Banking is Elementary with US Bank’s School Program

Clarksville, TN – US Bank’s commitment to local schools as a Partner in Education has resulted in helping elementary students operate their own school banks.

Currently there are five active school banks at the following schools: Cumberland Heights, East Montgomery, Hazelwood, St Bethlehem, and Minglewood. Past partnerships included Sango, Burt and Moore as well.

“US Bank recognizes the importance of teaching kids to save at an early age by developing an understanding of the basis of savings as well as forming the habit of savings,” said Community President/District Manager Steve Kemmer. “School bank employees typically consist of fifth graders who apply and are selected for the job by the school bank coordinator and the school staff / teacher.”

Kemmer explained that the students operate as tellers and take actual deposits, record transactions, balance their “drawer” and gain an overall appreciation and understanding of mathematics and simple finance.

Students from the schools are allowed to open free savings accounts (with parent approval) and make actual deposits weekly at the banking office located in one of the classrooms. “It is a simple, yet effective program that engages the kids in active – hands on – learning,” he said.

Cumberland Heights Elementary’s student bank show the actual banking center open and “employees” engaged in interacting with their customers. The staff coordinator at that school is Joy Burton and the US Bank school bank coordinator is Charlotte Fulton. School bank employees are Jerrianna, Taylor, Jake, Aaron, and Mallon.

“Support from the principal, Dr. Tonya Cunningham, as well as Joy Burton, is tremendous at this school and it shows in the engagement of the students in this type of experience,” Kemmer said.

“US Bank would like to thank all school bank partners and welcome the chance to support our community through helping our kids learn the value of saving,” Kemmer added.

For more information, contact Steve Kemmer at US Bank 931-905-6117.