Holiday shopping without breaking the bank
By Katelyn Dudney
When it comes to saving money, Shawna Koger is the resident expert.
As the holidays approach, the business and finance teacher shared some important tips for setting a Christmas budget, navigating Black Friday, and enjoying the fun of the season with family.
For setting a Christmas budget, Koger said having a list and a strategy can be important first steps. She suggested making a spreadsheet of what items to shop for and the places that are offering them at the lowest price.
“With some intentional planning you can complete your Christmas list on a budget,” Koger said.
Black Friday can be one of the best times to get those Christmas presents for less. However, Koger said a plan is critical in order to navigate the chaos. The days and times each store will be open for holiday shopping is an important detail, as more and more stores are opening up on Thanksgiving.
“Black Friday starting on Thursday, I understand is unfortunate for people who work in retail, but it works for my family,” said Koger.
When shopping, Koger said there are some tricks to making the trip more efficient. Make sure to get to the stores early and note which are more of a priority to get to first. Trying on clothes can waste time, instead mark down sizes. Only grab the items in the store that are marker and head to the checkout lane. When checking out pay with a credit or debit card because that allows everything to move on faster.
Black Friday is a stressful and busy day; however, Koger enjoys the day by spending it with her mom. It’s a tradition they have continued since Koger was a teen and living at home. Nowadays, continuing the tradition takes a little more preparation.
“My mom also goes more on the treadmill before Thanksgiving so she can keep up with me,” Koger said.
When it comes to saving money, Shawna Koger is the resident expert.
As the holidays approach, the business and finance teacher shared some important tips for setting a Christmas budget, navigating Black Friday, and enjoying the fun of the season with family.
For setting a Christmas budget, Koger said having a list and a strategy can be important first steps. She suggested making a spreadsheet of what items to shop for and the places that are offering them at the lowest price.
“With some intentional planning you can complete your Christmas list on a budget,” Koger said.
Black Friday can be one of the best times to get those Christmas presents for less. However, Koger said a plan is critical in order to navigate the chaos. The days and times each store will be open for holiday shopping is an important detail, as more and more stores are opening up on Thanksgiving.
“Black Friday starting on Thursday, I understand is unfortunate for people who work in retail, but it works for my family,” said Koger.
When shopping, Koger said there are some tricks to making the trip more efficient. Make sure to get to the stores early and note which are more of a priority to get to first. Trying on clothes can waste time, instead mark down sizes. Only grab the items in the store that are marker and head to the checkout lane. When checking out pay with a credit or debit card because that allows everything to move on faster.
Black Friday is a stressful and busy day; however, Koger enjoys the day by spending it with her mom. It’s a tradition they have continued since Koger was a teen and living at home. Nowadays, continuing the tradition takes a little more preparation.
“My mom also goes more on the treadmill before Thanksgiving so she can keep up with me,” Koger said.
Veterans Day: A Day for Remembrance
By: Lance Vie
On November 12th, Arlington Public Schools and the community, celebrated the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day.
Before the ceremony, local veterans were treated with a free breakfast from the school. Here, the Veterans, got a chance to visit and share stories from their experiences.
Mike Grothe, a hospital Corpsman during Operation Desert Storm, said that Veterans Day is special for those who have served.
“[It] is important to acknowledge the people who sacrificed their freedom,” Grothe said.
Ted Dimmit, an Airman First Class, also said that he believes Veterans Day is about remembering the fallen.
Grothe and Dimmit were just two of the 25 that made the trip to Arlington for the program.
The ceremony started with the posting of colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Arlington kindergarteners.
The ceremony was also featured other student talents, such as the high school choir and band performances, as well as the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay winners.
Sophomore Lane Johnson won Voice of Democracy, and junior Sarah Theiler placed second. Patriot’s Pen first place winner was Malayna Lozo, second place was Sydney Magnino. All winners received recognition from the Arlington VFW, and a cash prize.
To end the ceremony, the history department alongside Scott Parson, played a video commemorating staff’s family members and alumni currently in the military.
“It’s tradition, just something we have done. It gives people the opportunity to honor family members,” said Parson.
View the Veteran’s video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIpWv0isPPA&feature=youtu.be
On November 12th, Arlington Public Schools and the community, celebrated the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day.
Before the ceremony, local veterans were treated with a free breakfast from the school. Here, the Veterans, got a chance to visit and share stories from their experiences.
Mike Grothe, a hospital Corpsman during Operation Desert Storm, said that Veterans Day is special for those who have served.
“[It] is important to acknowledge the people who sacrificed their freedom,” Grothe said.
Ted Dimmit, an Airman First Class, also said that he believes Veterans Day is about remembering the fallen.
Grothe and Dimmit were just two of the 25 that made the trip to Arlington for the program.
The ceremony started with the posting of colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Arlington kindergarteners.
The ceremony was also featured other student talents, such as the high school choir and band performances, as well as the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay winners.
Sophomore Lane Johnson won Voice of Democracy, and junior Sarah Theiler placed second. Patriot’s Pen first place winner was Malayna Lozo, second place was Sydney Magnino. All winners received recognition from the Arlington VFW, and a cash prize.
To end the ceremony, the history department alongside Scott Parson, played a video commemorating staff’s family members and alumni currently in the military.
“It’s tradition, just something we have done. It gives people the opportunity to honor family members,” said Parson.
View the Veteran’s video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIpWv0isPPA&feature=youtu.be