Where Did the School Store Go? Will It Ever Come Back?

The class of 2022 is now the only class at SHS to experience the Shipyard School Store. A day wasn’t complete freshman year without walking past the library and smelling the enticing microwave popcorn. The feeling of finally remembering $25 to purchase a sweatshirt before the next Blue Out. Or just stopping in to pick up a pencil because you forgot, again.

The store was reopened in 2006 but was closed due to COVID precautions a year and a half ago. It has since been used as “a precautionary Covid room separate from the nurse’s office” and has been closed since. 

During its prime, the Shipyard was bustling with activity: before, during, and after school students were making purchases or socializing. Students were able to purchase Scituate merchandise ranging from sweatshirts and sweatpants to polos and collared shirts, which made it popular for parents, too. School supplies sat on shelves stocked with the essentials: notebooks, folders, lined paper, pencils, pens–everything a student might need. An array of snacks could be utilized as a substitute for a quick breakfast or an after-school snack before a practice or club activity.

This variety is not an accident: the Shipyard was tailored to fit the needs of students because it was run by students. SHS business teacher Ross Maki is the faculty advisor of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter at SHS. which is an organization for students interested in business and entrepreneurship. “Students enrolled in the DECA-Marketing-Shark Tank Class are responsible for maintaining and working in the Shipyard School Store,” explained Maki. 

Stock, staffing, and pricing decisions are made by students in the DECA program who are learning to navigate the business. Senior DECA student–and 1st place winner at the 2021 DECA District competition–Billy Bernier is already planning for the return. He has a survey in the works which gives students the opportunity to voice opinions so he can “try to get a feel of what kids want in the school store so [DECA] can make it what they want it to be.” The Shipyard holds significance for Bernier, as he reflected on his impressions of the store as a freshman and the potential it holds during his senior year.

“I remember back in freshman year, kids would always be hanging out around in there–it always looked like a fun spot, you know? Especially for the older kids, so personally, I’m excited. I think it would be fun to have that spot, some sort of privilege, or something to look forward to because everything got shut down. It would be fun to get that space back.”

SHS senior Sydney Washburn expressed her excitement at the prospect of the store’s return. She was most excited about the easy access to Scituate merchandise. She noted a lull in school spirit recently, and believes the Shipyard will serve as a “good way to bring people together.” On top of strengthening the school community, the merchandise has always been popular with parents, so sales from students and families alike will strengthen the business program. Other than finances, the store will provide students the opportunity to complete their community service hours, which is important because so many students have been unable to fulfill their community service obligation in the wake of the pandemic. 

SHS students and families should keep their eyes open for notifications about the Shipyard’s reopening and DECA announcements requesting your input on the items you want to see in the store. In the meantime, check out the Shipyard School Store Website for any Scituate merchandise needs.