CLINTON — It was a busy day for a small group of special education students from Clinton Junior High School.  The trio was treated to a career day that included a variety of experiences in Clinton and Maroa.

Tanner Brannan, Colton Baker and Jade Roe, accompanied by teacher Jes Hubrich and school nurse Alice Grooms, finished up the morning on Monday at the Dollar General Store, in Maroa.  The students learned about stocking shelves, among other things.

“The 8th grade students at the junior high get to go on a career day field trip, so I created our own field trip,” said Hubrich.  

The students began the day at Encore Thrift Store and then moved on to Casey’s General Store, Maroa, “because Mr. Baker wanted to learn how to make pizzas,” Hubrich said.

“Mr. Tanner stocked some pretzels for me and did a fantastic job,” said Maroa Dollar General manager Brittany Brimm.

Hubrich said it was a good way for the students to get some work experience.  This is Hubrich’s first year in the Clinton School District.

“As far as I know this is the first time we’ve done something like this.”

At Encore, students learned about the adult program offered there, which includes employment in the thrift store.  Hubrich also mentioned the landscaping program, which is contracted by the city to maintain landscaping and perform regular cleaning on and around the square.

They then traveled to Maroa Casey’s General Store and learned about their operation.

“They were really good with the kids, too,” Hubrich said.

Students helped make pizza dough and then complete the finished product.

“And, they actually got to make their own pizzas,” Hubrich said.

Brimm said she was eager to host the kids when Hubrich asked because Brimm has an autistic son.

The students said they enjoyed the morning learning the different tasks.  They finished up at around 1 p.m. on Monday.