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Granite Falls transition program students sell 'Oh My Dog' treats to fund vocational activities
Summary
Teacher Ailen Brower told the Granite Falls School Board that the district's transition program for students 18–22 with disabilities is building workplace skills through community placements and a student-run dog-treat business, 'Oh My Dog,' whose sales (cited at $5 per bag) help fund student outings and program costs.
Teacher Ailen Brower told the Granite Falls School Board on March 11 that the district's transition program, now in its second year at Granite Falls High School, provides vocational training and community placements for students ages 18–22 with disabilities.
Brower said students work with local partners — including Alfie's Pizza, the food bank, Granite Falls Hardware, the preschool and Crossroads — to develop job skills, build resumes and establish references. "I believe that every student can do anything they want to do," Brower said, describing classroom work on budgeting and meal planning and community days when students practice real transactions.
The program has also created a small student-run business. Brower said students voted on the name and packaging and produce dog treats sold as a fundraiser; the price was cited in the meeting as $5 per bag. Students bake the treats, package them and sell them at school events and through the high school newsletter and front office; board members were told Miss Jamie currently handles sales at the front desk while a dedicated web page is developed.
Student participant Carter described how sales are handled: "We also take card, not just cash," he said, noting the program accepts multiple payment methods at events.
Brower emphasized community integration as an explicit goal: guest speakers from local employers and agencies visit Mondays, students take community tours (past examples included the post office, Funko and the mayor's office), and the program aims for paid employment outcomes after students complete their placements. She said the community response has been welcoming and that families and local businesses have supported the students' engagement.
The presentation noted some program costs tied to community engagement and Friday activities; proceeds from the student business help underwrite those experiences. Brower said the program uses those funds to support outings and related learning opportunities and that additional information will appear on the high-school website and in district newsletters.
Board members thanked the students and staff for the presentation; Brower noted a planned city-hall visit with the mayor on the 27th as a near-term event.
