Student-Run Store Opens at Westhampton Beach High School

A new school store at Westhampton Beach High School is providing leadership opportunities for both special and general education students who are working together to manage it.

The Cove was founded after special education teacher Alison Hansson visited a similar store at Southampton High School during a unified sports event and saw how it allowed students to learn about the various aspects of running a business, including marketing, customer service and everyday logistics.

“We fell in love with their store and instantly knew we needed something similar in our school,” said Hansson, who also mentioned visiting a similar school store in Center Moriches after presenting the idea to administrators. “I felt like it would create countless learning opportunities for many students. Students can volunteer to work in the store, learn how to work a cash register, design marketing materials and monitor prices and profits.”

With the support of administrators, members of the high school’s special education program worked with fellow teachers and local businesses to get the store off the ground.

The Cove features snacks, drinks, seasonal crafts, T-shirts made using a Cricket by Functional Academics Learning Program students, personal care products and muffins and cookies donated by Justin’s Chop Shop. Coffee is made using a coffee maker donated by Hampton Coffee. Math students even assist in pricing the products.

“Together, we figured out the best way to make our school store a reality,” Hansson said, crediting Superintendent Dr. Carolyn Probst, Assistant Superintendent for Business Jackie Pirro, Director of Pupil Personnel Services Dr. MaryAnn Ambrosini, high school Principal Dr. Christopher Herr and special education teacher Joanne Williams. “We were very excited that the district gave us the green light to go ahead with the store. We met with the administration several times during the planning process.”

Probst said she immediately knew the idea of a “living classroom” would benefit students.

“We are thrilled with the introduction of a school store at the high school,” Board of Education President Suzanne Mensch said. “The feedback has been very positive, and we expect the store will grow into the future.”

Senior Laurette Schaumloffel said she was excited for the opportunity to be a part of the new store.

“Helping the store is the best part of my day,” she said. “These students always make me laugh and they put a smile on my face. It makes me so happy when I walk into their classroom, and they get so excited to see me. I always knew that I wanted to be a special education teacher, but meeting these kids has really solidified my decision.”

It seems it is already fulfilling Hansson’s expectations and dreams for it.

“I think the store is a great addition to the school because students are not only able to buy items that they need or want, they can form relationships with other students and teachers,” Schaumloffel said. “The store unifies our school.”