Family Focus
The Credit Union Perspective
By: John Normandeau, President/CEO
BestSource Credit Union
SPONSORED BY
BEST SOURCE CREDIT UNION
'Race To Nowhere'
Film sparks look at stress students
face in high-pressure academics.
Amy Douville
Special to the Jewish News
M
ore than 200 people gath-
ered to watch a screen-
ing of the film Race to
Nowhere, a film that poses dif-
ficult questions about how to raise
well-adjusted children at a time
when schools seem test-obsessed,
advanced classes are the norm and
parents worry that their sons and
daughters will not go as far in life as
they have.
The screening last month was
sponsored by Hillel Day School in
Farmington Hills, Frankel Jewish
Academy and Temple Shir Shalom,
both in West Bloomfield, at The
Corners: A Campus for Caring
Communities in West Bloomfield.
"In learning of Race to Nowhere
late last summer, it seemed natural
to bring this to our community:' said
Rabbi Michael Moskowitz of Shir
Shalom. Over the years, we've seen
more and more of our kids over-
stressed."
Moskowitz led a panel discussion
after the movie. Panelists included
Rabbi Eric Grossman, head of school
at FJA; Beverly Stone, educational
consultant and former assistant
superintendant of the Rochester
School District; and Steve Freedman,
head of school at Hillel Day School.
"It was wonderful
to come together
as a community of
committed educa-
tors and parents
to view this must-
see documentary:'
Freedman said. "We
Steve
agree with the phi-
Freedman
losophy espoused
in the film of edu-
cating the whole
child. The film definitely makes
you take a step back and reconsider
many of the tools we used to learn
when we were students. I encour-
age all educators and parents to see
the film if the opportunity presents
itself."
Grossman added,
"It was inspiring to
join with Temple
Shir Shalom and
Hillel Day School
in support of our
children. We believe
strongly in the film's
Rabbi
message: The goal
Grossman
of educators is to
provide an environ-
ment conducive to
meaningful learning and achieve-
ment, free from debilitating stress and
unrealistic expectations.
"This sobering film reminded each
of us — parents, educators and reli-
gious leaders — of our shared corn-
mitment to confront and surmount
this very real challenge."
Moskowitz
summarized a
common theme
heard during the
panel discussion,
"Teachers, parents
and students alike
tell us stories of
schools teaching to
Rabbi
a test, of standards
Moskowitz
required that have
little to do with
what our kids are learning, of our
children being over-programmed
and missing out on their childhood.
This movie reminded us of that —
and implored us to look deeply at
what we do to nurture the spirit and
individuality within each one of us
as well as develop the relationships
that are so critical to learning.
"It was inspiring that we could
collaborate as a community to bring
this discussion to so many parents
and teachers — and it was encour-
aging that among us rabbis and
educators how much we agree upon
what is truly best for our children:'
Moskowitz said.
"Of course, now we have to criti-
cally think not only about why we
do what we do, but what truly is best
for our children and what will we do
to actively improve this challenging
reality." PI
Investing in an Individual Retirement Account
John N ormandeau, CEO
An IRA is a personal savings plan that provides income
tax advantages to individuals saving for their retirement.
Contributions can be made up to the allowable amounts
as determined by the government for that year. Since
IRA's were designed to assist you in providing for your
retirement, there are penalties imposed for withdrawing
these funds before retirement age with a few exceptions.
There are five different types of IRA's: Traditional, Coverdell, SEP, Simple and Roth.
It's important to review your goals to determine the best IRA fit for your situation.
Anyone can start an IRA and it doesn't require a large investment. At most financial
institutions, you can start an IRA for as little as five dollars.
IRA's are a great resource for people that don't have an employee sponsored retire-
ment plan and oftentimes smaller businesses will set-up IRAs for their employees. And
remember, if you leave your current place of employment, you can roll your employee
sponsored retirement account into an individual IRA giving you control of the funds and
avoiding any taxes or penalties.
It's not too late to setup an IRA for 2010 or contribute to an already existing IRA. The
deadline for tax purposes is April 18, 2011.
It's important to plan for your retirement. If you need assistance with this it is best to
meet with a financial advisor. A financial advisor will help you look at your investments
and help you plan for the future while also evaluating your current financial picture.
BestSource Credit Union has a financial advisor on staff that can help you map out a
plan.
At BestSource Credit Union our mission is to improve our members' financial lives.
Stop by a branch or give us a call at 800.666.4500 to see how we can help you achieve
your goals. For more information, visit www.bestsourcecu.org .
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January 20 2011
47