Colt Cart gives real-world experience to Life Skills students at Chartiers Valley Middle School

Staff at Chartiers Valley Middle School can purchase a sweet treat once a week — courtesy of students in the Life Skills program.

Every Friday, students in special education teacher Amanda White’s class traverse the school with a cart full of goodies, including chips, snacks, candy, pop, dog treats and Starbucks coffee.

Sixth grader Brynlee Harris suspects the dog treats or chips are the best seller among her teachers.

“I like delivering the snacks and see them have lots of joy,” Brynlee said.

White started the Colt Cart in 2020. Skills students learn include interaction, counting change and reading, she said.

“Life Skills programs use these types of activities because they promote inclusivity and prevocational skills,” she said. “It’s great for middle school because kids are too young to go to work, but we can learn these valuable skills for preemployment.”

The program has grown students’ ability to interact with adults and has bolstered their social and soft skills, White said.

Brynlee said she has learned how to be kind and respectful to customers.

No profit is made from the cart — money generated goes back to replenish items. The students have taken trips to a grocery store to replenish the cart.

“Not only are we working on the social piece of getting around the building and inclusion, (but) some of our students may find employment at grocery stores,” White said.