Peabody middle school honor students take control of store

PEABODY – Thanks to generous donations by members of the local commercial community, students at the Higgins Middle School will soon receive first-hand experience running their own small business.For the first time ever, members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and those involved with the Life Skills program will start up a student-run school store. Items available for purchase will include basic school supplies, such as pencils, folders, notebooks and highlighters, as well as school pride clothing and coffee for adults in the building.School principal Melissa Matarrazo said the store will serve as an additional opportunity for Life Skills students with cognitive disabilities to “work on valuable life skills and be mentored by model peers.” They currently operate a school café two days a week for adult use.Matarrazo said NJHS students will learn how to master business planning by juggling finances and using advertising campaigns.Costco Wholesale of Danvers provided the school with four $25 gift certificates for students to purchase any needed products for sale. Keurig, Inc. of Reading donated a Coffee Brewing System, valued at roughly $150.The store will be located in the hub of the school, also known as the mall area, outside the cafeteria. A kiosk donated years ago by the Northshore Mall will finally be put to good use, said Matarrazo.”It’s cute,” she said. “It has a little roof on it and some counter space.”A grand opening will be scheduled when the store is up and running. Matarrazo said the store will only be open for specific hours each day.