The heart behind in-school student bank success

July 24, 2024

As part of TS Bank’s ongoing commitment to financial wellness, student-led banking programs have created an enriching learning environment where southwest Iowa students gain practical life skills. At the core of each elementary in-school branch are dedicated school coordinators.

TS Bank’s four local student-led banks at Rue, Franklin, College View, and Treynor Elementary have continued to thrive and go beyond traditional banking. Students are introduced to financial concepts through hands-on training and empowered to make sound money decisions at an early age. 

Individuals like Jennifer Plummer with Rue Elementary and Megan McLaughlin at College View Elementary have served in these in-school banking roles for many years and are now moving on to new adventures.  

“We want to congratulate Jennifer Plummer and Megan McLaughlin on their time as in-school coordinators. Their dedication and interactive approach to financial education has gone beyond traditional classroom teaching. These firsthand experiences have not only made financial concepts more tangible for the students but also helped to instill a sense of monetary responsibility and independence at a young age,” shared TS Bank Programs Manager, Traci Dresher.

Each have played a crucial role in TS Bank’s in-school banking program, facilitating engaging activities that ensure students grasp essential concepts like saving, budgeting and responsible spending. Filling in their shoes will be Tammie Bazer at Rue Elementary and Madeline Christensen at College View Elementary, while both Dawn Bauer at Franklin Elementary and Sarah Dohman at Treynor Elementary will continue in their roles. 

 
Left Picture: Megan McLaughlin
Right Picture: Jennifer Plummer

Jennifer Plummer was involved with the Rue Elementary Junior Jacket Branch since its inception in 2013. She even had the opportunity to speak on the panel at the FDIC Youth Savings Pilot in Washington D.C. and learn from other in-school bank programs across the country and share the success of the program at Rue, bringing insights back to Council Bluffs, Iowa.

“Our partnership with TS Bank for over a decade has helped provide financial literacy lessons along with classroom teachers promoting the bank, and because of that more students are saving each week to week and year to year. When older siblings make deposits, the younger siblings want to as well when they are old enough. This year, we had our highest participation of students in banking,” said Plummer.

Megan McLaughlin shared a similar experience, having been at the College View Little Lynx Branch since it opened in 2017, “The in-school bank program at College View has been exceptionally beneficial. Over the last six years, our partnership with TS Bank has expanded to include a variety of grade-level programs offered directly in classrooms. Beyond its role in teaching students about saving, our in-school banking program has provided students with invaluable leadership opportunities.”

Starting students in their early years learning the value of saving at an early age helps them develop lifelong saving habits. Additionally, fourth and fifth grade elementary students have the opportunity to become student bankers at their school and play out these real-life skills with peers.

 
Pictured above: College View's in-school bank ribbon cutting and 2024 team

McLaughlin continued, “Under the guidance of mentors from TS Bank, students actively engage in student banker responsibilities, fostering their personal growth and development. Throughout the year, I have been delighted to witness our students' increasing confidence in their roles as tellers. It has been rewarding to hear them share their savings goals and see the sense of accomplishment they feel when those goals are achieved.”

Each in-school banking program has benefited tremendously from having TS Bank representatives at back-to-school nights, where team members explain the in-school bank opportunities to parents. This effort not only helps parents better understand the program but also excites teachers, leading to more student participation. Even saving just a couple of dollars weekly can make a significant difference. By the end of their elementary years, the culmination of their savings habits is remarkable. These consistent savers develop financial habits that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

 
Pictured above: Rue Elementary bankers pose with Jennifer Plummer

In closing Plummer added, “I first approached TS Bank about starting an in-school bank at Rue because my son was one of the first student bankers at Bloomer's in-school bank. He learned the value of saving at an early age, and I wanted that opportunity for our students at Rue. After ten years, our TS Bank Junior Jacket branch continues to grow in the number of students participating. I am so grateful for our partnership with TS Bank, Traci Dresher, and our volunteers. It takes all of us together, investing in our kids, to make a difference in their lifelong financial literacy.”

During the 2023-2024 school year, there were over 7,700 student deposits made across these schools, contributing to the financial wellness and education of over 10,000 students annually. The impact of these efforts is far-reaching and has made a lasting difference in our community for generations, one student at a time.

At TS Bank, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. Call and schedule an appointment today, one of our team members would love to help you do more with your money at TS Bank. TS Bank has eight locations in central and southwest Iowa. For more information, visit tsbank.com or call 844-487-3030. #igniteprosperity