A third-grade class from the Irving School had the chance to see where tax money goes — while checking out some really cool heavy equipment.
“If you look at this long enough, it looks like a dune buggy,” said 9‑year-old Trevion Jackson while checking out a utility task vehicle (UTV) at the Derby Public Works complex April 26.
The class was at the complex on Coon Hollow Road as the culmination of a Junior Achievement program at the Irving School.
Mark Matto, a DPW worker, had been at Irving for Junior Achievement to talk to the kids about businesses, entrepreneurship, community life — even how tax money is spent.
At the end of the Junior Achievement program Ivory Urban’s class had the chance to hang out in the DPW garage and climb aboard the machinery.
Here’ a quick video of DPW Director Anthony DeFala showing the kids a powerful blower used by DPW crews.
“They’re learning about the roles different members of the community play. They’re learning about different businesses. It’s a way to see how different groups and businesses contribute to the community,” said Irving School third-grade teacher Ivory Urban.
DeFala said his workers were happy to have the kids in the shop. It’s a change of pace — and it’s a chance for the students to get out of the classroom setting and into the community.
“For us, it’s fun. We get to interact with the kids, and now if the kids see us out on the street during snowstorms they waive, say ‘Hi,’.”
Matto said he hopes the Junior Achievement program inspires the kids.
“Maybe some day we’ll have some of these kids owning their own business. Basically, that’s what Junior Achievement is about,” he said.
Trevion said he was hooked.
“I could definitely see myself here one day,” he said before moving on to check out a snow plow.
