Arendell Parrott Academy’s fourth grade class poses with Jerry Henderson (left) and Tammy Everett (right) of the SPCA and Miracle the Dog (center) as the students donate their Business Day profits to the SPCA. Submitted photo.

It was more than just business as usual at Arendell Parrott Academy.

On May 15, the entire fourth grade staged a “Business Day.” Based on a unit in their reading textbooks, this annual end-of-year event allows youngsters to practice innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. 

APA teachers Mary Kathryn Hill, Julie Blythe, and Kimberly Whitley helped students work in teams, or “business partnerships,” as each group developed its own business plan. Some sold products — such as baked goods, handmade jewelry, or used toys — while others offered entertainment, such as games or raffles. The students rang up sales, kept track of the cash and rearranged merchandise on their display tables. The day-long event took place on the sunny play yard beside the Davis Classroom Building.   

“The kids themselves vote on donating their profits to a worthy cause,” Whitley said. “All of them love animals, and so this year they voted to give the $701 profit from Business Day to the SPCA.”