2018 Second Quarter Newsletter
In This Issue:
Upcoming Events & Holidays
Big Idea
Empower Yourself
Going Green
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
2018 Annual Meeting Photos
Outstanding Associate
Upcoming Events & Holidays
March 12, 2018
Teacher Grant Applications open
April 2018
Financial Literacy Month
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Tax Day
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Teacher Appreciation Day
Sunday, May 14, 2018
Mother’s Day
Monday, July 2, 2018
Teacher Grant Application Deadline
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What is YOUR Big Idea
Oklahoma Educators Credit Union is helping educators throughout Oklahoma bring their “Big Idea” to life. When there is a need in the classroom, there is always an idea how to make it happen. As members of OECU, you are encouraged to submit your ideas through the Teacher Grant Program.
The grant is not limited to any school district, grade level, or subject matter. Each applicant has a different story to tell and their ideas encourage a better educational atmosphere for their students. It is not just the current students who are benefitting from these “Big Ideas”, but the parents, siblings, other staff and new students to come.
So what were the “Big Ideas” from 2017 which have brightened the minds of students around Oklahoma?
Carole Long – Central Junior High School, Moore
With a 14 year tenure in the Moore School District, Carole has seen technology change first hand as a Computer Education and Game Design teacher. She helps students embrace their love for technology and creative sides by showing them it is possible for imagination to become reality. As one of the recipients of the Teacher Grant, Carole was able to purchase a 3-Dimensional printer for her classroom. Students are able to see the technology first hand and how anything they can dream up is possible. Their creations no longer have to be stuck inside the computer.
Kelly Dawson – Santa Fe High School, Edmond
Kelly’s passion for teaching reaches far outside the traditional classroom. Her specialty is working with students who have multiple disabilities and meeting the needs of their learning style and stage of development. Kelly knows each student is different and modifying the curriculum to help meet their needs can be a challenge. She found a specialized book series which utilizes activities and learning through play to enable her students to reach various milestones. The books give background information and step-by-step instructions of how to incorporate the activities and techniques into the curriculum for students of all ages. Kelly has been able to share some of her books and the corresponding equipment with the elementary school. Teaching students who have multiple disabilities has allowed Kelly to put her grant money to full use throughout her school system and she looks forward to growing the capabilities Santa Fe High School can offer.
Carol Scott – Mustang Valley Elementary, Mustang
Carol is the Library Media Specialist at Mustang Valley Elementary School. She brings an extra sense of enthusiasm to the students on a daily basis through her purchase of the Sphero ball. Carol purchased several of these robotic balls using her Teacher Grant funds to assist students with their coding classes and give those the opportunity who cannot be part of the Robotics Club, a feel for what it is like to interact with one. The Sphero ball can be programmed by students from basic coding (such as moving in a straight line) to advanced JavaScript maneuvering. Carol’s approach of real life application allows students to not only see if their program works (or doesn’t) but try to find any errors when the ball doesn’t do what they expect. This reduces the time staring at a computer screen waiting to see if the program works or not and increases the engagement and excitement of coding for a real world application. This is just the start of Carol’s goal to bring robotics to the students of Mustang Valley Elementary.
Grant Submissions
Thanks to our members, we are again able to offer the Teacher Grant Program in 2018 to active OECU members. Although OECU would like to award every applicant a grant to make their “Big Idea” a reality when the need arises, unfortunately it is not possible. OECU asks that all applications be submitted for review no later than July 2, 2018.
Applications can be picked up at all OECU branches or online at oecu.com.
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Financial Literacy: Empower Yourself
Understanding the differences between credit, debt, savings, and investments are all means of managing your finances.
Empowering yourself with financial knowledge is important when deciding how to save and spend your money. April is Financial Literacy Month and as a member of Oklahoma Educators Credit Union, we pride ourselves in making sure you have all the resources to make these decisions. Not only can our staff help set you up with the right type of accounts or loans, we are here to help you make the most of your money.
There are several items which can greatly be affected by how well you empower yourself and manage your finances.
These include:
- personal savings
- retirement fund(s)
- list of expenses
- investments
- credit card debt
Visit OECU.com to learn more about all of our services and how we can help increase your financial literacy!
Going Green!
Going green doesn’t always refer to recycling! At OECU, Going Green means offering the best checking account possible to our members. Whether you are finishing up college or enjoying retirement, this type of checking account was designed with you in mind. There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you can earn money by going through your normal routines each month!
Click here to see details about our Go Green Rewards Checking.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Over 350 brownies were baked, bagged and delivered with “Survival Baskets” with thank you cards from OECU staff to police departments serving the areas around OECU branches.
Outstanding Associate
Angela Ashcraft, Special Assets Supervisor, has been named OECU’s Outstanding Associate for the second quarter of 2018. The Outstanding Associate award is given to a credit union employee who has gone above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis.
Angela has really found her niche helping to lead the Special Assets Team. Since joining the OECU family in July of 2016, she strives to ensure members have the best experience interacting with her as possible. She loves being able to have the one-on-one conversations. Not only is Angela motivated to get up for work every day to help members, but she also enjoys the friendly atmosphere and people she is immersed in each day at the Northwest branch.
“I am extremely excited that Angela Ashcraft received employee of the quarter,” said Kristy Vesey, OECU Special; Assets Manager. “She is a very hard worker, very dependable, a team player, and a strong leader. Since my time here, Angela has been my right-hand, go to person.”
Other than crunching numbers and working to assist members with their loans, Angela has a passion for history, shopping, and spending time with her family. Although she is surrounded by people the majority of her week, she needs some alone time to refresh her energy levels. During this time, she hits the gym to stay in shape and relax so she can give family, friends, and her career her undivided attention.
