For the eighth-graders at Chicago City Day School, it's time to get down to business.
The class just launched the Kuczmarski Co-Op, an on-campus store that sells school merchandise and small toys to students and parents. The students are handling all aspects of the venture, including purchasing, marketing, and accounting.
Operating the Co-Op is an annual learning and fundraising project for the school's eighth-graders. It offers a uniquely entrepreneurial experience to City Day's oldest students.
"You don't see many programs like this in elementary schools," said Sara Allison, faculty leader of the Co-Op. "The students learn skills they don't necessarily encounter in other classes."
The eighth-graders developed a list of items to sell, from City Day sweatshirts to branded pencils. They created a plan for tracking sales and inventory during the sales period, and they promoted the Co-Op around the school with posters.
The entire Co-Op planning process encouraged students to think about economic concepts like supply & demand, fair pricing, and profitability. It also taught them how to work together as a team.
The Co-Op opened for business on April 2, and it will remain open on select days into May. Proceeds raised from the project will help fund a class gift and an upcoming civics trip to the Washington D.C. area.
Early sales have been strong. Younger students have enjoyed the chance to stock up on City Day "spirit" wear and fun items like City Day teddy bears.
"It's a nice tradition here," Ms. Allison said. "The eighth-graders have worked hard and are really giving this project their all."
- Interested in learning more about unique City Day projects like the Co-Op? Attend an admissions event!
