Pupils learn important skills in Millstone snack business

By MAUREEN DAYE
Correspondent

MILLSTONE — People who have not heard about Team Yoon’s Treats should ask pupils at the Millstone Township Elementary School and the Millstone Township Middle School what it is all about — and it is a sure bet the youngsters would know the answer.

Team Yoon’s Treats is a snack business that has become something of a hot commodity.

K.C. Yoon is the special education teacher in the multiple disabilities class at the elementary school. She said the project incorporates real business vocabulary to help pupils understand how a company works on a daily basis.

“As for future plans, I think expanding to more of a shop instead of a delivery business could be possible,” Yoon said. “I really enjoy watching the students grow in independence in taking on each role and being successful. They have really taken ownership of their roles and how the business is run. It incorporates so many aspects of realworld life skills that I am not sure a change is necessary yet.”

The business was created from the ground up, involving eight students who are enrolled in the special education classes in the elementary and middle schools. Since the children started the business at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, they have received some sweet responses from their fellow students.

Laurie Hall, director of special services in the Millstone Township K-8 School District, said she “truly believes we have a model for other programs.”

Team Yoon’s Treats gives pupils a way to tackle educational programs in a more functional way. It also addresses oral and written communicational skills. In addition, business experience can improve vocational and social skills, Hall said.

Hall said the pupils are targeting life skills and integrating their knowledge of good health practices.

“All the while they learn to feel an investment and pride in something that they have grown from the ground up,” she said.

Gail Rux Kirk, a speech and language specialist in the elementary and middle schools, noticed a reaction at school to the business that she appreciates.

“The response has been phenomenal,” Kirk said. “Everyone has been so supportive, and we have received accolades for the snacks. The greatest compliment has been the warm demeanor that our kids have learned to maintain throughout this process.”

Team Yoon’s Treats launched from a cooking component in the life skills program last year and grew to become a chance to learn business. Students are founders, employees and members of the board of directors, according to Hall.

The students work in small teams to determine snack options that fit certain criteria. For example, the snacks must last for a certain amount of time, be easy to eat, and come in a size that is cost-effective. In addition, the students must consider whether the snack has the correct ingredients, is a standard size and has an accurate quantity.

These business-savvy students created the packaging. They are even responsible for writing emails announcing the snack and the information for the sale.

The pupils manage the money, often having to provide change. Once the snacks are made and packaged as a team, they organize the orders and deliver them.

“We have used scripting and created strategies to ensure the students can do this in a way that is expeditious and thorough,” Kirk said. “They are very aware of the goals of being good representatives and not being distracting to the teachers and students during deliveries.”

Hall said she is impressed by the “dedication of the staff and their belief that there are truly no boundaries for students. …”