This month, the students hope to have the same success selling poinsettias.

“Students will be hands-on and learn with each step of the sales process,” said Southeast Valley High School FFA advisor Johanna Kunert. “From product selection, signage and marketing, setting up and stocking the greenhouse, and customer service to managing the cash register, students are involved and learning.”

Pre-orders for poinsettias can be made until Friday by calling the school at 515-352-3144 or emailing [email protected].

The students will also host a three-day sale at the greenhouse, located at 1011 Mariam St., from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 2-5. Limited color and size options will be available. Payment for pre-ordered poinsettias, as well as at the greenhouse sale, can only be made in cash or by check. All proceeds benefit Southeast Valley student organizations.

“The students really enjoyed working with the mom sale,” said Amy Jaeschke, DECA advisor for Southeast Valley High School. “It gave them a great learning experience and helped shape how we want to manage the greenhouse going forward.”

According to Kunert, the students are already planning for an upcoming spring plant sale and are currently selecting the plants and varieties to grow in the greenhouse.

“Opportunities like these teach students so much,” said Noelle Buresh, FCCLA advisor for Southeast Valley High School. “They get real-world experiences interacting with the community while learning about plants, marketing and building their public speaking skills.”

Southeast Valley High School’s DECA, FCCLA and FFA members will also host fun activities for the kids during Gowrie’s Main Street Christmas event from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in December. 7.

“They will help kids frost cookies, decorate terracotta pots and even plant a blue spruce seed to take home,” Buresh said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”