Area 1: Goals:

The "Young Consumer's" Program supports student achievement through the fact it was specifically designed to strengthen students' spatial and logical reasoning skills, motivate them to become independent learners and teach them to apply their understanding of these concepts both inside and outside classroom walls. Using the New Jersey Core Content Standards and the latest in brain-based research, the program teaches students to discuss, solve and discover how math influences their everyday life.

The activities developed for the program encompass all third grade New Jersey Math Core Content Standards while developing critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills, a component of Cross-Content Workplace Readiness. The school/parent relationship so critical to learning has been enhanced by our partnership with Ronetco Shop-Rite and the "Young Consumer's" Program.

Area 2: Activities:

There are three components to the yearlong"Young Consumer's" Program. Students begin their experience early in the school year with a visit from an educational consultant to Ronetco Shop-Rite, Howard Herbert. Mr. Herbert exposes the class to a host of mathematical problems and learning experiences. Probability, Fractions, Tangrams and a variety of other mathematical concepts are introduced and manipulatives used during the visit are left in the classroom to allow independent student exploration. These and other new concepts are reinforced by the third grade teachers in the classroom.

The second component of the program is "Family Fun Night" where parents are invited to the school and introduced to the program by Shop-Rite representatives. The Parents then go to their child's classroom where, using centers, students teach their parents the mathematical concepts they have mastered. Family Fun Night allows students to feel empowered and maintains a high level of interest in the program. The reputation and success of the program is evident in nearly 100% parental involvement

The third and final component of the program is a field trip to Shop-Rite in Flanders. Working in pairs, students prepare for the trip by creating a healthy menu for four days using nutrition information presented by Cathie Filomeno, Public Relations Administrator at Ronetco Shop-Rite. The objective of the field trip is to shop for a nutritious, balanced menu for a family of four utilizing a $100 budget. Half of the time at Shop-Rite is spent shopping, while the other half of the trip is spent visiting 10 problem solving stations where students earn points for their thoughtful responses.

The trip allows students to use their mathematical knowledge in real-life situations and gives them a unique view of an activity they participate in outside of school. The field trip facilitates thoughtful questions and allows students and their parents the opportunity to discuss math concepts through a shared experience, shopping for groceries. The field trip requires about 60 parent volunteers and the collaboration of Shop-Rite personnel. All third grade students at Tinc Road School enthusiastically participate and the field trip is attended and supported by the School Principal, Assistant Principal and various other teachers and support staff who volunteer their time to help.

Area 3: Outside Resources:

The program is financially supported through the generosity of Ronetco Shop-Rite. Shop-Rite donates the classroom manipulatives, the services of Howard Herbert, the program designer, as well as their facility and staff. Parent Volunteers are also essential to the program's success. Last year we had 47 parent volunteers attend the Shop-Rite Field Trip. Parents work with the children as they shop and man the many problem solving stations located throughout the store. Parent support is always outstanding and both the students and parents look forward to each aspect of the program every year.

Area 4: Evaluation:

The "Young Consumer's" Program has so many positive attributes for students, parents and the business community. Students learn to use math concepts in real-life situations and build their interpersonal skills as they learn to communicate effectively with their team members. Through student evaluations completed after the field trip, it is evident that each participant develops a better understanding of budgeting and the difficult decisions that face their families as they shop for healthy foods each week. Math Scores on the NJ ASK rose significantly after the program's inception and have remained high to this day.

The program's excellent reputation creates a positive school/parent relationship and is a favorite topic at Back to School Night. It also allows all parents the opportunity to share in their child's education and facilitates volunteering opportunities for this and all other school programs. From its beginning 4 years ago, the "Young Consumer's" Program has proven to be an outstanding support program to the third grade curriculum at Tinc Road School and illustrates the commitment of Ronetco Shop-Rite to the young people of Mt. Olive Township.

Area 5: Stability:

The partnership between Tinc Road School and Ronetco Shop-Rite's "Young Consumer's" Program enters its 4th year and continues to be enthusiastically pursued by all parties involved. Tinc Road was one of the first schools involved in the program and worked with Howard Herbert to develop a program that could service a large number of students and their parents. The successful foundation and structure of the program has enabled it to grow and it is now a part of the third grade curriculum in all four Mt. Olive Elementary Schools.

Cathie Filomeno, the Program Administrator for Shop-Rite, continues to facilitate the smooth coordination of the program and Ronetco Shop-Rite's dedication to this educational concept will enable it to serve the students for years to come.

Area 6: Endorsements:

The partnership between Tinc Road School and the Ronetco Supermarkets has greatly benefited our 3rd grade students both past and present. Witnessing the program since its inception has given me the opportunity to see students apply mathematics and problem solving skills to a "real-life" setting. It has encouraged strong parental participation and support as well as provided a great opportunity for students to interact with the parents in the weekly chore of purchasing groceries with nutritious choices in mind. It is an outstanding program of which we are proud to be a part of.

Dr. Richard W. Fair, Principal, Tinc Road School

Ronetco Supermarkets' (ShopRite) partnership with Tinc Road School has been very rewarding for us as a business that has close ties to the community that supports us every day. The third graders are our future associates and customers. The Young Consumer Program gives the students a jump start with their math and critical thinking skills and leaves a long lasting positive impression on them and their parents. We have found that parents have a very different view of our business after they have participated in the program. Many have expressed their surprise that we offer such comprehensive programs and thank us for bringing "Young Consumer" to their school. We've heard that the students who have gone through the program excitedly tell upcoming third graders or siblings that it was the "best trip ever." Lastly, when we receive notes from the children that "they will be our customer forever," we know we've made the right impression, not only for the future of our children, but for the future of our business.

Cathie Filomeno, Public Relations Administrator, Ronetco Supermarkets

As a parent and having gone through the program with my oldest daughter and looking forward to the program again this year, it is one of the best programs I have experienced. The Shop-Rite program allows the students to apply their everyday math skills while dealing with economic challenges some families face. The students have to make healthy choices as well as stay within a budget. As a parent, watching the students process the information, work as a team and make decisions is a rewarding experience. The students are excited and enthusiastic to participate in this program because they are the leaders. With their outstanding cooperation, the Shop-Rite and their employees make the learning experience upbeat and effective. I fully support this partnership program and would welcome other programs to help the students deal with everyday issues.

Jackie Sorel, President, Tinc Road School PTO