, emphasizing
active engagement. Following each guest speaker, students ask questions about education requirements, salaries, field experience, and college life. “To get a good grade, students need to participate, engage in hands-on activities, and be willing to try new things,” Riordan said.
Although the course is new, administration and staff are committed to continuously reassessing student needs and tailoring the program to meet “life-ready” goals. Solomon aims to help students avoid the uncertainty many adults experience when facing unfamiliar life challenges. Davis feels that the class is already doing just that. ”This class could definitely help me and boost my confidence. I won’t be as nervous to start certain things because I’ll know what to do when the time comes,” he said.
As the Life Skills course evolves, the administration and staff remain focused on preparing students for real-world challenges, equipping them with essential tools to navigate life’s complexities—from problem- solving to career exploration. Solomon Middle School’s commitment to building students’ confidence and readiness for life beyond the classroom is at the heart of this class.