Williamstown Elementary hosts a financial literacy day for fifth graders

WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va . (WTAP) – School partners with Hall Financial Advisors to teach budgeting and saving skills.

Williamstown Elementary School partnered with Hall Financial Advisors to host a financial literacy day for fifth graders and their parents on Friday, Oct. 31.

The event featured interactive learning activities designed to teach students about budgeting and saving money.

Assistant Principal Tori Dixon said Hall Financial Advisors, which serves as a partner in education with the school, proposed the idea.

“Hall Financial is our partner and they just brought up the idea of having a financial literacy day and explained we’ve had many times where they’ve came in and talked to our teachers too,” Dixon said. “We just kind of wanted to grow that and share with families here at school and share with the kids and just have everybody involved.”

The concept sparked during summer meetings between school principals and Hall Financial Advisors, according to Principal Leeann Cumpston

She said the collaboration aimed to address students’ need for financial education.

Students participated in various activities, including learning the difference between needs and wants, budgeting exercises and check writing practice.

Amber Blasczyk, who serves as the connection between Hall Financial Advisors and Williamstown Elementary, said teaching budgeting skills prepares students for their futures.

“I think it really helps them understand or respect how hard their parents are working and understand that they can’t just have everything that they want right now,” Blasczyk said. “It helps them make better choices on even eating out versus cooking at home or buying expensive clothes versus buying what you really need to have.”

Cumpston said while walking around during HFA day she loved seeing the vision come to life.

“It was absolutely a success and cheers for that. Praise goes to my assistant principal and Amber Blasczyk. They have spent many hours planning, organizing, trying out the games ahead of time,” Cumpston said. “The kids helped pick out the games that we were going to do today. The credit goes to them for sure, they did a great job. It was a wonderful event today.”

Dixon said the school plans to expand the program to fourth graders in the future.

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