‘Teach Children to Save’ Day set for April 29
HOULTON – On April 29, some lessons will be taught that are not part of the traditional classroom curriculum. That’s the date when several bankers from Katahdin Trust Company will engage a new role as they teach area school children the value of saving their money, as part of National Teach Children to Save Day.
This annual event was proclaimed by Governor Baldacci as a Maine initiative designed to teach practical financial practices to children as they begin to grow to an age when understanding solid habits will be of benefit for a lifetime. The signing of the proclamation reflects the importance our state’s leaders believe rest in improving the “financial literacy of children in Maine.” Coordinated through the efforts of The American Bankers Association’s Educational Foundation, Teach Children to Save Day will place bankers in the classroom to assist teachers in educating youth on basic personal finance issues. 2008 marks the 12th year for this event.
Materials used in the presentations support curriculum standards which have been established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Council of Teachers of English and the Family and Consumer Sciences.
“Many of life’s most important lessons are learned outside the walls of the classroom,” said Katahdin Trust Company Senior Vice President Vicki Smith, who oversees the bank’s efforts in the program. “Katahdin Trust Company employees are delighted to participate in conjunction with area teachers in helping children understand basic financial principles and the importance of a savings program, not just for today but for their futures. It’s a life lesson which will pay benefits for many years to come.” Smith said the presentation includes general discussions, games and hands-on activities including topics such as budgeting, making money grow, the importance of having a checking account and recognizing wants and needs.
Katahdin Trust Company employees will be reaching out to over 300 students across northern Maine. Employees participating and the schools to which they will be assigned include: Debra Schillinger and Lisa Moore, SACS, third grade; Emily Hosford, Marilyn Somers, Leslie Gardner, Lorraine Guiggey, and Kathy Howes, Katahdin Elementary School, third grade.
