Bell Bank Leads Students to Consider Finances and Model Community

Echoes of classical learning mingle with the laughter of grade school students in Hillcrest’s halls. Here, the commitment to a classical approach to learning goes beyond the confines of textbooks and traditional lectures. Students experience community engagement, where local voices like Jon Walvatne from Bell Bank played a pivotal role in educating young minds about the foundational aspects of our world this past week.

Hillcrest’s lower school students had the privilege of diving into finance with Mr. Walvatne. With a keen understanding of the importance of financial literacy from a young age, Walvatne shared the foundational structure of money, unraveling the mysteries of what money does in our community, its origins, and how it's valued. His insights gave students a clearer picture of the economic fabric that weaves our society together, emphasizing the value of money not just as a currency but as a pivotal element of community life.

Hillcrest’s commitment to bringing community members into the classroom is a testament to the belief that education extends beyond academic knowledge. It is about grounding students in the realities of the world they inhabit, helping them understand the foundational languages and structures that guide our community and build culture. Engaging with community members like Mr. Walvatne encourages students to see themselves as integral parts of their community, understand its workings, and consider their role within it.

Integrating community knowledge with classical learning is crucial in preparing students for the complex questions they will encounter as they progress through their education. The classical approach at Hillcrest is designed to equip students with the tools to navigate the logic and rhetoric phases of learning, enabling them to engage with big ideas and lead in their communities critically. Through this approach, students are not just recipients of knowledge but are trained to participate actively and lead with a comprehensive understanding of societal structures.