The Mississippi Banking Association’s program “A Banker in Every Classroom ” brings together Mississippi bankers and teachers at the local level to promote financial literacy.
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, the fifth- and sixth-grade students at Sherard Elementary were visited by Megan Denton of First National Bank of Clarksdale.
Denton talked to the Excel students about checking and savings accounts, debit cards and interest. She brought along a sample check and guided students on how to correctly write a check. Denton explained to students that once they sign the check, it is a legal document that the bank must honor.
She also used a Money Saving Chart handout to explain to students how they can save $1000 a year.
Jeffrey Gooden, a sixth-grade Excel student, was surprised to find out that a bank debit card can be used while traveling the world.
“I didn’t know I could use it in Paris, France, or Africa, “ Gooden said.
Evan Christian, another sixth-grade Excel student, was disappointed when he found out he has to wait until he’s 18 to open an account.
“I didn’t know my parents had to do it for me,” Christian said. “I want to spend my money buying an X-Box!”
In closing, Denton explained that, over the years, banking has become more and more electronic and she expects it to continue to evolve with the times.
