At BCCS, we believe that math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how those numbers help us love God and serve the world around us. Recently, our sixth-grade students experienced this firsthand through a meaningful learning experience led by Mr. Stepanek, who guided them in applying their classroom lessons on percentages to a real-world setting, with a visit to New Life Thrift Store.

After covering the basics of percentages in class, the students headed to New Life Thrift Store to see how these concepts play out in the local community. They started their time with an introduction from the store manager, followed by hands-on work: sorting clothes, inspecting games, placing merchandise on the sales floor, and organizing donations. By engaging in these activities, students gained an understanding of the inner workings of the store and how it serves the community.

The heart of their visit came when they were tasked with a unique challenge. Each student was asked to create outfits from the store’s selection and calculate their total costs. They then compared prices to those of traditional retail stores, applying their knowledge of percentages to determine the savings. This exercise made math tangible, helping them grasp how percentages play a role in everyday decision-making.

The day concluded with a deeper dive into New Life Thrift Store’s operations. They reviewed the store's revenue, examined operational costs such as electricity and heat, and calculated the store’s profit. They learned about the percentage of profits that are donated to local Christian schools, including BCCS. This part of the day showed students the direct impact of financial stewardship and community service.

Returning to school, the students reflected on the importance of stewarding finances wisely, the value of thrift shopping for both individuals and communities, and how they could continue partnering with organizations like New Life Thrift Store in the future.

This experience is a great example of how learning at BCCS equips students with not just academic knowledge, but discipleship skills that prepare them to live a life of service in God’s Kingdom. Through math, service, and reflection, our students are building a better community—one percentage point at a time!