These little piggies went to… school!
Last Friday, 55 Rappahannock public school kindergartners received piggy banks stuffed with $100 in play money. But the money isn’t just for play. Each kindergartner now has a personal MyFuture savings account with a hundred real dollars. FamilyFutures is the custodian of the accounts, and deposits will be paid out only to support students’ plans after graduation. The project is the first of its type in Virginia.
In the meantime, these kindergartners can earn an additional $100 this semester by participating in activities that advance their financial knowledge. The earning options are mostly school based, but parents can get in on the act also by reading a money-themed book with their students or taking them shopping or to their own bank. Documenting these activities with a photo or a child’s drawing will earn an additional deposit.
“Starting with kindergarten, students will participate in MyFuture activities all the way through high school, earning money in their MyFuture savings accounts along the way. Upon graduation, students will use the financial skills that they learned to help them navigate in the ‘real world’ as young adults. Students will use their savings to pursue whatever their chosen path in life may be,” says Jenny Kapsa, the financial education coordinator embedded in the schools.
Kapsa planned the event as a birthday party, with dollar signs on cupcakes at lunch, in addition to the piggy banks.
“Our goal is making our students “life ready” once they leave the safety of high school,” she says. “The savings accounts are one part of MyFuture programming to help prepare RCPS students to make smart financial choices and give them the knowledge and know-how to discuss and advocate for themselves when dealing with financial situations.”
The kindergartners already have a lot of ideas on how to use the money. Some said they would buy toys (Hot Wheels, a “big” Barbie), but several said they would buy a house, a car or groceries.
Each school year until graduation, FamilyFutures will add up to another $100, for a total of $1400 (plus interest). Earning opportunities will be tailored to students’ age and align with school requirements for college and career exploration. Teachers and staff are working with Kapsa to identify earning opportunities that help students grow both financial knowledge and skills essential for life-long success: skills such as making choices, balancing wants and needs, and planning.
“Planning — thinking about the future — and being prepared is the real purpose of the accounts and the earning options over time,” says FamilyFutures board member Thomas Massie, who helped distribute the banks.
Others sharing in the fun were Family Futures board members Alexia Morrison, and Rosa Crocker. Participating from Oak View National Bank were Jason Brady, Vice President for Rappahannock and Marshall; and Jennifer Knighting, Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing. Oak View is hosting the accounts.
Planning and saving are for parents and others as well. Residents can learn how even small savings—think $5 a week—can quickly add up for a child’s education or other personal goals. For more information on savings and financial coaching, contact FamilyFutures: info@family-futures. org, or jkapsa@rappahannockschools. us. FamilyFutures is a 501c3 nonprofit, which receives no public funds.
— By Anne Yeoman
Scholastic runner-up
Panthers Scholastic Bowl took Bull Run District Runner-up last Saturday in Luray. The team defeated Strasburg (300-45), Page (235-185), and East Rock (250-160). They lost to Clarke who went on to win the district championship.
The 1st team all-district selections will be announced next week and are based on individual player points per game average as submitted by the coaches. The team automatically advances to regionals in Danville this Saturday, Feb. 1st.
Tri-County Honor Band
The Tri-County Honor Band performed last Saturday at Fauquier High School in front of a large audience. This special performance featured selected students from Fauquier, Culpeper, and Rappahannock counties.
Congratulations to all the RCPS students who were selected to participate.
Girls Go CyberStart
Registration lasts only through tomorrow, Jan. 31, for the 2020 Girls Go CyberStart program, which aims to support and inspire high school girls in Rappahannock and across Virginia to explore careers in cybersecurity and computer science.
“Virginia is national leader in the cybersecurity industry and VITA is excited to be a part of the 2020 Girls Go CyberStart program and continue the momentum from last year’s contest,” said Nelson Moe, speaking for the commonwealth and Virginia Information Technologies Agency.
More than 800 young women from 88 Virginia high schools participated in the 2019 program and $10,600 in cash prizes and scholarships were awarded to Virginia schools and students. Additionally, 12 students each received a $500 scholarship.
Students complete immersion training in an online game environment in key areas of cybersecurity. They pass challenging certification exams as they gain the knowledge, tools and techniques needed to launch a career in cybersecurity as they explore relevant and exciting topics such as cryptography and digital forensics.
At the end of each course, they will earn certifications that identify their skill sets and cyber workforceready students will be introduced to select employers for internships and employment opportunities.
The program is completely free and open to girls in grades nine through 12. Students can participate at both home and school, or wherever an internet connection is available. Participating students (and their teachers) do not need knowledge or experience in IT or cybersecurity to participate.
Online gaming will commence on Feb. 10, so register now. Details are found at www.girlsgocyberstart.org
Deans’ Lists
Eastern Mennonite University recognized the following Rappahannock County students named to the Fall 2019 Dean's List, achieving a semester GPA of at least 3.75 for 12 hours of standard grades:
➜ Lottie Anderson, of Amissville
➜ Caitlin Campbell, of Chester Gap
➜ Kayla Campbell, of Chester Gap
The College of William & Mary, in addition, named the following local residents to the Dean's List for its fall 2019 semester, each taking at least 12 credit hours and earning a 3.6 Quality Point Average during the semester:
➜ Emma Ackerman, of Amissville
➜ Virginia Wyatt, of Washington
➜ Julia Wood, of Woodville