William Floyd High School's "School to Work" program has introduced a new Mobile Reward Cart after two years of development. The cart, managed by students under the guidance of Mrs. Carmella Currao, visits designated classrooms every Tuesday. Teachers select students who have met expectations to choose rewards from the cart.
The initiative serves as an educational tool where students apply soft and hard skills in a simulated business environment. Responsibilities include shopping, budgeting, maintaining inventory, and managing time for classroom visits. Students must work as a team, demonstrate professionalism, solve problems, and adhere to safety rules akin to a workplace setting.
The cart also encourages social interaction as students advertise it to teachers and engage in customer service with peers selecting rewards. These interactions are valued by Mrs. Currao, who stated: “As an educator, I always encourage my students to develop relationships with their general education peers as much as I can.” She added that the Mobile Reward Cart naturally promotes this opportunity.
In its initial months, the cart has been well received across the high school. It helps participating students develop essential skills for future employment while providing peers with incentives for good behavior in class. Mrs. Currao and others involved in the program anticipate continued success and growth for the Mobile Reward Cart.