ELA and Adopt a Classroom Supervisor Mary Keane and Martha Rickson of Polish National Credit Union. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – The focus of the Westfield Education to Business Alliance (WE2BA) meeting on Tuesday was the Adopt a Classroom initiative and a presentation by Martha Rickson, retail sales administrator at the Polish National Credit Union, about her recent class on financial literacy at Westfield High School.
English Language Arts Supervisor Mary Keane said that the Adopt a Classroom project, which brings professionals in to teach a class about their fields, began last year with three pilot programs in the schools. This year, there are eight projects planned, from the elementary to high school level.
“With Adopt a Classroom, we’re bringing in real authentic learning to our students,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Martha Rickson paired up with Westfield High School Social Studies teacher Thomas Lewis’ class on financial literacy. The students had been working on a three-week project on family budgeting, researching what job they may have when they graduate from college or enter the work force at the age of 23, and all of the expenses that go with that part of their life.
Rickson said she began the class by shaking everyone’s hand. Asking why she did it, the students said it was to have eye contact with them. Rickson said they were well prepared for a guest speaker, and on their best behavior.
In the class, they reviewed checking accounts, needs versus wants, and the importance of savings. Rickson spoke about credit cards, emphasizing that they are a contract people sign with the credit card company, and giving real-life examples of consequences when not taken seriously.
Lewis said she treated each student in his class as if they were potential customers to the bank seeking advice. She would shake their hand, use their name when addressing them, and supported the notion that developing adult relationships is different than school relationships.
“She clearly brought a sense of business professionalism and experience to a discussion on what financial life might hold in store for the students in the next 6-7 years,” Lewis said, adding, “It was fantastic having her in class. The support for the curriculum was fabulous. She brought instant credibility to the project we are working on, and, how the ability to live on a budget is crucial for long term financial success. Would definitely welcome her back into my class.”
Martha Rickson teaching class on financial literacy at WHS for Adopt a Classroom. (Photo submitted)
Rickson said the 90 minute class went by fast, but was tiring. She asked the students when was the last time they thanked their teachers for the preparation they do for the classroom.
She also asked them who pays for their phone and their cars, and how important it is to thank their parents. She suggested that they ask their parents if they can afford something before asking for it.
“It was a great experience,” Rickson said, adding that she knows some of the students went home and thanked their parents. She said the benefit of the Adopt a Classroom initiative is for professionals to get out in the community and reach out to future leaders.
The Polish National Credit Union has a bank inside of Chicopee Comprehensive, which is run by student interns. Rickson said the bank has six current employees that were interns in that program.
“We need to make sure that we’re out in the community teaching these skills,” Rickson said.
“The Adopt the Classroom initiative has had such a tremendous effect on our students. It has helped to engage students in their learning and made the material more relevant,” said Westfield High School Principal Charles Jendrysik. “After observing Mrs. Rickson’s activity with Mr. Lewis, I found myself reflecting on my own finance and spending decisions. I wish that I had this type of learning experience when I was in high school. It’s great for our students,” he added.
Keane said besides the ongoing projects in the schools, there are also nine teachers seeking business partners. Businesses they might be interested in participating in the Adopt a Classroom program or in WE3BA, may contact co-coordinators Kate Phelon at the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or Stefan Czaporowski at [email protected].
