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The field trip today was only a few blocks from Mount Vernon Elementary School, but the afternoon outing to the bank was worth every step that a Newark Police Officer organized for a lively group of second graders. 
 
“I think it’s important for kids to learn about financial literacy when they’re young so that when they become adults it’ll be nothing for them,’’ said 6th Precinct Community Service Officer M. Burney.  
 
The students, escorted by Burney and their teacher, Graciela Gomes, received a solid age-level appropriate lesson from M&T Bank Manager Evelyn Littles.  With hands raised, the 7 and 8-year-old kids were eager to answer questions from Littles about credit and savings, and if they knew about a deposit and a check.  Surprisingly, they had a handle on many of the terms.

 Not even “vault” could stump one little girl, who calmly explained its purpose.
 
“To keep your money in a safe place,’’ she said.
 
And, a few of them were familiar with presidents whose faces are on currency and coins. How many of you knew that President Franklin D. Roosevelt appeared on the dime?  A Mount Vernon student does.
 
“I’m saving money, but I don’t know what I'm going to use it for,’’ said one student.
 
Littles, impressed with the young people, said it’s imperative for them to know how to handle money, and that it should not be taken for granted. 
  
“It just doesn’t grow on trees and it’s not to be wasted.’’ 

Well, she can count on this group to be responsible, especially this young lady.

 “This is so fun, I want to come here every day and every night.’’ #newarknj #publicsafety #police #community #partnership #newjersey #cops #financial #literacy #fieldtrip #BackTogetherAgain