Florence, SC. Providing the best possible learning environment to students is critical for educators, especially, for Roy Ann Jolley, Principal at Delmae Elementary School. Now, through a formal school-business partnership with First Reliance Bank, additional educational opportunities will be provided to these students. For over three years, First Reliance Bank has been providing support to Delmae Elementary by participating in special activities, reading to children and funding teacher appreciation requests.

"Making a difference in the community we serve is important to our bank," said President and CEO, Rick Saunders. "Our philosophy is simple, we feel it is important to do good, while doing well. Partnerships, like this one at Delmae are an important way to interact and go way beyond donations. Mary Neale Fowler and Amanda Todd are responsible for coordinating volunteer activities at the school. I am pleased with the overall response generated by our associates." Principal Jolley noted, "It is very exciting to be a part of a school-business partnership. This is a wonderful opportunity to build community relationships."

Through this partnership, associates at First Reliance Bank read to children on a regular basis through its "Rocking Chair Readers" program. Currently, Delmae Elementary has 773 children in K4 through fourth grade. The children at all grade levels enjoy having visitors from the community visit their classrooms.

A 'student-banking program' was recently developed to teach children the importance of savings. Representatives from First Reliance Bank educate the children and assist them with opening a student account (parental permission is required). Children receive a piggy bank to begin their personal savings. Ms. Jolley adds, "The concept of money is one of the most difficult concepts to teach students unless they can learn through real life experiences. The 'student-banking program' allow the children to have a hands-on experience with money. Real life experiences help students with math standards at each grade level." The bank will also provide 150 checkbooks to all students in the fourth grade. These children will learn how to write checks and how to maintain their balance.

Ms. Jolley adds, "I feel very fortunate to have the ongoing support and commitment of First Reliance Bank. Providing different types of venues for the students to learn from is important."