Students from the Alpine Transition and Education Center (ATEC) East showcased their business and social skills at the National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) conference held at the Salt Palace Convention Center last month.
The students represented the “Packaged with Care” program, a job learning site where they create and sell handcrafted items. Products available at the conference included scented candles, lip balm, lotion soap, and various pieces of jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
“It was fun to sell stuff,” said Hailey, one of the students who participated. “Especially because I sold one of the bracelets that I made.”
The initiative aims to build crafting and basic business skills. While 16 students staffed the booth during the three-day event, five additional students contributed by helping produce the items sold.
Packaged with Care is an ongoing program at ATEC. It began after the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many off-campus job sites shutting down. One teacher looked for alternatives, and settled on an on-site job opportunity. Thus, Packaged with Care was born.
Now after five years, students are getting experience far beyond the school walls.
“The CEC conference allowed our students to show their skills to special educators from all over the country,” said John Hughes, principal at ATEC. “There were so many people who lined up to interact with our students and buy their products! I think that the best part of it was the desire of these educators to take back what they learned from our students and apply it to their own programs.”
The experience allowed students to practice practical academic and life skills, including math, customer service, communication, writing, counting money, and making change.
“I think I got better at problem-solving and money skills,” added Hailey.
Students also got to practice interpersonal skills during the event.
“I like that we were able to help people buy stuff,” said Judith. “I was able to fill out receipts, help customers with their purchases, and talk with people.”
Teachers even notice students growing during the conference.
“When they arrived, the students were visibly nervous and unsure of themselves, but once they interacted with customers and handled their transactions, they blossomed,” said Rachel Ferguson, a teacher at ATEC.
Ferguson also noted the cooperation that the students displayed.
“It was an incredible experience to see our entire school of exceptional students rally together to work and create all of the products for our student boutique, Packaged with Care,” she said. “I was able to witness the contributions made by all students with vastly different ability levels, and for them to feel proud of themselves and what they created. Relationships were made and strengthened throughout the entire student body.”
“What an incredible experience to have students see the result and appreciation from their labors and creations for Packaged With Care,” said Ferguson.