“Don’t spend it all in one place.” “A penny saved is a penny earned.” These are phrases we have all learned to try and be smart about our money. Fourth- and fifth-graders in the Quest program at Samantha Smith Elementary learned these tips and more during their financial literacy class on April 18. DECA students from Eastlake High School originally started the class. Students and parents expressed interest in continuing their financial literacy learning. With the help of Jump Start Washington Coalition, the lessons have continued.

Sammamish Mayor Christie Malchow was on hand as a guest reader for the most recent class. She read Ella Earns Her Own Money by Lisa Bullard. The reading led to further class discussion about saving and budgeting money. Mrs. Malchow took questions from students about local government, local land development and plans, and students learned about being an active community member.  She ended the session with pictures and students were excited to get her autograph.