CET's Budding Entrepreneurs Turn Passion into Product for New Business Pitch Projects

In the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the golden ticket represents opportunities, dreams, and the possibility of success. This week, CET second graders were given a different kind of golden ticket—the chance to develop an idea for a new business in the Village of Croton and pitch it to fellow students, CET and CHUFSD Administrators, Village Trustees, and Mayor Brian Pugh. 

The entrepreneurial-spirited project was borne from an alignment and connection between ELA and social studies curriculums. As second graders read the famous children’s book, they were also learning economics concepts such as banking, money, taxes, spending, and resources in social studies. Tapping into their passions and imaginations, students considered themes from the book about wealth and happiness as they envisioned a business of their own using fundamental economic and business acumen. “The assignment was to create a business by identifying a need and then, using societal and economic concepts like wants versus needs and supply and demand, they identified opportunities,” said CET second-grade teacher Kelly Banas. “The students also came up with ideas that reflect their personalities. They worked hard and it shows; the projects are fabulous.”

The school-to-home hybrid project included creating dioramas that replicated their visions and preparing elevator pitches and business cards for presentation day. The ideas ranged from the practical to the fantastical - the sky was the limit, and some second graders had big ideas for this small town. Imagine a space-themed roller coaster or a dog-friendly ice-skating rink right in the center of town. How about a hockey rink called the Slippery Penguin, with the clever catchphrase “Slice the ice, it’s nice!” One student’s dream of running a store specializing in teddy bears also increased its revenue stream by offering an afterschool program for children who want to play with cuddly stuffed animals. 

There were several animal-related businesses, a math-focused endeavor called “Max’s Math Market”, and Bot Budz, a dream store for robot enthusiasts. Quinn's Vegan Donut Shop will have you covered if you ever find yourself in the mood for a vegan donut. And if fresh, organic produce sounds appealing, Farmidy’s Farmers will offer farm-to-store fruits and vegetables. “I actually like vegetables better than fruit,” admitted Winifred, the store’s creator. “I love cucumbers, tomatoes, and jalapenos. My dad made a flower bed at home, and we’re going to use it to grow veggies.” CET second-graders certainly gave the village officials a lot to think about. At the end of the event, Mayor Pugh was impressed by CET second graders and summed up his thoughts on the presentation succinctly: “I think these students have wonderful ideas.”