Preparing for the workplace is an important component of education. This spring, students from kindergarten through twelfth grade have impressed me, over and over again, with their passion for business.

Last month, I was honored to cut the ribbon for the Valley View Elementary School TREP$ Marketplace. At this event, over 70 fourth and fifth grade students launched their own business in a flea-market style showcase. Students were expected to market and sell their products to community customers. Some of the products for sale were customizable pens, crafty candles, art cards, hometown moments coasters, and other individually student-created items. It was a great fun evening for all as these future business leaders took their first steps into entrepreneurship.

“By introducing business concepts in elementary school, students become empowered to begin to understand real world challenges and build confidence in making decisions from a young age,” said Patricia Kennedy, principal of Valley View Elementary School.

Adriana Berwanger, Grade 5, also commented, "I really liked learning about how to make a good product and how to make a profit in our meetings. Then, I enjoyed selling my candles!"

TREP$, short for enTREPreneur$, is an innovative, project-based learning club created to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for business development and ownership. TREP$ focuses on teaching financial literacy, marketing, advertising, teamwork, and smart decision-making. All five elementary schools in the Montville Township Public Schools District run the TREP$ program.

Savir Mehta, Grade 5, a student in the program, said with a smile, "TREP$ was really fun. We had to work together and solve problems and we really liked it. Plus, we sold out at the Marketplace because we were selling Mother's Day items."

According to Deepika Ganeshbabu, TREP$ Workshop Facilitator, "TREP$ doesn't just teach kids how to start a business - it gives them the confidence to lead, the creativity to innovate, and the real-world skills they’ll carry for life."

At Montville Township High School, approximately 30 students are enrolled in the International Business Practice Firm (IBPF) class which offers students meaningful skills-based career experiences through a hands-on, task-based curriculum. In this class, students test-drive potential careers and develop skills and competencies that post-secondary institutions and employers are seeking by managing the day-to-day operations of a “company” they created.

Shruthi Swaminathan, Grade 12, reflected on the class, "Being in IBPF is an opportunity to simultaneously develop both technical and soft business skills. You're thrown into an unfamiliar setting and navigate realistic business challenges, deadlines, and tasks, collaborating with your peers to problem solve. The class has allowed me to grow into a more efficient and effective leader, teaching me valuable skills I'll carry as I further my business career."

Chris Connolly, IBPF teacher, said, “Business is embedded in every job so it is critical that high school students have an understanding of the basic concepts. IBPF brings it all together by allowing students to create and run a virtual business that is connected to other businesses throughout the country. I cannot think of a more valuable experience for students who are interested in pursuing any type of business degree or employment opportunity in the future.”

Dr. Sandra Schwartz, Supervisor of Math, Science, and Business, shared her view on the importance of a business education, “Business education opens students' eyes to the world around them. It’s where math meets creativity, and where classroom learning connects to life beyond school. Every student deserves the opportunity to discover how business thinking can shape their future.”

Combining these two extreme ages of the school system, Junior Achievement (JA) Day is dedicated to teaching elementary students foundational skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship through fun, hands-on activities that bring classroom lessons to life. The curriculum is designed to make complex real-world concepts understandable and relevant for young learners, helping them see how education connects to their everyday lives and future goals.

So pleased with the day, Jill Cisneros, principal of Hilldale Elementary School, shared, "Junior Achievement Day is a special day. I love that so many of our former students want to come back and teach. It was so interesting to see students learning about needs vs. wants in Kindergarten to a simulated community experience in Grades 4 and 5."

One of the unique aspects of JA Day is the involvement of 54 Hilldale Elementary School alumni who left Montville Township High School as students to become teachers at their alma mater for the day. Assistant Principal Dave Gelber, and teachers Christopher Conroy and Noraellen Naturale, prepared the high school students on how to implement the JA Day curriculum. These Heroes, as they are referred to, led interactive lessons that included games, simulations, and hands-on activities focused on money management, career exploration, and entrepreneurship.

“Being a volunteer in the High School Heroes Program has been so rewarding, not only in developing my leadership skills, but also in experiencing the happiness that the kids get from learning about business topics,” Kevin Reiss, Grade 12, shared.

“Going back to my old elementary school to teach younger kids about business was such a fun and rewarding experience. We came up with games and vocabulary activities to help them understand basic business concepts in a fun way. It felt great to see them engaged and excited to learn, and the whole experience helped me grow too,” said Mia Mangilli, Grade 11.

Grade 4 student, Vihan Gutgutia, said "I learned that my business can be anything I want it to be. I just have to put my mind to it. I also learned the difference between profits and losses and how to develop good ideas."

Grade 2 student, Elliott Johnson, added, “We learned about a community and what you need to do in a community. We also learned about how money travels. I loved acting this out in class.”

Grade 4 teacher, Stacey Hogan, commented, "Our Hilldale students learned that success in business and entrepreneurship means taking chances, choosing the road less traveled, and boldly embracing their creativity to bring their ideas to life. It was incredible to see the level of preparedness, passion, and impact the high school students had on their younger counterparts!"

When I listen to the news, which is dominated by swings in the marketplace and concern for the economy, I take a deep breath and relax knowing that I am in good hands with these kindergarten through grade 12 students who are the business leaders of tomorrow.

The "Superintendent's Column"
by Dr. Thomas A. Gorman also appears in "The Citizen" newspaper and on-line at "MontvilleTAP"