In late November of 2022, the Barstow School in Kansas City gained a great new addition to their community: the Bar$tow Buck Store where everything costs a buck! The store, run by the elective money management class taught by Mr. Gaffney, was set up for success from the start. For those who do not know what the store is, they sell a multitude of snacks and treats. In total, the Buck Store has raised close to $1,000 at the end of the third quarter.
The store showcases the knowledge of our very own students. Some of the items in the Buck Store include chips, cookies, gummies, and pretzels. To run the store is a hard job that teaches students multiple life lessons. Mr. Gaffney explained, “At the very beginning, we were borrowing money to start, but now we have enough cash on hand that we have built up an account balance that the payments go out of.”
The idea of a dollar store is not new, but the Barstow Buck Store takes the concept to a new level. With the store only selling items for one dollar, it is the perfect place for students to stop. The store is also an excellent opportunity for students to learn valuable life skills such as managing money, marketing, and sales.
Even the students like working at the store. One of the students, Lilly Simpson (‘28) stated, “I think it’s fun, and you get a free snack after. It’s pretty nice.” Mckinley Krantz (‘28) and Emily Smith (‘27) stated that it was chaotic, but also a good experience.
The Barstow Buck Store has been a really great success so far, with over $2,300 worth of materials sold and a profit of $1,000. The store quickly became a very popular destination for students, with many stopping by to grab a quick snack during flex period. The store’s success has even led to discussions about expanding the store’s offerings to include other items, such as school supplies.
The store is run by the elective money management class, which teaches students the basics of financial literacy. Students are responsible for managing inventory, ordering new products, and balancing the store’s finances. Students also said that they have learned many life lessons from the class. “I have learned to manage money and stocks,” Emily Smith (‘27) said. This hands-on experience provides students with skills that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
In addition to providing valuable life skills to students, the Barstow Buck Store is also a great way to give back to the community. All of the profits from the store go towards funding various school activities and events. This means that every time a student buys a snack from the store, they are helping to support their school.
The success of the Barstow Buck Store is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and faculty involved. By providing a fun and educational experience for students, the store has become an important part of the Barstow community. With plans to expand the store’s offerings in the future, it is clear that the Barstow Buck Store will continue to be a valuable resource for years to come.
Filled with yummy snacks and treats, this store is definitely worth a stop at Mr. Gaffney’s classroom. So, what are you waiting for? Spend a buck for a snack to the Barstow community, and you’re giving back!
