Navy Federal Credit Union and Thoreau Middle School

[Anonymous]

Can someone explain this to me, it seems inappropriate to me to at first glance.

[Anonymous]

What are you talking about

[Anonymous]

There was an assembly at school where NFCU got to speak to the students. It’s nice they donate money but to take students school time for a marketing event seems highly questionable.

[Anonymous]

Lots of schools have corporate partners/sponsors.

I have a Thoreau kid. She never mentioned an assembly -- but that doesn't mean there wasn't one. I'm 100% certain that any assembly by NFCU would have been appropriate and at least somewhat educational. I trust the principal and counselling staff at Thoreau.

What are you so concerned about, OP? What could Navy Fed actually "market" to middle schoolers other than a discussion about finances (which is part of the 8th grade curriculum -- remember Finance Park?). What did you hear that they were "marketing" -- that just doesn't sound like something that happened.

[Anonymous]

Continuing on -- from what I've noticed in the past couple of years, NAvy Fed is a great sponsor and long time helper of the school. In fact, they received the award for best corporate sponsor this past fall. Thoreau seems to be very lucky to have them (no, I do not have an account with Navy Fed or any association with them).

[Anonymous]

Asking NFCU to teach kids about finances is like asking Safeway to teach kids about nutrition. Doesn’t make sense.

Private businesses supporting the school is great. But I’m confused about an assembly during school hours for a private business to promote themselves to kids. That doesn’t seem like an appropriate use of school time.

I’m open to an explanation though if anyone has one.

[Anonymous]

So you don't know what the assembly was about but you are against it nonetheless?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Asking NFCU to teach kids about finances is like asking Safeway to teach kids about nutrition. Doesn’t make sense.

Private businesses supporting the school is great. But I’m confused about an assembly during school hours for a private business to promote themselves to kids. That doesn’t seem like an appropriate use of school time.

I’m open to an explanation though if anyone has one.

You know how sometimes your kids listen better to outsiders than they do to/for you? The same thing happens in classrooms. To help kids make meaningful connections between curriculum and "the real world," teachers have started more deliberately involving professionals in fields that relate to what kids are studying in their students' learning experiences. Teachers are inviting community members (such as parents/guardians or business partners) to share a bit about their experiences, which can help build a sense of purpose and create buy-in for students. It's one thing for your teacher to tell you about "when is this ever gonna matter," and its another thing to hear from someone who is an expert, especially for a 12- or 13-year-old.

My guess is that perhaps this was a connection -- kickoff, maybe? -- to the econ and personal finance standards covered in 8th grade. It's not about self-promotion but rather about engaging students in learning that feels more relevant.

[Anonymous]

I don’t see a problem with this. You’re fussing over nothing.

[Anonymous]

OP I agree with you. If it makes you uncomfortable you have a right to say so. I think the NFCU is incredibly unethical and inappropriate- this post is just another example.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I agree with you. If it makes you uncomfortable you have a right to say so. I think the NFCU is incredibly unethical and inappropriate- this post is just another example.

What does this even mean? It makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

I would certainly rather have a Credit Union do this than a b ig bank like Wells Fargo or something. (longtime member of several credit unions).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Asking NFCU to teach kids about finances is like asking Safeway to teach kids about nutrition. Doesn’t make sense.

Private businesses supporting the school is great. But I’m confused about an assembly during school hours for a private business to promote themselves to kids. That doesn’t seem like an appropriate use of school time.

I’m open to an explanation though if anyone has one.

?????? NFCU is a perfect entity to teach financial education.

[Anonymous]

And btw, Safeway would do a fine presentation on nutrition. Pps just looking for drama.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I agree with you. If it makes you uncomfortable you have a right to say so. I think the NFCU is incredibly unethical and inappropriate- this post is just another example.

I think is it extremely ethical fo them to provide financial literacy education and responsibility. It is good thing.