Find it Fast
Our Schools
- Pueblo School District 60
- Homepage
Return to Headlines
MINNEQUA LIL CATS RUN THEIR OWN ‘TOWNE’
In an effort to teach fourth and fifth grade students real world lessons like being productive, following the law, managing a bank account and the concept of free enterprise, Young AmeriTowne On the Road brings its simulated but very realistic mini city to communities across the nation.
With financial and moral support from InBank (formerly Legacy Bank), Young AmeriTowne is in Pueblo for the next two weeks, anchored at Pueblo Community College. There, as many as 300 scholars will have the opportunity to run, and be a part of, a nine-station enterprise that includes a Towne Hall, Medical Center, Newspaper, TV Station, Radio Station, Sign and Print Shop, Containers Shop, Bank, and Snack Shop.
Having previously taken part in an application and interview process, Lil’ Cats from Minnequa on Thursday assumed such roles as mayor, judge, police officer, EMT, reporter, broadcaster, banker, merchant and delivery driver as AmeriTowne opened for business.
The Lil’ Cats were prepared for the responsibilities that come with being working professionals through a multi-week curriculum – complemented by tools such as a workbook, debit card, and checkbook – that covered the basics of finance and economics, responsibility, government and civics, and more.
“There were 25 lessons that the students had to do,” said Minnequa fifth-grade teacher Natalie Allen, who coordinated the Lil’ Cats’ participation. “They learned how to write a check and keep a check register, but also things like ethics in business and supply and demand: everything about economics and running a town.”
“They put a lot of work into this,” added Minnequa Principal Katie Harshman. “It all comes down to what it means to be an adult: saving money, debits and credits, applying for a job. They also see what it means to give back to a community through practices and work ethic.
“And the coolest thing is that reading, writing and math are all a part of this, and kids get to see it altogether.”
The Lil’ Cats were tasked with writing their town’s laws and electing a mayor and judge in preparation for the ribbon cutting.
“These are life skills that they are going to need in the long run,” added Mrs. Allen.
With a donation station part of the enterprise, being charitable and generous to the less fortunate is yet another life lesson the youngsters receive.
“You have heard about your time, talents and treasures and how to share that with everybody,” InBank official Rebecca Diaz told the AmeriTowne residents. “Just remember: it’s important to be productive and to make money, but it’s also so important to pour back into your communities and give what you have to someone else to make them better.”
“InBank and Legacy Bank have always been committed to our communities, customers and associates,” said Andrew Trainor, Community Bank President. “We feel confident that we have found a partner that shares a similar culture and being able to sponsor such a memorable event for local children that also fosters great financial literacy is a small way we can do our part to support families and educators in Pueblo County.”