Christmas Merchandise Really Adds Up In Math Class

The desks in Classroom 20 at Seth Woodard Elementary School seem to have disappeared, replaced by walls and shelves bursting with Christmas merchandise.

That’s teacher Trey Yale discussing the latest math test with his students. But to find all the kids you have peer through this gift shop, into what’s left of the classroom.

The Garden Market, as it’s called, has indeed swallowed up a good half of Yale’s classroom. It’s bursting with potted plants, handmade Christmas decorations and dried herbs. Glittery pine cones hang in a kind of fringe between shop and working classroom; they almost beg to be picked out by eager shoppers. Basil sprigs look happy in their pots. And the painted birdhouses - surely everyone’s grandma needs one of these.

A lot of thinking went into the Garden Market.

“We had to do a lot of math - how much our plants were going to be,” explained fifth-grader Elliott Bean. “And fractions - how to divide the plant fertilizer we got at the store.”

The class also obtained two bank loans, totaling $300.

“The kids were amazed at how many times they had to sign six different documents for Washington Trust (Bank),” Yale said.

The students also figured their average markup at 50 percent. However, those adorable glittery pine cones bring in huge, huge profits, compared to their cost, while the birdhouses will bring in so little profit the students may drop them from the store next year.

Now his students know, for instance, just what 18 percent interest means, Yale said.

“We had to keep a daily business journal about the money and the store stuff,” chimed in Jenny Gudgel, a fourth-grader who is in design and sales and - because she’s good working with people - is also head cashier.

Yale decided to do as any employer would - lean on the strengths of his students. The artistic students were called upon for their skills. And the students who were organized enough to get their classroom work done, earned the privilege of helping more in the store. Later on, Yale said, he’ll run a project in which students will concentrate especially on areas in which they are weak.

Elliot, by the way, is head of marketing. Listen to this bit of advice and you’ll understand why.

What will he do if a would-be customer looks blankly at all those darling pots of basil?

“If you get tired of Kentucky Fried Chicken, just cut off a leaf of basil and put it on a pizza,” Elliot suggested. “It doesn’t take very much.”

Yale’s class is part of the SPICE program, West Valley School District’s parent-intensive program. Without the parents’ help, Yale said, he and the students couldn’t have done all the work for the store. Because of that parental support, he also expects to sell the store bare.

The Garden Market opens Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 6 p.m. Other store days will be on Monday, from 5 to 7 p.m.; Dec. 11, 2 to 6 p.m.; Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and Dec. 17, 2 to 6 p.m.

This is no isolated event. Yale’s students are also preparing for a Valentine’s sale, a Mother’s Day sale and, of course, a spring plant sale.

They have an inventory of tiny plants started now. Students worked via internet to choose just the right African violets. Special plant trays jammed with African violets fill up any gaps in Yale’s classroom.

Profits from these sales will buy more equipment for the Seth Woodard greenhouse, particularly heaters so that its growing season will be longer.

“And 20 percent for us, for something we want to do. Maybe pizza parties or bowling,” Jenny said. Yale sees the science side of all this, too. He envisions his students running experiments to see just what makes the plants grow best.

“I want to intentionally infest them with aphids, too. Then we’ll bring in ladybugs and some pesticides, and see which works better,” Yale said.

“Bottom line, I want them to learn about plants, which will bring them lifelong enjoyment. And I think they’re learning a little business savvy, too.”

Come all ye chess players

Blake’s Chess Club, at Blake Elementary School, is holding a chess night for all chess players, young and old.

The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, in the school gymnasium.

The purpose is to provide chess players the chance to play different players of varying abilities; to allow stronger players to mentor weaker players; and to have fun.

For more information, call Tammy Campbell at 922-6770.

Pennies from North Pines

Ninth graders at North Pines Junior High School raised $430 in pennies to help World Vision in its relief work after Hurricane Mitch.

“I had the dubious honor of hauling the pennies to Spokane Teachers Credit Union to get them counted,” said Principal Dave Bouge.

“That’s a lot of pennies.”

East Farms festivities

Santa Saturday is coming this weekend at East Farms Elementary School, with craft booths for adults and children, a Santa Claus available for children with wish lists and parents with cameras.

The event also includes Santa’s Secret Shopping for children to pick out presents for their parents.

The event will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is free. Santa Saturday is sponsored by the East Farms PTSA.

CV School Board has new president

Cindy McMullen was elected chairman of the Central Valley School Board for the coming year.

The election took place at last Monday’s regular school board meeting.

McMullen has served on the board for 11 years.