There is a tremendous sense of pride and reward in having someone else want to buy your handcrafted materials. Millersburg Middle School students are not only getting the chance to create business plans as part of a school assignment, but are taking to the streets to offer you the chance to own a little piece of their dream.
“The marketing and the selling of their items is all them, the process of creating their business plans is for a grade,” shared MEMS teacher Margie Dobler. “This isn’t just for school, they are selling these products in public to raise money for a class trip to Washington D.C.”
Dobler’s students began work on the Business Experience project in August, where the students drafted ideas as well as how they wanted their projects to both look and function. From there, Dobler just became a liaison as the students were in charge of materials, creation and now are in the process of marketing the sale of their items.
In the interim, their goods will be available at MEMS home basketball games on Thursday, Nov. 30, as well as Dec. 4 and Dec. 12. Games start at 5 p.m. on the 30th and 12th, and 4:30 on the 4th. But purchase opportunities are not limited to just basketball home games, as Dobler is hoping her students start branching out from the confines of the school walls.
“The kids are really putting a lot of effort into their projects and have a lot of pride in what they are doing,” Dobler said. “Right now we are looking at where else can we market at. We are entertaining the ideas of the outdoor market in Syracuse in the spring. Maybe a couple markets elsewhere. I also think the kids may find a place or two they want to set up at.”
Among the items for sale include a host of edible treats featuring specialty drinks, homemade crafts and designs, custom lettered tumblers, hand painted potted plants, several varieties of woodworking creations, blankets, tables and so on. Dobler noted any edible food item is made following guidelines from the board of health.
For more information, you can reach out to Dobler at MEMS at (574) 642-3074 or email at mdobler@fairfield.k12.in.us.