Located at the front of Island High School’s multiple purpose room is something you don’t often see at a high

school: a carefully staged clothing boutique, complete with women’s clothes, men’s clothes, and a full array of purses, shoes, belts, and scarves.

Now entering its fourth month, the store, called “Island Outfitters,” provides students with a chance to gain hands-on experience in retail operations. By essentially recycling clothes, students are also learning about environmental issues related to fashion and the importance of sustainability.

Outfitters is a collaborative effort and has been a way to strengthen the school’s Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program. Students earn “School Bucks” by demonstrating positive behaviors, such as maintaining excellent attendance, showing school pride, and supporting both themselves and their peers. Whether they are going above and beyond in the classroom or displaying exceptional character, these earned rewards can be redeemed for items at the Island Outfitters shop.

"Labor of love" 

Students in the Leadership class or who attend advisory during zero period, along with those on the Island Outfitters Board, take the lead in organizing the store, displaying new donations, pricing items, and creating a visually pleasing, inviting environment for shoppers.

“Island Outfitters is truly a labor of love,” Haines says. “It reflects a collective commitment, shared creativity, and community pride.”

All of the clothing is procured and selected from donations, including from Lilac Alameda, a clothing store on Encinal Avenue owned by Pilar Burlingham.

"Voice and creativity"

When asked what they liked about working the store, students emphasized a number of components.

One student said working in the shop is helping her realize she’d like to work in fashion. She has already begun helping a cousin who works in design. Another said she most liked getting in on the ground floor and getting the shop set up in the beginning.

Terrell Marshall said he enjoyed learning how to price various items and use a pricing gun. Rose Martin said the best part is organizing the store and decorating the mannequins.

The store has also become a hub for cross-curricular activities. Students in Leadership and the school’s CTE programs have helped shape the branding and overall aesthetic of the space. And one Island student, Carl Pagud, both named the store and designed its logo. “That has brought in a whole other element of student voice and creativity,” Ms. Haines says.

“I like the sense of community we have with the store,” says student Machi White, “and learning how to run a business. Plus, it’s creative. It’s a good way to learn.”

Teachers Haines and Delinda Hansen are co-planning a fashion show featuring clothing and accessories straight from the shop. Through this hands-on project, students are exploring the environmental impact of "fast fashion" and discovering how to use their own creativity to upcycle and repurpose items into one-of-a-kind wearable art.

Island Outfitters has brought out the very best in our community,” Haines says. “Local businesses, faculty, staff, students, and community members have come together to support and build our store, strengthening connections across campus and beyond. The possibilities are endless. If we are able to continue growing this model, we are hoping it could ultimately lead to opening a brick-and-mortar location within our community.”