Pop-up bi-monthly market helps some students learn life skills

Every alternate Friday, a hallway at Victor H. Hexter Elementary School in Dallas undergoes a transformation as students in the Functional Living Skills class take charge. They set up tables, stock shelves, and don aprons to inaugurate the Hexter Market.

“This class is incredibly important because we have students with disabilities,” emphasized Functional Living Skills teacher Heidi Zeko. “The meaningful hands-on work we’re doing in a school store setting is far more impactful than anything we can accomplish in a classroom.”

At the Hexter Market, students sell chips, candy, and beverages to faculty and staff who frequent their pop-up shop.

“Welcome to Hexter Market,” greeted Adrian Calderone as a teacher approached his table.

The market provides students in the FLS class with opportunities to practice speech, communication, and math skills.

“What’s ten minus one?” a customer asked Calderone. “Nine,” he confidently replied while counting out her change.

“I enjoy helping people, especially giving them what they want,” shared student Diya Sharma.

“You can see they become a bit louder. Their confidence grows with each customer interaction. Their self-assurance skyrockets,” noted Zeko. “It’s rewarding to witness students who may have lacked confidence before starting at the Hexter Market, and observe how much they’ve progressed.”

The Hexter Market was initiated with a grant from the Dallas Retired Teachers Association.

“It’s a joy beyond words; it brings tears to my eyes. Witnessing them utilize their skills in such a wonderful manner is truly gratifying,” expressed Zeko. “It instills pride in them, and it makes me immensely proud as well!”