MIDDLETON, Idaho — There is something amazing happening at Middleton High School. The special education students have their own bakery.
It's not your traditional bakery, though. It's called "The Barkery," and they make and sell dog biscuits.
"We bake them here, package them here, and then sell them," said Holly Allison, Special Education teacher at Middleton High School.
For student Carver Howell, it's a whole lot of fun.
"The Barkery is where we sell dog biscuits, small, medium and large," Howell said. "The best part is putting all the ingredients together and then stirring them up. I look forward to it every day."
Allison brought "The Barkery" to Middleton High School. She lights up when she talks about her job.
"I've been at Middleton High School for the past two school years, and I love special ed. It is my passion," Allison said. "We have 30 amazing special education students here that have varying disabilities and needs and they are intelligent, outgoing, amazing kiddos that deserve an amazing education."
Allison said she borrowed the idea from a teacher in Oregon in 2004.
"I saw somebody else do it," she said. "That's how I got the idea. Our students are practicing their communication, they are practicing their social skills, so it's a lot more than just making dog biscuits at school."
Her students have the recipe and baking steps down to a science. Senior Ava Ellis says she's a pro at it by now.
"I'm really good at making those biscuits," Ellis said.
The students not only make them, they sell them too. They are seven dollars a bag, and they come in three sizes for all types of dogs, small, medium and large.
"They are they are the best dog treats ever," said student Tim Cereghino.
"The Barkery" biscuits are also sold at businesses in the community.
"We have three businesses in the community sell for us," Allison said. "Saint Chappelle's Winery, Chap's Bar and Grill, and Star Ship and Post. They love that our kids have this opportunity."
All the proceeds made from sales go right back into the program for things like field trips.
Allison said she's more than happy to share the idea with other special education programs in our community.
"I want other teachers to do it also," she said. "It's a good curriculum, a good education for them. The Barkery is job training, we do want them to graduate here and have a job in the real world."
These dog biscuits are definitely made with love, and Allison said she is passionate about teaching her students the skills they need for the future.
"My job is to put myself out of a job, and make them as independent as possible, and that's what I truly believe in," she said.
To purchase a bag of dog biscuits from "The Barkery," go to the local businesses mentioned in this story, or contact Holly Allison at hallison@msd134.org.
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