Blog

What a day at the Dozer Store! On September 19th, our students not only shopped up a storm but also showed some incredible skills that go far beyond just buying a new squishy toy. The store brought in a fantastic 366 Dozer Dollars—a testament to all the hard work everyone is putting in.

First, a quick rundown on how our Dozer system works. Elementary students who are on time and have good attendance receive a "Dozer Dollar" for their punctuality. They can then choose to spend these dollars at the Dozer Store, which opens every other Friday, or they can save them up for a bigger prize that usually comes at the end of each quarter. The store is stocked with popular items like pencil packs, stickers, fidget toys, notebooks, erasers, and squishy toys.

With so much on offer, it was inspiring to see how our students handled the shopping experience. Even with the store limit of five students at a time, there were no signs of frustration. Instead, those waiting their turn showed amazing patience and self-regulation. We saw them expressing enthusiasm and support for their friends, excited for them to find something they love. This cooperative spirit continued inside the store, where many students displayed remarkable kindness. They were often seen sharing new discoveries, offering suggestions, and encouraging one another, which truly fostered a collaborative and respectful environment.

Beyond the fun of shopping, our Dozer Store is a real-world classroom for financial literacy. It's been great to watch students think about their purchases. Many are already grasping the concept of saving, choosing to hold onto their Dozer Dollars to make a bigger purchase later. This kind of thoughtful decision-making is a huge step in understanding the value of money and planning for the future.

The lessons don't stop when they leave the store. We've heard many students talk about how they plan to keep their new items safe in their backpacks. This pride in their new belongings shows they're learning the importance of ownership and responsibility. They're not just buying things; they're learning to care for them.

The Dozer Store isn't just a place to spend Dozer Dollars—it's a place where our students are growing, learning, and showing some truly admirable qualities. It's a joy to watch them navigate these new experiences with such kindness and maturity.