Bartlett offers ways to save
Senior Taylor Videtto scans a print for a t-shirt in Rob Berenato's Graphic Communications class.
January 20, 2010 • written by Ashley Fowler and April Matthews
Filed under Features
Nearly everyone has a friend or two, or three, who have faced difficulties as a result of our country’s recent economic downturn. Perhaps a parent has lost a job or taken a huge pay cut, or maybe rising costs have simply stretched the family budget thin. Regardless of the reason, people just do not have as much money as they used to.
Luckily, the Bartlett community can look toward our school for a few bargains that might make life just a little easier these days. Our vocational department features a number of programs that offer services at a fraction of the prices found elsewhere.
Pre-School
One of the greatest expenses many families face is day care. The Early Childhood Education Careers teacher, Polly Harris, oversees the pre-school, where Bartlett students teach children aged 3 to 5 their letters, sounds, numbers, shapes, and colors.
The pre-school, open from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, costs only $30 a month, easily beating other pre-school prices. Although it does not meet every day, “Miss Polly’s” program can provide a few mornings of much-needed relief to stay-at-home mothers. To schedule appointments please e-mail Harris at pharris@scsk12.org.
Culinary Arts
Under the direction of Marsha Johnson, the culinary arts program offers catering services and restaurant services to teachers and students. From helping caterer Anne Barnes cook for the president to being photographed in the local newspaper, the culinary art students are very accomplished.
Thus far, they have hosted a pancake brunch and they are preparing to serve lunches for local officials and teachers at a later date. According to the students, the pancake brunch went well, and they are looking forward to having the next one in February. To schedule appointments please e-mail Johnson at m2johnson@scsk12.org.
E4, the Panther Bookstore
No one can be a true Bartlett Panther if he or she is not familiar with the slogan “E4, the Panther Bookstore.” Advised by marketing and entrepreneurship teacher Cathy Bishop, the bookstore offers everything from poster boards to index cards.
In order to increase convenience, the students who work in the bookstore created “E4, the Panther Bookstore” on wheels, which consists of a cart with select items that students need most. Students roll this cart around the cafeteria during all lunches on select days. According to Bishop, the bookstore on wheels really helps to increase sales.
Cosmetology
Cosmetology teacher Sheila Martin has groomed all of her students to perfection; therefore, clients receive the same salon-like results for less money. Haircuts cost only $5; while a full set of acrylic nails will set clients back only $10.
Client days are every Thursday and Friday during 4th, 5th, and 6th periods, and anyone in need of pampering is welcome. However, students cannot get out of class to have their nails done or hair dressed. Also, walk-ins are not welcome; appointments are required. To schedule appointments please e-mail Martin at smartin@scsk12.org.
Graphic Communications
Advised by Rob Berenato, Graphic Communications offers desktop publishing, multi-color screen-printing, single color copying and duplicating, and booklet making. Not only are these services offered at Bartlett, but they are also available to other Shelby County and Memphis City Schools.
For clubs, organizations, and sports around campus, Graphic Communications is very convenient. Cost for t-shirts varies depending on what one wants and how much of the product one needs. To schedule appointments, please e-mail Berenato at rberenato@scsk12.com.
Core Construction and Carpentry
Core construction and carpentry teacher Jason Jarvis has already begun to make a lot noise around campus with his students this year. For his first year as a teacher, his goal was to find new and creative ways to motivate his students to work hard and produce creative and unique structures.
Thus far, they have created a bee exhibit for the Memphis Zoo, an entertainment center, speaker boxes and other products for students. For more information or services, please e-mail Jarvis at jjarvis@scsk12.org.
Auto Mechanics
According to auto mechanics teacher Don Graham, it does not make sense for people to shell out hundreds and hundreds of dollars to fix car troubles; therefore, he has created opportunities for students, their families, and teachers to get their automobiles repaired and detailed when they are having trouble with them.
“There is not another place in Bartlett that would fix cars for a simple donation,” Graham said. “Sometimes we do not get rewarded for our services; however, that is not a big deal to us.”
These trained students work on both simple and complicated projects such as oil changes, engine repair, and detailing; therefore, they are willing and ready to fix any problem that one has pertaining to cars. To schedule appointments, please e-mail Graham at dgraham@scsk12.org.
Geek Squad
Computer operating systems teacher Landon Pilant began the Geek Squad with his students this year as another way to introduce his classes to new lessons. Their mission is to help students, teachers, parents, faculty members and Bartlett residents who have computer problems.
Although they do not charge for their services, donations are accepted. Also, those customers who require new parts for their computers must pay for the parts that are ordered. To schedule appointments, please e-mail Pilant at lpilant@scsk12.org.
Bartlett is the go-to place in order to save money on small pleasures such as computer repairs and hairstyles. Thanks to us, Bartlett residents will have a better chance of avoiding economic strain in a time where a person’s financial standing is never certain.
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