Worton Elementary School summer program (13 students going into third grade) came to Chesapeake Bank and Trust for a tour and to learn about the role of the bank on our community.
Senior Branch Manager Mary Clark and Meagan Symes began the tour by introducing themselves and their job descriptions.
They toured the Board Room and listened to the history of the bank including the fact that it was built not too long after Lincoln’s presidency. The groups, split into two, were given the tour, along with talks about the bank’s function. Acting as tour guides, and mentors were:
Rob Thompson (Vice President) spoke about lending and why people borrow money.
Kim Alvarez (CSR) and Holly Johnson (CSR) told them how to open accounts for new customers and withdraw/deposit money.
Rick Coffman (Board Member) explained how the bank earns money in interest from lending, and the role of board members.
Pat Stanley (CFO) described how her position required a lot of math and accounting skills.
Morgan Baker (Operations Manager) explained how her job is like being a detective, problem-solving when accounting issues need to be resolved.
Of course everyone wanted to the see the vault!
When explaining the protocol for opening the safe, one student questioned, “there’s a code so the bandits don’t get in, right?”
They were also shown safety deposit boxes and how they hold important belongings and documentation for our customers, and were excited about the original vault downstairs filled with antique ledgers.
Each of the students were given activity books from the FDIC that had examples of banking terminology/education in the form of word hunts and puzzles. President Wilson introduced himself and explained his position —like a school principal!— and the importance of saving money. The even filled out a template of a withdrawal slip and they copied their name, signature, the date, $1 and went out to the CSR’s with their CBT gift wallet.
After they handed them their slip they received a Susan B. Anthony gold dollar. Exciting stuff for 3rd graders!
It was heard later that they treasured their coins and some kept them in their pocket every day that week. A beautiful hand-printed thank-you note now adorns the CBT lobby.
Thanks to Meagan Symes at CBT for the narrative and photos!
Beverly Nickerson says
I think this is an important part of a child’s education. This should be taught in schools county-wide. Learning about budgeting and balancing your checkbook is a skill all students should be learning.