10/20/2026
Real World Learning You Can BANK On!
Most of us can think back to our first jobs as teenagers. Few of us, though, can recall “working” in elementary school. Thanks to CCES’ ClassBank, however, some of our youngest Rockets may just want to add some 10-and-under work experience entries to their future resumes. While they aren’t paid in money, they earn equally valuable experiences sure to prepare them for whatever college or career path awaits them.
Class Bank is a system where students earn virtual money for making positive choices, exceeding expectations, working diligently, and contributing to the school community. They can then spend what they earn at the store. According to elementary school guidance counselor Neal Bryant, the best thing about the school store is its authenticity.
“It feels real to the students,” Bryant said. “They aren’t just completing a worksheet about money or responsibility; they’re using those skills in a setting that matters to them.”
Bryant explained that the store itself is designed to emulate a real shopping experience. Students can check their balance, browse available items and experiences--such as serving as vice principal or assisting beloved custodian Mr. Chuck for the day--and make decisions on what they can afford. They then complete their purchases with student workers, like 5th graders Beckett Hunt and Cael McFarren.
Hunt is often seen in the role of cashier and says providing positive customer service is one of his main goals.
“I like when people count on me to help take care of something important,” said Hunt, “and I also really enjoy helping out the younger students when they shop.”
McFarren’s usual role is a greeter or shopping guide. He views his work at the school store as something with longevity.
“It’s a nice experience for a job later on,” he said.
Bryant said that the lessons ClassBank teaches all students--shoppers and workers--are invaluable.
“As purchasers, students have to think about saving, spending, delayed gratification, and opportunity cost,” he explained. “The students working at the store practice communication, customer service, teamwork, responsibility, problem-solving and leadership.”
Hunt and McFarren credit the school store as a place to have fun, learn, and serve, all rolled into one!
Already thinking about career options, Hunt feels he is getting a head-start on his future.
“I want to be an engineer when I grow up, because I like math and putting things together,” he said. “Working at the school store helps me, because I can learn how to solve problems, stay organized, and work with a team.”
Bryant says the school store encompasses authentic learning at its finest.
“To me, this is what vibrant learning should look like,” he said. “Students are engaged, because the experience is fun, but underneath the fun, they are learning financial-literacy, decision-making, patience, communication, and a myriad of other skills that will benefit them whatever path they choose.”
He references the district’s Portrait of a Rocket initiative, which (with the help of a committee comprised of students, staff, parents, and community members) identified six competencies it strives to instill in all students: Accountable Self-Starter, Effective Communicator, Responsible Citizen, Productive Collaborator, Adaptable Learner, and Solution Seeker.
