HOW IT WORKS
The students of P.S. 176X at I.S. 144 are children with autism. As such, the school population is in need of various learning experiences to enhance their ability to make positive choices and to improve the quality of their lives. Under the supervision of teacher Jodi Greenberg, the classes developed a fundraising project called Twist and Bake Pretzel Shop. They sell New-York-style pretzels to the staff and students of I.S. 144 and successfully demonstrate mastery of foundation skills that are applicable to achieving vocational competency.

The students participate in virtually every phase of the operation of the shop: advertising the sale, setting up shop, selling directly to customers, taking orders for delivery, handling money, and cleaning up afterwards. One of the outcomes of this project is that it provides the opportunity for everyone to experience “giving back” to the community. Part of the profit is used to purchase art supplies for the Hebrew Home for the Aged in Co-op City. The class takes a trip to donate the supplies and, at a later date, returns to join the senior citizens in working on an art project as part of the recreation program at the home. In this sense, this fundraising opens minds to education and hearts to others.  

THE STUDENTS
The students at P.S. 176X are ages 11 through 14 and are housed in community intermediate school 144. At this age, social interaction, communication, and personal self-concept are an integral part of a growing child’s self-confidence. Even the most challenged students participate in the project on a rotating basis and therefore have the opportunity to learn appropriate skills at a level of which they are capable. In this way, everyone participates and benefits from improving all the academic, social, and communication skills as well as improving self-image and developing a sense of accomplishment. Although this has been designed for a middle school population of children with autism, this project is adaptable to any grade level from elementary up through high school. 

THE STAFF
Jodi Greenberg has been teaching special education for the past twenty-three years. She has two master’s degrees: one in special education and one in English literature. Ms. Greenberg also has a post master’s degree in Gerontology from the Wirthwiler School of Social Work and a year’s work towards her Doctorate in Education at Columbia University Teachers College. In addition, she has worked for twenty years as a pediatric nurse for special children at the New York Founding Hospital in New York. Children with special needs have always been the focus of her care and advocacy. 

WHAT YOU NEED
For the operation of the school store, basic supplies are needed: a cash register box, a ledger book, and paper and other materials for advertising. Also, there is the ongoing investment of product to be sold.

OVERALL VALUE
Through the hands-on nature of the Twist and Bake Pretzel Shop, students have demonstrated a positive relationship to people of different ages and backgrounds in a work situation. Through their work, students have a chance to develop pride in themselves and the opportunity to help others.