Vol 4 No 45 - June 5, 2008
Community

Student’s Flea Market

Learning the value of a dollar

Lynn Volkens - “Going once, going twice, sold.” Those were the words that auctioneer and teacher, Mrs. Joyce Campbell, shouted over the noise in the Multi-Purpose Room to end the flea market taking place last Thursday at Gilpin County RE-1 School.

  The students in fourth, fifth and sixth grade had a chance all year to gather “Scholar Dollars” for assignments well done or good behavior. Teachers awarded the Scholar Dollars for being an outstanding student or turning in a great homework assignment or sometimes, for students simply doing their best, regardless of the grade on the homework. The Dollars were stashed into desks or hidden in cubbies, whatever the spot - the students gathered and guarded the make-believe money until finally the chance came to spend the coveted Scholar Dollars. 

  The students in each of the three upper grades had another assignment first however; they were to accumulate items from home which they thought other students would buy. Out from under beds and out of closets came treasures that had been outgrown or long forgotten. Large bags and boxes were seen arriving at school as early as Tuesday and the challenge was on to price the items not too high, not too low, but “just right” to get the student buyers interested in buying their items. At 10 am the students rushed into the Multi-Purpose Room, each vying for the perfect spot to display and hawk their wares. Some choose tables, some choose the floor, but all took this exercise as entrepreneurs very seriously. As well they should. They had no idea that amongst all the fun, there was a lesson to be learned.
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