Small business program debuts at Windsor Middle School

Windsor Middle School sixth grade students will get real life experience running a small business this year.

The sixth grade shop (industrial arts/technology), computer and art classes will be working together to start a business using the school’s newly-purchased laser engraver from york laser, middle school officials say.

Alicia Gradisar, a shop teacher at the middle school for 19 years, said she has been talking to Windsor Middle School Principal Doug Englert about the idea for a money making/learning experience for students a couple years.
“This year, it finally all worked out,” Gradisar said.
Gradisar purchased the engraver this summer with a loan from the school which will be paid back in monthly payments with proceeds from the engraving projects. She also took all the necessary training to use the engraver.
“I am excited about this new opportunity for the kids,” Gradisar said. “I have always done this kind of learning project but the laser engraver adds the professional quality to the look of the products we will produce and sell.”
She said WMS students have been enthusiastic about sample items that have been engraved, such as flashlights and iPods. She thinks this will be a very productive project and great experience for the students.
Sixth graders Colton Vickers, Max McClelland and Dylan Sparks said they enjoy using the engraver.
“It’s a really fun activity and it’s a good way to help raise money for our school,” Sparks said.
Gradisar said everyone is just getting started with the new equipment, but that the students are really enjoying doing something new and different.
“I believe the skills learned on this project such as collaboration, problem solving, team work and communication will fit very well into the districts 21st Century Skills Curriculum,” Gradisar said.
“And, I think it will give students invaluable hands on training and experience in running a business, from planning to production that will help them in anything they choose to do in their lives.”
Lisa Leuthauser’s art class will be working on the design and marketing of the products. Lela Winfrey’s computer class will be using spreadsheets to do the bookkeeping. Gradisar’s industrial arts class will be doing the actual production of the products.

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“All the classes will be involved in most of the process and will have the chance to pitch design ideas for products they think might sell to fellow students and parents and other Windsor residents,” Gradisar said.
To get the program kicked off, Bank of Colorado President Tom Prenger spoke to the sixth graders on Wednesday about all the components that go into planning and starting a new business, including information about paying back debt and making a profit.
“I hope to impart to the students the many important aspects to be considered before starting any new business,” Prenger said. “It is good for them to have something like the engraver to help them understand the concepts of assets and debts.”
Englert prepared students to listen carefully to Prenger by telling them they might some day need Prenger’s help with a loan.
“If you go in to Mr. Prenger’s bank and sit down in front of him to ask him for a loan, he will give you his full attention, and hopefully the money you need,” Englert said. “So you might want to give him your full attention today.”
Students were attentive and involved as Prenger talked to them about their financial undertaking. He prompted them to discuss issues most of them have never dealt with, such as, making monthly payments, business plans, net worth and income interest on loans.
“I tell folks I am a money renter,” Prenger said to the students. “I take a person’s money and keep it safe in my bank, and then loan it out to other people that might need money.”
He explained that is the reason the bank charges interest, so they can pay people for using their money.
“That is what Mr. Englert is going to expect you to do,” Prenger said. “He is letting you use his money for your business because he believes in you, and believes you have a quality product to sell.”
Englert said the items the students are making are already becoming very popular with the rest of the school population and staff.
“I’m sure the students and staff will be very busy and learn a lot from the project,” Englert said.

“All the classes will be involved in most of the process and will have the chance to pitch design ideas for products they think might sell to fellow students and parents and other Windsor residents,” Gradisar said.
To get the program kicked off, Bank of Colorado President Tom Prenger spoke to the sixth graders on Wednesday about all the components that go into planning and starting a new business, including information about paying back debt and making a profit.
“I hope to impart to the students the many important aspects to be considered before starting any new business,” Prenger said. “It is good for them to have something like the engraver to help them understand the concepts of assets and debts.”
Englert prepared students to listen carefully to Prenger by telling them they might some day need Prenger’s help with a loan.
“If you go in to Mr. Prenger’s bank and sit down in front of him to ask him for a loan, he will give you his full attention, and hopefully the money you need,” Englert said. “So you might want to give him your full attention today.”
Students were attentive and involved as Prenger talked to them about their financial undertaking. He prompted them to discuss issues most of them have never dealt with, such as, making monthly payments, business plans, net worth and income interest on loans.
“I tell folks I am a money renter,” Prenger said to the students. “I take a person’s money and keep it safe in my bank, and then loan it out to other people that might need money.”
He explained that is the reason the bank charges interest, so they can pay people for using their money.
“That is what Mr. Englert is going to expect you to do,” Prenger said. “He is letting you use his money for your business because he believes in you, and believes you have a quality product to sell.”
Englert said the items the students are making are already becoming very popular with the rest of the school population and staff.