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Retail Services

Specialized programming for students with learning differences

Held at Polaris Career Center, this one-year course leads to experience and training inside our mock retail/pharmacy store.

Questions? Call 440.891.7617

Special Admissions Program - Counselor Recommendation Only

This program provides the opportunity for students to receive training in a state-of-the-art retail lab located at Polaris.  This experience leads to authentic job training in the community providing course participants with an intensive and focused approach to advancing their customer service skills.  The ultimate goal is for students to gain full or part-time employment in the sales and service industry.

While working in a mock retail store, students in the Retail Services program learn to work as a team.  The program promotes development of interpersonal and management skills.  Students are motivated to demonstrate employability skills including punctuality, work safety, professional dress, acceptance of constructive feedback, and work accuracy.  Other skills addressed include work quality, work quantity, professional attitude, communication skills, taking the initiative, and the ability to stay on task.  While working in the lab and in the community, students are provided with an individualized approach to learning as they prepare for entry-level employment opportunities within the industry.

For additional information, please call 440.891.7617

Teacher: Julie McGarey

Teacher: Julie McGarey

Email Julie McGarey
Education:  Bachelors of Science in Special Education; Xavier University, Masters Degree in Special Education; Xavier University 
Certifications:  Intervention Specialist Licensure grades K-12 Moderate/Intensive and Principal Licensure grades K-12
At Polaris Since:  2022
Industry Experience:  Julie has 20 years teaching experience in Southwest & Northeast Ohio, all in grades K-12.
Interests & Hobbies:  Cooking, walking, gardening, reading, and playing with my kids 

Retail Services 2023-2024 Advisory Members
Ms. Caroline Boyd, Seasoned Brands (Aladdin's)
Mr. John Brown, Brighton Best International
Mr. Mark Elliott, City of Middleburg Heights
Mr. Jim Farren, CVS/Health
Mr. John Germaine, Giant Eagle
Mr. Matt Holland, Marc's
Mr. Greg Mencini, The Great Escape
Mrs. Jessica Perez, The Home Depot
Ms. Meryl Reams, Arrow Senior Living (Vitalia North Olmsted)
Ms. Amanda Saah, Discount Drug Mart
Mr. Jon Schmittgen, Cuyahoga County Board of DD
Mr. Mark Schuster, Southwest General Health Center