SEV students learn business hands-on

This month, the students are hoping to have the same success in selling Christmas poinsettias.

“The students will be hands-on and learning with every step of the sale process,” said Southeast Valley High School FFA Advisor Johanna Kunert. “From product selection, signage and marketing, setting up and stocking the greenhouse, and customer service to managing the checkout ­ the students are involved and learning.”

Poinsettia pre-orders can be made through Friday by calling the school at 515-352-3144 or emailing greenhouse@svjags.org.

The students will also host a three-day sale in the greenhouse, located at 1011 Mariam St., from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2-5. Limited color and size options will be available. Payment for pre-ordered poinsettias, as well as at the greenhouse sale, can be made in cash or check only. All proceeds go to Southeast Valley student organizations.

“The students really enjoyed working the mum sale,” said Amy Jaeschke, Southeast Valley High School DECA advisor. “It gave them a great learning experience and helped shape how we want to manage the greenhouse moving forward.”

According to Kunert, the students are already planning for an upcoming spring plant sale and are currently choosing the plants and varieties that they will grow in the greenhouse.

“Opportunities like this teach the students so much,” said Noelle Buresh, Southeast Valley High School FCCLA Advisor. “They get real experiences interacting with the community while learning about plants, marketing, and building their public speaking skills.”

Southeast Valley High School’s DECA, FCCLA, and FFA members will also be hosting fun activities for the kids during Gowrie’s Main Street Christmas event from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.Dec. 7.

“They’ll be helping kids frost cookies, decorate terra cotta pots, and even plant a blue spruce seed that they can take home,” said Buresh. “It will be a lot of fun.”