A group of administrators, teachers, and others decided we should try to open a school store where students with disabilities could receive vocational skills training within the high school. Tasks such as; pricing, folding and hanging apparel, organizing merchandise, taking inventory, greeting customers, ect. are taught to the students. Another main component is communication skills which are vital and sometimes a struggle for our students.

 

The school store became a reality in January of 2013. We opened for a few months with minimal inventory. Mrs. Cooper wrote a grant for $1500.00 to Union County Foundation, and the money was given to us to start with basic inventory. We looked for shelving units, counters, and other items to use within the school district. Fashion Bug was going out of business at this time, and they gave us racks, shelving brackets/ units, mannequins, mirrors, and hangers. We continue to add shelving units and racks in the store with more merchandise for staff, students, and the public.

 

We came into a large amount of money from the class of 2010. Without their help, apparel could not have been ordered for our store. We plan to recognize this class at their 5 year reunion, and put some acknowledgement in the store for them.

 

We currently house and sell the novels and workbooks for the classes offered at the high school and STEM school. Students can also come to get their supplies, and apparel to support spirit within the school and community. Many of our students, and staff and parents have acknowledged their appreciation for operating a school store. We continue to grow, and hope to be open for many years.