Laconia special education students learn how to run a small business

Laconia special education students learn how to run a small business


http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20101121/FON0101/11210360/Laconia-special-education-students-learn-how-to-run-a-small-business

ROSENDALE — There's something warm and fuzzy happening at Laconia High School in Rosendale.


Students in Margaret Whooley's special education class are whipping up fleece blankets, scarves, hats and more in an entrepreneurial endeavor gaining momentum as the holidays approach.

The group — known as Laconia Sewers (Special Education with Exceptional Students) — is taking orders for items its members create in class. Each teen has his or her own unique set of skills and uses them to the fullest, Whooley said.

"They've learned how to use a serger sewing machine, sell items at football games, cut and measure fabric, make bank deposits — all the things that go into running a small business," she said.

Proceeds go to pay for educational field trips that give students the opportunity to gain life skills.

Fundraisers

In turn, the Laconia Sewers give back to their school and community by hosting fundraisers. A recent blanket raffle brought in money for some local families in need. A successful penny war raised $700 for Summit on the Summit, an event that promotes access to clean drinking water worldwide.

Since launching their business, students have gained a real sense of belonging, of being part of the school, Whooley said.

"I like what I do, I've learned to sew. And I like the money we make," said 10th-grader Callie Rademacher.

It was four years ago that Rosendale Primary School head custodian Pauline Hoyt suggested Whooley's students might enjoy sewing a product to sell. She taught the special education teacher how to make fleece blankets, and it grew from there.

Sewing, Hoyt points out, is becoming a lost art. Hoyt is an avid quilter and works part-time at Joann Fabrics.

"I was born and raised in England, and I watched my mother take apart old coats to make us school clothes. It's a lifelong skill, and it's good for morale. Students get the satisfaction of constructing something," she said.

The apparel, pillows and netbook covers are done in Laconia green fabric and can include embroidered names. Blankets measure 52 by 56 inches and sell for $28. Most prices for merchandise run between $5
"The grade school students especially love wearing the scarves, and my students love seeing all the blankets in use at the football games," Whooley said.

Donations

The sewing machine was donated by Nancy's Notions in Green Bay. Fox Valley Distributing donates embroidery of the school logo on pillows.

Deirdre Bresser, also in 10th grade, is an aficionado of pillow-making.

"I like filling them with stuffing. What we do in class is fun to learn," she said.

The rural school district with a little more than 1,000 students is in the center of a close-knit community.

Laconia Principal Wayne Weber said the cognitively disabled students were schooled outside the district until 2005, at which time a decision was made to set up the district's own program at the high school.

"It's been a wonderful experience to have our own students and their families here. This project provides an opportunity for them and benefits the community," he said.

During a school year, students make about 75 items to sell. New this year is a Christmas fundraiser offering a variety of recipes in jars: dips, hot chocolate, cookies, breads, soup mixes and pancakes.

"The program has been a positive for our students, who receive positive feedback from the student body and community in general," said Superintendent Gary Hansen. What an important lesson the students learn as they use their skills to generate money for worthwhile community activities!"