Pulaski students make special shopping trip

ASHWAUBENON - A group of Pulaski middle school students took a special shopping trip Friday morning.

They invaded the Shopko store in Ashwaubenon, searching for classroom supplies, presents, and more.  

It started with a list.

"Towels, cart trays, spoons," said Sarah Morgan, Pulaski Community Middle School special education teacher.

And a budget.

"We have $114 today," said Morgan.

Ten special needs students from Pulaski Community Middle School were on a mission to replenish supplies for the Red Raider Restaurant.

"We run a restaurant out of our classroom, so we're finding things that will help our restaurant, but also fun stuff that we can use during our free time," said Morgan.

"That's a snow cone maker Trevor," remarked a teacher.

"That's cool," said Trevor Warren, 7th grade student.

"We're trying to get the right prices, and if it's a little too high, then we're ok," said Sarrah Holl, 7th grade student.

"This would be about $35. What do you think?" asked one adult.

The cart filled quickly.

But it wasn't all business.

"Some of the students have one or two secret things they want to be grabbing today," said Morgan.

"Merry Christmas, have a nice day," was the message from a student's electronic translator.

The shopping trip doubled a social exercise.

"Stay with the group, listen to teachers, make good choices," said Warren.

"A huge part of our classroom is a functional approach to life skills and to be independent. So starting those skills in middle school is just going to help them as they get older," said Morgan.

"This is $138," said Alan Ai, 6th grade student.

Gifts in hand, and a little over budget, the students headed out.

"Got all our stuff? Here we go," said Morgan.

But there was more to the mission.

"Ringing the bells," said Ai.

Students manned the red kettles at the Bay Park Square mall.

"Thank you," said a group of student bell ringers.

"Getting into the holiday spirit and giving back to the community, because people are kind to us, so we need to be nice back," said Morgan.

Paying it forward on a special day filled with many lessons.

This is the 14th annual "day of shopping."

Teachers say it is one of their favorite outings of the year. It would appear, the students agree.