A teacher, hearing a knock on the door, goes to open it. She has forgotten what day it is, but is very pleasantly surprised to see the treat trolley and students waiting for her. It is Friday and her AIM is curious as to who is at the door. The teacher purchases her snacks from the students, and is happy with her Doritos and soda.

The treat trolley is a program run in MCHS’s adjusted learning program, to help the students to build social and job-related skills, as well as a fun way for students to incorporate this into their classwork. This program started in November of this school year.

“Students had to write resumes, fill out job applications, and interview for their Treat Trolley positions,” said special educator Rachel Hanson. “While ‘at work,’ the students track inventory, stock products, count money and practice a slew of soft skills necessary for finding and maintaining employment.”

The students who participate love taking part in the trolley. They have fun while also building more and more skills that will help not only in the future, but also in the present.

“My favorite part is getting to see and interact with other students, teachers, and classrooms,”   said freshman Kambrie Voltaire.

The trolley allows kids to build their math skills, as well as skills like taking inventory, all while having fun.

“My favorite part is selling items, and my favorite treat to sell is cookies,” said senior Sara Ostrander. “I also really liked doing inventory for the trolley.”

Math seems to be one of the more popular aspects of the trolley, along with selling the items.

“My favorite part was doing inventory and math for the trolley,” said junior Roland Ostrander. “I really liked selling sodas like root beer.”

Some teachers are regular customers at the Friday treat trolley, with many enjoying seeing the students grow throughout the year.

“I love the treat trolley,” said Social Science Division Chair, Sean Sterner. “The adjusted learning students do a tremendous job of serving us each week, and it’s fun to see them grow in their skills throughout the year.”

Teachers who frequent the trolley not only do so for the goodies that are sold, but for being able to see the students and see them grow.

“My favorite part is being able to interact with the adjusted learning students,” says Sterner. “It’s impossible not to be lifted up by their positive energy and it’s one of the highlights of my day each Friday.”

The trolley not only benefits the adjusted learning students, but MCHS as a whole.

“The treat trolley is a huge benefit to MCHS,” said Sterner. “We strive to be a school that values inclusion, and the treat trolley is one way to put action towards that value.”

The trolley helps students work with things like math and social skills.

“I am very excited that our students have a meaningful opportunity to practice their skills while engaging with the school community,” said Hanson. “It’s also important for staff and students from all over the building to get to know our students.”