Mr. Catania's Class Blog

Thursday, May 26, 2011

It's Been A While...

With all of the craziness of the end of the year, I have been so busy with no time to update my posts. My apologies....Here's what we've been up to

Mini Mall 2011

Mother's Day Gift

Working on our Mother's Day gift

One more coat of paint is all it needs, buddy!

Look at that concentration!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Mini-Mall was today and boy was it a HUGE success. The students came early, ready to work and rocked the house. They were organized, professional and SOLD THEIR PRODUCTS! It was a very successful day and it went really well. I was very impressed at how well the students worked together and how well they pitched their products to the eager customers that were shopping. Great job today!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Posting Advertisements for Mini-Mall

Just a reminder-
On Monday, May 2nd, students will post their advertisements for their Mini- Mall booths, on a first come- first served basis. I HIGHLY suggest you bring any and ALL supplies needed to post your projects. In past years, students have needed duct tape to keep the posters up on the brick walls. Popular spots to display posters are: outside the group bathrooms and outside the cafeteria. Remember: Posters CANNOT be posted onto painted walls. Good Luck and Happy Hanging! Enjoy your Spring Break!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Mini- Mall Update

Now that we have begun our Mini-Mall Unit, I wanted to update you all on important dates of upcoming assignments.

Students should:

Design a product or service and create a prototype or visual of the products to turn in - Due March 25th
Prepare their budget- Due March 30th
Fill out and turn in a loan application- Due April 1st
Develop an ad campaign (create signs/ write script for commercial)- Due April 4th-8th
Signs for school ad campaign- Due April 15th
Set up your business and keep your books- ONGOING
Create commercial and be prepared to tape it for Morning Show. Commercials will air week of May 2nd- Due April 18th- 21st
Conduct your business during Mini-Mall- Due May 6th
Receipts for reimbursement of cost for materials- Due May 6th (at the close of business day)
Chart profits/losses and complete evaluation- Due May 9th- 13th

In order to give the students a real life experience, we are allowing each business to borrow an amount, not to exceed $35.00 to be repaid with verification of receipts at the conclusion of the business day. They may borrow from a parent, their savings or the 5th grade fund. Each business will fill out ONE loan application and have ONE co-signer (Adult).

In order to be fair to all students, we ask that you help keep the expenses to $35.00.

The profits that the students make will be donated to the Universal Studios Field Trip to pay for tickets. In lieu of cash profit payouts, awards will be given out for different categories such as: most creative, most items sold, best booth , most profit earned, etc.

Each business will incur "business expenses." They are as follows:

1. Rental of booth- $1.00 OR $2.00 with electricity.

2. Advertising fee- $1.00 for two 12 inch by 18 inch signs and a commercial on the Morning Show. Signs must be approved by the teacher and CANNOT be taped to any painted surface.
3. A 10 % tax on profit
4. Materials and supplies- with creativity, you can keep this to a minimum.

This is a great learning experience!

Thanks!