On Friday mornings, the cafeteria at Main Street smells of delicious, warm baked treats. The aroma fills the hallway as students in the Life Skills Alternative Cooperative Education (LSACE) program are making delicious peanut butter dog treats for their pet treat business, Main Treat.
One of the requirements of the LSACE program is to have a student-based business, and Special Education Teacher Marie Naumann felt like Main Treat would be a good place to start. “The idea formed a few years ago with some of my students who loved animals, and making dog treats seemed like a great way to tap into that interest.”
After visiting a local pet shop, conducting research, and perfecting their recipe, students found that peanut butter was the ideal ingredient to use. Experts say dogs crave foods that have the nutrients they need, and since peanut butter is rich in fat, salt, sugar, and healthy proteins, dogs naturally love it.
During their bi-monthly sale at Main Street School, they offer peanut butter biscuits in a variety of sizes and shapes. For the upcoming holiday, they branched out from their typical bone and paw shapes and made extra-large snowman and paw-shaped biscuits, perfect for stocking stuffers. Additionally, they offer Pumpkin Pupcakes, which dogs also go crazy for.
While dogs benefit from eating the tasty treats, students gain lifelong skills from making the treats. Students are fully invested in their business, and they’re involved in everything from baking and packaging to shopping and selling. Cassie Chase, special education teacher, sees the benefits firsthand. “There are so many skills that are tapped into while making the treats, and it really gives students that sense of purpose. There is something for everyone depending on their interests, and it gives students the opportunity to be involved in the kitchen.”
LSACE students have been fortunate to build district and community connections through their business. They collaborated with Main Street’s student-run print shop, PrintStorm, to create the dog treat molds using a 3D printer. Additionally, students donated treats to the Longmont Humane Society for them to sell at their store. While the profits went to the Humane Society, students had the opportunity to stock the shelves and see their product on display.