MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Students at Prairie Hills Middle School are gaining early workplace experience through a unique in-school jobs program that has grown rapidly over the past three years.
District leaders recently highlighted the program during a community conversation about activities and initiatives in the Buhler USD 313 school district.
Prairie Hills Principal Abby Thompson said the program, coordinated by teacher Ashley Bunting, allows students to apply for and work in various roles throughout the school building.
“It’s preparing them for their next step as they become teenagers and apply for real jobs,” Thompson said. “They learn that you have to communicate, be on time, and let your supervisor know if you can’t make it because other people are depending on you.”
The program began three years ago with about 30 students participating. This year, it has expanded to more than 200 students — roughly 40 percent of the school’s 550-student population.
Bunting said the idea was originally launched by educator Courtney Clawson and has continued to grow as students and staff embraced the concept.
“It’s a unique opportunity for every kid in the building to get involved, regardless of their athletic ability or skill set,” Bunting said. “They can apply for a variety of jobs in the building, and then we train them to do real jobs.”
Student positions include math tutors, teacher aides, lunchroom cleanup crews, hallway maintenance helpers and teams that prepare the gym for physical education classes and after-school activities. Other students assist with setting up traffic cones for parent pickup or serve as guides who give visitors tours of the building.
Teachers supervise each job group, creating what Bunting described as a school-wide effort involving nearly every staff member.
“We have 15 or 16 teachers who supervise jobs, but even the teachers who don’t supervise play a role by allowing students to go to their jobs during champion time or lunch,” she said. “Every adult in the building has had a part in making it work.”
Thompson said the program has also helped foster school pride among students.
“When you see kids investing in their school — whether it’s cleaning up, helping teachers or greeting visitors — they really take ownership in the building,” she said.
Superintendent Cindy Couchman said the initiative reflects the district’s goal of preparing students with life skills long before they graduate.
“Sometimes we say we all teach seniors,” Couchman said. “Programs like this help build the DNA of a Buhler graduate — respectful, responsible and ready for the workforce.”
District officials say participation levels show the program is resonating with students and giving them valuable lessons in responsibility, teamwork and work ethic before they enter high school and eventually the workforce.