Kewaskum High School senior Morgan Dombrowski serves high school instructional aide Gina Stephan at the West Bend Savings Bank branch inside the school.

KEWASKUM - High school senior Morgan Dombrowski is getting real-world banking experience. At school.

This isn’t a class simulation; she actually works at West Bend Savings Bank.

The bank opened a branch at school this year. Three days per week, Dombrowski works at the branch during lunch and will earn one credit for working the entire year. She works about 11 more hours at the West Bend Pick ‘n Save North branch through the youth apprentice program.

"I like interacting with the people and handling money," she said.

Serving teachers as customers was an adjustment.

"It’s a little weird because normally they’re teaching you things," she said.

At the bank, Dombrowski is learning by doing.

"I just learn better with hands-on things," she said.

The branch can do anything a normal West Bend Savings Bank branch does, except handle bulk coins because it doesn’t have the large machine.

The bank gets about 20 customers per day. Fridays are the busiest as people cash their paychecks for the weekend.

"Kids in after-school activities can do banking," said Kristy Vogt, Kewaskum branch manager.

Teachers even come to the high school from other schools. It saves a trip to the bank after school, Vogt said.

"Wonderful. Very convenient," said Gina Stephan, high school instructional aide.

Business education teacher Tim Rohlinger approached the bank about the idea of a branch in the school.

"We require our personal finance class for graduation so what better way to get some real-life experience," he said. "West Bend Savings Bank has been great to the students and school district. It is an excellent working relationship that continually enhances the learning experiences of our students."

This is West Bend Savings Bank’s first venture into schools. The bank has had a branch in Kewaskum for 36 years.

Vogt said the partnership has so far been successful and beneficial for students.

"We want them to enter the real world knowing how banking works," she said.