Acmetonia Elementary Introduces Snack Cart

Hungry? Acme staff members have a different choice when they get the urge for munchies… the Snack Cart. The idea started from a program at the high school building. The elementary school implemented the program in 2022 as a way to foster life skills in a fun and engaging environment.

“The Acme Snack Cart provides an opportunity for our students to work collaboratively with their peers and adults,” commented Dr. Melissa Holler, supervisor of pupil services. “Based on [staff] responses, the students go with staff to Sam’s Club (community outing) to purchase the items, return to Acme to stock the shelves, and take/maintain inventory. The students sell the items to the staff members, working on money skills, organizational skills and social skills.”

In other words, the program brings with it many educational areas for students. It is an extension of classroom learning with a focus on math skills, telling time, communication and speech skills, social skills, and personal interactions. Students are highly involved and motivated. They interact with the staff and their peers, they engage with adults that they may not normally come in contact with, they provide the ideas for snacks, and they shop and manage the cart. “They LOVE this opportunity,” say Dr. Holler with a smile.

One additional benefit is that the program is such a positive contribution to the school climate and community. The students look forward to Wednesdays when they have the chance to work together and engage with adults. The program has brought awareness to the special education department and amazing things that our staff do on a daily basis for the best education for all students.

“We look for the program to continue to evolve and engage as many students, special education and general education, as possible,” stated Dr. Holler. “Our long-term plan will be to see this continue each year, bigger and better, and provide this amazing opportunity for our students.”