Eighth-grader Aeryn Berena, second from left, explains to school Supt. Toby Gibson, left, the advantages of having a permanent SPEAR-IT shop at the school. Kaylee Glover is at right and Emmalynn Jarvi also is shown.
Brookfield Middle School’s Career-Based Intervention class has been selling school supplies and other items out of a wheeled cart, but wanted something more permanent.
The eighth-grade class came up with the idea of creating a permanent space for the SPEAR-IT Shop near the main entrance of the high school, which also would double as a hangout space for students of all ages.
On April 19, the students pitched their plan to Supt. Toby Gibson; Director of Teaching, Learning and Accountability Kristen Foster; middle school Principal Craig Boles; and Special Education Coordinator Jeri Hamilton.
“Honestly, I’m proud of you,” Gibson told the class. “You’re hired.”
Gibson said he would work on coming up with a budget for the project.
“I think it’s something that enhances the school and provides a service for kids,” Gibson said. “I think it’s something we need to do.”
It’s unlikely the project will come to fruition before the school year ends, students said, but this year’s class could mentor next year’s to finish off the project. Foster said the high school CBI class also could be involved.
Gibson noted he had thought something should be done with the space outside the library, and this idea takes one item off his plate.
“These kids really hit it out of the park with this,” said CBI teacher Marissa Miller. “They have so many ideas.”
And, so many strengths, she said, noting there are things to do for students who are good at math and art, or just like to work.
The SPEAR-IT Shop will need furniture, supplies, charging station appliances and banners to mark the space. The banners can be made by the Brookfield Maker Space within the school, and Gibson said he would pass on supplier catalogs to help the students choose the items they will need to purchase.
The administrators complimented the students on their presentation, from the slides they created to how they presented themselves and took constructive criticism.
“To be able to come in and present that is a very big deal,” Foster said. “Congratulations on being able to do that.”
CBI students are Caleb Upshir, Kaylee Glover, Aeryn Berena, Emmalyn Jarvi, Lena Gurish, Malia Dungee, Javeion Peterson and Malachi Pinchot.
