When most people buy a shirt with a graphic design, they don’t think of the process it took to produce the print they see. What’s missing from the public’s view is the management it takes to ensure all clothes get printed correctly. The orders get where they need to be on time, all while organizing many other factors, such as scheduling and other day-to-day operations.
One of Howell High School’s more unique classes, Marketing II, teaches precisely those business skills. From the general school spirit gear to the class and event-specific merchandise, there is an intricate system of student-run operations – design, production, advertisement, and management- handled by Marketing II students.
“Each department within the Kilt Shack coming together to play their role in the success of the Kilt Shack is essential. Within the store, we have various branches in which students work, and if one of those branches or teams don’t fulfill their obligations, everybody is affected, either negatively or positively,” facilitator Mr. Tim Olszewski said.
The Kilt Shack gives students the opportunity to gain essential skills that apply to the real world of retail. A few major skills that are focused on in Marketing II are social skills, responsibility, accountability, and proactiveness. Paying attention to these skills will build students’ abilities to use them successfully in real-life situations.
“It’s given me confidence with just being able to email and talk to people and get contacts and everything. It’s probably the highlight of my days,” junior Liam Midlam said.
Mr. Olszewski leans into the idea of the Kilt Shack being student-run by letting the students choose the company’s rules and the types of items they sell, even on the retail side. This tactic allows the students to experiment with what strategies work best for a business through trial and error.
“We give the kids the right to make things look how they want, make the shirt designs, figure out pricing, and the store layouts. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere, and you will learn things without even realizing you’re learning,” Mr. Olszewski said.
The Kilt Shack not only prints clothes but also sells cookies during lunchtime. Every student has to play their part in baking and selling cookies. The ability to collaborate with a crew is a pinnacle for the success rate, and this can be seen from the members of the Kilt Shack when they walk around at lunchtime selling their cookies.
“Everyone works very well together, especially the cookie crew. They’re very proficient,” Midlam said.
Marketing II is a year-long class that can be taken multiple times and takes place during the fourth and fifth periods. Many of the Kilt Shack members recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to gain real-life skills.
“Coach O is a very nice guy, so even if you just want to try it out, I think that’d be good and definitely take Marketing I and talk to him about what Marketing II is like,” junior assistant manager Hannah Ralko said.
Howell High School’s student-run store has become a fundamental part of the school’s business education program. As students take on various roles, from managing to customer service, they can become more educated about entrepreneurship.
“I think it’s one of the most rewarding and beneficial experiences in the school. I feel the students get real-world experience, and the kilt shack is a small microcosm of all business, no matter how big or small we deal with,” Mr. Olszewski said.
