Mixing and adding glitter to the jars
Students adding glitter to the jar
2 students working to make the zen jar
Waiting to stir the jar around more
Student setting up the glitter
Students mixing the glitter into the sen jar
Making zen jars
Student handing the zen jar to Ms.Trenkle
Ms.Trenkle holding a zen jar
Zen jars of 6 colors
Academic Academy, one of ACC’s programs, focuses on community building and a tight-knit group of students. Before winter break, a few students in the program created and sold Zen Jars to staff members. They can be social-emotional tools for everyone, with colorful swirling patterns and pops of sparkle that encourage people to focus their attention. The movement of the glitter and water can also help to soothe and calm your mind. The project originates from last year, and when they wanted to raise money for a field trip, they turned the Zen Jars into a fundraiser to help raise that money. This also was used as an opportunity for all students in Ms. Angie’s and Ms. Sumby’s classes to gain skills in marketing, business planning, communication, and social skills.
Making the jars isn’t super complicated, but it does have a few moving pieces. The first thing the students did when they started this fundraiser was to work with their teachers to come up with a plan so they could lead the project as much as possible. The next step was marketing the Jars to staff, and of course, they needed to collect their materials. Once all the planning was done, they took orders, asking what colors they wanted and how many they would buy so the students could start making them.
The actual jar-making process took less than five minutes depending on how many colors they wanted. The students would heat up water and put it into the jar. Then, they would add the glue into the water, then the glitter. The last step was sealing the lid. Heating up the water allowed the glue and water to mix more easily. Once all of the Jars were done, students would deliver them all at once. The $5 cost was collected upon delivery.
The fundraiser made about $300, selling 55 Zen Jars. The students will use the money to visit the African American History Museum in Washington, DC. The fundraiser is planned for next year as well, and they will market to students as well, so that they gain a wider group of customers. If you are interested in getting a Zen Jar, make sure to check it out next December. A special thanks goes to Chris Vasquez-Monjaraz, Aydin England, and Francisco “Cisco” Giron-Amaya, who played major roles in making this project possible and for giving all the information about this project and its process.
