The students and staff at Hollywood Drive look forward to Thursday's because it's HAIDO'S HOT PRETZEL DAY.  Transition Specialists, Haido and Cathy have been running the program for 3 years. 

Many different students help with the pretzel program and play an important role.  There is actually a three day preparation.

Beginning on Tuesday, a student will photocopy and distribute the flyers that are sent home via backpack.  This includes communicating with staff and counting out the correct amount of flyers.  On Wednesday, a student goes around the building to all the classrooms and collects orders.

Wednesday is shopping day.  First a student takes an inventory and checks off what needs to be purchased.  There are 7 different items that must be in stock for the program to succeed.  Three students go shopping at the Restaurant Depot where they work on communication, following directions and gross motors skills.  All of these students help carry and stock the purchased items.

Thursday is the busiest day when five students assist in getting the pretzels out.  Some students help prepare the cooking sheets and the classroom trays.  A student will count up orders.  Other students help dish out the mustards and cheese into the little dip cups.  Many different skills are being taught and used.

A staff and student deliver the orders to the classrooms.  Then with just a few minutes to go, hungry staff gather in the front hallway, the cashbox and table are set up and ready to handle the crowd.  One student takes the order and another handles the money including giving change.  This is a wonderful time for staff and students to mingle.  On most Thursdays, the pretzels are sold out in less than 10 minutes.  The money is counted up with the assistance of a student.  Any profits are used to purchase supplies for special events or community outings.

So it is not just a pretzel.  It is a unique and meaningful learning experience that contributes to the upbeat climate of our Hollywood Drive campus.