The Bethpage School District Extended School Year program recently introduced ESY EATS, a new onsite business promoting vocational skills for students in the ESY program. In ESY EATS, students shop for, prepare and sell baked goods and drinks to Bethpage staff and community members.
(Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District)
Each week, Coordinator of Vocational Experiences Ryan Catterson creates a Google Form and distributes it via multiple platforms. Then, students visit the local ShopRite to pick up groceries based on the orders placed. They bake and package the goods and every Thursday, community and staff members are welcome to pick up their treats.
“The idea for ESY EATS stemmed from a goal to provide authentic vocational experiences for our students,” Ryan said. “Not only have they learned a tremendous amount from this program, but they are having a great time along the way.”
(Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District)
For the week of July 19, the theme of ESY EATS was “Christmas in July.” At pick up on July 22, students and staff dressed in festive outfits. With the joyful tune of Christmas carols playing in the background, they doled out holiday-themed treats and drinks to their customers. Additionally, ESY students were also completing deliveries inside the school and administration buildings for Bethpage staff.
Dayna Vollmuth teaches these students throughout the year and also stressed the importance of instilling vocational skills, while keeping the activities light and engaging.
“I think my students and our class put the FUN in functional academics,” she said. “The pandemic had a major impact on our ability to perform vocational activities in the community and I believe what we are doing is the way back to developing those skills that are necessary for the students to be successful.”
(Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District)
Proceeds from ESY EATS will go toward Special Olympics, with whom the ESY program will be putting on an event this coming August.
To learn more about ESY EATS and follow along with weekly sales, visit the Twitter page at https://twitter.com/ESYEats_BUFSD.
—Submitted by the Bethpage School District
