Massapequa schools simulates working world with their school to work program

On January 12, students of Massapequa experienced the world of business via Commerce Plaza, a simulated village that is a student version of the working world. For one full day, students acted as retail operators, service providers and consumers.

The village is complete with a student mayor, newspaper, real estate office, bank, copy center, professional office, wellness and communication center, utility, food court and warehouse. This unique work environment creates a hands-on learning experience.

After learning the principles of business in class, fifth graders from Unqua filled out job applications, then took a field trip to the simulated mini-mall for a hands-on introduction to free enterprise. Students from Ames were trained as "supervisors" and worked with their Unqua business associates in a cohesive and collaborate partnership. The students learned about elections and government, and acted as crews from a power and light company by reading meters and installing telephone lines throughout the village. They learned the importance of deadlines when preparing a newspaper and phonebook for print.

Under the guidance of an Ames student supervisor, the Unqua students learn the importance of good work ethics. Students experience the interactive nature of business and see the consequences of their actions as each decision affects profitability. At the end of the day the students realized a profit or loss and came away with an insightful look into what their parents do every day.

The pictures show Ames and Unqua students participating in the School to Work program