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Students operate school’s ATB branch

The newest bank to open up in Red Deer has very limited hours. After all, it’s employees have classes to attend and recesses to enjoy.That bank is the Central Cyclone Junior ATB, located in Central Middle School.

The newest bank to open up in Red Deer has very limited hours.

After all, it’s employees have classes to attend and recesses to enjoy.

That bank is the Central Cyclone Junior ATB, located in Central Middle School.

It operates just like a regular ATB branch, except for the fact that it’s run by Grade 6 students.

The branch was opened on Friday, and every few weeks at the school there will be “branch days” where students with existing ATB accounts can deposit their hard-earned dollars right at the school.

The board of directors, also made up of middle school pupils, will organize activities all students can participate in.

ATB Financial employees run an extracurricular banking club at the school, and the new bank is an extension of that group.

Students from the group applied for positions within the bank or on the board and were interviewed and selected for positions best suited to them.

“The Grade 6s who are involved in the bank are really excited,” said vice-principal Diane Roberts, “It’s something fun for them to do and I think they like that it’s real life, giving them some skills.”

The partnership is the first of its kind in Red Deer, although programs have existed in Sylvan Lake and Lacombe.

Last year, 18 ATB branches operated similar setups in schools in their communities.

Red Deer ATB branch manager Darlene Proctor said the program has many benefits, primary among them teaching students the value of money and saving.

By going through the process of applying for positions, taking part in meetings, and making decisions on funding projects, she added that students gain employability skills.

As part of the initiative, ATB gave $500 to the board of directors for it to dole out for special projects at the school. Teachers will be able to apply to the board for grant money for their projects.