We used the funding to purchase more inventory for the staff store at Chippewa Middle School run by our special education students and their LINK peer support. This store offers our students within the self-contained special education program opportunities that focus on life and job skills that are essential for their transition to the workforce.

The staff store will serve as a life/job skills learning experience for our special education students, allowing them to practice and develop critical job skills within the familiar environment of our school. Through the operation of the store, students will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of retail and customer service, preparing them for future job internships and employment opportunities.

Some skills they will experience are:

Develop Practical Job Skills: Students will learn essential skills such as inventory management, order processing, cash handling, and customer service.

Foster Teamwork and Collaboration: Working with their peers, students will learn the importance of communication, cooperation, and teamwork in a professional setting.

Social and Communication Skills: Interacting with staff members will allow students to improve their social skills and practice effective communication.

Organizational Skills: Managing inventory, fulfilling orders accurately, and maintaining records will help students develop organizational skills and attention to detail.

Prepare for Future Employment or Job Internships at the HS: By gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment, students will be better equipped to transition to job internships and employment opportunities.

– Carolyn Capozzo