My goal is to help every student realize their potential and to leave FUSD one day being confident and capable of whatever they pursue in life.”

Laurie Martinez, TSW connect teacher coordinator, FUSD

Walk into San Tan Savers and you’ll be greeted by Florence Unified Independent students setting up displays, stocking shelves, sorting through donations, and even operating the cash register.

Located at the FUSD Community Education Facility at 29895 N. Desert Willow Blvd. in San Tan Valley, San Tan Savers is the district’s school-to-work program.

The school-to-work program, also known as TSW, or transitioning students to work, allows students to not only gain useful skills they will need in a work environment, but also to provide them an opportunity to explore their skills and acknowledge their interest levels as they seek future employment that accentuates their strengths.

San Tan Savers encompasses a real-world, wholistic approach by actively involving community stakeholders, local businesses and civic organizations to help students develop the skills they will need to ensure a smooth transition into employment upon graduation. This collaboration bridges the gap between education and the workplace, allowing students to gain authentic experiences. These partnerships forged with the community are mutually beneficial as they create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Laurie Martinez, the FUSD staff member who facilitates the program as the TSW connect teacher coordinator, described a typical workday for students working at San Tan Savers.

Students are responsible for receiving donated items, sorting through the items, deciding whether to keep the items, pricing them and then placing them correctly in the store. They can also work on displaying items for marketing and design purposes. Although all the items are free to anyone who shops there, students decide on a price point for each item.

The program utilizes a community debit card so students can process a sale in the same way they would in a real-life retail setting. The students help shoppers throughout the process and will use the system to run the sale on a register, thus encompassing every part of a retail purchase.

The positive impact of the San Tan Savers program extends far beyond the classroom and workplace. It nurtures self-confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging among the students in the program.

Martinez, who has been an educator for more than 20 years, fosters an environment of inclusion and acceptance with the students. To observe her engagement with the students, one can attest to her dedication to the program and to ensuring students gain the essential skills needed to be contributing members of society.

Traditionally, the path from school-to-work may present challenges for some students, however, this program is a beacon of hope for the students and their parents. The San Tan Savers program proves that with the right support coupled with the resources and guidance from highly qualified district employees, every student can transition from school to a successful, contributing member of the community and achieve their life goals.

“Anybody and everybody has the ability to learn and grow at their own pace,” Martinez said. “My goal is to help every student realize their potential and to leave FUSD one day being confident and capable of whatever they pursue in life.”

The store is open during school hours to accommodate the students’ normal school schedules. Hours of operation are from 10 to 11 a.m., and 1 to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday except for Wednesdays, when the store is only open in the morning. Community shoppers are welcome to stop by and peruse all the items available.

Rita Ann Ezzai Reznick is the director of public relations for the Florence Unified School District.