A student-operated thrift store called the Ram Stand has opened at Spring-Ford Area High School, giving special education students a hands-on work environment inside the building.
Tina Giambattista, assistant superintendent of special education and student services, introduced the store during the Monday, September 28, school board meeting. She said the Ram Stand was developed through the district's STEP Program in partnership with Worthwhile Thrift and is intended to provide students with an authentic work-based learning experience.
Special education students are involved in every aspect of operating the store, Giambattista said. They collect donations, wash and prepare clothing, sort and organize merchandise, price and tag items, prepare the store for customers, operate the checkout, and maintain inventory. Students also greet customers and help them locate items.
Giambattista said the experience is designed to help students develop vocational, social communication, and independent living skills while building confidence, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of workplace expectations.
A Ram Country TV video shown during the meeting provided additional details about the project. Staff featured in the video said the Ram Stand had been about a year in the making. The store accepts donations from community members, teachers, and parents, with students sorting the items and determining what will remain at the Ram Stand, be sent to Worthwhile Thrift, or be recycled.
All merchandise at the Ram Stand is priced between $2 and $10, according to the video.
Students featured in the video described learning skills including handling money, greeting customers, and working independently. Staff said students also practice customer service, math, reading, and following directions through their work at the store. Students can shop at the Ram Stand during study hall or with a pass from a teacher.
Following the video, Giambattista said the district continues to accept donations and that community members interested in contributing can contact her to arrange for items to get to the appropriate location.
When asked about the proceeds, Giambattista said they benefit both Worthwhile Thrift and the Ram Stand. Most of the money going back to the store is used to replenish supplies such as tags and hangers and to support other needs. She also credited staff members Gina High, Jaclyn Pearson, and Aimee Oblak for putting the initiative together.
Board member Rachael Yudt said she had previously worked with Worthwhile Thrift and praised the organization for supporting people who have experienced human trafficking.
Giambattista said the district has developed a strong relationship with Worthwhile Thrift and places students in work opportunities there, which helped lead to the collaboration behind the Ram Stand.
Superintendent Jay Burkhart noted district officials attended the recent ribbon-cutting for the store.
"It's a phenomenal store," Burkhart said. "The kids are doing a great job."
He added that the store has some "really, really nice stuff."
"If you get a chance, it's definitely worth the shop," Burkhart said.
