Suffolk Reporter

After two years of development, William Floyd High School's School to Work program has launched a new initiative called the Mobile Reward Cart. This project is managed by Mrs. Carmella Currao’s students and operates every Tuesday in selected classrooms. Teachers nominate students who meet weekly expectations to choose rewards from the cart.

The Mobile Reward Cart serves as an educational tool where students apply soft and hard skills in a business-like environment. Responsibilities include shopping, budgeting, inventory management, display setup, time management, and navigation through the school. In each classroom, students work as a team, demonstrate professionalism, solve problems, and adhere to safety protocols similar to a workplace setting.

The cart also facilitates social interaction opportunities for students. As they move between classrooms, they advertise the cart to teachers and engage with students selecting rewards using customer service techniques. These interactions are valued by Mrs. Currao: “As an educator, I always encourage my students to develop relationships with their general education peers as much as I can,” she said. “The Mobile Reward Cart promotes this opportunity naturally.”

Since its introduction, the Mobile Reward Cart has been well received within the high school community. It helps participating students gain essential skills for future employment while motivating their peers academically. Mrs. Currao and others involved in the program hope for its continued success and growth.