Published: November 17, 2007 12:26 am            

Learning the Business

Seventh-grade students at Effingham Junior High School are giving Bill Gates and Donald Trump a run for their money since they are learning entrepreneurship and setting up shop in their school cafeteria.

Julie Flach’s seventh-grade math classes started their own business with the Mustang Supply Store, which sells school supplies and other items to fellow students from a small room off the cafeteria.

Like most businesses, the Mustang Supply Store, open on Wednesdays during the lunch period, has management, merchandise and marketing teams, allowing students to learn first-hand exactly what’s involved in running their own business.

“They really enjoy it,” said Flach about students running the store.

When a customer arrives at the store, they are welcomed by a student greeter, who allows approximately five students in the store at one time. Once in the store, students step up to a table covered with school supplies, ranging from pens to folders and some nonschool supplies, such as sunglasses.

“The merchandise changes every week,” said seventh-grader Ally Mahon, who has worked in the store as a greeter, cashier and sales representative.

“I like being a cashier. I like to work with money and can add up really fast,” said Mahon, who hopes to start her own business in the future.

By starting their own business, the students learn the importance of customer service.

“We want a friendly, open atmosphere here,” said Flach.

During class time, students present issues and ideas concerning the store and work through the details to get organized, said Flach.

The idea of a student-ran business came from retired math teacher Sandy Cox, who had students run a concession stand.

Flach said this is the first year to have a school supplies store, and she hopes it will continue for many years to come.

Seventh-grader Karlie Ditter, who is a first-time worker at the store, said she hopes to work more shifts in the future.

“It’s fun greeting. It’s my first time working,” she said. “It’s fun to get to see my friends. I hope to work more.”

Ditter added the experience has taught her the importance of customer service.

“It’s really important to talk with people,” she said.

The money students earn through the store will go toward class activities like field trips, Flach said.

Each of Flach’s three math classes takes turns running the store each quarter. Since the school year is made up of four quarters, the classes are having a friendly competition to see which class will take over the fourth quarter.

Nicole Eversole can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 128 or nicole.eversole@effinghamdailynews.com.