CRESTVIEW — Seven second-grade classes from Northwood Elementary School received a behind-the-scenes look at locations vital to the Hub City.
Each class saw how the Crestview Public Library, the First National Bank of Crestview, and the city post office operate.
Ashley Hewett's second-grade class started the morning at the Crestview post office, which connected with an earlier assignment. Prior to the field trip, students were assigned to write letters to someone they know. Friday was their chance to send the letters.
Paiton Capps was eager to get the tour started. The second-grader said her mother has always sent off mail — now it was her turn.
"I can't wait to mail these off," Capps said with excitement.
Clerk David Strawser showed students the post office’s inner workings, allowing them a look at where letters go and how much work it takes to get the mail out.
"This is one of the highlights of my job," Stawser said about the tour. "It's important for the students to know how many people it takes to keep this place running."
Hewett's class walked to the library, where employees Heather Nitzel and Audrey Milcarek showed the kids how to find certain types of books. Later, the pair presented story time and encouraged students to use the library’s services.
"I'm just really glad that they come," Nitzel said. "A lot of times, this is the only opportunity that they get to come (to the library)."
Nitzel said she believes many parents don't bring their kids to local libraries and school field trips may be such students’ only exposure to the library. Milcarek said that children who develop a love for reading typically become better students.
First National Bank of Crestview was the last stop. There, students received a tour of the three-story building. Whitney Hayes, the bank's internal auditor, showed students how money circulates around the bank.
It was high time for students to have first-hand experience with all three of the services they experienced Friday, teachers said.
"We are learning about community helpers and how money and letters can travel around … We wanted our students to get a hands-on opportunity to learn more about these places," Hewett said.
VIDEO: See "Related Media" at left of this article.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwood Elementary students learn about city locations (VIDEO)