County and local officials read to students at Vanleer Elementary as part of the “Money Week” program. 
Dickson County Mayor Bob Rial reads to students at Vanleer Elementary School. 
County and local officials read to students at Vanleer Elementary as part of the “Money Week” program.
It’s never too early to begin learning about money. First- and second-grade students at Vanleer Elementary are getting a head start by learning about money through a new program offered by University of Tennessee Extension, called “Money Week.”
“Money Week” is the newest financial education program designed for first- and second-grade students and their caregivers. It consists of five money-themed lessons for first and second graders, five parent newsletters, in-school marketing materials and selected read-aloud activities. Developed with active involvement from public school administrators and educators, “Money Week” represents a partnership between UT Extension, the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission and local schools. Program materials are available in both English and Spanish.
This year, the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission helped fund implementation of “Money Week” in 20 counties across Tennessee, allowing every student completing the program to receive a free take-home book about money and allowing all teachers implementing the curriculum to be provided with all necessary teaching supplies, books and other program materials.
Family and consumer sciences Extension agent Allyson Harmon with UT Extension Dickson County expressed her excitement over this program and the impact it can have in teaching young students good money habits. A pre-pilot and pilot of the program, conducted in 2021 and 2022, demonstrated success as program participants increased their financial management skills and their literacy skills. Teachers from the pre-pilot also reported that “Money Week” is easy to implement, cross-walked with state standards and effective in engaging both students and caregivers.
During the program, Andrea Beaubien, Dickson County Sheriff Tim Eads, Vanleer Mayor Heath Ellis, Commissioner Dwight McIllwain, Andrea Rawls, County Mayor Bob Rial, Christie Southerland, Steve Sorrells and Director of Schools Dr. Danny Weeks visited the classrooms and read to the students.
